Senior Symposium

Speakers and Presenters

• GrandPals Program

  Jenna Wickens is the co-ordinator of the Mature Minds program with Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County (CFSSC), which delivers the GrandPals Program in this region. The GrandPals Program is an intergenerational initiative that connects elementary school students with older adults (55+) through weekly conversations centered on storytelling. These interactions foster mutual understanding, combat ageism, and enhance social-emotional skills among students. By sharing life experiences, both generations build meaningful relationships that enrich their communities.

• Dementia Caring

  Tom Johnson is the Director of TrustWell Senior Care. He has over 15 years' experience in providing exceptional care for seniors. His pursuit of higher education in the field of senior care is a testament to his passion and commitment to being the best.

  Included among his accomplishments are a Bachelor of Arts, Masters of Science, and a Certificate in Gerontology. Tom is also a certified Consultant and Trainer in Positive Approach To Care (PAC) - a world renowned program aimed at providing appropriate care to people living with dementia.

• Fostering Connection: A community approach to support social engagement in Older Adults.

  Cindy Marshall is a Recreation Therapist with the North Simcoe Muskoka Specialized Geriatric Service. Originally from Midland and now raising her family in Victoria Harbour, she focuses on older adults staying connected to their communities through social connection and access to meaningful activity. 

  Georgina Megens joined North Simcoe Muskoka Specialized Geriatric Services in March 2025. Georgina joined as a Recreation Therapist to support the development of innovative programming to support Care Partner Respite in the community. With a recent move from Nova Scotia Georgina has over 10 years' experience as a CTRS working in Long Term Care, Rehabilitation and Mental Health.

• Accessing Support: An Introduction to the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program

  Sam Taylor is a Registered Social Worker employed with Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care for the past 5 years. She has been practicing Psychotherapy for the past 10 years in hospital and community settings as well as in private practice offering Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). She has obtained a degree in Psychology from Laurentian, a Social Work degree from Lakehead and a Masters of Social Work from Dalhousie University. She has been with the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program initially as a Clinical Consultant & Trainer and currently in the role as a Clinical Access Coordinator/CBT Therapist since 2020.

  Lauralee Joslin is a Registered Practical Nurse who has been employed with Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care for 11 years. For a majority of her time at Waypoint, she has worked clients with addictions and mental health illnesses. She has recently brought her experience to the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program to reach out to those who have submitted referrals to the program, to get them started on their journey for Psychotherapy. 

• Music Therapy Workshop

  Kelly Lefaive, a Musical Therapist, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), performer, and music educator will provide an overview of the role of Music Therapy and its impact on six health related domains and facilitate activities.  Music therapy helps people understand benefits of using music to reach physical health goals through music and movement experience. Kelly is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Master of Music Therapy program (2021). Kelly regularly performs French-Canadian and traditional fiddle music with family band Ariko. She has toured with various artists through Canada, Europe and the US. Highlights include a concert at Massey Hall with David Beckingham, performing at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre with Georgian Bay, and playing at the Mariposa Folk Festival and at Tiny's Community BBQ with Ariko. 

Update to Tiny's Local Aging Plan