Our Team

Sagecare Perspectives: Our Team’s Journey in Care

Discover the experiences and insights of the dedicated staff at Sagecare as they share their personal stories, discuss the relationships they've built with residents, and reflect on the rewarding experience of being part of a compassionate and professional care team.

Leadership

Sharon Toor
CEO

RN, BScN (Hon), MSN

Sharon administers, coordinates, and directs all activities at 147 Elder Street, supports the team, and ensures continued excellence in care. She identifies residents needs and establishes new services as needed which keep us at the forefront of care for persons with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

She has held progressive positions since 2004 within Public Health, Occupational Health as a Health Services Manager in the food industry, and as Director of Care, Executive Director, and Regional Director within the Retirement Sector. Sharon is recognized for her clinical knowledge and leadership strengths.

Sharon has a Master’s degree in Nursing and was a Sigma Theta Tau nominee. She has built her career on advocating for client-centered care and currently is part of the Ontario Retirement Communities Association’s (ORCA) Operations Committee where she actively participates in setting industry benchmarks.

Melanie Lima-Ribeiro
Director of Care

BScN (Hon), RN

Melanie is a healthcare leader with progressive experience in clinical leadership positions within the Long Term Care, Retirement and ALC sectors. Melanie has always had a passion for seniors as her maternal grandparents played a vital role in her upbringing. Melanie lived with her grandparents until they passed.

At an early age, Melanie realized she enjoyed helping seniors, so at age 15 she started working part-time as a dietary aide in a Long Term Care Home in downtown Toronto. She immediately had a heart for the healthcare sector, especially the geriatrics populations, so she pursued nursing.

Melanie is passionate about resident- and family-centred care. Every individual is unique and their individual needs are unique. Melanie’s leadership skills allow her to build deep relationships with partners in the community and advocate for the well-being of those living with dementia.

Cindy Yack
Social Worker

BSW, RSW

Cindy is a Registered Social Worker who comes to us with a diverse professional background. She began her career working with children and their families before taking her career path in a different direction and switching to senior care. Cindy has worked with the Alzheimer Society of York Region supporting caregivers and their loved ones from a person centre framework. She has a strong understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias and knows there can still be happiness and positive memories made even after a diagnosis. Cindy looks forward to supporting the families and helping them create their own new memories.

Cindy is currently completing a diploma in concurrent disorders as she recognizes the needs to enhance her skills with the changing population. Her interest and education in geriatric psychotherapy will help her succeed in her role at Sagecare.

Cindy has a passion for animals and volunteers as a foster for rescue animals.

Navkiran Dhesi
Nurse Manager

BScN (Hon), RN

Navkiran has been a nurse for 11 years. She began working as an international RPN before graduating from York University with an Bachelors of Nursing (Honours). Navkiran has experience in Oncology, Surgery, and Emergency nursing. During her final clinical rotation at York, she gained exposure to the field of geriatrics and discovered a whole new passion. It was during this rotation that she saw the immense power nurses have to listen, care, and advocate for elders.

Navkiran joined the 147 Elder team as a Charge Nurse. Since then, owing to her exceptional clinical and leadership skills, she has been promoted to Nurse Supervisor and most recently to Nurse Manager.

Navkiran has made it her mission to ensure elders, particularly those experiencing cognitive changes, have the opportunity to age well, with grace and dignity.

Navkiran is an elocutionist. She is trained in Indian Classical Music and is a certified makeup and henna artist. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family.

Tai Ma
Business Manager

Tai transitioned to Sagecare from a corporate accounting role. He brings with him a passion for finding efficiencies in day-to-day processes while providing outstanding customer service. In Sagecare, Tai has found a place to fully realize his desire to improve the experience of elders and their families as they navigate changing cognitive abilities.

In his leisure time, Tai enjoys reading, cooking, and caring for his two cats and one fiancé.

Omega Julien - Thompson
Recreation Supervisor

B.A.

Omega is originally from Montreal and moved to Ontario in 2022. She worked as a Recreation Therapist and Team Leader, for Alzheimer’s Groupe Inc in Montreal. Omega holds a degree in Community Recreation and Leadership Training and in Therapeutic Recreation Specialization program from Concordia University. Omega has a great passion for working with the aging population and specifically individuals with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Her philosophy is to not focus on the individual diagnosis, but to treat them with respect and dignity. Omega enjoys implementing programs and activities that stimulate the individual physical, social and cognitive functions. Being in this field is extremely rewarding for her and her goal is enhanced the quality of life of our amazing residents

Healthcare Consultants

Pranay Chander
Family Physician

CCFP, ABFM

Dr. Chander’s approach to medicine is one of holistic care rooted firmly in the patient experience. He is committed to evidence-based medicine that makes preventive care a priority. This is of utmost importance in geriatrics and dementia care, where — along with medical pathology — psychological and social factors play a critical role in wellbeing.

Dr. Chander went to McMaster University for his undergraduate studies. He volunteered extensively at the dementia unit there, which motivated him to pursue medicine. He went onto Michigan State University for medical school, and then to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for his Family Medicine residency. Dr. Chander then worked as an attending physician at the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, where he was in charge of the Nursing Home Program, training student doctors in family medicine and care of the elderly.

Dr. Chander now has a comprehensive family practice in Brampton and he is the house physician for a number of retirement and group homes in the greater Toronto area. He sees residents at 147 Elder Street on a monthly basis and is available throughout the month for consulting.

Rebecca George
Nurse Practitioner

NP (Primary Health Care), BScN, MN

Rebecca George is a Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of extensive nursing experience all over North America. As a nurse practitioner she has worked in a wide variety of settings including a previous role as an attending nurse practitioner in two long term care homes caring for over 300 residents.

Rebecca is thrilled to be bringing NP services to retirement homes. Her specialty is in geriatrics, and palliative care. Rebecca is passionate about helping people live healthy, holistic, meaningful lives at every age.

Enhancing communication, and relationships between patient’s, families, and inter-professional teams is something Rebecca strives for. Rebecca truly enjoys being a nurse practitioner, and helping others.

In her free time you will find Rebecca enjoying the outdoors, cooking, or spending time with her family and friends.

Spiritual Consultant

Rabbi Shlomo Mandel
Spritual Advisor

MBA, Rabbinic Ordination from the Orthodox Union

Rabbi Shlomo Mandel is a noted educator and activist within the Toronto Jewish community. He received his Rabbinic Ordination from the Orthodox Union.

Rabbi Mandel has been the City Director of NCSY Toronto for the last four years. He was recently appointed Director of the Jewish Student Union for NCSY Canada, overseeing all of the organization’s public school programming and operations.