Left to right Lindsay Martinek Ashley Verduyn Trixie Williams Lindsay Tarvit
At Providence Healthcare, every day brings meaningful moments that inspire us. In this candid Q&A, our dedicated leaders reflect on what makes Providence unique—and share their vision for a future shaped by compassionate, personalized care.
Lindsay Martinek, Senior Clinical Program Director, Unity Health Toronto
Q: Can you share a memorable experience you had at Providence that had a lasting impact on you?
A: I will always remember the joyful, proud smile of a patient standing for the first time after months of being bedridden. Moments like that stay with you forever. There’s nothing more inspiring than seeing patients reach their rehabilitation goals—taking their first brave steps, dressing independently, or simply sitting up after a long time. Watching them reclaim their freedom, dignity, and confidence is a powerful reminder of the strength within each person.
Ashley Verduyn, Vice-President of Medical Affairs and Chief of Providence Healthcare
Q: What excites you most about the future of Providence Healthcare?
A: I’m excited to partner with donors to help transform our spaces into innovative, technology-enabled environments that maximize our patients’ rehabilitation potential. I look forward to seeing our research programs grow and make an even greater impact on the lives of older adults. I’m also hopeful for Providence’s continued integration into our community, supporting older adults in aging safely and independently in their own homes.
Q: How do you practice self-care and manage stress, especially given the demands of working in healthcare?
A: Healthcare is a challenging, yet uplifting and deeply rewarding environment. Whether you're on the frontlines or in a leadership role, the stress can at times be overwhelming. Managing this stress through activities that help you rest and recharge is essential to preventing burnout.
I try to get out of the office during the day to change the pace and scenery. When I feel overwhelmed by the tasks at hand, I pull up a mindfulness app on my phone and take five minutes to do some restorative breathing exercises. This usually helps me refocus.
I do my best to leave work at work and dedicate my evenings to my family and my wellness. Exercise and time with friends help me de-stress, as does watching my kids take part in the sports and activities they love.
Q: What message would you like to share with our donor community about the impact of their support?
A: So many of the extraordinary, creative, and innovative things we do at Providence are a direct result of generous donor support. I think there’s a common misconception that the government funds everything related to healthcare. In reality, much of what we do, especially the work that pushes boundaries, is made possible through Foundation support.
For example, we’ve created a role dedicated to helping equity-deserving and precariously housed populations navigate the complex healthcare system and gain equal access to care. We also have a fund that provides equipment and transportation support for patients who are struggling financially and are ready to leave the hospital.
There are so many phenomenal opportunities to support what matters most to you, which makes every donation even more meaningful. The partnership between the hospital and donors who often give in honour of a loved one is truly special. It benefits everyone and drives us to do better for those we care for.
Trixie Williams, R.N., Vice President, Clinical-Rehabilitation, Transitions and Pharmacy, Unity Health Toronto
Q: What makes Providence Healthcare special to you, and what sets it apart from other healthcare organizations?
A: As I reflect on my time at Unity Health Toronto—Post-Acute Portfolio, and specifically at the Providence Healthcare site, I’m filled with excitement about the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of this incredible organization alongside our dedicated staff and generous donor community.
Providence has long been recognized for its compassionate, person-centred care, and the future holds even greater promise to build on that legacy. I’m especially inspired by the opportunity to transform our care environments and invest in innovations that enhance the quality of life for those we serve. Whether it’s reimagining existing spaces, expanding access to rehabilitation services, or advancing support for aging with dignity, there is so much we can achieve together.
I look forward to deepening our collaboration with staff, physicians, volunteers, and donors who share this vision. The collective support of our teams enables us to not only elevate care today but also to build a future where every person experiences the serenity, comfort, and excellence they deserve.Thank you to this amazing community for being a vital part of this journey.
Lindsay Tarvit, Director, Development, Providence Healthcare Foundation
Q: What aspect of your job brings you the most joy?
A: I have the pleasure of reconnecting our donor and volunteer community with Providence and the incredible place it continues to be. I get to meet so many people who truly bring this place to life. Seeing the passion people have for this organization brings me the greatest joy!
Q: What makes Providence Healthcare special to you, and how does it stand out from other places?
A: When I was interviewing for my role at the Foundation, I was given a tour of Providence that showcased the incredible spaces available to patients. One of these was the Toyota Canada Motor Skills Clinic—I had no idea something like that even existed! It’s an amazing resource that helps patients learn and build the everyday skills they'll need once they return home. Opportunities like that, along with programs such as the Adult Day Program—a social club geared towards individuals with moderate to severe dementia—truly set Providence apart by emphasizing personalized, compassionate care.
Q: What are you most excited about when it comes to the future of Providence Healthcare?
A: I’m most excited to contribute, through donor engagement, to the plans and processes that can reshape how we view aging. In the coming decades, a significant portion of our population will be considered senior citizens. How can the work we’re doing today help empower people to live well in their later years? That’s the future I’m proud to help build.
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