1. Professional Background & Role

What is your role at Bolivar Creek, and when did you start? I’m honoured to serve as the General Manager at Bolivar Creek Retirement Residence. I joined the team in 2025, bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience in hospitality and senior living. My goal is to blend professional excellence with personal passion to create a warm, vibrant community where residents truly feel at home. What inspired you to work in senior living?  I’m most fulfilled when building communities where people feel cared for, connected, and supported. Transitioning from hospitality into senior living was a natural evolution of that people-first philosophy. Here, I get to combine my operational experience with my heart for service, making a real difference in the lives of older adults and their families.  

2. Personal Connection & Values 

What’s one thing residents might be surprised to learn about you?  People are often surprised to discover just how many passions I’ve explored. I’m a lifelong musician who plays bass and drums, and I’ve also worked behind the scenes in sound, video, and studio production. What values guide your work with seniors?  I believe in creating vibrant, inclusive environments where residents feel empowered, supported, and truly at home. My approach is hands-on and heart-led, balancing business acumen with a genuine passion for enhancing the lives of others.  

3. Fun & Personality 

What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?  Cycling, golfing, or spending time with my family: wife Kerstin, son Tristan, daughter-in-law Chelsey, and granddaughter Juniper, my spark and daily inspiration. I’m also a devoted dog dad to Onyx, my furry kid and constant companion.

1. Professional Background & Role

What is your role at Bolivar Creek, and when did you start? Office Manager, started in July 2024. What inspired you to work in senior living? Growing up with my grandparents taught me the value of care, respect, and connection. It gave me a strong sense of purpose to support and give back to seniors, just like I did with my grandparents. What do you enjoy most about your job? I enjoy how unpredictable it can be—every day brings new, meaningful, and often fun encounters with the residents.  

2. Personal Connection & Values

What’s one thing residents might be surprised to learn about you? Residents might be surprised to learn that I'm a huge animal lover—I once had five Pomeranians and a little farm of guinea pigs. It was a full house, and loved every minute of it! What values guide your work with seniors? Communication, empathy, and patience are the core values that guide me. I believe in really listening, understanding each person’s needs, and creating a space where they feel respected and cared for. Can you share a memorable moment you’ve had with a resident? A memorable moment was when a resident’s family personally thanked me for making their brother’s stay so special. He loved participating in all the activities I facilitated, and knowing I played a part in bringing him joy and comfort meant a lot to me. His sister even shared that he would intentionally reschedule his days to ensure he could attend the recreational activities as a way to show his support and appreciation for what I do.  

3. Fun & Personality

If you could have any superpower at work, what would it be? I’d have a superpower hug—one big, magical hug that instantly makes everyone feel better, comforted, and cared for. What’s your favourite way to spend a day off? I love spending my day off outdoors—whether it’s hiking, relaxing by the lake, or paddleboarding. Being in nature really helps me recharge. What’s your go-to comfort food or favourite local spot? Ramen and sushi rolls.  

4. Community & Diversity

What does community mean to you? To me, community means creating a caring and supportive space where seniors feel connected, respected, and truly at home. It’s about building relationships that bring comfort and joy, so everyone feels valued and included every day. How do you help make our community welcoming to everyone? Offering my big smile every day—it’s amazing how a friendly smile can brighten someone’s day and make them feel at home. What languages or cultural traditions are part of your background? I grew up with the caring and friendly values of Filipino culture while embracing the diversity and openness of Canadian life.

1. Professional Background & Role

What is your role at Bolivar Creek? I’m proud to serve as the Sales and Event Manager at Bolivar Creek, our vibrant independent living retirement residence. I joined the team in May 2025, and I truly love my job — working with seniors has been such a rewarding and inspiring part of my life. What inspired you to work in senior living?  I’m passionate about helping older adults feel right at home, and I believe everyone deserves to feel safe, happy, and connected in their golden years. What do you enjoy most about your job? Building real relationships with our residents and their families, hearing their incredible life stories, and watching them thrive.  

2. Personal Connection & Values 

What’s one thing residents might be surprised to learn about you?  Residents are often surprised to learn that I love being a problem solver — I am always looking for solutions, finding ways to make things better, and encouraging everyone so that they feel supported and uplifted every day. What values guide your work with seniors?  Kindness, respect, and empathy guide everything I do — I treat each resident like family.  

3. Fun & Personality 

If you could have any superpower at work, what would it be?  If I could have any superpower, it would be to instantly remember everyone’s favourite things — from their favourite flowers to how they like their tea — so every interaction feels thoughtful and personal. What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?  On my days off, you’ll usually find me relaxing with my family, visiting farmers markets, or enjoying food at my favourite local spot.  

4. Community & Diversity 

What does community mean to you?  To me, community means belonging, celebrating life together, and making sure everyone feels welcome and included. With my diverse background and love for different cultures, I’m always excited to learn about our residents’ traditions and help make Bolivar Creek feel like home for everyone.

Taura Mackenzie, Food Services Manager, is a red seal chef and has been cooking since she was a child.  She began her culinary career in hotels, apprenticing at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.  She went on to the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, fine dining restaurants in North and West Vancouver, and then owned a small retail shop and restaurant in North Vancouver.  Taura began working as Executive Chef or Food Services manager in seniors living in the early 2000's at Chartwell, PARC, and Amica where I worked with General Manager Brian Browne, and once again at Park Place at Bolivar Creek.  My hobbies include cooking, gardening, exercise and NFL football.