Top 10 Directors of Care in Canada - 2026

Elizabeth Cooper is a Director of Care with 25 years of nursing experience in long-term care. Born and raised in Wikwemikong, she combines clinical experience, First Nations cultural knowledge and a coaching leadership approach to support residents, staff and community.

Jason Zimmer is Director of Care at Sienna Senior Living, where he leads clinical care in a long-term care setting shaped by regulatory expectations and resident needs. A registered nurse by profession, his career has progressed through frontline nursing, patient flow coordination and care leadership. His professional path shows a focus on practical clinical judgment supported by firsthand operational experience.

Elizabeth Archer is Director of Care at Chartwell Retirement Residences, where she oversees nursing care in a retirement community that is based on consistent nursing standards and resident-centered decision-making. A registered nurse with graduate education in progress, her career reflects a sustained commitment to clinical leadership, lifelong learning and respectful relationships that support both residents and care teams.

Kristina Schelhaas works in nursing leadership at Southbridge Care Homes, based in Munillo, Ontario, where resident life sits at the centre of her work. A Lakehead University graduate, she takes an active interest in community events and sector recruitment, connecting care standards with the everyday experience of residents and their families.

Cheryl Nieckarz is a senior healthcare executive and registered nurse with 13 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations, clinical excellence and quality improvement. A University of Manitoba graduate, she oversees nursing operations, workforce planning and regulatory compliance as a Director of Care and is known for building high-performing teams.

Nura Barre works in senior leadership at SE Health, where she serves as Director of Care at Millrise Seniors Village in Calgary. With more than 20 years across acute care, long-term care and complex clinical settings, the British University in Dubai graduate is recognised for leading accreditation processes, regulatory compliance and system-level improvements.

Timmy Thampy is a Registered Nurse and Care Manager at AgeCare in Williams Lake, British Columbia, with 12 years of experience spanning geriatric, supportive living, dementia care and long-term care. Registered with BCCNM and a member of the United Nurses of Alberta, Thampy has managed care teams in both Alberta and Ontario.

Eloisa Chico is Regional Clinical Manager for Ontario at Shannex, working from Ajax. A Registered Nurse with a broad career in healthcare, she has focused on leadership, care quality and infection prevention, and is known for supporting clinical teams to deliver safe, high-quality care across the province.

Leanne O'Neill brings more than 12 years of progressive leadership in healthcare to Northern Health in Quesnel, British Columbia, where she leads teams across acute care, community health, primary care, mental health and maternity. A University of Liverpool graduate with a master's in organisational and business psychology, she focuses on leadership development and rural care.

Katherine Reynolds is Director of Care at Omni Quality Living in Carleton Place, Ontario, and a Registered Nurse with 18 years of experience. A University of Ottawa graduate, she has worked across public health, case management, perioperative and critical care nursing, immunisation, infectious disease and harm reduction.