Shelley Bender is a quiet and steady presence in a sometimes loud and busy home.

A registered nurse with a passion for health care, Shelley is the Director of Care at Carveth Care Centre, an accredited retirement lodge and long-term care home in Gananoque.

Known for her intelligence and sense of humour, Shelley has worked at the home for 32 years.

She describes her duties as staffing, regulations and compliance.

“I like interacting with the residents and knowing that family members are happy with the care we are providing their loved ones,” she replies when asked what she likes about her job.

Speaking on behalf of the home, Administrator Brett Gibson notes, “Shelley is the one-person I bounce everything off of, whether it is life or work. She started as the Director of Care the same year I became Administrator. Since then, we have formed a relationship where we can finish each other’s sentences. I am thankful every day that we have Shelley on our nursing team. She is usually the first person to arrive at work and the last person to leave. She never looks for praise. As the Director of Care, she sets an example of professionalism.”

Pleased with the feedback, Shelley looks thoughtful when asked what is important in life.

“I just hope I can make a difference,” she says kindly.

Carveth Care Centre is grateful for the leadership and dedication of Shelley Bender.