For Ashley Perry, an LPN shift supervisor at Parkland Saint John, care is about much more than medication and daily routines; it is about connection. Each shift begins with the morning report before Ashley checks in with residents, answers their questions, and helps them feel supported. After administering medication, she may lend a hand in the dining room, support her colleagues or spend one-on-one time listening to residents’ stories. No two days are exactly alike, but each offers another chance to make someone feel at home. 
 
That sense of belonging is also what makes the work so meaningful to Ashley. “I feel supported, appreciated, and recognized, and the bond that has been built with the residents’ families has made me feel full again,” she says. Over time, the residents have become like family, reminding her every day why she chose this path. 

Ashley especially looks forward to hearing about residents’ lives, the people they have known, the places they have been, and the memories they carry. One of her own favourite memories came after she returned from vacation. Residents could hardly wait to welcome her back, hear her stories and see her photos. It was a simple moment, but one that showed just how deeply those relationships had grown. 
 
Her inspiration for caring for others began with her nanny. Ashley believes her nanny is still guiding her and would be proud of the work she does. That connection continues to guide the compassion she brings to Parkland Saint John each day. 
 
“This place truly holds a special place in my heart,” Ashley says. “I truly love it here.”