Memo – Trish Giesbrecht, Transitioning to Executive Director at The Cascades, Chilliwack

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MEMO

To: Residents, Families and Friends

Re: Trish Giesbrecht transitioning to new role at neighbouring care home

June 23, 2023

Trish joined the Menno Place Team in 2006 and has worked throughout our campus of care as an LPN (Home and Hospital), Nursing Manager (Home), Manager of Care and Quality Improvement Lead (Hospital) and currently Manager of Community Enrichment (Apartments). Trish is a vibrant and compassionate faith-based leader who has helped us to move forward to success in many areas, including the adoption of Point-Click-Care in Long-Term Care, the development of a robust Private-Pay Assisted Living program, the expansion of supportive services for Independent Living as well as leadership in  our Assisted Living program to onboard residents with more complex needs. From 2019 – 2022, Trish took the opportunity to develop and teach a care aide program at Columbia Bible College.

Trish has been on a leadership journey throughout her time at Menno Place, achieving her Bachelor’s degree in Leadership and Master’s in Health Profession Education. We were pleased to assist her in this through the educational financial support program that is available to all staff at Menno Place.

Trish is a trusted team leader who lifts up the members of her team to thrive in their capabilities. She sets a vision and creates a plan forward. Most recently, Trish has been our Manager of Community Enrichment, providing leadership in the care and enrichment of our 350 residents in the Apartments.

With her experience and education, Trish is now preparing to transition to a new role as Executive Director with a neighbouring organization, The Cascades in Chilliwack, BC. Although we are sad and will miss her, we are very excited for her and wish her the very best in her new role. Her last day at Menno Place will be Friday, July 7th. We look forward to continued partnership with her in the care of seniors.

We are very grateful that Smitha Varghese, DOC at Menno Hospital, has accepted the opportunity to provide interim leadership for Assisted Living at the Apartments while we recruit. We are equally grateful for Leonard Klassen, who has accepted the opportunity to provide interim leadership for Independent and Supportive Living at the Apartments.