Our Elmwood Team
Elmwood has over two-hundred team members who provide high quality supports and services through a variety of programs. Meet some of our team members below:
Senior Leadership Team
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Dani Carr, CPA, CA
Executive Director
Dani Carr, CPA, CA
Executive Director
Born and raised in Saskatoon, Dani obtained her Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2009 and obtained her Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation in 2011. Dani began her career working in public practice before settling into the world of non-profit. Dani quickly realized she found working in the human services field much more fulfilling and now gets excited to brag about her job!
Dani believes there is much more to her position than just balancing the budget! She lends a hand in all aspects of the organization, being innovative and forming meaningful relationships within the community and within Elmwood that will genuinely help improve the lives of those living with intellectual disabilities.
Dani enjoys playing and watching sports, anything involving her daughter Piper, their dog Nami, and travelling as much as possible.
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Tracy L. Bitternose, RSE
Director of Human Resources & Operations
Tracy L. Bitternose, RSE
Director of Human Resources & Operations
With more than three decades of experience in leadership, human resources, and organizational development, Tracy is recognized for building strong inclusive teams, fostering respectful and productive workplaces and aligning operational systems with strategic goals. At Elmwood, Tracy leads initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, enhance operational efficiency and ensure compliance with all legislative, safety, and quality standards – while prioritizing the dignity, well-being and inclusion of the residents served. Guided by a deep commitment to community, equity and collaboration, Tracy works closely with the board of directors, senior leadership team, and staff, at all levels to ensure Elmwood remains the workplace of choice and a trusted service provider. Known for a people-first leadership style and a solutions focused approach, Tracy is passionate about creating environments where both employees and residents can thrive.
When not at work she enjoys spending time with family and friends, singing in barbershop harmony ensembles and contributing to community initiatives. Whether through music, volunteering or time with friends, she values activities that bring joy, connection and balance to her life.
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Kelly Bonneau, MPAcc, CPA
Director of Finance
Kelly Bonneau, MPAcc, CPA
Director of Finance
Kelly grew up in small-town Saskatchewan, where she developed a deep appreciation for the power of community. She later moved to Saskatoon to attend the University of Saskatchewan, earning her Bachelor of Commerce in 2014 and her Master of Professional Accounting in 2016. She achieved her Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation in 2017.
Driven by a lifelong passion for giving back, Kelly always aspired to work in the non-profit sector. During university, she organized fundraisers and volunteered for numerous charitable causes – laying the foundation for her future in the sector. Today, as part of the Elmwood team, Kelly manages the organization’s finances while also contributing to long-term strategic planning. She especially values the relationships she builds with residents and colleagues alike.
Outside of work, Kelly enjoys life with her husband and two daughters. She loves visiting family and friends, tending to her garden, and crafting.
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Rejeanne Cooper, BSW
Director of Resident Support
Rejeanne Cooper, BSW
Director of Resident Support
Rejeanne graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Regina in 2012. Recently she completed her Leadership Development course through the Edwards Executive Branch with the University of Saskatchewan. Having completed her Social Work practicums at Cosmo and SARBI (Saskatchewan Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured), she developed a love for the Disability Sector, which has lead her to the Director of Residential Programs role with Elmwood.
Prior to joining the Elmwood Leadership Team, she held the Director of Judicial Programs role with the John Howard Society, and more recently worked with Community Living Service Delivery (CLSD). Navigating systems and overcoming barriers in the Disability Sector has become a passion of hers, and Rejeanne is a strong support and advocate for those with Intellectual Disabilities. Working in community fuels that passion for Rejeanne, and she is enjoying working alongside Elmwood’s magnificent leadership team and frontline staff.
During her spare time, you can find her spending time with her children, Oliver and Quinn, or soaking up the sun while reading a good book. She enjoys travelling, socializing and making those around her laugh.
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Maggie Stevenson, CFRE
Director of Philanthropy
Maggie Stevenson, CFRE
Director of Philanthropy
With over 15 years of experience in the charitable sector, Maggie has established herself as a dedicated professional. In June 2021, she achieved the internationally recognized Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation, showcasing her commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and fundraising expertise.
Currently serving as the Director of Philanthropy, Maggie is devoted to creating a vibrant and inclusive community for individuals living with intellectual disabilities. Her role revolves around enhancing the quality of life for those Elmwood serves by cultivating meaningful connections with diverse stakeholders. Through strategic engagement, Maggie focuses on diversifying revenue streams to ensure Elmwood’s continued growth and success. From spearheading initiatives like the annual holiday giving campaign and fundraising gala dinner to leveraging granting opportunities and building corporate partnerships, she works tirelessly to advance Elmwood’s mission.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Maggie finds fulfillment in her personal life. Happily married and a mama of two energetic youngsters, she embraces the joys and challenges of family life. In her leisure time, Maggie explores her interest of cooking new recipes, enjoys coffee visits with friends, engages in board games, and indulges in the simple pleasure of curling up with a good book.
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Linda Boyko, BA
Project Specialist
Linda Boyko, BA
Project Specialist
Linda is a born and raised Saskatoon girl whose journey began at Elmwood in 1994, the year after completing her BA in Sociology at the U of S. Throughout her university career, this is where Linda discovered great personal satisfaction and experience as a volunteer with the Elizabeth Fry Society working with people experiencing disabilities. Linda’s journey at Elmwood has found her in a variety of progressively senior roles.
Linda is an accredited trainer through Helen Sanderson Associates and is currently the Manor Transition Project Specialist. Throughout Linda’s career, she has been proud to be part of the Elmwood family. Throughout her journey, she has experienced significant organization change and evolution as the Elmwood family grew and flourished. In her role as Manor Transition Project Specialist, Linda leads the Transition Initiative and supports the evolution of supports and services provided by Elmwood, now and into the future.
Linda is married to her husband of over 25 years, Dean, who has been great support throughout her long and rewarding career at Elmwood. Linda loves spending time at the lake, travelling, and seeing family and friends.
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Shereen Scott
Executive Assistant
Shereen Scott
Executive Assistant
Born in Saskatoon and connected to family across the globe, Shereen brings a world of experience and heart to everything she does. She spent a decade managing a business at YXE Airport before finding her true calling in the Disability Service Sector. Over the past ten years, she has held diverse roles across multiple organizations, gaining a deep understanding of the field.
For the last four years, Shereen has been a proud and passionate member of the Elmwood Family. She thrives on building meaningful relationships, supporting individuals in living their best lives, and educating the broader community about the incredible value and contributions of the people we support.
Outside of work, Shereen treasures time with her loving and supportive husband and their four amazing adult children. Her home is also shared with a lively trio of pets: Grace the dog, Sushi the cat, and Barry Allen the tortoise. With a long list of hobbies (possibly too many to count!), Shereen is always exploring new passions and creative outlets.
Human Resources
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Tisha Merritt
Manager of Recruitment & Scheduling
Tisha Merritt
Manager of Recruitment & Scheduling
Tisha has been with Elmwood since 1995 and has held a variety of roles including Care Worker and Group Home Manager before moving into her current role of Staffing Coordinator. Tisha has the challenge of scheduling staff for all 15 Community Homes and also plays a large part in interviewing and hiring new staff.
Tisha is kind and caring and our residents love that about her. She is always willing to stop any work she is doing to go help a resident in need. Scheduling can be challenging, but Tisha is a problem-solver extraordinaire and always comes up with a solution to meet the organizational needs.
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Holly Michayluk
Employee Relations Coordinator
Holly Michayluk
Employee Relations Coordinator
Holly began her career with Elmwood in 2007 and has served as both a Direct Care Staff as well as a Group Home Manager. In Holly’s current role as the Employee Relations Coordinator, she builds meaningful relationships with Elmwood’s amazing employees to support their continued growth and development. She recognizes that Elmwood delivers its supports and services for people and by people through training and mentorship.
Through Elmwood, Holly found her passion for serving people. She believes that Elmwood provides residents with amazing support and opportunities and that this enriches the lives of the individuals Elmwood serves.
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Dale Fehr
Facilities Manager
Dale Fehr
Facilities Manager
Dale was born in Surrey, B.C., and moved to the prairies of Saskatchewan in 2007. From an early age, he developed a love for the outdoors, engaging in activities such as hiking, hunting, fishing, and even solo survival camping in all kinds of weather for days on end.
Driven to grow and learn from new experiences, Dale felt called to become a volunteer team member with Saskatoon Search and Rescue, training for 2 years and later volunteering to serve with the Canadian International Rescue organization for a month-long deployment in Kyiv, Ukraine in March 2022. While there he assisted in rescue operations, partnering with the Kyiv Fire Rescue Department.
Professionally, Dale found passion in multiple industries, including metal product manufacturing and fabrication, self-taught engineering and 3-D product design for rapid manufacturing.
Utilizing these skills and other knowledge passed down by his grandfather Herman, Dale had started his own company, Nuterra, focusing on landscaping and property maintenance. This experience helped guide him to join Elmwood Residence as their Facilities Maintenance Manager.
Dale is very much a family man at heart, married to his lovely wife of 7 years, Payge, they have built a family of 5 furry kids (3 dogs and 2 cats). In his personal time, Dale finds no shortage of new projects to tackle. He still loves being outdoors, often accompanied by his dogs, or just cuddling up on the couch to watch a good movie.
Finance and Information Services
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Vidhi Sanghavi, MBA, BBA (Finance)
Payroll Coordinator
Vidhi Sanghavi, MBA, BBA (Finance)
Payroll Coordinator
Vidhi is a Payroll Professional with a strong background in finance and compliance. She brings extensive experience in managing payroll processes, ensuring accuracy, and supporting organizational efficiency.
She holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration with specialization in Finance, which provides a solid foundation in financial and operational practices. Her expertise includes payroll processing, accruals, and system management.
Vidhi is passionate about continuous learning and process improvement, with a goal of growing into a more strategic role within payroll and HR operations.
Outside of work, she enjoys teaching mental math and spending time with friends and family.
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Asha Patel
Accountant
Asha Patel
Accountant
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Grace Peters
Accounts Assistant
Grace Peters
Accounts Assistant
Grace’s is responsible for ensuring that the money entrusted to Elmwood for each resident is administered in the best interests of the resident.
While this may seem boring to some people, working at Elmwood is anything but that! Each day Grace has the pleasure of interacting with many of our residents on a social level. They have conversations about their day at work, plans for the evening, or how their favorite sports team is doing. Grace not only works at Elmwood, but also volunteers with our recreation department. Grace’s time with our residents has become an important part of her life and has taught her to appreciate each person for who they are.
Philanthropy and Engagement
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Jennifer Draper, TCP, ECE
Manager of Community Engagement
Jennifer Draper, TCP, ECE
Manager of Community Engagement
Born and raised in Edmonton and now a proud Saskatoon resident, Jennifer brings a passion for community connection to her role. With over 15 years of experience as a Certified Event Planner, she has built a career in event planning, marketing, fundraising, and community engagement, creating meaningful opportunities for people to connect and support important causes.
Over the past five years, Jennifer has found her passion in the non-profit sector, supporting families who have children with disabilities and rare diseases. Building strong relationships within the community and working alongside families led her to Elmwood, where she is excited to contribute to the organization’s mission and make a positive difference in the lives of adults experiencing intellectual disabilities.
Outside of work, Jennifer stays busy with her three kids and a dog and cat both named in honour of her hometown hockey team. Her dedication to the Edmonton Oilers runs deep – arguably strong enough to qualify as its own unofficial job title. She also enjoys a good horror movie, spending time by the water or in the mountains, and writing children’s books about inclusion.
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Rachel Campbell, BComm
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Rachel Campbell, BComm
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Rachel hails from a small town west of Saskatoon, raised in a farming family. Influenced by her mother and grandmothers, who were nurses and teachers, she developed a strong passion for supporting and empowering others from a young age. This value undoubtedly shaped her career path, leading her to combine her business knowledge with her knack for uplifting those around her.
In winter 2023, Rachel completed her Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing from the University of Saskatchewan and joined the Elmwood family shortly after in the spring of 2024. A passionate activist and advocate, Rachel was quickly drawn to Elmwood and the Disability Services Sector. Although she is new to the team, she brings experience from her past internships with local non-profits, along with a robust work ethic and a desire to learn.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Zach who is her rock, and their two cats, Grim and Ashen. She is also an avid cross-stitcher, horror movie buff, Halloween enthusiast, and supporter of the local punk music scene.
Resident Supports
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Rhonda Savage
Manager of Resident Support
Rhonda Savage
Manager of Resident Support
Rhonda started her career working with elderly individuals with dementia. She then applied for a casual position at Elmwood in the winter of 2017 and absolutely fell in love with the disability services field.
Seeing the smiling faces and hearing the excitement from all the residents each day has brought more joy to her than any words could describe. She is committed and works hard to ensure that the residents always come first.
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Karen Slowski, LPN, BA
Manager of Health & Wellness
Karen Slowski, LPN, BA
Manager of Health & Wellness
Karen has worked with individuals with disabilities for 18 years. Karen spent most of her summers working at Camp Easter Seal while she was attending post-secondary education. It is through her work at Camp Easter Seal that Karen found her passion to work with individuals with disabilities and is the reason Karen changed career paths and applied to nursing. She started working at Elmwood in 2011, shortly after finishing nursing. Karen worked as a Manor Coordinator/Nurse for almost 11 years and has recently transitioned into the Manager of Health and Wellness role. Karen is incredibly excited to take on this new role and be a part of the Manor Transition.
Karen has a love and passion for travel and is always looking to book her next adventure. Some of Karen’s highlights from her travels are living and working in Australia for 6 months in 2018, scuba diving with sharks in Mexico, St. Paddy’s Day in Galway Bay, watching David Beckham play for Manchester United in London, attending many Broadway plays including Les Misérables and Lion King, and visiting Disneyland with four residents.
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Jannah Nicholson
Manager of Community Inclusion
Jannah Nicholson
Manager of Community Inclusion
Jannah has been a Recreation Coordinator since 2000. After achieving her diploma at SIAST in Recreation and Leisure in 1998, she began her career with the Prince Albert Health District. After three years in Prince Albert, the opportunity to be a part of Elmwood Residences presented itself and Jannah has never looked back!
Jannah has built and developed a robust recreation program that benefits and serves everyone who calls Elmwood home. She is proud of the relationships that she has developed with community partners, staff and most important every amazing person that lives at Kinsmen Manor. Trips to Graceland, Montreal, Ogema, and Disneyland have been just a handful of amazing dreams that Jannah has helped make come true. Jannah is the past co-chair of the OH&S board and she currently sits on the Special Olympics Saskatoon board as the Elmwood representative.
Jannah, her husband and their dog love camping. Packing up and heading to northern Saskatchewan to go fishing is the highlight of their summer. This past June, Jannah caught a 26 pound Northern Pike, which currently is the family record!
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Chase Cullen
Manager of SILP
Chase Cullen
Manager of SILP
Chase was born and raised in Saskatoon. Completing his certificate in Youth Care at SIAST, Chase has 10 years of experience in the Disability Services Sector, gaining valuable experience as a job coach at Cosmopolitan Industries. In April 2022, he joined Elmwood as a Supportive Independent Living Program mentor, where he has excelled in creating person-centered plans that prioritize the needs and goals of participants. Known for his calm demeanor, Chase has a unique ability to connect with his clients, believing strongly in their right to maintain independence and make their own choices. In October 2024, Chase took on the role of manager for the SILP program. He’s excited to continue supporting both clients and mentors, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.
Outside of work, Chase loves spending time with his wife Amanda and their two children, McKenna and Lachlan. As a dedicated dance and soccer dad, he enjoys carting his kids to practices and games. In his downtime, Chase is a football enthusiast and is always happy to chat about his fantasy football team. Chase also likes to weave Star Wars references into conversation whenever he can and enjoys building Lego creations with his kids.
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Signe Larsen, BA
Cognitive Support Specialist
Signe Larsen, BA
Cognitive Support Specialist
Born and raised in Denmark, Signe (pronounced “Seena”) moved to Canada in 2008.
She started supporting people living with disabilities in 2009 and since then obtained her Continuing Care Assistant diploma from SIAST, graduated with a Bachelor’ degree in Psychology from the U of S, and completed the Online Longitudinal Training on Assessment and Analysis of Severe and Challenging Behavior with the Institute for Applied Behavior Analysis (IABA), along with other professional development certificates, including training in Positive Interactive Behaviour Therapy and Intellectual Disability & Dementia.
After working for a few community-based organizations as a front-line support worker, she moved on to the Ministry of Social Services: Community Living Service Delivery, where she gained experience in the crisis and programmatic field by supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities displaying challenging and dangerous behaviours.
Additionally, Signe has worked as a case worker for the Ministry of Social Services, Income Assistance: Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) program, where she gained insight into the types of financial support and challenges faced by some of Saskatchewan’s most vulnerable population.
In 2020, Signe started working at Elmwood. She is passionate about connecting with Elmwood’s wonderful residents and supporting them to feel safe and valued in their home environments. As part of this goal, Signe has a great appreciation for the frontline staff and the work they do every day with the residents. She values the importance of ongoing collaboration and open communication between all departments of Disability Support Professionals, Health Connectors and her role as Cognitive Support Specialist to provide those we serve with the best support and quality of life possible.
Signe loves spending time with her dogs, seeing friends and family, and traveling. She also loves knitting, coffee, a Netflix binge, and a good laugh.
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Andrea Belcourt
Community Home Coordinator
Andrea Belcourt
Community Home Coordinator
Andrea was born and raised in Saskatoon and has dedicated many years to the health field, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the well-being of others. Her diverse experience spans long-term care, working with seniors, children, individuals living with intellectual disabilities in addition to serving those in the mental health and addictions sector.
Known for her caring and passionate nature, Andrea consistently strives to create an inclusive and loving environment, especially during challenging times. Her genuine interest in people drives her to spend time getting to know them and understanding what brings them happiness.
Beyond her professional life, Andrea is happily married and cherishes her role as a parent to four children and a grandparent to three grandchildren. During her leisure time, she engages in activities with her grandchildren, such as baking, games, and puzzles. Family game nights are a cherished tradition in her household. Additionally, Andrea indulges her creative side through crocheting and nurtures her love for gardening, tending to both outdoor plants in the summer and indoor plants during the winter months.
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Sarita Carvalho
Community Home Coordinator
Sarita Carvalho
Community Home Coordinator
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Owen Christopherson
Community Home Coordinator
Owen Christopherson
Community Home Coordinator
Owen is a dedicated and passionate individual who has spent his professional career of over 20 years in the Disability Service Sector. His drive for disability services focuses on building meaningful and long-lasting connections with residents and team members alike and helping them to succeed and achieve the impossible. Originally from Yorkton, Owen has served in a variety of capacities at both Cosmopolitan Industries and Elmwood Residences including job coach, coordinator and SILP mentor. He is currently serving as a Community Home Coordinator.
Owen is father to two adult children and spends much of his time with his four-year old grandson, Davius. In his spare time, Owen works out, kickboxes and is comic collector and self-proclaimed movie geek!
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Ingrid De Gracia
Community Home Coordinator
Ingrid De Gracia
Community Home Coordinator
Ingrid, a dedicated and passionate healthcare professional, was born in the Philippines, where she earned her diploma in Midwifery. After becoming a Registered Midwife, she worked in a Military hospital in Saudi Arabia for four and a half years before coming to Canada 17 years ago.
Ingrid joined Elmwood in 2010 as a Care Staff member ang gradually took on more responsibilities, becoming Night Supervisor in 2022. In Fall 2023, she assumed the role of Community Home Coordinator.
Her commitment to her career has earned her recognition, including the prestigious Elmwood Resident First Award in 2021.
Ingrid’s journey to Canada was a courageous solo endeavor. However, through her work at Elmwood, she has formed strong bonds with residents and staff, considering them her second family.
In 2012, Ingrid was reunited with her two sons, Gian and Edrick, who joined her in Saskatoon.
Outside of work, Ingrid enjoys attending concerts, hiking, and exploring new destinations. Her travels have taken her to various US states, several Canadian locations and frequent visits to her homeland, the Philippines.
As Community Home Coordinator, Ingrid is driven by her passion for supporting vulnerable populations and making a positive impact on their lives. Her goals include creating a sense of community and belonging among residents, providing holistic support, promoting independence, building partnerships, and advocating for community needs. Through her work, Ingrid strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
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Julian Hendrickson
Community Home Coordinator
Julian Hendrickson
Community Home Coordinator
Julian was born and raised in Saskatchewan. His love for the Prairies made it an easy choice to attend the University of Saskatchewan where he graduated in June of 2022. He received his four-bachelor’s degree, majoring in psychology, and minoring in sociology. Julian’s passion for this line of work started when he was volunteering for the PAAL Program at the U of S. This volunteer opportunity truly sparked his interest in pursuing a career in the disability service sector.
Julian joined the Elmwood Community in May 2022. He applied for a part time position, as he was just finishing up his bachelor’s degree. After experiencing his first shift, he instantly loved the atmosphere that the Organization brought, and knew he needed to take the full-time position! You will always see Julian with a smile on his face, as he is always so excited to come to work! He enjoys spending time and creating a fun atmosphere for the residents.
When Julian’s not at work; He enjoys spending time fishing at his parent’s lake, going for walks with his wife (Paisley), and of course hanging out with his two beautiful cats, Sandy & Dre. During the winter, you will mostly find Julian at a Blades game cheering them on or relaxing at the Landmark theatre enjoying a brand-new movie!
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Ramona Logan
Community Home Coordinator
Ramona Logan
Community Home Coordinator
After success in a completely different career, of earlier years in the work force, Ramona wanted a change. She had always felt something was missing in her life and that she had more to offer fellow humans. Ramona started working parttime with seniors at a community center, and as Porter at both Regina hospitals, and absolutely loved the work! Circumstances beyond her control brought Ramona back to Saskatoon and lead her to Elmwood! Ramona started March of 2015 as a Professional Support Worker and fell in love within five minutes of her first shift! Recently she has been feeling like she needs a change but certainly did not want to leave Elmwood, so of course Ramona is absolutely thrilled with her new position as Community Home Coordinator. She looks forward to growing with the Elmwood Team and Residents in whatever the future holds!
In Ramona’s spare time she loves to sing and perform with her life partner Tim, travelling, loves hockey and football (total Riders fan and an avid Leafs fan), and very important snuggling with her little Chi Atticus.
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Jenn Barnes, LPN, ORT
Health Connector
Jenn Barnes, LPN, ORT
Health Connector
Jenn grew up on a farm in a small town north-east of Saskatoon. Upon graduation, she moved to Saskatoon and enrolled in the U of S Arts and Sciences program working toward a degree in Pharmacy. While in university, Jenn took a job with the Canadian Deaf Blind Association working as an Intervenor in a group home supporting individuals with both physical and cognitive disabilities. It is there that she found her passion for caring for others and for the disability services sector; though was not aware at the time of potential nursing opportunities within this sector. Jenn then decided to change career paths and applied for the Licensed Practical Nursing Program and subsequently received her LPN diploma in 2009. As a graduate nurse, she worked on Cardio-Sciences at RUH for 2 years before being accepted into the Perioperative Nursing Sponsorship program with the Health Region. Following the completion of the OR course, Jenn worked as an operating room nurse for over 10 years. During her time as an OR nurse, Jenn had 3 children and decided she wanted a change of pace and took a job as a Nursing Supervisor, and then later the Manager of Clinical Practice for a private home care company, gaining experience in community nursing.
3 years later when she saw the job opportunity for a Health Connector role at Elmwood Residences, she jumped at the opportunity to re-enter the disability services sector, where her passion for caring for others all began. Jenn has been with Elmwood since April 2023 and has not looked back. She describes Elmwood as a hidden gem in the nursing world, that not many nurses are aware of. This has been the most rewarding and fulfilling nursing role she has been in. Coming into work every day puts a smile on her face and it warms her heart getting to interact and care for the most amazing residents. When she’s not at work, Jenn loves spending time with her husband and 3 children and enjoys her time at the lake, boating and snowmobiling.
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Carmen Dimnik, RN, BScN, BA
Health Connector
Carmen Dimnik, RN, BScN, BA
Health Connector
Carmen was born in England and moved to Canada with her family when she was two years old. She grew up in Saskatoon. She graduated from the U of S in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology; during her degree, she took medical anthropology classes that inspired her to pursue nursing. She graduated again in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Carmen has worked as a registered nurse in acute care, briefly in emergency room, respite, and long-term care. She applied to work at Elmwood without an understanding of the full scope and breadth of the role. She joined the Elmwood team in March of 2022 and has never looked back- she describes working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as the passion she never knew she would find. Outside of work, Carmen loves to spend time with her two children, is an avid reader, beginner crocheter, and is learning Spanish.
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Jackie Shutra, LPN
Health Connector
Jackie Shutra, LPN
Health Connector
Jackie was born and raised near the beautiful southern Alberta mountains. A few years after high school and after many fun adventures, Jackie made her way to Saskatchewan where she met her husband and ended up planting roots. Since graduating as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 2012, Jackie has worked in Neuroscience, Postpartum, Pediatrics and In-patient Psych. Though her nursing experience has been wide, kindness and respect for those Jackie works with is the basis of who she is. Jackie was blessed to grow up with the most amazing cousin, Hayden, who had Down Syndrome. Hayden enhanced Jackie’s life and taught her many valuable lessons of inclusion, true joy, being non-judgmental and loving those around you unconditionally. Jackie wanted her children to have the opportunity to learn some of those same lessons from the best teachers and became a Special Olympics softball coach for 7 years with her children as assistant coaches/volunteers.
Jackie joined Elmwood in 2024 and knew when applying for the job that working with people with intellectual disabilities was going to be something special, though it has exceeded her expectations.
When Jackie is not at work you will find her at sporting events, outside enjoying nature with her heeler Rex, cuddled up reading or listening to a great book, cleaning and organizing whatever she can, or working out at the gym. Jackie is blessed with the most incredible husband and two wonderful sons.