Saying Good-bye to Rene Rodgers

Preferred Health Care Services today looks different from fourteen years ago when Rene

joined the organization as a Nurse Manager. So many changes and so much growth!

When Rene first joined there were 2 Nurse Managers in a downtown office where Preferred

did agency staffing in Scarborough and Broadgate Arms. It was in that same year, 1998,

that PHCS was awarded their first CCAC contract in East York. In 1999, PHCS was awarded

the Central Contract and the Newmarket Office was opened! Rene was instrumental in the

establishment of the Newmarket office, hiring office staff and PSWs, setting up procedures,

orientation, education of the new staff, understanding CCAC requirements…you name it –

she did it. Not only was she a nurse manager, but she quickly became a key leader in the

organization. The growth continued… Rene became Director of Client Services in 2001 and

spearheaded the move to our current office on Red Maple in October 2003. By this time,

only 5 short years, the company tripled in size!

What supported these enormous changes was Rene’s leadership style she always led with

both her head and her heart. She exemplifies compassion and understanding. An

accomplished nurse and leader, Rene relies on her expertise and nursing knowledge to

make sound decisions. Before reacting, she always considers the human side and takes time

to consider the impact on business and people.

With her soft and caring approach, Rene has built strong relationships with our community

partners, clients, LW facilities and staff. This is best said with these reflections from the team:

I remember just starting out my first job to be exact and feeling so lost but with

encouragement and support I went forward. Preferred was so instrumental in my

growth and aspiration to become a manager. …I believe the strength and faith that

Preferred instilled in me provided me with the confidence that I needed. I felt

empowered to want to do more and not think of myself as agency staff. I felt so

supported. …I travelled the ranks of working as an agency staff, working as a charge

nurse on the secure home area, changing location to work as a unit coordinator,

being promoted to a RAI coordinator then to an Associate Director of Care and now

in my current role as an Administrator.

Thanks Rene for all your encouragement to aspire to go further. The dream starts with

the first and you were instrumental in that you gave me that first opportunity.

Hyacinth Daley-Ellis

Much of my success as a Nurse Manager is a result of Rene’s mentorship. Having

access to the resources required to educate PHCS front line staff really helped

motivate them when working independently in client’s homes. The encouragement

and financial support to join the Community Ethics Network for example really

demonstrated the leadership and commitment to education I valued and believe

affects the frontline staff and directly influences the care given our clients. Hosting

educational sessions, inviting community hospitals, CCAC partners with expert guest

speakers …reinforced her commitment to collaborative learning and PHCS being a

good corporate citizen. And she was there, volunteering at many of our internal social

and recognition functions, family in tow to support the events on weekends.

I will never forget the homemade chocolate chip and Christmas cookies, and banana

breads for our meetings…

Anita Milller, RN BEd(c)

Of all the people I have worked with over my 28years in healthcare, Rene has had the

most significant positive impact on me. Not by words or formal training but by her just

being the exemplary, compassionate and wise women she is! I am so grateful.

Barb van Maris

In the words of our CCS, Bella, “Rene is always calm, helpful, and professional, and makes

good cookies and cabbage salad.”

It seems that the way to her team’s heart was through their stomach!

In between caring for her team and working as Director, Rene made a huge commitment to

her community and its vulnerable population with many hours of work as a member of the

boards for the Alzheimer’s Society and Palliative Care Society of York Region. Her links with

these organizations provided her with the ability to ensure PHCS was responsive to the

community needs and her staff was well prepared.

Rene is well respected by peers and colleagues, she will be greatly missed. We wish her lots

of adventure and well-deserved relaxation…she leaves us with many cherished memories of

times together.

Ode to Rene

Way back then, when staff was lean

Just pick up the phone and call our Rene

She pulled staff from the sky to meet our need

Done with a smile and you bet, much speed!

She climbed up the ladder and never looked back

She knew without a doubt, she was on the right track

Her personality plus, many friendships held dear

‘Tis one that I’ll cherish throughout every year.

Sharon Steele

Administrator

LW O’Connor Court