100 Blair Avenue, Tatamagouche, N.S. B0K 1V0 Tel : (902) 657-3101 Fax : (902) 657-3859

Janine Jaconelli

Executive Director

Phone : (902) 657 3101  Ext 23

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.


Jill Peterson

Director of Care

Phone : (902) 657 3101  Ext 25

Jill is the Director of Resident Care, recently appointed in Dec.2021.

She has an extensive background in Emergency Nursing, working in major centers in Ontario and Manitoba. Upon returning to Nova Scotia, to be closer to family, she has worked in the local hospital for several years, as well as Community Nursing and most recent, Mental Health Nursing. She has been in Nursing management from 2008- 2014 at the Colchester East Hants Health Center as a Clinical Care Coordinator, and from 2015 -2021 at The Sunset Community in Pugwash as the Manager of Health Services.

Jill calls Tatamagouche her home now, and in her off time enjoys her hobby farm with her small animals, goats Rose and Lily, her horse Rio and miniature donkey Ollie!


Kent MacDonald

Director of Operations

Phone : (902) 657 3101  Ext 31

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.


Peggy Weatherby

Director of Finance

Julie Rankin-Tattrie

Director of Recreation

Daphne Mertin

Office Administration


Willow Lodge Board of Directors

Linda Rees (Chair)
Dave Speakman (Treasurer)
Gail Matheson (Secretary)
Robert Mingo
Ross Bonnyman

Spurgeon Stewart (Vice Chair)
Susan Baker
Brenda Richard
Peter Mattatall

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