Georgian College

38 GEORGIANVIEW SPRING 2023 CAREER PIvOTS: ALUMNI STORIES "I want to develop people into their best selves and connect them with opportunities that will empower them," reflected Rose Lamb, Senior Vice President of Schlegel Villages and Culinary Management graduate (class of 1987). "If they are fresh out of high school, or a new resident in one of our homes, it's our duty as leaders to create hope, build trust, show compassion, and provide a stable environment." Arriving at Georgian in 1983 from the family farm, Rose flourished and was hired immediately after graduating to one of the top four hotels in the world, in Australia. After a year abroad, she boomeranged back to Barrie to build up and support the college's budding Georgian Dining Room restaurant. From there, with business partner Terry, they would open the Ossawippi Express Dining Cars in Orillia, where her calling appeared almost every day. "I noticed that 90 or 95 per cent of our clients were seniors and it clicked: people seek authentic food and experiences reflecting their lived lives." Rose sold her shares in the food business and began her career in elder care, helping open and manage two retirement homes. "That inner voice, an inner chef, always pushed me: if someone with throat cancer cannot chew or swallow, they are limited in their options. Anybody can make food, but how do you make modified food taste and look good? If I can't do that as a chef, then I shouldn't be a chef. Every piece needs to impress." Rose recruited chefs from resorts to help achieve seemingly small items that are infinitely valuable to the residents, like fresh dinner rolls. That commitment to creating hope and providing a stable environment in retirement care would lead her to Schlegel Village. "My lifelong mentor, Bob, gave me an eye-opening tour of Schlegel homes," shared Rose. "The attention to detail, even in the room paneling that's entirely wood − not just press board or veneer, that dedication to quality resonated. I was hooked." "When you understand your values, it empowers you to connect with others and change the world. That is something we are fiercely proud of at Schlegel Villages, and we want to see in the changing face of elder care. Our approach at Schlegel is to always be preparing the next generation. Schooling can happen at any age, and elder care is any age." "Georgian took me around the world. I started in 1983 peeling carrots, and now I am part of a team to choose people with the same mission and values to take care and give life purpose to over 5,000 elders. That's a calling, not a job. Every day I get to create hope, build trust, show compassion, and provide a stable environment for both team members and residents alike." A calling, never a job Changing the world: one meal, one person, one family at a time "Georgian took me around the world. I started in 1983 peeling carrots, and now I am part of a team to choose people with the same mission and values to take care and give life purpose to over 5,000 elders." | Rose Lamb, Culinary Management (class of 1987)

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