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.

Jennifer Valliere

Exercise Therapist

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.

Joy Halverson

Exercise Trainer

With over 15 years of experience in fitness and wellness, Joy specializes in both group and one-on.one exercise programs tailored for seniors. She has a proven track record in clinical and community settings, delivering fitness classes and personalized training to residents of retirement homes across Ottawa.

As a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Joy has taught a wide variety of classes—from aqua fitness to indoor cycling—at major fitness centers including GoodLife and MOVATI. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, she remained committed to her clients, oering remote classes to keep seniors active and engaged.

Before fully transitioning into the fitness world, Joy spent over 25 years with the Canadian Federal Government as a Team Lead in IT. Now retired from that career, she brings the same dedication, structure, and care to every fitness session she leads. Whether it’s in the pool, in a group setting, or one-on-one, Joy is passionate about helping seniors stay strong, mobile, and independent through safe, eective, and enjoyable exercise.

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.

Mackenzie Smith

Cognitive Stimulation Therapist

Mackenzie brings a strong background in psychology, mental health, and person-centred care to the Self-Sufficient Seniors team. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Trent University, specializing in Forensics, along with a Post-Graduate Certificate in Addictions and Mental Health from Durham College.

Throughout her career, Mackenzie has supported adults with complex cognitive, behavioural, and mental health needs through community mental health, case management, and supportive housing programs. Her experience helping clients maintain their independence with activities of daily living, cognitive support, emotional well-being, and individualized care planning has provided her with a strong foundation for working with older adults experiencing memory loss and cognitive decline.

Mackenzie is passionate about helping seniors remain active, engaged, and independent for as long as possible. She believes in taking the time to truly understand each client's interests, abilities, and goals, creating meaningful one-on-one sessions that stimulate cognition, build confidence, and bring joy to everyday life.

Known for her calm, compassionate, and patient approach, Mackenzie builds trusting relationships with both clients and their families. She is dedicated to providing personalized support that promotes dignity, independence, and an enhanced quality of life.

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.

Nicole Desautels

Kinesiologist

Nicole is a Registered Kinesiologist and Registered Massage Therapist with a strong background in movement, rehabilitation, and wellness. She completed her Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology at Brock University before continuing her education at Humber College, where she graduated from the Massage Therapy program with Academic Honours and received the Student Research Award.

Through her clinical placements, Nicole gained experience working with a wide range of populations including individuals living with neurological conditions, chronic illness, mental health challenges, and those in long-term care. She has worked in leading healthcare settings including Sunnybrook Hospital, West Park Healthcare Centre’s stroke rehabilitation program, and SickKids Hospital.

Nicole is passionate about helping individuals maintain mobility, strength, and independence through personalized exercise and therapeutic care. Her compassionate and client-focused approach allows her to support seniors in staying active, confident, and engaged in their daily lives.

Taylor Schwartz

Cognitive Stimulation Therapist

Taylor brings over 10 years of experience supporting older adults living with dementia, cognitive impairment, and mental health challenges. She holds a Diploma in Recreation and Leisure Services from Algonquin College, along with a Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Recreation from Georgian College.

Throughout her career, Taylor has worked in long-term care, retirement living, and memory care settings, where she has developed and delivered individualized, evidence-based therapeutic programs focused on enhancing cognitive function, independence, and overall quality of life. She has completed hundreds of leisure assessments and believes that meaningful, person-centred activities are key to helping seniors maintain their abilities and continue enjoying the things that matter most to them.

Taylor is certified in Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA), palliative care, and dementia-specific programming. Her compassionate, patient, and engaging approach allows her to build trusting relationships with both clients and their families, creating a supportive environment where seniors feel valued, confident, and empowered.

Taylor is passionate about helping seniors remain as independent as possible while bringing joy, purpose, and meaningful connection to every session.

Toni Godding

Kinesiologist

Toni brings a strong foundation in Human Kinetics and rehabilitation to our team, holding a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics (Magna Cum Laude) from the University of Ottawa and a diploma in Occupational and Physiotherapy Assistant studies from Algonquin College. She has hands-on experience across diverse clinical settings—including hospitals, long-term care, and community programs—where she has supported clients of all ages with mobility, exercise, and rehabilitation.

Toni is passionate about promoting strength, independence, and overall well-being among older adults. She has a special interest in adaptive exercise and seniors’ fitness. With a compassionate and energetic approach, Toni ensures her clients feel supported and empowered at every step of the work.