Deb’s training broke down complex ideas into bite-sized, actionable steps that our leaders could implement immediately. From navigating tricky family dynamics to improving proactive communication, her work has made a measurable difference in how our team approaches care. Her impact goes beyond training—it’s supported lasting improvements in our culture.

Cheryl Janssen, Director of People Engagement, Schlegel Villages

Deb’s teachings have positively influenced our approach to long-term care. While we’ve always held six-week follow-up meetings, her insights have helped us make them more supportive and impactful by deepening our understanding. We’re also in the process of implementing family orientations—an idea inspired by her teachings—that will further strengthen trust and communication. Her ability to shift perspectives—both staff and families—has been invaluable. She has truly enhanced the way we approach care.

Candace Lanthier, Senior Manager, Imagine - Age Care

Thank you for spending the day with our team. 1 week after the session we still had chatter about how much we learned. The energy of the team was present.

Even after 2 weeks we are still talking about it.

I have been in healthcare for 37 years and feel these kinds of conversations have lacked. The task orientated process, never talking about the feelings or emotions of either party. Hearing both sides of a story of the admission journey. Acknowledging the stress of the family and staff is vital to ensure smooth admissions.

Giving us the tools to enable us to make people feel safe, heard, and understood. Compassionate care and conversations are deliverable, you helped me understand the emotions are real. You deliver your message proud and clear, and with heart, I thank you!

Deborah Sims
Executive Director, peopleCare Communities

I brought Deborah in to give my team a much-needed reset—a chance to pause, reflect, and reconnect with our purpose. I wanted everyone to take a moment, put their hand on their heart, and remember why we do what we do.

Andrea Prashad, Senior VP, Resident Experience & Risk Management

Taking what we learned from this program, we were able test it out immediately. We had a family welcome meeting before a resident moved into our memory care home. We asked them questions that we learned in our training. Then we spoke sharing common misconceptions (24 hour care doesn’t mean 1:1 care, falls will likely happen even though we do everything we can to prevent them etc.) The family felt so supported. The team felt supported by the family. It was such an honest transparent conversation and the move in for the resident has gone so well! Thank you for helping empower my team.

Jennifer Fulkerth
The Journey Club

Thank you to Deborah for providing our leadership team with an inspiring workshop. We have been using her books and tools to support residents and families as they are transitioning into long term care. Her real life experience is invaluable which helps support the key principles in the material. We are starting book clubs in our homes using the books to further support our families.

Kim Eros
Associate Director Clinical and Support Service, Niagara Region

Thank you so much for your inspiring talk and allowing us to have the opportunity to connect together as a team to share our experiences and stories.

I have learned a lot personally and I hope our care team will take the tools you’ve given them and continue to work on being curious, and closing the knowledge gap so we can all work harmoniously with our family members and fellow colleagues to provide the best care for our seniors.

Fiona Yeun
Recreation Therapist, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Multi-Level Care Society

I met Deborah at a Leadership workshop with Shannex. Her presentation was both informative and emotional. I learned both with my head and my heart. Many people don't understand the intricacies of being a caregiver and all the needs that come with that, large and small, physical and emotional. Deborah has both worked in the business of caregiving and lived it personally. Her first hand representation offered such insight to myself and my colleagues. As both a provider and a caregiver myself, I strongly recommend Deborah's presentation and her two books to help anyone navigate the challenges we face in these roles. Thank you Deborah for making this journey a little easier. 

Lisa Tracz

General Manager, Parkland on the Glen