Dawn McKirdy
Waterdown
Summary
Accomplished recreation professional with 25+ years of progressive leadership in program development, staff supervision, and budget management. Recognized as Welbi Hero (March 2023) for innovation in recreation programming. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, develop policies, and build volunteer programs. Strong background in strategic planning, regulatory compliance, crisis management, and community engagement.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Culinary Service Manager /Recreation Program Coordinator
Meadowlands Retirement Community
01.2003 - Current
- 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
Lifestyle Manager
Meadowlands, a V!VA Retirement Community
01.2003 - Current
- 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 including Truth and Reconciliation Day, Remembrance Day commemorations, Black History Month, and cultural celebrations promoting community education and inclusivity
- 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.
Recreation & Culinary Services Coordinator
Victoria Retirement Community
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
Culinary Service Manager /Recreation Program Coordinator
Meadowlands Retirement Community
01.2003 - Current
Lifestyle Manager
Meadowlands, a V!VA Retirement Community
01.2003 - Current
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
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