NOT FOR PROFIT
Meet the Team
Our Founders, Julia and Sam
Empowering Adults with Disabilities
Founder & Co-Owner
Julia
Julia is a certified Personal Support Worker (PSW) with additional certification in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). She has been working in the Developmental Service Worker (DSW) field for 15 years.
Beyond her professional life, Julia is a devoted wife, mum, and dog lover. She has a passion for longboarding, playing the drums, and—most importantly—chocolate. She approaches all of her jobs with enthusiasm and a deep sense of purpose.
Known for her optimism and contagious positive energy, Julia loves to laugh—especially at herself. She brings joy and lightheartedness wherever she goes, making every environment she steps into a little brighter.
Founder & Co-Owner
Samantha
Samantha is a certified Early Childhood Educator (ECE) with 20 years of experience in the field. She has also been working in the Developmental Service Worker (DSW) field for the past ten years. In addition to her professional roles, she proudly holds the titles of mother (of two) and cat owner (also of two).
Samantha believes in making every day so awesome that yesterday gets jealous! Her positivity and optimism rival even Julia’s. She spent three years living and teaching English in Shenyang, China—an experience that profoundly shaped her perspective on life. After returning from China, she lived in Montreal for 10 years before moving back home to St. Thomas.
She values mindfulness, empathy, and honesty, embracing every moment as an opportunity to learn and grow. Samantha believes in the power of fun and humor, loves to create, and enjoys making people laugh.
Our Team Members
Making the Magic Happen Every Day
Jenn
I am a Personal Support Worker. I have been working in this field for over a decade, it's one of my passions. I am a Mum to a little boy named Finn and I am married to a lovely man named Matt. I live in St. Thomas and I love working with my hands, whether it is re-doing furniture or getting dirty in the garden! I love coffee and I love to travel!
Jessica
I have 28 years experience in the Early Childhood Education field which includes working with children and adults with special needs.
I am married with 2 children, and am a proud "bonus mum." I love to travel and collect beach glass. In addition, I have been known to "tread the boards" in several stage performances as well as television and movie background roles. It is a pastime I greatly enjoy.
I am very happy to be a part of the Our Place Respite Team and I look forward to my days spent with the gang at Program!
Beth
I have many years experience working as an assistant Personal Support Worker and Early Childhood Educator. Coming to Our Place Respite is my favourite part of the day! I have a beautiful daughter named Sydney who's 3! I love spending my time with her. I'm very active and love playing hockey, soccer, and going to the gym. I love to do crosswords and watch Jeopardy. No, I'm not a grandmother LOL.
Penny
Hi, I am the Our Place Respite bookkeeper! You will see me all around the program, not just inside the office. I am a mom of 5 kids and 2 grandkids, so I am used to a lot of noise. I don't enjoy clutter so sharing an office with Sam and Julia is the challenge of a lifetime. I love working here and the positive energy program brings everyday!
Robb
Robb supports both staff and clients in their day-to-day life at Our Place Respite, helping to create a safe, smooth, and welcoming environment. Known for his calm nature and genuine care, he’s always ready to lend a hand or brighten someone’s day. Outside of OPR, Robb loves going for walks with his dog, Chance, spending time in his garden, and hunting for treasures at local thrift shops.
Krystan
I have been at Our Place Respite since day one! You'll often see me around helping to make sure everything is put back where it belongs and that the dishes are cleaned and put away. I love to ride my E-bike and take care of my cats. I also enjoy spending time with friends, doing puzzles and diamond paintings. I absolutely love my job at OPR!