ABOUT US

Joseph Gulizia is an accomplished leader and a visionary in the healthcare sector, with a notable career marked by his dedication to innovation, community service, and philanthropy. As President and CEO of UniversalCare, he consistently brings value to partners and stakeholders by leveraging UniversalCare’s Pillars of Success. His approach to transformational and sustainable change, coupled with his commitment to challenging the status quo, sets him apart as a forward-thinking leader.

Joseph’s expertise spans a full range of management and consulting services for both public and private sector healthcare organizations. His leadership is characterized by exceptional support for staff, clients, and communities, fostering strong relationships with numerous healthcare entities.

Since 2003, Joseph has chaired annual fundraising events, raising over $5 million NET, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to philanthropy. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from York University and a Certificate in Long-Term Care Administration from Toronto Metropolitan University.

Joseph’s accolades include The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award (2012), City of Vaughan Volunteer of the Year Award (2013), 2015 Business of the Year – Young Entrepreneur Under 40 – Vaughan Chambers of Commerce, 2019 ICCO Community Building Award, and The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award (2022). Under his leadership, UniversalCare received the prestigious 2024 CHATS – Community and Home Assistance to Seniors Home at Heart Award.

With over 30 years of experience, Michael has held many roles in the healthcare industry. For 10 years of his career, he held the Administrator position at Mackenzie Health LTC, where he successfully managed Ontario’s most complex Long-Term Care Home.

As the Vice President of Operations, he brings a wealth of experience that allows us to support the creation of new senior residences. Michael prides himself in providing our clients with personal, dedicated and dynamic service. He works in harmony with designers, trades, consultants, clients and end users.

Michael has been steadfast and committed to the residents we care for, the stakeholders we interact with and the staff who we work amongst. He’s passionate about building communities that foster meaningful human connections.

With over three decades of progressive experience in the senior living sector, Joe Anne is a seasoned professional who brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as Vice President of Operations. Her dedication to resident satisfaction and safety is paramount in all her decisions.

Joe Anne is a lifelong learner, holding a Bachelor of Professional Arts in Human Services, a Diploma in Recreation Leadership, and a Long-term Care Administrator’s Certificate. Her exceptional leadership skills are complemented by her extensive experience in planning, implementing, and monitoring budgets and capital projects, along with her strong business acumen and strategic decision-making abilities.

Throughout her career, Joe Anne has held various key positions in the healthcare sector, including Administrator and Vice President of Quality and Strategic Direction. Since 2012, she has also served as a CARF Surveyor, gaining and sharing valuable insights and innovative approaches.

Joe Anne thrives in implementing organization-wide initiatives and consistently maintains a resident-centered approach in all her endeavors. Her diverse background provides her with unique insights into the well-being and benefits of residents, staff, families, and stakeholders.

Maria Cherbel is a skilled leader who has built and implemented successful/collaborative partnerships and teams. She has been an Administrator, Director of Care and Educator.
Through her practical approach and skills, she is able to implement transformational change, personal growth and organizational leadership necessary to advance resident quality outcomes.

As the Vice President of Quality and Clinical Services, she supports Clinical Teams and personnel in the areas of Quality Improvement and Innovation, MDS RAI, Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Annual Reviews, Staff Development, Leadership and Accountability.

Maria has been integral in the implementation of Best Practice Guidelines under UniversalCare Best Practice Spotlight Organization Host Model.

Maria has been a Registered Nurse for the past 26-plus years and is in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario.

She is a certified Administrator in Long Term Care and holds a Diploma in Nursing Leadership/Management Program from McMaster University.

Maria was awarded “The Clinical Protocol Excellence Award” by the Ontario Long Term Care Association for demonstrating her ability to champion the implementation of best practice clinical protocols.

Donna is an experienced accounting professional with demonstrated expertise in directing financial management functions. As Vice President of Financial Services, she leads a team of highly skilled financial professionals in achieving the goals and objectives of the organization.

Donna’s accomplishments include the review, evaluation and re-establishment of the financial structure and controls for a home that experienced years of disregard and recently the operational review of a home which earned our organization a letter of recommendation from the South-East LHIN.

Due to her track record, knowledge, critical thinking, analytical skills and ability to problem solve, Donna is the “go-to” person for our clients, partners and investors. Her attention to detail, relentless pursuit of perfection and ability to forge meaningful relationships has been invaluable in our growth trajectory.

Donna is a diligent and conscientious lifelong learner who has recently earned a Certificate in Management from Harvard Business School and is currently pursuing an MBA through Athabasca University.

As a member of the Black Female Accountants Network and a mentor with the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC), Donna believes in the democratization of knowledge and skill development. In addition, Donna works with the Harvard Business School Online Community to support non-profit organizations by helping to develop cost effective and actionable solutions for their most pressing business challenges.

Angela has been a Registered Nurse since 1995 and has enhanced critical thinking and management skills. She has worked in all aspects of healthcare, which includes being an ER Nurse, Community Nurse, LTC Charge Nurse, as well as a Gerontology Specialist with Wellesley St. Michael’s Hospital’s. She has also held the role of Retirement Home General Manager.

Angie has successfully implemented pioneer/cutting-edge geriatric programs, which include the Hospital Elder Life Program, a program with innovative approach to care for the hospitalized older adults with the goal of preventing delirium and functional decline. The HELP program was created by geriatrician Dr. Sharon Inouye from Yale University. She also was a part of the inaugural Nurse Lead Outreach Team (NLOT) as a nurse specialist provide remote and on-site support to LTCH to potentially avoid unnecessary trips to an emergency department.

Angela is a member of the College of Nurses in good standing as well as the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario. Throughout her nursing career, she has liaised with the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), MoLTC, RHRA, Community Care Access Centres (CCAC), stakeholders and members of the public.

As the Vice President of Administration and Physiotherapy Services, she supports our homes in the areas of staff development, policy and procedure, management, staff morale and knowledge exchange.

Elisa’s journey with UniversalCare began in 2010 as a dedicated student eager to learn. Graduating top of her class from Georgian College as a Registered Practical Nurse, she gained invaluable experience in geriatrics at Villa Colombo Vaughan, where she forged deep connections with residents and families. This experience ignited her passion for elder care, setting the foundation for her remarkable career path.

Recognized for her commitment to meticulous resident care, Elisa swiftly ascended the ranks, earning promotions that reflected her expertise and dedication. She transitioned to Manager of Quality Improvement and Infection Control, where for 5 years she enhanced care structures and implemented new procedures, ensuring unparalleled support for residents.

In 2016, Elisa’s leadership journey took her to the corporate sphere as Corporate Support Consultant, overseeing operations across multiple facilities. Her exceptional contributions led to her promotion to Senior Director of Corporate and Building Services. In this role, Elisa collaborates closely with each home, ensuring UniversalCare remains at the forefront of LTC technology, prioritizing the safety and well-being of residents and staff.

Beyond her operational achievements, Elisa has played a pivotal role in the redevelopment, design, and construction of critically needed new long-term care homes, demonstrating her enduring commitment to enhancing elder care infrastructure. Her journey exemplifies a career driven by compassion, innovation, and a steadfast dedication to improving the lives of aging populations.

Joanne is responsible for leading and supporting all our company-wide senior care residences, to ensure the efficient and effective operations of all human resource functions. She effectively partners with the operational leadership teams to ensure successful achievement of business objectives in accordance with HR policies, collective agreements, and applicable legislation, while creating positive impact through employee engagement.

Jessica Fabbro Executive Assistant & Programs Manager Lead Jessica’s commitment to enhancing resident health and well-being, her effective leadership, and her dedication to compassionate care have made her an indispensable member of the UniversalCare family. Jessica obtains a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from York University and a went on to receive a Diploma as an Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant from Humber College.

Jessica has been a part of the UniversalCare family since 2018. She began her journey at Villa Colombo Vaughan Long-Term Care Home as a Volunteer Coordinator and progressed to Resident Programs Manager. Throughout her leadership, she created and implemented therapeutic program concepts to better the resident’s health and well-being. Through her efforts, Jessica was successful in obtaining yearly federal grants awarded by the New Horizons for Seniors Program. Alongside caring for the residents, Jessica was a liaison with the Ministry of Labour to maintain Occupational Health & Safety of all employees.

In 2021, Jessica was awarded the Maria Di Salvo Compassionate Care Award showcasing a continuous demonstration of resident-centred care, continually going above and beyond for residents, families, staff and volunteers.

Jessica joined the corporate team in 2023 as the Executive Assistant to the President and CEO Joseph Gulizia and Programs Manager Lead for the UniversalCare Homes. She effectively provides productive administrative support as well as takes part in assisting with special projects such as Care As One’s Strides for Seniors annual event.

Jessica is passionate about continuing her positive contribution to the aging population.