Janine is the Executive Director at Willow Lodge in Tatamagouche Nova Scotia, where 61 Residents call home. Her educational training in Health Services Management was obtained through Ryerson University in Toronto and her Administrator Leadership certification from the Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors.

Being aware of the Eden philosophy since the late nineties, her goal has been to Lead in a home that is registered and practicing the Eden Alternative. It is this goal that brought her to the Maritimes. Janine brings experience obtained through diverse senior leadership roles within Community Living, L’Arche, Retirement and Long Term Care communities.

Janine is passionate about the support given to our residents entrusted in our care; “We must challenge ourselves daily to find opportunities for growth not only for ourselves but also for the residents we serve” It is her belief that through constant reflection, we can have greater influence on the ongoing culture change necessary to eliminate Boredom, Helplessness and Loneliness.

Willow Lodge has created a positive reputation in the community for the work it has done as they grow in their Eden journey. Janine resides in Tatamagouche and commutes between her families home in Ontario.

Lisa is the Director of Care at Willow Lodge. Her nursing training was obtained through St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, NS. When she walked into Willow Lodge for the first time, she immediately sensed it was like no other long term care home she had ever visited. The atmosphere, the aromas, the people, and the animals were all things that attracted her to pursue employment at Willow Lodge. That was in the fall of 2014 and she has been there ever since.

Lisa is passionate about people and meeting them in THEIR reality. She endeavors to support the residents and Care Partners (A.K.A. staff members) in growing personally, educationally, and in their field of employment or enjoyment. Also, finding and helping to fulfill simple pleasures for each resident. In these small ways, she hopes to meet the needs of each resident at Willow Lodge in combatting the 3 plagues of loneliness, helplessness, and boredom.

Since starting at Willow Lodge, she has had many many people across the Maritimes offer heartening comments about Willow Lodge and what a positive and progressive reputation it has. One quote a community member gave was, “It’s the place to be!”

In her spare time, Lisa enjoys spending hours in various arenas across the Maritimes during winter months engaged with her 2 children in hockey, figure skating, and curling. During the summer months, she enjoys biking the trail and can often be found at the beach. She also has a beloved 6 year old Portuguese water dog named Lila who gets into lots of mischief.

Kent is our Director of Operations, and came to Willow Lodge in December of 2019 after working in Facility Maintenance at the local hospital for 5 years. Prior to that, he was employed as Property Manager at Tatamagouche Centre for 23 years.  Kent is responsible for Dietary Services, Laundry, Housekeeping and Maintenance here at Willow Lodge.

Kent grew up in Tatamagouche, attended North Colchester High School and later Mount Saint Vincent University. He has been a member of the Tatamagouche Fire Department for nearly 30 years, and is proud to have been able to live, work and volunteer in his home community.

Kent and his wife Jane enjoy spending their free time at their cottage at Reid’s Cove, and enjoy outdoor activities as much as possible.