That’s why we create vibrant, supportive communities where seniors can live with purpose, dignity, and joy. Whether you’re a family member searching for peace of mind, a future resident seeking connection, or a partner looking to make a meaningful difference, you’re welcome here.
About Us
At Optima Living, we believe a home is more than just a place—it’s a feeling
Our Mission is Simple:
To support seniors in living meaningful lives. We do this by living our values every day-respect, dignity, teamwork, and doing the right thing are at the heart of everything we do. Our residents are at the center of every decision, and their families are always part of the journey.
We are a team of dedicated professionals passionate about senior living, and Optima Living is proud to be a trusted name across Western Canada. We are shaping a future where aging is celebrated, supported, and empowered.
Mission and Values
At Optima Living, everything we do begins with heart. Our mission and values—respect, dignity, teamwork, and doing the right thing—guide the way we care for residents and support their families.
Our Leadership
At Optima Living, our leadership is more than a team. It’s a shared commitment to creating communities where seniors thrive with dignity, respect, and joy. Guided by our North Star, “Let us welcome you home,” our leadership team embodies this ethos through a blend of experience, compassion, and innovation.
Ali Shivji
Principal, P.Eng, MBAAli Shivji
Ali is the former COO of AgeCare, with additional experience at the UK’s NHS and McKinsey’s International Health Care practice. He holds an MBA from INSEAD and advanced training in dementia and value-based healthcare. Ali serves on the boards of Calgary Economic Development and the Alberta Seniors and Community Housing Association, and as an appointee to Alberta Health’s Regional Advisory Council.
Farid Damji
Co-Founder and Principal, B.Sc., MHAFarid Damji
With over 25 years in senior roles across Optima Living, the Ministry of Health and Health Authorities, Farid has over two decades of strategic and operational experience in complex healthcare environments, including roles with the BC Ministry of Health, Vancouver Coastal Health, and various acute and community care settings. Guided by a passion for innovation and community well-being, he has served on the Aga Khan Council for Canada for 7 years and currently serves as the Chair of the Board for Generations Calgary, a non-profit society providing housing and long-term care to close to 200 residents. Farid holds a Master of Health Administration from the Faculty of Medicine at UBC and was an Adjunct Clinical Professor. He is the champion of Spark by Optima Living, developed in partnership with the University of Alberta to advance evidence-based brain health and dementia care.
Karim Kassam
Co-Founder and Principal, B.Comm, MBA, CPA, CAKarim Kassam
A values-driven leader with a B.Comm from the University of Alberta, MBA from Queen’s, and Executive Development from Harvard, Karim bridges operational excellence, governance, and innovation. He has held leadership roles with the Alberta Continuing Care Association, Generations Canada, BC Seniors Living Association, and BC Women’s Hospital Foundation. At Optima Living, he has overseen growth into one of Western Canada’s leading providers, embedding operational discipline through our strategic planning process, and driving innovation through initiatives such as Optima Intelligence.
Angela Grottoli
Chief Operating Officer, B.A., CLTCAngela Grottoli
Angela brings more than two decades of leadership experience in Canada’s seniors housing and long-term care sector. Prior to joining Optima Living, she spent nearly 15 years in senior executive roles with Chartwell Retirement Residences, one of Canada’s largest operators, where she oversaw operations, sales, real estate integration, and asset management. Her extensive background in operational growth, partner relations, and acquisitions has positioned her as a trusted leader in both day-to-day care delivery and large-scale organizational strategy. At Optima, Angela oversees operations across all communities, ensuring quality care, workforce stability, and resident-centred service delivery. She also contributes to sector advocacy as a member of the Board of Directors of the BC Care Providers Association, underscoring her commitment to advancing the industry as a whole.
Natalie Ku
Chief Financial Officer, B.B.A., CPA, CMANatalie Ku
Nat brings more than 20 years of finance, real estate, and operational leadership experience across Canada and the U.S., with prior roles as CFO, COO, VP Finance, and Controller. Before joining Optima Living, she held senior executive positions at BuildDirect Technologies (TSXV: BILD), where she led multiple financing and M&A transactions, drove restructuring and growth initiatives, and transformed underperforming teams into high-performing organizations. A Chartered Professional Accountant with a BBA from Simon Fraser University, Nat is widely recognized as a culture-focused leader who fosters top-performing, values-driven teams. At Optima, she oversees financial strategy and stewardship, aligning fiscal discipline with operational and care priorities, and ensuring financial strength is consistently directed toward growth, innovation, and resident-centred care.
Lauren MacLeod
Head of Legal, B.A., LLBLauren MacLeod
Lauren brings more than 15 years of legal and governance expertise in the senior living sector. Before joining Optima Living, she served as Vice President, Legal Services at both Revera Inc. and Cogir Senior Living, where she oversaw governance, compliance, risk management, and complex transactions across large national portfolios. She began her career as an Associate Lawyer at Goodmans LLP, specializing in corporate law and securities. At Optima, Lauren leads the legal, risk management and communications functions and plays a key role in strengthening governance, managing risk, and aligning legal strategy with operational priorities. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Development Studies from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Windsor.
Sharon Conway
Head of Human Resources, CPHR, SHRM-SCPSharon Conway
Sharon is a Senior Certified Human Resource Professional with more than 15 years of leadership experience in seniors’ housing, long-term care, and post-secondary education. She has led HR strategy across all facets of the function—from workforce planning and recruitment to performance management, compensation, and culture-building initiatives—always with a focus on transparency, responsiveness, and care. At Optima, Sharon oversees HR strategy with an emphasis on employee experience, recruitment, and retention, ensuring that Optima’s values-driven culture is embedded across all communities. Her leadership reflects a deep passion for building strong, supportive work environments where employees can thrive and deliver dignified, resident-centred care.