Most of the work Optima Living General Managers do each day never appears in press releases or blog posts.
You see it instead in everyday moments: conversations with residents and families, a commitment to doing the right thing, and the ongoing effort to make sure people truly feel at home.
As General Manager of Deer Park Village in Red Deer, this has been Shelley’s focus for years.
It’s also why she was recently nominated for the Alberta Minister’s Seniors Service Awards, presented by the Government of Alberta and the Honourable Jason Nixon.
The award recognizes individuals, businesses, and organizations that make a meaningful difference in the lives of Alberta’s seniors.
For those who know Shelley, the nomination comes as no surprise. To her, however, it’s simply about showing up and doing what she loves.
“Just keep doing what you love,” she says. “If it doesn’t feel like work, you’re in the right place.”
Shelley’s dedication extends beyond Deer Park Village and touches seniors throughout the Red Deer community. She volunteers with the Golden Circle Seniors Resource Centre, the Rotary Club of Red Deer, and the Coordinated Community Response to Elder Abuse.
Caring for Alberta’s seniors isn’t just a role Shelley holds; it’s a value she lives every day.
And her story reflects what leadership looks like at Optima Living: creating spaces where dignity, respect, and belonging come first.
We’re proud to celebrate Shelley’s nomination and the positive impact she continues to make. If you see her around Deer Park Village, be sure to congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.
To learn more about the Alberta Minister’s Seniors Service Awards and view the full list of honourees, visit alberta.ca/ministers-seniors-service-awards.