“I love listening to the stories of seniors’ lives…”
When you look to someone for advice—especially advice about a major life transition—you want to feel you can trust that expert.
That’s why we like to profile our senior living advisors as much as possible!
Get to know one of our newest advisors, the kind and caring Brenda Verch!
Amy (the CEO/founder of Tea & Toast) and I met for the first time a couple years ago to have coffee and so that she could tell me about her business. I was intrigued and impressed by her and Tea and Toast. Amy spoke with a passion about her business and her desire to help seniors. She was obviously very knowledgeable about the industry and her enthusiasm was infectious.
I wanted to know more and I think I knew after that first meeting that I would like to work for Tea and Toast. That opportunity presented itself recently when she posted a job listing for new senior living advisors.
Working with people is something I have always enjoyed. I recently went back to university to get a master’s degree. I graduated a few years ago with an MA in Counselling and Spirituality, and immediately opened a private counselling practice. I still work at this practice part-time. Prior to going back to school, I worked with seniors as a home support worker. I’ve also operated a home daycare and for many years I had the privilege of raising two wonderful children.
The best part of the job is the people. It’s the people at Tea and Toast, Amy and my co-workers, whom I am getting to know. It is the people who work in the retirement homes, who greet the residents by their name and with a friendly smile. And it is the people we help. I love listening to the stories of seniors’ lives. And I hope that in doing that, I can understand who they are and help them find the perfect place to live.
I have only been with Tea and Toast for a few short months, and in that time I have been familiarizing myself with the retirement home community in Ottawa. I have met a few clients and watched as their individual needs are considered, and every attempt is made to help them find a new place to live.
There is a lot of confusion and misunderstanding about the difference between “long-term care homes” and “retirement homes.” And there is still a stigma that “having to go into a home” means a loss of autonomy and independence—when in reality there is a wide variety of retirement homes that offer seniors the ability to maintain their independence, even if they require a little help!
I value my family and my friendships, and I believe that it is important to make time for people. I am compassionate and I am a good listener.
I volunteer in costuming, with a small theatre company, Lakeside Players.
Learn about Tea & Toast’s retirement living search service! We can find the perfect home for you or your loved one. Contact us today at info@teaandtoast.ca or 613-698-1319.
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