JILL O'DONNELL, R.N., P.H.N., Cert. Social Service Admin., B.A.

Jill O'Donnell, the founder of Complete Geriatric Care (now Iris Consulting for Seniors), is well known as a pioneer in the field of gerontology and as an expert consultant on aging issues. She has worked extensively in community and institutional settings and has knowledge of both private and public sector resources. Her specific interest is in the treatment and housing of frail elders and those suffering from a cognitive impairment. She has been a presenter at regional and international conferences and has been featured in national newspapers, magazines, local radio and national TV.

Photo courtesy of Irene Borins Ash

DUNCAN BROWN

Duncan Brown, has had extensive experience dealing with the elderly, being a former Client Representative and Policy Analyst with the Ontario Public Guardian and Trustee. Duncan is very conversant with current legislation relating to management of personal and financial care for clients. As the Public Guardian and Trustee he provided options and solutions for individuals and the public. His expertise is in client services, advancing solutions and securing the appropriate resources for the provision of care on a continuing basis.

BRENDA CONWAY, M.A.

Brenda has worked in the public, not-for-profit and private sectors. She is formally trained in sociology, family life education, and in dispute resolution. Brenda has worked in geriatrics as a client representative and as an EAP community resource coordinator. She has been in management and project management in academic and health settings and a research consultant for the Ontario Ministry of Health. Brenda brings to Iris Consulting for Seniors a broad knowledge of aging and family issues and healthcare consumer issues, along with a passion for assisting seniors and their families navigate the transitions of the later years.

RONNIE RUSK, B.A., Cert. Gerontology.

Ronnie brings extensive experience working with older adults, their families, caregivers and service providers in the U.S.A. and Canada. Ronnie has focused her work on training of staff, caregivers and volunteers, developing programs for frail and cognitively impaired elders, and facilitating support projects for older adults living in the community. She was awarded a Commemorative Medal on the 124th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation for significant contribution to Canada for her advocacy work on behalf of seniors. Ronnie has worked in care facilities and in the community for the not-for-profit, private and government sectors.

LINDA DAVIDSON, BA, MHA, Certificate Gerontology,
Volunteer Management

Linda has worked in both the public and private sectors of health and wellness. For 12 years she was the Administrator of a 100 bed retirement home where she managed a staff of 45. She has presented at many local events on all aspects of eldercare. Linda brings a wealth of knowledge and hands on experience to IRIS: Consulting for Seniors Inc.

GAIL HOUSTON, RN, BA. MN

Gail Houston has had a lengthy career in health care, which has included clinical nursing, education and administration in psychiatry, mental health and gerontology. Mid career she worked with the Ontario Ministry of Health in an administrative capacity as a consultant in nursing and hospital administration. Since the mid 1990's her focus has been gerontological nursing. Gail's education background includes an RN, a BA in sociology, MN (masters in nursing) and a graduate diploma in Gerontology.

CAROL O'CONNELL, R.N. H.S.A.

Carol has a wealth of experience in eldercare. For many years she worked in Long Term Care and Chronic Care facilities. For fifteen years she was the head nurse and held a middle management position at a Religious Community Hospital for seniors. Most recently (the last ten years) Carol worked for a major Long Term Care provider as a Director of care for their facilities with over 200 beds and a staff of seventy. Carol brings to IRIS: Consulting her extensive knowledge of the Ministry of Health standards for Long Term Care and will be able to help families negotiate the maze when they have to choose a facility for their loved one.

LYNN ZIMMERMAN, MSW, RSW

Lynn has had extensive experience working with seniors living in the community and their families. She was an integral member of a multi-disciplinary team, at a major health science centre, composed of geriatric medicine, geriatric psychiatry, behaviour neurology, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and of course, social work. Always, the goal was to improve the health, function and quality of life for the senior and to provide support for the family and caregivers. For many years Lynn was a field instructor for the Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto. She has led or co-led many workshops, seminars, rounds and classes in a wide variety of settings. Her particular interests and expertise is in: 1) the assessment and care of persons with dementia and; 2) elder abuse.

JENNIFER ARONSON, BA (Psychology), MSW, RSW, Certificate in Therapeutic Family Mediation, Psychotherapist, Clinical Social Worker

Jennifer has a wealth of experience in working with older adults, their families, caregivers and service providers including Organizational Health Incorporated, Closing the Gap Healthcare Group and Circle of Care. She was the Social Worker with St. Michael’s Hospital Integrated Geriatric and Psychogeriatric Outreach Team, an inter-professional team consisting of a geriatrician, psychiatrists, clinical nurse specialists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, CCAC Care Coordinator, COTA Intensive Care Manager and of course, social worker. Jennifer provided comprehensive geriatric assessments, short-term counselling, advocacy and case management to patients and their families. Her particular interests are in dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, women’s health, consent and capacity, elder abuse and medical ethics.

Iris Consulting for Seniors Advisory Board

Iris is guided by a professional advisory board who keep us informed on the latest developments in the industry. To meet them click here.