Executive Bios

Laurie Saunders
Owner

Laurie Saunders launched Comfort Keepers® in Canada in 2004 and is particularly proud of the team we are building across Canada and the wonderful difference we are making in people’s lives.

Before bringing Comfort Keepers to Canada, Laurie was President of Mirbecca Holdings, an information management firm.  She has also worked as a business and information consultant for a variety of industries as well as spent twenty years in public sector library management.

She has co-authored a book on ovarian cancer which won the Health Care Public Relations Association (Canada) HYGEIA Award.

Laurie has a Master of Library and Information Services and a MA in History from the University of Toronto.

Laurie’s overall responsibilities include sales and marketing, training, and the development of operational and client management policies and procedures.

Susan Parker R.N. B.Sc.N.
Director of Client Services

Joining the Comfort Keepers family in 2018, Susan brings a well-rounded healthcare background having enjoyed a long nursing career in both the private and acute care sectors as well as nursing in the community for many years followed by 10 years as the palliative care program director at the Mississauga Halton LHIN.  In her role with us, Susan lends her expertise to provide oversight and operational direction for our corporate franchise division.  We are grateful for her insight, experience and a contagious drive to reach for the best in patient care.

Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, reading, gardening and spending time with her family.

Leigh Hutchison
Client Care Coordinator

Leigh is an Occupational Therapist by training, who has over 15 years of experience as a community/hospital care coordinator for CCAC/Central LHIN/Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS). Most recently, Leigh worked as a community Occupational Therapist in the motor vehicle insurance sector! Leigh is compassionate, patient, diligent, and soft-spoken.

Susan Uno
Franchise Administrator

I began my career many years ago in the real estate development and investment sector as an executive/personal assistant working primarily in small entrepreneurial companies. After returning to Toronto in 2007 I focused my attention on being a caregiver for my Mom and when she passed away, I continued caring for my Dad who was much more independent. An opportunity arose working for Comfort Keepers in 2010 as Franchise Administrator, supporting the Canadian franchisees. My position has evolved over the past several years with my primary responsibilities now being accounts receivable, invoicing and payroll processing. It has been my pleasure working at Comfort Keepers and any contribution I can offer to ensure the smooth operation of our team is my primary objective.

Hailey Slaght
Human Resources Coordinator

Hailey Slaght is excited to be a part of the Comfort Keepers Team as the Human Resource Coordinator. Hailey has a background as a Physiotherapist Assistant/Athletic Therapist, Office Management and Human Resources Coordinator. Hailey has experience working 1 on 1 with seniors in Long Term Care, Hospitals and Facility Settings. She has been told she is extremely organized, upbeat, caring and dedicated. She is hardworking and a versatile Administrative Assistant with proven organizational skills and thorough knowledge of corporate policies and procedures. Hailey prides herself in finding the best caregivers for our clients! Outside of work Hailey enjoys being Outside in Nature, Painting, Travelling, Experiencing New Cultures, Gardening and Playing Pond Hockey (when the weather allows!) 

Paola Medina
Senior Scheduler

Paola Medina joined the Comfort Keepers team as a Scheduling Coordinator in 2013. Paola is a highly organized and detail focused individual with a proven track record to accurately and effectively assign front line workers to Comfort Keepers clients across Canada. Paola understands the importance of establishing a relationship with a client and family members and is committed to putting their needs first. She is responsible for merging a client’s specific requests with the right caregiver’s skill set. Paola has a background in staffing, account management and recruitment.

Andrea Cerqueira
Scheduler

Andrea Cerqueira joined the Comfort Keepers team as a Scheduling Coordinator in 2019, with a background in staffing, management and recruitment. Andrea prides herself in being highly organized and detail oriented and has a proven track record of effectively assigning the right caregivers to Comfort Keepers clients across the GTA.  Andrea understands the importance of establishing good relationships with clients and family members and is committed to putting their needs first and providing the best service possible to all her clients. She also understands the importance of establishing good relationships with all her caregivers as frontline workers are essential in our community.

Teddy
Official Office Dog

Teddy has been Susan Uno’s constant companion and fur baby for over 12 years. Several years ago she called Peter and Laurie in a panic asking if she could bring him to the office for a few days as while out for an evening stroll he was attacked by another dog.  Although his injuries were not too serious it was traumatic and she didn’t want to leave him alone. That was over 5 years ago and he has become a permanent fixture in our office greeting everyone in his quiet friendly manner ever since.