RD, Director, New Developments and Special Projects, Seasons Care Dietitian Network

Stacey Scaman is the Director of New Developments and Special Projects at Seasons Care Dietitian Network, where she leads the organization’s new Food Service Consulting Division. A longtime advocate for excellence in Seniors’ nutrition, she has guided dozens of Homes, Dietitians, and Nutrition Managers across Ontario and is a member and previous co-chair for OSNAC (Ontario Senior Nutrition Advocacy Committee). Known for her innovation and award-winning leadership, Stacey now spearheads major initiatives including kitchen design, redevelopment planning, and specialized food service solutions that elevate the dining experience for Residents.

RD RAC-CT, Director, Quality, Nutrition and Food Service, Seasons Care Dietitian Network

Twinkle Patel, RD is a Registered Dietitian Leader with 20 years in Seniors Care. Her passion for food started in her grandfather’s bustling restaurant, and evolved into a career that blends good food with good nutrition. For the past 18 years, she been with Seasons Care, embracing their Food First philosophy. Twinkle’s expertise spans menu planning, Mentoring Registered Dietitians and Nutrition Managers, and leading quality improvement initiatives. Today, she provides operational leadership across Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes, empowering teams to excel — a reward almost as sweet as chocolate.

Compliance Specialist, Compliance and Enforcement Branch, Ministry of Long-Term Care (MLTC)

Ayesha has worked with the Ministry of Long-Term Care for eight years in a variety of roles, including Long-Term Care Inspector, Clinical Consultant, and, most recently, Compliance Specialist with the Compliance Assistance and Stakeholder Engagement Unit. A Registered Dietitian with a Master of Science in Foods and Nutrition, she is passionate about supporting long-term care homes through education, collaboration, and practical compliance assistance. Her experience across multiple areas of the Ministry provides a unique perspective on resident care, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance. Prior to joining the Ontario Public Service, she worked as a community dietitian, supporting vulnerable populations through nutrition education, health promotion, and client-centred care.

MKN Consulting

Mary has over 35 years’ experience in the field of seniors’ care and services in both government and the private sector. Throughout her career, she has held executive and senior leadership positions with varied portfolios focused on seniors’ care and services involving long-term care home regulatory oversight (compliance and enforcement), strategic and operational policy development, privacy, corporate and crisis communications, and government relations. She has also served on numerous long-term care sector and government Committees, workgroups and expert panels. Mary retired from the Ontario Public Service a few years ago and provides consulting services to the long-term care home sector. She is currently Chair of the Board of Directors, Ontario Association of Residents’ Councils (OARC); and a Member of the Advisory Board of Sheridan College’s Centre for Elder Research.

Project Lead Operational Readiness, Rockwood Terrace, County of Grey

Karen Kraus is the Project Lead for Operational Readiness for the Rockwood Terrace Redevelopment, a role she took on in June 2025 following more than 25 years of leadership in long-term care, including 10 years as a Food Services Manager and 15 years as Executive Director of Rockwood Terrace. She is passionate about delivering high-quality, person-centred care that aligns with Grey County's Colour It Your Way philosophy.Throughout her career, Karen has worked collaboratively with healthcare partners and community stakeholders to advance quality improvement initiatives that positively impact residents, families, and team members. In her current role, she leads operational readiness planning for the new 128-bed Rockwood Terrace long-term care home, coordinating cross-functional teams, supporting change management, and ensuring the people, processes, training, and systems are in place to support a successful transition to the new home.Karen's extensive knowledge of long-term care operations, legislation, and resident-centred practices continues to play a key role in shaping the future of care at Rockwood Terrace. Her leadership is helping to ensure the redevelopment honours the home's rich history while creating a modern, welcoming environment that will serve residents, families, and the community for generations to come.

Chef, DN Hospitality

Registered Dietitian, The Regional Municipality of Durham

Executive Director, Honourable Ray and Helen Lawson Eventide Home

Food Services Manager, Honourable Ray and Helen Lawson Eventide Home

Executive Director (Acting) & Director of Communications, OARC

Melissa McVie is the Acting Executive Director of the Ontario Association of Residents’ Councils (OARC). With nearly two decades of experience in long-term care, she has worked in both frontline and leadership roles, shaping a career focused on resident engagement, advocacy, and quality of life. Since joining OARC in 2018, Melissa has helped advance initiatives that empower residents and strengthen Residents’ Councils across Ontario. Passionate about amplifying resident voices, she is committed to fostering partnerships and collaboration that support meaningful change across the sector.

Resident Leader, OARC

Ann is a Board Director and Resident Advisor with the Ontario Association of Residents' Councils (OARC). She speaks boldly about the realities of long-term care living, advocates passionately for those who cannot speak for themselves, and challenges the societal stigma often associated with living and working in long-term care homes. She is an active contributor to research projects and working groups on topics ranging from immunization to equity, diversity, and inclusion in long-term care. Ann is a regular panelist on OARC educational webinars and a facilitator of OARC's weekly Resident Forums. Never afraid to ask tough questions, she brings a thoughtful, resident-centered perspective to every conversation.

Resident Leader, OARC

Jennifer Brown is Co-Chair of OARC's Provincial Resident Advisory Group and a passionate resident advocate who believes long-term care can be a place of purpose, engagement, and joy. Inspired by her own experience, she is committed to helping create the best possible experience for residents. Drawing on her skills in writing, teaching, and marketing, Jennifer works to inspire change at both the home and system level. She champions the importance of resident voice and meaningful participation, encouraging residents to help shape the decisions that affect their daily lives. Her vision is a long-term care sector where every resident feels valued, connected, engaged, and fully able to enjoy LIFE.