Our People and Pets | Eden Gardens

Our Care Partners

Ashleigh Wasner, Executive Director

Ashleigh brings to Eden Gardens a long history in leadership and management, most recently running a care home for residents living with brain injuries. Her skills as a Psychiatric Nurse will provide some new perspectives to Eden Gardens residents and staff. Ashleigh is sure to become an integral part of the day to day operation while overseeing the roles of the nursing and care staff here at Eden Gardens. Priding herself on her ability to build relationships with staff, elders and their families, Ashleigh will definitely help to bring teamwork and gratitude to the forefront while enjoying a growing, evolving and dynamic work and living environment.

Tami Mathison, Director of Care

Tami has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, with 15 years experience. Tami has had the privilege of working in a specialized field where she can directly contribute to improving quality of life and care. Tami is passionate about helping families navigate healthcare challenges and providing compassionate care to the elderly. In her spare time, Tami enjoys hiking, kayaking, gardening and quality time with her friends.

Cindy Kaufmann, Recruitment and Orientation Coordinator

Originally from Regina, Saskatchewan Cindy was attracted to Eden Gardens as soon as she moved to the island. She has always had a passion for people and having the opportunity to work in an environment where “WE CARE” is so important has given her the chance to grow and support the values of the organization. Cindy recently completed both her Human Resource Certificate and Eden Alternative ™ Philosophy of Care certificates. As a Human Resource Manager, she is excited to work collaboratively with employees to enhance the overall wellness of the workplace.

Beth Waller, Support Services Manager

Leah Hepner, Scheduling and Payroll Manager

Leah is a Certified Payroll Compliance Professional, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role at Eden Gardens. Before beginning her journey here, she was a self-employed “jack-of-all-trades,” expanding beyond payroll and into business, health and safety, scheduling and sales, and much more. Leah enjoys getting out of the office when she can, and assisting with activities for our elders – especially at Halloween! Outside of work, Leah keeps up her energy by spending time with her children, puzzling, and making homemade chocolate.

Sarah Willson, Human Resources Administrator

Sarah has an undergraduate degree in Psychology, and various other certifications including Community Mental Health and Advanced Investigation Techniques. Prior to her employment with Eden Gardens, she worked mainly in mental health and brain injury. She has found great value in the many learning opportunities at Eden Gardens, and also loves organizing fun events and challenges whenever she gets the chance! In her spare time, Sarah enjoys hiking, kayaking, and spending time with her kitties.

Carol Scott, Finance and Accounts Manager

Prior to joining NTLS/Eden Gardens, I spent 20 years in banking, which laid the foundation for my financial background. After leaving the bank, I continued my education by taking accounting and bookkeeping courses, ultimately leading me to work in Long-Term Care.

I have just started my 19th year with Nanaimo Travellers Lodge Society aka Eden Gardens and I have always worked in some kind of finance/accounting capacity while at Eden Gardens. Working at Eden Gardens I have been able to participate in many educational sessions to learn how to brighten the days of our precious seniors who live in care. Becoming an Eden Certified Associate was probably the best education I could ever have accomplished learning how the smallest things bring such joy to people who now live in care. I know that my younger self would never have anticipated that as an adult I would ever have a bunny or cat sleep on desk, or watch as a piglet with high happy energy bring happiness and laughter to everyone he visited with. I enjoy the role of Community Ambassador for Balsam first floor care partners, elders and our four-legged residents. There are few things better than seeing how a few moments with one of our cats or visiting dog can bring joy to an elder’s day.

I like to take time out to work on home improvement projects creating a cozy home for me, my husband and the ruler of our home Gracie Mae – the one with the tail! I love to paint and draw (well to be perfectly honest it’s more like doodling) Gracie Mae has been the subject of many painting projects and of course the odd drawing one.

I have had such a rich and rewarding career, blending financial expertise with a deep passion for improving the lives of seniors. My journey from banking to long-term care and eventually coming at Eden Gardens is truly inspiring. The connection I have made between my financial background and the personal connections with elders, care staff, family members and volunteers, has had a meaningful impact on me.

Our Board of Directors

Our organization is governed by a volunteer board of directors. These directors are members of our community who emulate our values and support our mission with passion. Each is touched by their own experience, some with loved ones living with dementia and are motivated to give back to the community and promote improvements to this industry. Please email boardofdirectors@edengardens.ca to get in touch with them

Our Pets

Pets offer affection, unconditional love and help to ease depression and loneliness. We have pets that live full time at Eden Gardens and encourage visitors to bring their furry friends along. Our residents are engaged with spontaneous opportunities to interact with pets, as they may have in the past, and we enable them to do so in a safe, supported environment. Some of our neighborhoods have cats, fish and/or birds. Research shows that people who regularly interact with animals have lower blood pressure and have 21 percent fewer visits to the doctor.

Our resident cats are always looking for cozy cuddles
Colourful fish in several neighborhoods are a great source of entertainment and pleasure
Well-behaved and adorable dogs keep residents calm and happy
Finches are a cheerful addition with their sweet chirps
Suet feeders to attract wild birds are outside all residents’ rooms

We encourage visitors to bring their well-behaved, vaccinated dogs into our home. Please read our policy to ensure everyone, including your beloved pet, has a positive experience.