Edmonton, AB – August 6, 2026 – Optima Living is proud to share that Allison Schindler, Regional Director, Memory Care, Lifestyles & Programs, has been named a recipient of WTWH Healthcare’s 2026 Memory Care Innovation Award in the Behavioural Health category.
The award recognizes leaders who have driven innovation and care for individuals experiencing dementia and similar conditions affecting memory and cognition, and is presented annually by WTWH Healthcare, the publisher of Senior Housing News. Schindler was honoured for her work developing and expanding Optima Living’s Spark program, a next-practice approach to brain health that supports individuals across the continuum of senior living and care.
Schindler’s career began more than 30 years ago as an Activity Aide in long-term care. That early experience laid the foundation for a career spanning operations, education, and program development, with a consistent focus on dementia care and support for residents and their families. Throughout her career, she has challenged teams to look beyond the diagnosis and focus on the person living with dementia, shaping programs that support dignity, connection, and quality of life.
In 2003, Schindler joined Optima Living and became a key champion of Spark, Optima Living’s person-centred framework to support residents’ cognitive health. In this role, Schindler has led the implementation of Optima’s Spark Memory Living and Spark Wellness programs across pilot communities, expanded person-centred vs task-centred dementia education and training, and identified opportunities to scale Spark’s impact across Optima’s continuum of living and care options.
“Allison’s contributions extend beyond innovation into true clinical and ethical leadership,” said Farid Damji, Co-Founder and Principal at Optima Living. “Under her guidance, Spark has achieved measurable improvements in resident engagement, quality of life, and reductions in responsive behaviours and antipsychotic use.”
Schindler’s recognition is a reflection of the growing impact of Spark across Optima Living’s 44 communities, and the work being done within the organization to advance dementia care. Through research-informed nutritional and activities programming, education, and day-to-day dementia care that focuses on supporting the joy and dignity of all residents, Schindler’s work continues to enhance the experiences of residents, families, and team members across Optima.
About Spark by Optima
Informed by Optima Living’s collaboration with the University of Alberta’s Department of Medicine and Dr. Adrian Wagg, Spark by Optima is a set of brain-healthy programs and services designed to enhance the lives of residents across the continuum of seniors living and care, from independent living to memory care. Rooted in compassion and informed by evidence, Spark supports physical wellness, cognitive stimulation, social engagement, and nutritional well-being through practical, adaptable programs that help individuals maintain connection, purpose, and quality of life.
About Optima Living
Founded in 2007 by two friends inspired by a love for seniors and their families’ dementia journeys, Optima Living was created to offer a more home-like experience in seniors housing and care.
What began as a personal mission has grown into one of Canada’s leading senior living and continuing care providers, offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, Supportive Living, Long-Term Care, Brain Health and Memory Care, including Optima’s own proprietary brain health and care model: Spark, Your Wellness, Your Way.
Today, we are the only Top 10 Canadian senior living and care provider focused exclusively on Western Canada, serving 5,000+ residents in Alberta and British Columbia.
Guided by our North Star, Let us welcome you home™, we are committed to People, Place, and Community. With resident-first philosophy, deep community ties, and a focus on innovation, we are shaping a future defined by integrity, dignity, and empathy.
At Optima Living, senior living is about thriving, not just residing. We’re defining aging with purpose by creating communities where residents live well with dignity, connection, and joy.
Discover how we are changing the landscape of senior living at http://optimaliving.ca/
Optima Living: Let us welcome you home™.
Contact:
Katie Matthews
Senior Manager, Communications
Optima Living
T: (236) 988-5883 | E: katie.matthews@optimaliving.ca
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