About Chateau St. Michael’s
It can be difficult to move to a seniors’ residence, and to accept that medical and housekeeping supports are required. At Chateau, we work to make the transition as easy as possible. With a long tradition of serving seniors, we’ve mastered the art of aging in place.
A beautiful place to call home
With heritage character and a park-like setting, Chateau is a one-of-a-kind community. This cherished landmark was built by Catholic nuns in 1912, and has a long heritage of serving seniors in Moose Jaw’s scenic Wakamow Valley.
Unlike many new buildings, Chateau has expansive spaces that are ideal for walkers and wheelchairs. Sunlight streams in through large windows, creating a bright and relaxing environment. Today this historic space is being renewed with fresh new finishes and upgrades.
A personal approach to aging in place
Our mission is to provide a safe, comfortable and respectful living environment, with care plans customized to every resident’s individual needs. Many services for residents are right here at Chateau, from nursing and pharmacy services to professional hair stylists and a full slate of recreation programs.
Chateau offers independent living suites for those requiring minimal assistance, as well as rooms for professional 24-hour care. Living at Chateau, seniors can transition through these different types of care with ease as their needs change. Couple rates are available for all options.
New management making many new improvements
Since June 2018, Chateau has been managed by Shelter Canadian Properties Limited, one of Canada’s most respected and experienced property managers. Shelter is now building on Chateau’s legacy of care by investing in high-quality staff and accommodation, including progressive approaches to aging place.
Among the improvements are:
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More full-time nurses, care and support staff, including a full-time director of care
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Care aide certification, with ongoing training and mentoring
24-hour coverage by duty managers -
Home-style meals
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Renovations bringing more style and convenience to Chateau
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Facility repairs and improvements including the construction of a new elevator that is scheduled to go into service by May 2022
Our management team:
professional, dedicated, focused on care
Gary Thronberg
Director of Care
The leader and mentor of our care team is Gary Thronberg, a Registered Psychiatric Nurse and capable administrator with many years of long-term care experience in the Moose Jaw area.
Gary graduated from University of King’s College in Toronto with a Bachelor of Health Services Administration. He worked for many years at Valley View Centre, where he rose to the position of Director, and then in the Transition Unit at Pioneer Lodge in Moose Jaw. He also serves as a Community Coroner with the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General in Regina.
Gary is responsible for all aspects of nursing and care at Chateau, including the development of resident care plans, recreation programming and resident/family relations. He manages our team of licensed practical nurses, continuing care aides and the activities coordinator, and oversees staff training and development.
Bonita Allen, LPN
Resident Care Co-ordinator
Bonita has worked with seniors in long-term care for her entire nursing career and actively advocates for senior health, safety and happiness.
Bonita graduated from the practical nursing program at the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology in Regina, Saskatchewan in 2013. Bonita also holds diplomas in rehabilitation therapy and massage therapy. Prior to completing her nursing education, Bonita was a medic in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Reporting to the Director of Care, Bonita is responsible for ensuring that the highest standard of care and service is provided to the residents at Chateau St. Michael’s.
Jason Mord
Director of Culinary Services
After a lifetime in the culinary arts, Jason Mord has discovered that cooking for seniors is his true passion. He’s been serving up delicious fare at retirement residences since 2015, and he loves listening to seniors’ stories and the cooking tips they share.
Jason has been cooking in some capacity ever since he was a young lad in his mom’s kitchen. Since earning a Culinary Arts diploma at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, he’s had many interesting experiences, cooking for royalty and even a rock star. He believes food is the key to fellowship, and feels it’s a privilege to cook for seniors in their own home.
Krista Bakken
Activity Coordinator
As Activity Coordinator, Krista Bakken creates an enjoyable and entertaining environment for everyone living at The Chateau. It’s the perfect role for Krista, who shares her compassion, enthusiasm and inspired ideas with our community every day.
In addition to her creativity, Krista is skilled at planning, organizing and multi-tasking. She perfected these qualities through 13 years of volunteer leadership with Girl Guides of Canada.
For Krista, nothing is more important than the mental well-being of people living at The Chateau. She nurtures the feeling of community that makes everyone feel welcomed.
Mark Godin
Maintenance Manager
With his background in carpentry, Mark Godin knows how to keep everything at The Chateau looking good and running well. He has 20 years of experience as a finishing carpenter and steel door installer, plus five years of experience as a door expert at one of Canada’s largest international airports.
Mark was raised and educated in Moose Jaw, and he’s happy to back in his home town after some years away in Calgary. He enjoys interacting with everyone at The Chateau, where his skills and ready smile make each day a little more enjoyable.
Garry Yaneschewski
Operations Assistant
As Operations Assistant, Garry Yaneschewski brings well-rounded experience in administration, customer service and retirement living to our management team. Before joining The Chateau, Garry helped manage two separate retirement homes in Yorkton. Earlier, he worked for many years in local government administration and accounting.
Garry also has experience working as a funeral director, which has instilled in him an exceptional capacity for compassion. He knows the importance of empathy and understanding when serving seniors and their families.
Manon Caya
Administrative Assistant
With a positive attitude and extensive business experience, Manon Caya can be counted on to keep our administrative functions running smoothly. Manon brings 25 years of office and managerial experience to The Chateau, as well as confidence and excellent organizational skills. She’s very approachable and is always looking for ways to make a positive mark.
Manon owns two businesses – a travel agency and RV rental company and she brings the same entrepreneurial spirit to her work at The Chateau, helping us provide responsive service in every situation.