Category Archives: What’s New in HR?

May was a quieter month for Care but still busy!

There were two full-time Health Care Aides hired at Stone Brook and one Support Worker hired in the Peace River region.

We also welcomed the new Manager at Stonebrook, Heidi French, to Team Care.

Let’s get to know Heidi:

Heidi is originally from Calgary, is married and will be celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary in August. She is a mother of two, grandmother of two and has a chihuahua that has a torn ligament right now.

I am so excited to be part of the Care Team here at Stone Brook! I came into healthcare as a nurse, wanting to care for people. Then I moved  into healthcare management wanting to be able to make a difference. 

Especially during this time of COVID-19, I see each and everyone of us as being vital to making a difference in someone’s life. Whether it is smiling at the clerk at the gas station, or thanking the shelf-stocker for coming to work today, every step we take is making a difference. 

The residents and staff here have already started making a difference in my life, and I look forward to getting to know everyone better.

What is one of your fondest memories so far? When one of the residents
that I was introduced to on my second day informed me that I would regret
coming here! 🙂

What do you tell yourself when it has been a stressful day? How do you self-care?
Today is just one day. Tomorrow will be better. I go home and connect with
my family to remember the important things in life.

What are you most surprised about working at Stone Brook? How welcoming everyone has been.

What would you say to the founding parents if they were here right now?
Great Job and thank you!

What do you do in your spare time? Try to learn new things (learning
Calligraphy right now) and reading.

If you could not work here, where would you work? As a food taster in a
fancy restaurant where I would get paid to try all the new recipes.

If you could have lunch with anyone anywhere who and where would that be and why? All of my family at my house celebrating being together post COVID.

Welcome to the team Heidi!

April was another busy month for Care as we welcomed 12 new team members!

Here is the breakdown:

Full-time in Grimshaw & Peace River – 4

Casual in Grimshaw & Peace River – 1

Full-time in Grande Prairie and Wembley – 2

Full-time at Stone Brook – 4

Support Services – 1

A congratulations goes out to Brittany Mason who has been promoted to Team Lead in Grimshaw! Let’s get to know Brittany.

Brittany is from Barrie, Ontario, is the second oldest of seven children and the proud cat mom to two cats Mila and Morocco.

Why did you apply? 

I applied to Care because I was looking to work in a community based position and I saw a great opportunity to work everyday with the Individuals in our residences. I was originally hired as a Residence Coordinator for PR.

Why do you stay?

I stay because I am happy with what I do and because everyday is a new chance to learn something and grow.

Why did you want to take on the challenge?

It was always my goal to work in the community helping people to reach their goals, whether that be in a facility, or residential setting, so when I was hired, the challenge was what I had been waiting for. I worked in other positions in the community, but after completing college I wanted to get into my career, so this company gave me that opportunity.

What is one of your fondest memories so far?

I have so many fond memories! Every day the Individuals in Care put a smile on my face, whether it be from a morning greeting, a smile throughout the day, a conversation, seeing individuals working towards their goals and happy, it is all moments I look back on with a smile.

What do you tell yourself when it is a stressful day? 

When I have a stressful day, I try to remind myself it is just a day and I will go home and de-stress with a nice dinner, a walk along the river, maybe a good TV show to end the night and just wake up and start fresh the next day!

How has the company changed/evolved since you started?

I have not been here too long, just under a year, but in the past year we have had a name change from ASLS to Care Human Services which I really like, the name speaks for itself, We Care!

If you could have lunch with anyone anywhere who and where would that be and why?

Honestly, this may sound cliché but Mother Teresa. I really think that there is so much to learn from someone who gave up her own life to care for others and did it so tirelessly her entire life. The knowledge, patience, understanding and compassion she had for the world astounds me. I would love to sit with her and just talk for a day and learn from her.

What is your hidden talent?

I can literally make the best meal with minimal ingredients last minute, just ask my family lol! I don’t even know how I do it. If at the last minute I run out of everything and did not go to the store – no problem, I got this!

March came in like a lamb and left like a lion. COVID-19 arrived and Team Care set in motion practices to ensure everyone’s safety while maintaining the same excellent level of care we pride ourselves on. Thank you to all who continue to adjust to this new normal. 

We would like to welcome three new hires in the Grande Prairie area, two in Grimshaw/Peace River, one at Stone Brook and we also hired a part-time Scheduling Assistant and a casual in our Food Program. Welcome to the team everyone!

We also send our best wishes out to Lydia Levers as she begins a new chapter in her life.

This month we are saying thank you to a long-time Team Care member.  Cleofe Villaflor is a Support Worker and is celebrating her 10-year work anniversary this year! 

Why did I apply:

Finances aside, I stayed and will continue to stay, because to me, I found myself feeling at home and at peace with my working environment. Also because I see the value of the work we’re doing, and the change, no matter how little, that we are creating for the individuals we’re looking after.

What I do when I’m stressed:

I ask myself: For whom do we toil?

How do I practice self-care:

I just sleep, cook for my daughter or listen to folk and country songs and go for a month-long vacation to the Philippines.

What I would say to founding parents:

I would tell them that their vision has come to fruition and CONGRATULATIONS! I would also tell them not to stop improving and thinking of better ways to help and support our individuals.

PERSONAL:

Where I’m from:

I’m from a small town in the island-province of Catanduanes in the Philippines. I’m a single mom of a 23-year-old daughter, who now is pursuing an after-degree course in the medical field at the University of Alberta.

What I do on my spare time:

I read books and if I am feeling a bit under the weather, I would just ring my family back in the Philippines. We would chat until the wee hours. “Family time is always a good time.“

If I could have lunch with anyone:

I would have lunch with my mom and dad, and my 2 brothers. They’re all gone. But I still would want to have lunch with them even in my dreams.

My hidden talent:

I can sing and play the guitar.

What people don’t know about me:

I have an accounting degree and a 2-year Masters in Business Administration.

My message:

Love as if there’s no tomorrow!

Even with an extra day, the month of February seemed to zoom by.

Our Health Care Aide team at Stone Brook in Grimshaw welcomed three new members and the accounting department grew by one.

Care said good-bye to our Residential Program Manager for Grande Prairie. We extend our best wishes to her and express our thanks for her service with Care. 

With that departure and other organizational changes, we took the opportunity and restructured the management of the Residential Program. So what does that mean and look like?

Care’s Residential Program Manager for Peace River and Grimshaw will now also be the Residential Program Manager for residences in the City of Grande Prairie. Our rural property in the County of Grande Prairie will have a stand alone Program Manager. We look forward to letting you know who that will be in the next monthly blog post!

January was a busy month at Care with multiple hires and a couple promotions as well.

Peace River region – two residential hires

DSL/Stone Brook – 5 hires

Grande Prairie region – one residential hire

A few congratulations are in order!
Both Courtney Freese and Jade Christian have been promoted from Support Worker to Residential Coordinator while Dawnie Felix has gone from a casual position to working full-time in the Stone Brook kitchen.

Get to know: Nona Ives, Accounting Assistant at Care

I am new to Care Human Services.  I was approached to work in the Accounting department. I have followed Care, formerly ASLS, for many years.  I know its history. I witnessed the birth of Stone Brook from idea to conception. I am amazed at the fruition a dream can produce if pursued and fully believe in what this company stands for. It was an easy decision to make when asked if I’d like to be a part of the Care Team. A bonus is the happy, friendly environment I get to work in now.  I enjoy working with my teammates and love the office pets. A stressful moment can be easily relieved with a moment spent cuddling a cat 😊

I have been married for 30 years. I have three grown boys, two of which are married. I have a two-year-old granddaughter who is the apple of my eye and I’m eagerly awaiting grandchild number two in early March.  Being a grandmother is the best gig I have ever had! I have three cats and a dog right now. My husband has banned me from the local animal rescue and the SPCA. Apparently, we have enough animals. I just think of all the poor animals without homes and we have space.

As for any hidden talents I might have, according to my grandchild I am the best storyteller.  I wear that title with pride.

Thank you Nona!

The Holiday Season came and went in what feels like a blink of an eye.

As we mentioned last month, a number of applications were received in November and we are happy to announce that there were two new hires at Stone Brook, three new hires in the Grande Prairie region and five in the Peace River/Grimshaw region. 

Congratulations to Shae-Lynne Lepensee-Bryant who was promoted from Support Worker to Residential Coordinator in Peace River!

Get to know: Whitney, an Accounting Assistant at Care

My name is Whitney McCain, mother of 2 and married to the most amazing man I’ve ever met. I have a cat whose name is “M.” 6 years ago, my family moved to Grande Prairie from southeastern Ontario. I have always enjoyed providing care to others, and numbers (I love math.)

When I’m not knee deep in numbers, I’m playing with my kids or reading with a tea in hand. My goal since becoming a mother has been to raise kids that can show compassion towards others. I am so fortunate to have a place of employment where I get to see that same compassion every day.

I formerly worked in medical administrative positions before applying to work with Care Human Services. I was looking for a change in work environment, that would allow me to continue providing support to the public. I was hired as an accounting assistant, and given the opportunity to grow and learn, while still providing support to individuals in our community who are in need. Care Human Services has provided me with everything I was looking for and so much more. I am truly blessed to be a part of this amazing organization.   

I was introduced to the accounting department at time of change, I have embraced the challenge and have worked very hard over the past few months.

If I were able to speak with the founding parents, I would say thank you. This organization is wonderful in all aspects. I feel energized when I come to work because I have the opportunity to share my day with my amazing colleagues and the individuals we care for.

Thank you for sharing with us Whitney!

Care had a few hires in the month of November and welcomed seven new members to the Care team!

There were three new additions to the DSL team at Stone Brook in Grimshaw and three new support staff were hired in Grimshaw and Peace River.

November also saw a number of applications come in so look for more details in the December/January update.

Care was able to take part in a couple community fundraising events this past month.

In Grande Prairie a mini tree was decorated for the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation’s annual Festival of Trees fundraiser and in Grimshaw and Peace River, Individuals and staff decorated two mini trees for the Grimshaw Library fundraiser.

Happy November everyone!

October was another busy month for us:

• 4 Support Workers were hired in Grande Prairie
• 1 Support Services Manager was hired in Grande Prairie

October saw 9 internal referrals and two resulted in hires.

Congratulations to Cailey Schmidtke who was promoted to the role of Residential Coordinator!

We would also like to welcome Jessica Corbin to the team who is taking on the role of Support Services Manager.

Get to know Jessica:

Jessica was born in Grande Prairie and since then has lived in Calgary, Edmonton and Australia. She has obtained her Bachelors Degree of Human Resources Management and has a passion for people and making a positive impact on those around her.

She grew up as a dancer, starting at the age of three that lead to opening her own community dance studio in Grande Cache.

Jessica is a newlywed and has two dogs, Phillip and Bailey.

Most of her spare time is spent enjoying time with family and her animals!

Welcome to Team Care Jessica!

Where did September go?!

Though the month seemed to zoom by, Care did welcome new team members!

• 4 Support Workers hired in Grande Prairie
• 2 Health Care Aides hired at Stone Brook
• 1 LPN hired at Stone Brook

September saw 12 internal referrals and one referral from August was hired.

As the Fall season begins, we are saying good-bye to our Human Resources Team Lead. Nichole Radersma has decided to grab life by the kilt and move to Scotland! We wish you the best of luck and hope that you packed a raincoat.

Stepping in will be Kristina Ferrier and Kylee Lefebvre. Kristina will be looking after Recruitment Performance Management and Kylee WCB, Employee Management and as well as taking care of updating our systems.

Get to know Kristina;

I have been with Care Human Services since February of this year. I was hired into Human Resources as a Recruitment Coordinator. I have a love for the ever-changing role of HR, and it shows. I moved from Southern Ontario in 2014 and made Grande Prairie my home. I enjoy living in the heart of the city with my boisterous dog Otis. I also love to travel, and usually Otis comes along for the ride.

And Kylee!

I was born and raised in Bonanza Alberta just outside of Dawson Creek. I moved to Grande Prairie to attend GPRC in 2014 and graduated from there with my Office Management Diploma. I have and amazing fiancé and two babies (dogs) Sadie and Baxter who are my absolute world! I have always wanted to get into Human Resources and could not think of a better organization and team to build my career with!

August flew by and much like July saw some new hires.

Taking a look back on August there were;

• 3 new Community Support Worker hires in Peace River and Grimshaw
• 1 new LPN hire at Stone Brook

There were also 9 internal referrals this month.

HR spotlight: Anita Giesbrecht

We are welcoming back Anita to the Care team! Here is her story:

I started working for Care (ASLS) in June of 2016. I originally planned on working part time. That quickly changed to full time as I loved the new challenges I was facing.

I was a full time CSW and worked a lot of extra hours. I enjoyed being with the individuals we supported.

I saw the Saskatoon Lake property grow. A position of Supervisor opened up and I applied. My role of supervisor was very enjoyable and I enjoyed this for many months.

A position of Team Lead opened up and I took on the new challenge. Work was busy and again, so enjoyable.

In November of 2018 I made the hard decision to resign as my family needed me at home. Fast forward to June 2019 and the part time position of Food Support Worker came up. It was the perfect opportunity for me to ease back into work.

It is so great to be back at work with Care!

Thanks Anita, we are glad to have you back!