Tamara Ross, Vice President of Quality and Clinical Services at Sienna, leads with heart and purpose. A nurse at her core, Tamara believes meaningful change in healthcare begins with the compassion, resilience, and human connection nurses bring to each moment. Her leadership champions a culture where nurses are empowered, frontline voices are heard, and innovation enhances—not replaces—the human touch. Inspired by her own journey from bedside to boardroom, Tamara sees mentorship and collaboration as keys to transformation. This National Nursing Week, she proudly honours the strength and spirit of nurses, calling nursing “the career of a lifetime.”
Liezl Lafrades, Associate Director of Care at Sienna’s Streetsville Community, brings a unique lens to nursing—combining clinical knowledge with a background in computer science to advance innovative, person-centred care. She developed a fall tracking tool that’s improved safety in her community and believes in blending technology with empathy to transform outcomes. One memorable moment involved using music therapy to comfort a resident, a testament to her thoughtful approach. Liezl is passionate about honouring each resident’s story and sees nurses as changemakers shaping the future of care—driven by compassion, curiosity, and a deep commitment to improving lives every day.
Charlene Dawes, National Director of Wellness, is redefining nursing leadership in retirement living. As an RPN, she champions the full scope of nursing practice and has led the development of advanced assessment tools that support personalized, holistic care for residents at Aspira communities. Charlene ensures frontline insights shape real policy change and encourages fellow RPNs to see themselves as leaders. Her perspective on Nursing Week is grounded in purpose—not visibility, but lasting impact. With a commitment to elevating care and opening doors for others, Charlene is helping transform how we support seniors and the professionals who care for them.
Whether at the bedside or in the boardroom, nurses shape the heart of senior care. Thank you to every nurse at Sienna for your leadership, compassion, and strength.
HAPPY NURSING WEEK 2025!
