It's all about family at Specialty Care. As a family-owned and operated organization, we understand the importance of family and this translates into a professional commitment to making residents and their families feel right at home. So, it is with great pleasure that we introduce the members of our family -— both those who are active in the company's management, and those who support us behind the scenes.

A.J. Jourdain, Founder

A.J. continues to keep the vision of this progressive family company strong and focused, as he has since founding the company in 1977.

Paula Jourdain, CEO

Paula has been with Specialty Care for over 20 years, and has led the transformation of the company from four small rural homes to a vibrant organization with both 14 'communities of caring' and an active consulting practice. Paula uses her extensive experience in long term care management, facility development, government relations and financial management, combined with her MSW and MBA education, to bring dynamic leadership to the company. She maintains high standards for services by building a team of innovative, talented and caring staff. She encourages the Specialty Care team to work together with residents and families towards the company mission of Creating Communities of Caring. Paula has served as President of the Ontario Residential Care Association and was a member of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's capital design and funding committee, responsible for the new design standards in long term care centres. As CEO, Paula concentrates most of her time on long range planning and new corporate initiatives.

Ray Jourdain, Executive Vice President of Building Development

Ray joined Specialty Care in 1992, during the construction phase of Trillium Ridge in Kingston. He stayed on after construction as Administrator at several homes. As Executive Vice President of Building Development, he is now responsible for all Specialty Care construction and development activities, and the ongoing property management of the existing residences. In addition to developing new properties on budget and on schedule, Ray has introduced state-of-the-art safety, security and communication systems as well as energy management systems, to ensure Specialty Care and Specialty Living Retirement Communities can meet the changing needs of residents. Prior to joining Specialty Care, Ray had over 10 years of extensive building and development, property management and operational maintenance experience with two of the leading residential and commercial development companies in Toronto.

Ann Jourdain Matthews, Design Consultant

A driving force behind the home-like atmosphere of all Specialty Care homes, Ann ensures that the overall interior design, decorating and furnishings give our residences an inviting look and feel throughout. As Design Consultant for Specialty Care, she has been the senior designer on numerous projects for both new and renovated projects in the profit and not-for-profit sectors. Ann combines a health-care background with formal design education, and successfully integrates design concepts that are comfortable, home-like and efficient, while promoting safety, wellness and independence for residents.