Expansion of Portfolio: Smitha Varghese, RN

From: Pooja Mishra

To: Menno Place Team

Re: Expansion of Portfolio: Smitha Varghese as permanent Director of Care & Quality Improvement (QI), Hospital & Assisted Living (AL)

I am pleased to announce that Smitha Varghese has graciously accepted expansion of her portfolio with permanent addition of role of Director for Assisted Living effective Dec 22, 2023.

Smitha has been the Director of Care – Menno Hospital & Quality Improvement Lead since April 2019 and in July 2023 took on additional Interim Director responsibility for Assisted Living. In the past 6 months, Smitha has displayed strong leadership skills in stabilizing the care team, supporting the direct care supervisors while working closely with AL Clinical Leads at Fraser Health. Smitha brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role with her background in gerontological nursing and her experience as a seasoned leader in Long Term Care.

Smitha had worked as a Registered Nurse in acute care in India for 8 years before moving to Canada in 2011. She has then gained experience is both acute care and long-term care in Canada. Smitha has continued to build her educational competencies.  She has completed the Canadian Nurses Association certification in Gerontological Nursing and an advanced diploma in Gerontology and more recently obtained a Master’s degree in Health Leadership and Policy (Senior care) from UBC.

When not at work, Smitha spends quality time with her family. She also has a keen interest in Gardening and Cooking. Smitha wanted to share the following message about her expanded role:

“I am excited with this addition to my portfolio and I am looking forward  for the new challenges and opportunities. Thank you for trusting in my leadership. I hope we can work together to make Menno Place a better place for our seniors.