This month we are profiling the staff team that work with the Make Yourself at Home Suite of Services. Please do not hesitate to contact the staff with your questions or concerns.

Sheila Schuelein - Program Manager
(responsible for overseeing program delivery, staffing and accountability to the GWSA Services Steering Committee)
519-837-5667
myahmanager@gmail.com

There is something wonderful about coming back home...

I was first introduced to the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association in 1998, when as a local Gerontologist and Trainer for the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging. I was invited to attend a community forum at the Evergreen Centre. The meeting was convened to discuss the possibility of offering volunteer-facilitated, in-home exercise to older adults who are unable to get to the Evergreen Centre programs. The Feeling Better Program was born that day, and I have been working with the GWSA, first as Program Co-odinator to develope the new Feeling Better service, and then in a variety of other part-time rolls to support GWSA programs and services.

You may have heard me speak of "my other life", which is my part-time position as VON Canada's National Seniors Wellness Projects Manager. Since 2002, I have been travelling to VON sites, helping other communities implement functional fitness programs that enbrace sucessful aging.

In 2005, I was excited to have the opportunity to promote a partnership between VON Canada and the GWSA which supported the development of the Feeling Better Too Group excercise classes. Through the VON network, GWSA's successful In-Home program model has been highlighted and confirmed as a leading practice. In-home volunteer-facilitated exercise is now available in an additional 18 communities across Canada!

My new role as the Make Yourself at Home Program Manager seems like a natural extension in a wonderful long-term relationship. I am excited to be part of this new GWSA adventure and to help create an innovative model for wellness promotion - very much needed in today's healthcare system.

I spend much of my free time with my MOM and consider the positive impact the Make Yoruself at Home Program could have on her (and on myself as a caregiver), enabling continued wellness and independence - she has become my personal benchmark for the quality development and implementation of GWSA's new suite of service.

It really is good to be back home...

Pat Gage - Services Co-ordinator
(responsible for responding to inquires in any of the Programs and directing callers to the correct resource)
519-837-5696
myahinfo@gmail.com

Pat comes to the Make Yourself at Home program from an administrative and financial background. She worked at Trent University for 22 years and has had various medical-related positions since moving to Guelph. Pat enjoys her curling, quilting, golfing, and has a special place in her heart for her two grandchildren, her 10 year old dog "Dolly" and her 11 year old cat "D'Arcy". Pat can be found in the MYAH office behind the Evergreen Centre Reception are. Don't hesitate to drop in and visit at any time.

Maryanne Wilford - Volunteer Manager
(responsible for overseeing the volunteer resources in the MYAH Program)
519-837-5665
myahvolunteer@gmail.com

I consider myself one of those lucky people who is employed doing what she loves. I started working with the GWSA in 2007 as the Program Co-ordinator with Seniors Offering Support and in September 2008 joined the MYAH team as Volunteer Manager. I also represent the GWSA on the Waterloo Wellington Community Services Network and the North Wellington Seniors Council.

My interest in socio-economic, health and housing related trends and issues face by adults as they age has spanned much of my academic and working career.

In 1986, I graduated with a Masters Degree from the University of Guelph with a research focus on the residential moves made by seniors in post -retirement.

In 1989, I began working with older adult volunteer when I worked as a Housing Consultant to volunteer Boards who were developing and managing social housing.

On a personal note, I live with my husband Jeff outside the tiny hamlet of Alma. We have two children - a daughter and a son. I am also very fortunate to still have my mum, who at 87 continues to live in her own home in Guelph and provides me with lessons, inspiration and strength for the challenges faced as one ages. In my spare time, I love spending active time outdoors in all seasons and my other passion is cooking and enjoying time in the company of family and friends.

Helga Thiessen - Feeling Better Program Co-ordinator
(responsible for the day to day delivery of the Feeling Better Programs)
519-822-1260 ext 2747
myahfeelingbetter@gmail.com

I come to the Feeling Better Program with a background in the field of physical fitness. (Phys. Ed./Psychology, B.A., post grad. Diploma in Gerontology). My focus and passion in life has been holistic wellness. In the past, I have enjoyed working with older adults in retirement and long-term care settings as well as the YMCA.

When I'm not encouraging individuals to "get active", I take that opportunity to cycle, urgan pole walk, garden and entertain!