About us

Karen Spanner-Lauzon

Founder

Karen graduated with honours from the University of Ottawa Human Kinetics undergraduate program and continued to pursue her passion at the University of New Brunswick where she received her Masters in Sports and Exercise Science. Her thesis focused on implementing physical health programs for vulnerable populations and measuring the physical and mental outcomes. This led her back into senior care upon returning to Ottawa. She continued her education and became a certified Cognitive Stimulation Therapist.

Since 2008, Karen has been working to upgrade the quality of life for seniors in the Ottawa area. Karen’s deep understanding of senior care needs and a passion for helping others lead her to establish Self-Sufficient Seniors in 2014. Since then, Karen has been providing innovative programs that are tailored specifically to the individual needs of her clients providing them with the independence seniors deserve.

Amii Holmes

Cognitive Stimulation Therapist

Amii holds her certificate in Recreation Therapy and is currently finishing her Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation. She has been working with the senior population since 2018 holding roles including Recreation Manager, Activity Aide and Inclusive Recreation Specialist. When Amii is not spending her time helping seniors, you can find her singing and playing her ukulele.

Ellen Davies

Exercise Therapist

Ellen graduated with Honours from the University of Ottawa with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. She has accumulated extensive clinical experience as a physiotherapy assistant, specializing in orthopaedic and pelvic health settings.

Transitioning to work with seniors, Ellen has worked at the Heart Institute and in long-term care homes, where she provides exercise classes and one-on-one sessions to residents.

Outside of work, Ellen enjoys hiking, going to the gym, and playing soccer.

Jennifer Valliere

Exercise Trainer

Pursing her passion for understanding how the mind and body work together, Jennifer completed her Bachelor of Human Kinetics with Honors at the University of Ottawa. She started her career working at the City of Ottawa as a Recreational Therapist Intern where she facilitated and implemented programs for people regaining their cognitive and physical skills following an acquired brain injury (ABI) or stroke. Following that, Jennifer worked as a physiotherapist assistant before delving into the senior’s health and wellness field as an Activities Coordinator where she implemented programs for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. In her personal time, Jennifer can be found baking, crocheting or swimming.

Kelvin Asabre

Exercise Therapist

Kelvin graduated with Honours from the University of Ottawa with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. He began his career in healthcare as an Athletic Therapist, specializing in working with competitive athletes. Transitioning into the geriatrics field, Kelvin became a Rehabilitation Assistant in long-term care homes. With several years of experience, he has provided group exercise classes and one-on-one strength-based programs.

Additionally, Kelvin is a highly accomplished soccer player. He played varsity soccer throughout his undergraduate career and went on to win multiple National Championships with the Gloucester Celtics men’s premier league team.

Marnie Bird

Cognitive Stimulation Therapist

Marnie brings experience in a myriad of domains surrounding the health and wellness of seniors. After completing her BA with a Major in Health Studies as well as a Disability and Physical Activity Certificate from Queens University, she continued her education in Ottawa being awarded her Therapeutic Recreation Graduate Certificate from Algonquin College. She has worked in many facets of seniors care including being an Activity Manager and Project Coordinator and has grown her knowledge base by successfully completing courses on behaviour management, mental health and wellness for residents, fall prevention and chair yoga.

Marnie is compassionate and enthusiastic in her personalized approach to seniors care giving her the ability to make meaningful connections with all of her clients.

Skylar Lentz

Exercise Trainer

Skylar graduated with honours from the University of Ottawa in Human Kinetics. He is also a certified and elite athletic trainer. Skylar has been working for many years in the health field. His personal experience as an elite athlete and wellness enthusiast drives his intention to facilitate and encourage others to seek their ideal physical, mental and emotional wellness.

He has experience working with a wide range of clients, from elite athletes to our aging population. He focuses his programs on wellness, functional fitness and strength training.

Skylar is dedicated to developing and implementing physical exercise programs to promote and maintain our client’s independence.