C.A. (Chris) Salstrom is a Certified Spiritual Care Practitioner (Chaplain) with a Doctor of Ministry Degree. With over a decade of experience in various healthcare settings, Chris is passionate about educating others on the importance of Spiritual Health. She has a particular focus on caring for individuals with dementia, special needs, and behavioral challenges, always advocating for dignity and the recognition of personhood at every stage of life.
In addition to her work in healthcare, Chris serves as an Honourary Assistant at a joint Anglican/Lutheran parish in Winnipeg. In her spare time, she enjoys conducting research, spending quality time with her family, and caring for her spirited Jack Russell Terrier, Taffi.

Dr. Verena Menec is a leading expert in the field of aging, focusing on the social determinants of healthy aging, social inclusion, and the development of age-friendly communities. A Canada Research Chair in Healthy Aging recipient, Dr. Menec served as Director of the Centre on Aging at the University of Manitoba from 2004 to 2014. She currently leads the Manitoba research team for the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), Canada’s largest study on aging.
Dr. Menec’s community-based research approach, partnering with local organizations, has significantly impacted the health and well-being of older adults. She is widely recognized for her contributions to gerontological research and policy.

Connie Newman is the Executive Director and Lead Consultant for the Manitoba Association of Senior Communities (MASC), where she spearheads the Age-Friendly Manitoba and Social Prescribing Initiatives. MASC, with 82 member groups, connects with 95 communities across the province on the Age-Friendly pathway. Connie also chaired the committee that developed the Manitoba Government Seniors Strategy, released in February 2023, and serves on the Appropriate Use Advisory Committee of the Canadian Drug Agency Transition Office.
A passionate advocate for active aging, Connie is deeply involved in her community through organizations like the St. James-Assiniboia 55+ Active Living Centre and Friends of Living Prairie Museum. At 76, with a master's degree in education administration from the University of Manitoba and a 34-year career as a teacher and principal, she continues to inspire and support others in their aging journey, believing that staying active in mind and body is key to aging well and giving back to the community.

Morris J. Bay, often described as a renaissance man, is one-half of the duo that offers poetry reading among older adults.  Following a distinguished broadcasting career in rural Canada, Morris launched Manitoba's largest direct-mail company, Val-Pak, in 1984, successfully operating it until 1989. His entrepreneurial spirit then led him to own and operate a series of vintage book and record stores in Winnipeg for 20 years, with his last store, Beatnik Books, becoming a historic landmark as the final bookshop in Osborne Village.
Now a resident of Villa Cabrini, Morris continues to channel his passion for the arts in his retirement. He founded The Company of Poets, now recognized as one of the largest Senior's Poetry Programs in North America. A lifelong advocate of 'The Open Mind,' Morris remains dedicated to inspiring others through his poetry and unwavering commitment to the literary arts.

Since her retirement 2 years ago Jane has concentrated on writing. Jane is a published author of poetry, fiction and articles. Her first volume of poetry, “Manitoba Musings”, published this year is already in its second printing. She joined, “The Company of Poets”, over a year ago. They visit care homes and other facilities doing readings and interacting with residents. Jane believes social contact is invaluable to the elderly. Listening to their stories and sharing quality time with the people has been inspiring and rewarding.