Dawn McKirdy
Waterdown
Summary
Strategic and results-driven Operations Leader with 20+ years of experience overseeing complex operations, leading high-performing teams, and delivering exceptional customer experiences within healthcare, senior living, and service-focused environments. Proven success managing daily operations, budgeting, strategic planning, staff development, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration while ensuring regulatory compliance and operational excellence.
Recognized for building strong relationships with clients, families, employees, and executive leadership through transparent communication and a collaborative leadership style. Experienced in managing budgets exceeding $100,000, coordinating large-scale programs and events, developing operational efficiencies, analyzing performance metrics, and implementing initiatives that improve service quality, employee engagement, and organizational performance.
A proactive and adaptable leader with strong business acumen, exceptional organizational skills, and a passion for building engaged teams, improving operational processes, and supporting organizational growth.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Therapeutic Recreationist
St. Joseph's Villa And Court
Dundas, ON
11.2025 - Current
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Recreation Manager / Operations Leadership
Meadowlands, a V!VA Retirement Community
Ancaster, ON
01.2003 - 10.2025
- Lead team of 6 staff and multiple volunteers, providing mentorship, training, and performance management
- Serve as Manager on Duty overseeing facility operations, emergency response, and safety protocols
- Plan and execute 240+ monthly programs serving 160+ residents, achieving 85% participation rates
- Coordinate cultural awareness and heritage programming
- Coordinated events with local partners including Ancaster Senior Achievement Centre and Canadian Warplane Museum
- Recruit educational guest speakers including Aviation Historian; Life Coach mentors; Mental Health professionals; learning and cultural enrichment providers
- Manage annual operating budget of $100,000+ identifying cost efficiencies while maintaining regulatory compliance
- Participate in annual strategic planning and budget development, consistently meeting established KPIs
- Led crisis communication during COVID-19, maintaining ~80% engagement through adapted programming and daily stakeholder updates
- Mentored junior team members in best practices for resident interaction and service excellence.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through resident feedback, driving improvements in lifestyle offerings.
- Regularly evaluated and adjusted service offerings to ensure alignment with evolving client needs, maintaining a high level of adaptability and responsiveness in the ever-changing world of retirement living.
- Coordinated exclusive events and experiences, creating memorable moments for clients and their guests.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by responding promptly to inquiries and resolving issues proactively.
- Led strategic planning initiatives to expand program offerings and improve participant satisfaction.
- Mentored team members, promoting professional development and enhancing overall team performance.
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring responsible expenditure aligned with organizational goals.
- Leveraged social media platforms effectively to enhance visibility of recreational programs, attracting new participants from the surrounding areas.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by developing and implementing innovative recreational programs and events.
- Effectively resolved customer complaints or concerns promptly, demonstrating commitment to providing exceptional service at all times.
- Fostered a positive work environment through effective communication and team building initiatives among staff members.
Culinary Service Manager /Recreation Program Coordinator
Meadowlands Retirement Community
Ancaster, ON
01.2003 - 03.2003
- Organized and introduced weekly planned menu, ordered food and supported onboarding of Dietary Servers
- Promoted to full-time Recreation Manager within 3 months based on demonstrated program impact
- Coordinated special events and community outreach serving 300 + participants annually
- Maintained documentation and conducted assessments supporting continuous quality improvement
Recreation & Culinary Services Coordinator
Victoria Retirement Community
Cobourg, ON
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Supported Culinary with the ordering of food and devloping weekly menus
- Developed and delivered recreation programs supporting community engagement
- Coordinated cross-departmental initiatives integrating multiple service areas
- facilitated shopping and other outings as per the needs of the residents
Education
Diploma - Recreation and Leisure Services
Sir Sandford Fleming College
Peterborough, ONDiploma - Business Marketing
Loyalist College
Belleville, ONSkills
- Leadership & Management: Staff and Volunteer Supervision
- Program Development: Strategic Planning
- Budget Administration
- Event Coordination & Project Planning
- Cultural Awareness Programming
- Health & Safety / Accessibility Planning
- Proficient with Technology
- Employee training, coaching, mentoring and development
- Trustworthy and honest
- KPI monitoring
- Outgoing and energetic
- Verbal and written communication
Certification
- High Five – Principles of Healthy Aging
- Standard First Aid & CPR Level C (Current)
- Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA)
- Ontario Driver's License, Class F
- Vulnerable Sector Check (Current)
- STEPS to Exercise
- STEPS to Better Balance
- Canfit Pro Older Adult Specialist
- WHMIS
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Welbi Hero Award (March 2023) – National recognition for innovation and measurable impact in recreation programming, Featured in Company Google reviews & testimonials for program quality and community-centered approach
Timeline
Therapeutic Recreationist
St. Joseph's Villa And Court
11.2025 - Current
Culinary Service Manager /Recreation Program Coordinator
Meadowlands Retirement Community
01.2003 - 03.2003
Recreation Manager / Operations Leadership
Meadowlands, a V!VA Retirement Community
01.2003 - 10.2025
Recreation & Culinary Services Coordinator
Victoria Retirement Community
01.2000 - 01.2002
Diploma - Business Marketing
Loyalist College
Diploma - Recreation and Leisure Services
Sir Sandford Fleming College