Baycrest

03/13/2026

It’s Nutrition Month, and today we are celebrating Michelle Freilich, Registered Dietitian, who has supported patients and families at Baycrest for more than 27 years. Michelle works across palliative care, complex continuing care and rehabilitation, where she plays a key role in helping patients maintain dignity, comfort and strength through individualized nutrition care.

Michelle enjoys collaborating with interprofessional teams to improve patient outcomes and building strong therapeutic relationships with families and colleagues along the way.

Colleagues and community members value her clinical expertise, collaborative approach and ability to guide delicate conversations with empathy and clarity. “My goal is always to ensure that nutrition care is not only clinically sound, but also deeply person-centered.”

🌎 Learn more about Baycrest Hospital and Apotex Centre, Jewish Home for the Aged by visiting https://www.baycrest.org/all-entities/hospital-long-term-care/

03/12/2026

How much protein do older adults need? Join us Thursday, March 19 at 11:00 a.m., in person or virtually, for a discussion led by Clarissa Chu and Xielle Zhang, U of T MPH: Nutrition and Dietetic Students.

📍 In person: Baycrest, Centre for Health Information, 3560 Bathurst St (Apotex first floor)
🌐 Virtual: Register on Zoom by visiting baycrest.org/healthtalks

Everyone is welcome. We’ll learn about why protein is especially important for people as they age and discuss how protein supports muscle maintenance, recovery and overall health in older adults.

Why attend?
✔️ Stay informed with current health topics
✔️ Get practical insight from health professionals
✔️ Connect with others focused on aging, caregiving and wellness

Register and learn more at https://www.baycrest.org/centre-for-health-information/health-talks/

Baycrest is a global leader in aging and brain health, delivering innovative care, research, and education to improve lives worldwide.

03/11/2026

It’s Music Therapy Awareness Month, today we’re celebrating the impact of our music therapists, who use the power of music to spark connection, comfort and joy across Baycrest. Gloria Lipski, Certified Music Therapist, Culture and Arts, was part of the team that created and performed an original song for Baycrest’s 100th anniversary — a tribute to the heart, health and home that defines our community — a personal highlight of hers. But her most meaningful moments happen every day in the quiet, powerful ways music helps residents reconnect with their sense of self.

“How wonderful it is to get to use music in my work — I love to sing!”

Music therapists collaborate closely with their Culture and Arts colleagues, united by a shared purpose: engaging residents and patients through the arts in ways that feel personal and meaningful.

Music therapy offers something unique. When communication changes or becomes difficult, music can still reach people — opening space for trust, autonomy and authentic expression.

🌎 Learn more about Arts and Culture at Baycrest by visiting https://www.baycrest.org/arts-and-culture/

03/09/2026

Even though International Women's Day was yesterday, we are continuing to spotlight inspiring women from across Baycrest.

Roxana Nagra, RN, MN, GNC(C), Clinical Manager, Ambulatory Services, is a collaborative, values-based leader whose 15-year journey at Baycrest has been shaped by empathy, mentorship and a commitment to care. Guided by strong female leaders before her, she now carries those lessons forward and leads with trust, inclusion and intention. Her work strengthens Adult Day Programs that reduce isolation, support independence and extend Baycrest’s impact into the community.

When asked, “What skill or mindset has helped you succeed?” Roxana shared, “Understanding my core values as a person, nurse and leader has been both a compass and an anchor in my decision-making. When my choices are grounded in those values, they are decisions I can stand behind with confidence. That clarity fosters authenticity and transparency. It also aligns with Baycrest’s ICARE values of Inclusion, Collaboration, Ambition, Respect and Excellence, reinforcing the importance of values-based leadership in everything we do.”

Thank you, Roxana, for your compassionate leadership and your commitment to creating connected, meaningful experiences for clients and families across our community.

🌎 Read all the stories and reflections on their work by visiting https://www.baycrest.org/news/celebrating-international-womens-day-at-baycrest/

03/09/2026

Even though International Women's Day was yesterday, we are continuing to spotlight inspiring women from across Baycrest.

Kiza Kozak, HBSc, MBA, PMP, CHE, CHIM, Vice-President, Corporate Digital Transformation, Baycrest Corporate Centre for Geriatric Care, shares that, “Innovation, digital transformation and technology play a critical role in advancing healthcare, and I am deeply passionate about contributing to this evolving landscape as a leader and a woman in STEM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Math). At Baycrest, and across the academic teaching hospitals where I have worked, I have been fortunate working alongside inspiring leaders – especially strong women leaders – whose support and collaboration continually energize and motivate me on a daily basis. Together, these experiences fuel my passion for leveraging digital solutions that strengthen patient and resident care, support clinical teams and streamline business operations so healthcare providers and staff across organizations can focus on delivering compassionate, excellent and high-quality care.”

Thank you, Kiza, for driving innovation and technology forward at Baycrest.

🌎 Read all the stories and reflections on their work by visiting https://www.baycrest.org/news/celebrating-international-womens-day-at-baycrest/

03/09/2026

Even though International Women's Day was yesterday, we are continuing to spotlight inspiring women from across Baycrest.

Melissa Turzanski, RN, MHSc, BScN, Executive Director, Residential Living, Apotex, Jewish Home for the Aged, is a courageous, values-driven leader known for her willingness to step into the unknown, embrace challenges and lead with purpose. Her work spans local and global environments, including her recent role supporting operations at The Aspen Tree in Thailand, an experience that strengthened her belief in growth through collaboration and cultural humility. Melissa’s leadership reflects resilience, curiosity and a deep commitment to the residents and teams she serves.

When asked, “What keeps you motivated on challenging days?” Melissa shared, “The residents at Baycrest Terraces keep me motivated on challenging days. One of my favourite things to do when I am particularly stressed is to spend some time at the Terraces' café. This is where I connect with residents, listen to their stories and laugh with them. The time spent puts things into perspective and grounds me in what matters. It's why I love what I do.”

Thank you, Melissa, for building strong, supportive communities for residents and teams alike across Baycrest.

🌎 Read all the stories and reflections on their work by visiting https://www.baycrest.org/news/celebrating-international-womens-day-at-baycrest/

03/08/2026

In honour of International Women's Day, we are spotlighting inspiring women from across Baycrest.

Cheryl Hanson, CFRE, Chief Campaign Officer, Baycrest Foundation, is a seasoned fundraising leader known for championing bold ideas, building meaningful partnerships and driving transformative campaigns. With experience leading major philanthropic initiatives across some of Canada’s most respected institutions, she brings strategic vision and personal purpose to her work. Her leadership at Baycrest is helping shape a campaign that aims to change the future of brain health and dementia care.

When asked, “What skill or mindset has helped you succeed?” Cheryl shared, “I care deeply about contributing to something bigger than myself, but I’ve also learned that you can’t pour from an empty cup. For me, balance matters. I’m ambitious and driven, and I love the challenge of big goals, but I also protect time for myself, whether that’s a workout, a hike, travel or simply unplugging with family and friends. The more grounded and energized I feel personally, the more effective and generous I can be professionally. It’s not either/or. It’s both.”

Thank you, Cheryl, for your leadership, vision and commitment to shaping a brighter future for all.

🌎 Read all the stories and reflections on their work by visiting https://www.baycrest.org/news/celebrating-international-womens-day-at-baycrest/

03/08/2026

In honour of International Women's Day, we are spotlighting inspiring women from across Baycrest.

Jean Lazarus, Vice President, Administration and Operations, Baycrest Academy for Research and Education, is a thoughtful and values-driven leader whose career at Baycrest spans clinical insight, operational expertise and a commitment to improving the client experience. Known for her collaborative approach and ability to bring diverse teams together, she has helped strengthen the systems, structures and people that support high-quality care and education across Baycrest.

When asked, “What do you wish workplaces better understood about women’s leadership?” Jean shared, “Research consistently shows that women leaders are just as effective as their male counterparts. In many cases, differences in leadership are not about capability, but about variations in approach, communication style or problem solving methods. As one author noted recently, ‘For organizations to perform well, we need both women and men operating in positions of power, bringing their unique strengths, talents and experiences’. (Dana Theus, inpowercoaching.com, 2024) This allows for diversity and ensures that organizations will thrive because they have the full spectrum of perspectives and leadership styles.”

Thank you, Jean, for fostering a culture of learning, collaboration and compassion across Baycrest.

🌎 Read all the stories and reflections on their work by visiting https://www.baycrest.org/news/celebrating-international-womens-day-at-baycrest/

03/08/2026

In honour of International Women's Day, we are spotlighting inspiring women from across Baycrest.

Abby Bezant, RN, BScN, MN, Director, Inpatient Services, Baycrest Hospital, is a values-driven leader known for her steadiness, empathy and commitment to strengthening teams. Throughout her career at Baycrest, she has helped foster a culture grounded in transparency, collaboration and compassion.

When asked, “What advice would you give to someone starting out today?” Abby shared, “Be curious and be courageous. Some of my biggest growth came when I said yes before I felt fully ready. Stretch moments and build confidence. Most importantly, choose work that matters to you. Purpose will carry you through the hard days.”

Thank you, Abby, for your leadership and dedication. Your work continues to strengthen a more human-centred Baycrest.

🌎 Read all the stories and reflections on their work by visiting https://www.baycrest.org/news/celebrating-international-womens-day-at-baycrest/

03/06/2026

🫶 Happy Employee Appreciation Day. Leaders from across the organization came together to celebrate our incredible staff. As team members arrived and wrapped up their days, they were greeted with warm smiles, sweet treats and cups of coffee, tea and hot chocolate served with gratitude.

At each of our appreciation booths, colourful banners displayed artwork created by our residents — a reminder that it’s not just leadership who appreciates our staff, our patients and residents feel it every day too.

To all of our amazing employees, thank you. Your compassion, dedication and commitment inspire us. Today and every day, we appreciate you.

🌎 At Baycrest, our work is guided by a clear vision: a world where every older person lives with purpose, fulfilment and dignity. Across care, senior living, research, education and global partnerships, our people come together to advance aging and brain health in meaningful, real-world ways. Want to join our exceptional teams? Learn more by visiting https://www.baycrest.org/careers-at-baycrest/

03/05/2026

This important Dementia 101 episode breaks down the basics of dementia and explores the touching experiences of someone supporting a loved one. Guest Alexandra Aguzzi, who cares for her mom Anna, shares candid insights into her life as a caregiver for someone living with dementia and reflects on moments throughout her and her mom’s journey.

Neuroscientist and clinical neurologist Dr. Valerie Sim, Associate Professor in the Division of Neurology at the University of Alberta, helps us make sense of several major dementia diseases, including those affecting Alex’s mother.

🎧 Tune in at defydementia.org, or anywhere you get your podcasts.

The Defy Dementia™ Podcast by Baycrest is hosted by Dr. Allison Sekuler and Jay Ingram.

03/03/2026

Celebrating Purim at Baycrest. Music, laughter and community filled the campus as residents, patients and staff marked the holiday together.

Costume parades brought energy into hallways and dining rooms, and residents gathered for hamantaschen baking, preparing this traditional Purim treat side by side.

At the Apotex Centre, Jewish Home for the Aged, residents shared a lively Purim shpiel ahead of the Megillah reading, bringing the story of Esther to life with creativity and heart.

Thank you to the staff and volunteers who helped make the celebration meaningful for residents, patients and families.