Monday, November 23, 2026
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM EST
Free for Members!
Non-Members: $99
Ontario’s seniors’ housing and community services sector is evolving as organizations look for new ways to support older adults to live safely, independently, and with greater choice in their communities.
The Seniors’ Housing and Community Services Forum 2026 will bring together housing providers, community organizations, policymakers, government representatives and sector leaders to explore emerging models, practical experiences and opportunities shaping the future of seniors’ housing and community-based services.
Throughout the session, speakers will share perspectives and practical examples related to:
- Bringing long-term care expertise into the community
- Developing and renewing seniors’ housing
- Exploring alternative and shared living models
- Supporting aging in place
- Strengthening connections between housing, healthcare and community services
- Creating more inclusive and culturally responsive housing environments
- Supporting independence, choice and social connection for older adults
The forum will feature perspectives from federal and provincial government representatives and leaders across housing, healthcare and seniors’ services, providing an opportunity to hear about current priorities and developments affecting the sector.
Whether you operate seniors’ housing, are considering a new development or redevelopment, provide community-based services, or are exploring new approaches to support aging in place, this virtual forum is an opportunity to connect with peers, learn from practical experiences and explore new ideas for supporting seniors.
Participants will:
- Gain insight into emerging trends and approaches in seniors’ housing and community services
- Hear practical examples from organizations working to support aging in place and community-based care
- Explore new approaches to housing development, redevelopment and shared living
- Learn how housing and healthcare organizations are working together to better support older adults
- Consider strategies for creating inclusive, culturally responsive and resident-focused housing environments
- Hear directly from government and sector leaders about current priorities and developments
CEO, AdvantAge Ontario
Lisa Levin is the CEO of AdvantAge Ontario – an association of Ontario’s non-profit organizations serving seniors. Before joining AdvantAge, Lisa was the Director of Nursing and Health Policy with the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO). From 2011 to 2016, Lisa was the Chair of the Ontario Caregiver Coalition (OCC) that advocates for family caregivers across the province. In 2012, Lisa received a Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee medal for her work leading the OCC. From 2005 to 2015, Lisa was a senior executive with Circle of Care – a home and community care agency. Before that, Lisa was a policy advisor for 16 years in different ministries of the Ontario government including: Housing; Community and Social Services; Health; and Children’s Services. Lisa has her Bachelor of Arts in Urban Systems/Geography from McGill University, and her Master of Science in Urban Planning from the University of Toronto.
CEO and President, Unionville Society
Abby Katz Starr is a respected senior leader and long-standing advocate for seniors, with more than 30 years of experience across Ontario’s public and private sectors. She brings deep expertise in leading complex organizations through transformation, governance, and system change. Before joining Unionville Home Society as President and CEO, Abby served as Assistant Deputy Minister with the Ontario Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility. Her career has been dedicated to improving outcomes for seniors through policy, legislation, and community-based supports. Abby has led several high-profile, province-wide initiatives, including directing the Provincial Government’s Retirement Homes Project and overseeing the implementation of the Retirement Homes legislation. She also played a key role in establishing the governance and accountability framework for the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority and led the modernization of the Elderly Persons Centres Act, resulting in the Seniors Active Living Centre Act, 2017. Throughout her career, Abby has held senior leadership roles across multiple Ontario ministries, including Government Services, Community and Social Services, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Ontario Women’s Directorate. She has also served as Chief Operating Officer of the Health Boards Secretariat and as Registrar of the Health Services and Health Professions Appeal and Review Boards. In addition to her executive role, Abby remains actively engaged in the sector through board and advisory positions, including AdvantAge Ontario and the Eastern York Region North Durham Ontario Health Team. She is also a committed mentor, supporting the next generation of leaders. Abby brings broad expertise in corporate governance, strategic planning, regulatory policy, and program development, with a strong focus on accountability, collaboration, and sustainable leadership.
Director, Retirement and Community Care, Fairview Parkwood Communities
Bio to come.
Fairview Parkwood Communities
Bio to come.
Director, Seniors' Services; Region of Waterloo
Julie Wheeler is the Director of Seniors’ Services for the Region of Waterloo, where she is responsible for long-term care, seniors’ supportive housing, home care/supports, and community programs. Her previous roles included managing long-term care services, community and social services as well managing services to support people living with a dementia in the community. She has over 20 years of experience supporting the not-for-profit sector through health, community and social services.
Manager, Community Programs; Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Sunnyside Supportive Housing
Matilda Kress is Manager of Community Programs for the Region of Waterloo, leading services that help individuals live safely, independently, and well in their communities. Her portfolio includes supported living, dementia day and overnight programs, homemaking, and a wellness centre. With more than two decades of leadership experience in health and community services, Matilda is passionate about integrated, person-centred care for older adults, people living with dementia, and individuals experiencing mental health needs. Her background includes leadership roles in outreach, patient safety, and quality improvement, along with the development of regional programs supporting people living with aphasia and young-onset dementia. Outside of work, Matilda enjoys exploring her community and the world with her family and their very large Bernedoodle, Romeo.
Administrator, Seniors Community Programs; Region of Niagara
Bio to come.
President and CEO, St. Patrick's Home of Ottawa
Monique Patterson is the President and CEO of St. Patrick’s Home of Ottawa, a 288‑bed long‑term care home she’s been proud to be part of for the past decade. Now in her second year as CEO, she’s leading an exciting expansion: a new Seniors’ Apartments building that will bring 133 tenants onto the campus. Monique is a nurse by background, with a BScN from the University of Ottawa and 36 years working in long‑term care. Taking on a major housing project has stretched her in new ways—she jokes that she now knows what piling is and has a whole new appreciation for foundations, both the literal kind and the kind that shape strong organizations.
Housing Development Coordinator, St. Patrick's Home of Ottawa
Cheryl Homuth has worked with seniors, in healthcare, for over 35 years. The project at St Patrick’s Home of Ottawa, which she will be presenting on, is her second in building seniors' housing. The presentation reflects her knowledge and experience gained over the years, both in working with seniors and in the development and operations of housing for seniors.
Senior Project Manager, Region of Peel Housing Development Office
Bio to come.
Manager, Housing Development Office; Regional Municipality of Peel
Bio to come.
Administrator, Faithstone Manor
Cheryl Janssen, RPN, is the Administrator of Faithstone Manor and Gardens, a community of Shalom Manor and Gardens currently under development in Hamilton, Ontario with an anticipated opening in spring/summer 2027. She started her career in seniors’ living as a Dietary Aide at Shalom Manor while in high school and brings over 25 years of experience spanning clinical leadership, operations and people strategy. Prior to joining the Shalom team, Cheryl held senior leadership roles with Schlegel Villages, including responsibility for workforce development and supporting new home openings. Her current focus is on preparing Faithstone for a successful opening, with an emphasis on operational readiness, team development and creating a welcoming resident experience.
General Manager, Health and Emergency Services; County of Simcoe
Jane Sinclair has a genuine passion to make the lives of those around her better. As the General Manager of the Health and Emergency Services team at the County of Simcoe, Jane has devoted her efforts to caring for people for more than 30 years. As General Manager, Jane is responsible for overseeing paramedic services, 911 and emergency management program, four long-term care homes and a continuum of seniors services. This includes Jane’s leadership in creating the vision and development of Georgian Village, a state-of-the-art seniors campus of care that opened in 2013, with 60+, adult lifestyle community, which offers long term care; retirement living, life lease, and affordable housing; a community centre; and an adult day program. Jane’s current leadership and development with one of the largest Capital projects in the County with a $343M campus redevelopment and expansion of the existing Simcoe Manor and Village facility in Beeton. Construction is now underway on this campus, which will provide an additional 34 long-term care beds (a total of 160), and more than 108 seniors housing units/homes for seniors with varying levels of care and support needs. Jane is a graduate of the diploma nursing program from Georgian College, holds an undergraduate degree in nursing from York University, a Master of Nursing degree from the University of Toronto. In addition to those listed above, as a member of the County of Simcoe’s executive team, Jane’s portfolio has included management of the Library Co-operative, Museum, and Tourism Simcoe County. Jane provides leadership and strategic management across diverse departments in her current portfolio for Health and Emergency Services, which included the business and project management of a major $80M redevelopment of Georgian Manor in Penetanguishene, a long-term care and adult lifestyle campus. In 2014, Jane was appointed to the Ontario Association Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors (OAHNSS) Board as well as sitting as a Branch Council member with the Red Cross. Additionally, Jane has served on the Advantage Ontario Board for over a decade, appointed to various positions including Board Chair during this tenure. As a health care leader within the County of Simcoe, Jane is actively engaged in building new partnerships to support the evolving paradigm shift of our health care system that will provide excellent care for our residents. She is a collaborative leader who works directly with governing boards to implement strategic directions, including bringing together various staff and stakeholder interests, and recognizing the needs of health care recipients for the long-term benefit of the corporation and community.
Director of Seniors Services, County of Simcoe
Jackie Dusome is the Director of Seniors Services for the County of Simcoe, where she provides strategic leadership for a diverse portfolio of services that support older adults and communities across the region. Her responsibilities include oversight of licensed retirement residences, life lease and market rental housing, affordable and supportive housing, garden homes, adult day programs, commercial spaces located within campuses of care, and the County's Age-Friendly Strategy. With more than 35 years of experience in Ontario's seniors housing and retirement living sector, Jackie is recognized as a passionate advocate for seniors and a respected leader in operations, human resources, and community-based care. She is a Registered Nurse in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario and holds the designation of Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL). Throughout her career, Jackie has held progressive leadership roles, including General Manager, Regional Director, Director of Education, Director of Retirement Communities, and Vice President of Operations with All Seniors Care. Her extensive experience has provided her with a deep understanding of seniors housing, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, team development, and resident-centered care. Jackie has also made significant contributions to the advancement of the retirement living sector through her longstanding involvement with the Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA). She served for nine years as Vice President at Large on ORCA's Board of Directors, where she chaired the Operations Committee and acted as liaison with the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA). She continues to support the sector as a member of the ORCA Operations Committee. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Jackie has served on the Board of Directors for the Alzheimer's Society of Simcoe County, reflecting her ongoing commitment to supporting individuals living with dementia and their families. Jackie is deeply committed to enhancing the quality of life for seniors and creating innovative, inclusive, and sustainable housing and service solutions that empower older adults to age with dignity, independence, and purpose.
Director, Ambulatory Clinical Services; Baycrest Hospital
Jagger Smith is the administrative Director for Ambulatory Clinical Services at Baycrest Hospital. Jagger actively contributes to two Ontario Health Teams: North Toronto Ontario Health Team and North York Toronto Health Partners. Jagger leads specialist clinics, interprofessional outreach teams, and integrated care models serving patients in hospital, community, and long-term care. Jagger is a recognized innovator of care models, a thought-leader in health system transformation, and a published co-author of implementation evaluations in varied clinical domains.
CEO, Christie Gardens
Bio to come.
Administrator, Housing; Hellenic Home for the Aged Inc.
Marilyn Gitsidis has been a dedicated member of the Hellenic Home for the Aged team for 30 years, contributing to the organization's growth and its ongoing commitment to serving seniors primarily of Greek descent in the community. Marilyn brings a valuable understanding of the evolving needs of seniors and the importance of culturally responsive housing and care. She recognizes that providing seniors with a place to live is only part of the responsibility; creating a genuine sense of belonging, preserving cultural identity and ensuring tenants feel valued and respected are equally important. With a B.A. in Sociology and Criminology, Marilyn is passionate about the role that culture, community and meaningful relationships play in enhancing the lives of older adults and is proud to contribute to Hellenic Home's longstanding vision to be at the forefront of seniors’ changing needs.
Chief Executive Officer, Hellenic Home for the Aged
With over 25 years of leadership in seniors’ care, housing, and health services, Kosta Kostouros is a seasoned executive dedicated to advancing the well-being of older adults.As Chief Executive Officer, Hellenic Home for the Aged, he oversees multi-site operations including long-term care, independent living, and supporting housing, serving diverse communities across Toronto.He brings deep expertise in governance, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and culturally inclusive care.His leadership has guided major capital projects, quality improvement initiatives, and sector advocacy.With an Executive Master of Business Administration degree and a background in psychology and sociology, he combines operational excellence with a strong commitment to equity and public service.
CEO, Shalom Village
Marianne Klein is a senior healthcare leader and the Chief Executive Officer of Shalom Village in Hamilton, Ontario, with 20 years of experience dedicated to seniors services. Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for person and family directed care, recognizing collaboration as essential to delivering high quality, compassionate services for older adults and their familes. Marianne is known for bringing people together across disciplines to achieve shared goals, align governance and operations, and strengthen organizational culture. She has a keen and sustained interest in research, quality improvement, and risk management, and consistently applies evidence informed practices to enhance care, support staff, and ensure accountability and sustainability within care environments.
Director of Housing, St. Demetrius
Bio to come.
CEO, St. Demetrius
Bio to come.
Additional speakers and program details will be announced as they are confirmed.
Important Notice: Your registration fee entitles you to ONE telephone line/VOIP connection. Any additional connections from the same home or organization will incur an additional charge for the full registration fee.
To have multiple staff members participate, each staff member must either complete a separate registration form and pay the full fee or listen in from the same room (e.g., a conference room).
Privacy Statement: Registration information is collected to process registrations and payments for education events, correspond with registered delegates, notify participants about other AdvantAge Ontario programs and services and to publish delegate lists for event participants. If you do not wish to have your registration information used for these purposes, please contact education@advantageontario.ca. To access our privacy policy, click here.
Cancellations: Cancellations will be accepted up to five working days prior to the date of the program less a 15% administration fee that will apply regardless of the status of payment. Registrants who fail to attend the program or cancel after the deadline date shall be liable for the full fee. There is no charge for delegate substitutions. The AdvantAge Ontario Education Department reserves the right to cancel or reschedule this program.
