Shelly Melnyk
Thornton,ON
Summary
With over two decades of experience in strategic implementation and management within not-for-profit and community environments, I am the Chief Operating Officer for the Alzheimer Society of Peel. Certified as a Gerontological Specialist (NAPG), PROSCI Certified Change Practitioner, and LEAN Six Sigma Black Belt, I am a creative, driven, and empathetic leader. My commitment is to empower individuals and their care partners by providing autonomy, information, education, advocacy, and access to essential services and programs while upholding their privacy and dignity. Passionate about cultural sensitivity and quality of life, I have a demonstrated ability to champion these crucial issues.
I am results-driven with a solid background in student placements. Proven track record of successful partnerships with educational institutions and companies, enhancing students' career opportunities. Demonstrated ability to manage placement processes and foster valuable industry relationships.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Accreditation Surveyor
CARF International
10.2024 - Current
- International Aging Services
- As the cornerstone of the organization’s peer review accreditation process, promote CARF’s mission, vision, values, goals, and objectives by conducting on-site reviews of health and human service organizations. In applying standards from the respective CARF standards manual, interview personnel, persons served, and other stakeholders; observe organizational processes and service delivery; and review documents, including records of persons served, plans, policies, and procedures to determine conformance to the standards.
- Offer consultation to the organization regarding conformance to the standards and performance improvement.
- Present survey findings to the organization and submit a comprehensive report to CARF for final determination of the accreditation outcome.
Chief Operating Officer
Alzheimer Society Peel
04.2024 - Current
- $24 million budget, 150+ employees. Provided strategic implementation and operational management. Created and implemented programs, services and processes. Drove continuous improvement through innovation, Developed and delivered training and education in HR, Risk, Health & Safety, processes, and change. Fostered collaboration with healthcare professionals, community partners, and stakeholders. Facilitated communications supporting culture transformation and advisory panels for persons with lived experience.
- Mentored team members by sharing knowledge, offering guidance, and providing constructive feedback; fostering a culture of continuous learning and development within the organization.
- Guided teams through periods of significant change by providing clear communication and decisive leadership during transitions.
- Streamlined the placement process for increased efficiency by maintaining accurate records of students'' progress and achievements.
- Promoted a positive corporate culture by implementing student and employee engagement programs that recognized achievement and fostered collaboration among teams.
- Identified potential areas of improvement in the placement program by conducting thorough assessments and evaluations.
Chief Strategy Officer
Alzheimer Society Peel
08.2019 - 04.2024
- Streamlined project management practices for improved resource allocation across multiple simultaneous projects without compromising quality or timelines.
- Enhanced internal communication channels by implementing transparent reporting systems, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
- Secured strategic partnerships with external organizations, expanding company''s reach and enhancing brand reputation within the industry.
- Implemented change management initiatives during organizational restructuring, ensuring smooth transition and minimum disruption to ongoing operations.
- Fostered a high-performance work environment by setting clear expectations and providing regular feedback on individual performance metrics.
- Identified potential areas of improvement in the placement program by conducting thorough assessments and evaluations.
- Collaborated with academic departments to identify suitable internship opportunities for students, improving overall job placements.
- Streamlined the placement process for increased efficiency by maintaining accurate records of students'' progress and achievements.
Chief Information Officer
Alzheimer Society Peel
09.2018 - 08.2019
- Established a culture of continuous improvement within the IT department through regular performance evaluations and skill development opportunities.
- Led digital transformation initiatives to modernize business processes and improve overall efficiency.
- Evaluated emerging technologies to identify potential competitive advantages for adoption within the company''s strategic roadmap.
Director of Service Access and Coordination
Alzheimer Society Peel
10.2017 - 09.2018
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
- Launched new initiatives aimed at addressing emerging needs within the community, demonstrating adaptability and responsiveness to shifting priorities.
- Collaborated with government agencies to leverage resources and maximize impact on community wellbeing.
- Advised organizational leadership on best practices for community engagement, shaping policy decisions that positively impacted constituents.
First Link Coordinator/ Service Access Coordinator
Alzheimer Society Peel
01.2015 - 10.2017
First Link Support Counsellor
Alzheimer Society Peel
08.2010 - 01.2015
- Providing information, supportive counselling and referral services to persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and their family who are referred to the Society as part of the First Link program.
- First Link is a referral program that links the person with dementia and their family members to a community of learning, services and support. First Link enhances linkages between the Alzheimer Society and diagnosing primary care physicians and other health care providers;
- Increases understanding and awareness among family physicians and allied health professionals
- Increases understanding and awareness among individuals with dementia and their family members, and to increase coping and confidence of caregivers and self-efficacy and self-management
- Improves coordination of care and linkages to community services for non-medical management issues from time of diagnosis through the duration of the disease.
- A First Link referral connects the person with their local Alzheimer Society for learning opportunities, support and linkage to community services appropriate to their stage of dementia from pre-diagnosis to post-death grief support.
Life Enrichment Coordinator
Lakeside Retirement at Innisfil
08.2009 - 06.2010
- Responsible for coordinating, creating and implementing life enrichment programs for older adults, including those who were frail and/or cognitively impaired and facilitated their physical, psychosocial, cognitive and spiritual needs while maintaining their autonomy and dignity.
- Program Accomplishments
- # Completed resident assessments and established program goals and interventions based on identified needs and problems and provided supportive counseling and referrals as needed.
- # Responsible for the day-to-day operation of the activation department, budget & schedule.
- # Completed documentation related to programming including intake, progress notes, care plans, and quarterly reviews.
- # Effectively utilized volunteer resources in the provision of programs and facilitated student internships, co-ops and placements.
Resident & Family Services Coordinator Intern
Roberta Place Long Term Care
01.2010 - 05.2010
- Internship responsibilities included completion of the intake and admission process, and providing ongoing support to residents and families by advocating on their behalf. Facilitated support by providing practical and emotional support to each individual as they worked through their transition into Long Term Care. Participated on Family and Resident Council meetings.
- Program Accomplishments
- # Experienced intake assessments, tours, referrals and resource information.
- # Attend on site care conferences and consultation with all relevant departments.
- # Provided on-site, short-term assistance and support for residents and families.
- # Provided subsequent follow-up contacts and support, and referrals to residents and families to appropriate community organizations.
Activity Director/ Site Manager
Senior Access
08.2007 - 07.2009
- Responsible for not for profit day program and services that enhanced the quality of life and independence of older adults by offering structured and creative daytime programs, caregiver support, educational workshops and a monthly support group specializing in caring for those with memory loss.
- Program Accomplishments
- # Directed, coordinated and created day program designed to maintain senior clients’ functioning with ADRD at the highest level.
- # Responsible for case management, counseling, assessments and creating individual care plans.
- # Managed program coordination, administration and budget, maintained competent staff and promoted staff development, maintained adequate supplies and equipment to ensure efficient operation, promoted good relationships with participants, families, and community, and collaborated on volunteer recruitment and training.
Crisis Counselor/ Team Leader
Barrie and area Victims Crisis and Referral Services (VCARS)
09.2004 - 06.2007
- Responsible for providing front line crisis support, including short-term emotional support, practical assistance and dissemination of information to victims of crime, tragedy and disaster. Supervisor/Team Leader responsible for debriefing team, conducting supportive counseling and scheduling on call rotation. Created support forums & community networks and referrals.
- Program Accomplishments
- # Provided emotional support, practical assistance, and information for victims of crime or tragedy such as homicide, suicide, domestic violence etc., referred directly through police.
- # Provided on-site, short-term assistance, comfort and immediate support for the victim.
- # Provided subsequent follow-up contacts and support, and referrals to the victim to appropriate community organizations.
Support Facilitator/ Case Manager
Brampton Caledon Community Living
08.1997 - 09.2000
- Responsible for a case load of 20 individuals and maintained a staff of over 30 direct reports.
- Program Accomplishments
- # Developed and adopted support agreements to achieve personal outcomes by using Personal Outcomes Measures.
- # Facilitated the development of social networks and lifestyles for individuals, encouraged the involvement of family, community groups, employers and others in the community.
- # Managed group homes and budgets, the healthcare, employment and recreation programs for caseload.
Education
B.A. - Gerontology
Laurentian University/Université Laurentienne
01.2010
Communication Strategies in a Virtual Age
University of Toronto
03.2021
Leadership Development
Georgian College
01.2020
B.MUS Course Work - Jazz Studies
Capilano University
01.1994
Skills
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Social Services
- Healthcare
- Operations management
- Cross-functional team coordination
- Data-driven decision making
- Organizational development
- Strategic planning
- Risk management
- People and culture
- Change and growth management
- Communications leadership
Certification
- Gerontological Specialist (NAPG)
- Six Sigma Black Belt - LEAN for Healthcare
- PROSCI Certified Change Practitioner
- Privacy Officer Training
- JHSC Level 1 & 2
- GPA Gentle Persuasive Approaches in Dementia Care Trainer
- ASIST Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
- Crisis Prevention & Intervention CPI
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Accreditation Surveyor
CARF International
10.2024 - Current
Chief Operating Officer
Alzheimer Society Peel
04.2024 - Current
Chief Strategy Officer
Alzheimer Society Peel
08.2019 - 04.2024
Chief Information Officer
Alzheimer Society Peel
09.2018 - 08.2019
Director of Service Access and Coordination
Alzheimer Society Peel
10.2017 - 09.2018
First Link Coordinator/ Service Access Coordinator
Alzheimer Society Peel
01.2015 - 10.2017
First Link Support Counsellor
Alzheimer Society Peel
08.2010 - 01.2015
Resident & Family Services Coordinator Intern
Roberta Place Long Term Care
01.2010 - 05.2010
Life Enrichment Coordinator
Lakeside Retirement at Innisfil
08.2009 - 06.2010
Activity Director/ Site Manager
Senior Access
08.2007 - 07.2009
Crisis Counselor/ Team Leader
Barrie and area Victims Crisis and Referral Services (VCARS)
09.2004 - 06.2007
Support Facilitator/ Case Manager
Brampton Caledon Community Living
08.1997 - 09.2000
Communication Strategies in a Virtual Age
University of Toronto
Leadership Development
Georgian College
B.MUS Course Work - Jazz Studies
Capilano University
B.A. - Gerontology
Laurentian University/Université Laurentienne
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