Laurie Snider knows the root of joy is gratefulness.

Patient with the elderly and friendly with coworkers, her attitude of gratitude fuels a joy that is contagious.

A personal support worker (PSW) at Helen Henderson Care Centre, she says with conviction, “I love my job. I’ve been doing it for almost 32 years.”

A recent graduate of the PSW program (she worked as a Residential Aide prior to receiving her PSW designation), Laurie is the home’s Employee of the Month for March 2016.

“I’m 55 years old,” she says with a laugh when asked her age. “I’m no spring chicken.”

Planning to retire from the home when she’s 65, Laurie relishes the time she spends with residents.

She describes the best part of her job as making someone smile or laugh.

“I’m not here just for the money,” she says with a chuckle.

Laurie talks about the health care provided in the home as some of the best in the world.

“The staff were absolutely fantastic with her,” she says gently about the year her mother lived in the nursing home.

“My family didn’t feel unwelcome. We felt like one big extended family. Staff actually care for the residents. I witnessed it personally when I had my mother here.”

Grateful for the time she spent with her mother before her mother’s death in 2010, Laurie was a natural choice for the home’s first Employee of the Month award.

“Laurie is a long-standing, dedicated, caring and compassionate care team member at Helen Henderson,” says Lisa Gibson, Administrator and Owner.

“Day-in and day-out, she puts residents’ needs first and is a true team player - often picking up overtime shifts or working late. She also advocates on behalf of the residents and her co-workers. Her opinion is always sought after and valued when looking at quality improvement initiatives. Laurie deserves to be our first employee of the month.”

Afflicted with a sore knee, the friendly PSW doesn’t let her health slow her down.

“This is my job and I’m responsible for my job,” she explains with enthusiasm.

“My work ethic makes me realize I need to be here when I’m supposed to be here.”