discover
renew
experience
Azure Senior Living is a boutique operations and property management company focused exclusively on independent, assisted living, memory care and complex care in Canada. Lisa Kachur and Stephen Foster, two industry experts with extensive senior living and operations management experience throughout North America co-founded Azure Senior Living as an alternative to the larger chain operating companies. Our corporate office is located in British Columbia with operating capabilities throughout all provinces.
Senior Living is a local business requiring connection to and alignment with the surrounding community it serves. This has become even more evident during the pandemic.
Azure’s differentiated leadership and personalized service model unlocks the potential of each community we oversee. Our programming and resident-first approach delivers memorable life enhancing experiences each day. This is what we do best! This is the Azure difference.
Azure’s service delivery model is calculated, well planned, crafted and executed upon with diligence and excellence. Innovating in an industry that otherwise seems to be drowning in a ‘sea of sameness’.
Azure senior living provides full operations and management services as an investment partner or as a 3rd party operator. We collaborate with trustworthy national and international partners that align strategically and with our values. Partnerships include exclusive access to the Azure Senior Living “brand and culture”. Our services are tailored to the needs of the partner and community it serves, maintaining our belief that senior living is a “local business”.
Azure Senior Living was conceived as a personalized alternative to senior living.
Unlike the more typical seniors' residences, Azure envisioned a more meaningful, boutique-style approach to independent and assisted living for seniors, one where wellness, building relationships, and community connection are always top of mind.
Lisa and Stephen feel that bringing their unique concept of senior residences to life is more important than ever before – the time for a new standard of senior living is now.
be in control
You deserve to enjoy your days of retirement and reap the rewards of a life well-lived. At Azure, you will enjoy true independence, meaning that how you want to spend your day is entirely up to you: when and where to dine, which excursions or activities you would like to take part in. If you prefer to spend time relaxing in your suite – the choice is yours.
Mindful of life returning to normal as all residents and team members become vaccinated, we anticipate people will join group activities and routines as they feel comfortable to do so. Our goal is to offer activities and experiences that provide comfort and smiles for all involved.
be active, be healthy
Health and wellbeing will always be a top priority at Azure; you will experience a range of physical fitness opportunities and support programs that work to enable strong physical, mental and spiritual wellness.
be happy, dine well
A tasty casual dining experience and locally inspired menus can be expected at Azure. Meals will be seasonal, fresh, healthy and delicious, masterfully crafted by the residence's executive chef and culinary team. Events and activities will embrace the local fare and take advantage of the areas you reside in, allowing you to enjoy your surroundings and stay connected with the communities in which you live.
LISA KACHUR
President and CEO
With previous experience in senior living at Sienna Senior Living, Element Lifestyle Retirement and Revera Inc, Lisa has garnered extensive executive leadership experience throughout Canada, the US and China over her many years in the business. Lisa started her career as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, through hard work and a resolve to innovate, she has honed her expertise in operations, leadership, asset management, strategic planning, P&L oversight, mergers and acquisitions in highly regulated senior living and health care environments.
Azure is a concept that originated from Lisa's vision of where she believes the industry's future resides. Her long track record of building strong resident-centred teams has enabled her success, as has her expertise with all key benchmarks that have extended across public, private and non-profit enterprises. Lisa's customer-first approach will attract and retain outstanding leaders, team members, and investors as she meticulously strives to identify areas of critical operational improvements, source and review new opportunities, verify underwriting assumptions and execute on the business plan to bring her team's vision and values to life.
STEPHEN FOSTER
Chief Experience and Innovation Officer
Steve has a history of success in retirement living and long-term care following many years leading hospitality brands such as Starwood Hotels, Westin, Sheraton, W Hotels, and St. Regis amongst others.
Steve has been recognized as a visionary leader who has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee award in 2012, an Honorary Doctorate from Ryerson University, and an Honorary Degree from George Brown College.
Over the past three years, Stephen has provided consulting services to various clients, including work done as an Arbitrator for the International Chamber of Commerce based out of New York City. Most recently he oversaw the Long Term Care division for a publicly traded company with 47 care communities, 5,800 residents and 7,000 employees, providing leadership through an unprecedented pandemic. He is excited to move aggressively forward, bringing to life the vision for Azure Senior Living.
As Chief Experience Officer, Foster will assess and create experiences tailored to the specific needs of the residents. He will establish systems and best practices to enable residents and team members to work together, inspire, educate, and collaborate. He will focus on reimagining how space is utilized while incorporating technology enhancements to engage residents without intimidating them, enhancing their total experience.
HEIDI BENARD
Vice President Sales
Starting her career more than 20 years ago as a sales consultant in the retirement industry, she quickly fell in love with the industry of senior living which cast her to wanting to grow her career in this field. Her career path developed her to roles as a GM, Regional GM, Regional Sales Director, National Director of Sales and Training, and Vice President of Customer Experience and Sales. Heidi has supported senior living companies across Canada and US, enjoying a balance of both Operations & Sales! Heidi holds certifications as a Certified Professional Consultant on Aging (CPCA), Sales Coach (CSC), Dementia Trainer, Reading2Connect, and Compassionate Touch.
Heidi has been recognized for numerous sales awards, including – World Who’s Who for Excellence in Professional Excellence SAINT CATHARINES, ONTARIO, July 1, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- “Heidi D. Benard, Sales Director for Eastern Canada for Service Corporation International, was recently named a VIP member of Worldwide Who's Who. This special distinction honors individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to achieving personal and professional success.”
As well, Heidi has led the new construction build and 3.4 million- and 2.8-million-dollar fundraising efforts for two rural Ontario Hospices.
Initially her passion grew from visiting her great-grandmother in an “institution” like setting, and this quickly set her sights on wanting a better lifestyle for seniors including activities, culinary and clinical support.
CATHERINE SAUNDERS
Vice President of Operations
A senior level health care executive with extensive experience and success in leading people, projects, budgets, operations, organizational Healthcare, Supportive Living, Retirement, and Senior’s Housing, with service delivery, strategic planning & analysis. Catherine has several years of experience in leading organizations through transformational change that drives business outcomes to include operational efficiency while providing quality patient care, and resident experiences, for acute hospitals in Ontario, and supportive senior living in 5 provinces. Extensive experience in hospital, post acute care, academic & physician practice budgeting. Lead many initiatives to enhance the quality of care for residents and patients through improved governance processes. , Catherine has lead the operations and sales for 19 retirement residences in British Columbia and Ontario, within this role she was a key member in planning and development of new builds and expansions. Catherine is experienced in retirement integration and due diligence following recent expansive growth within the retirement sector.
JUDITH SUSON
Chief Financial Officer
Judith brings to the table over 15 years of invaluable experience in the construction industry, coupled with four years of dedicated specialization in the senior living sector. As a seasoned Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Judith is unwaveringly committed to delivering excellence while maintaining a stance of continuous learning. Throughout her extensive tenure in construction, Judith has adeptly managed a myriad of complex projects, ensuring utmost financial accuracy and operational efficiency. Her collaborative approach with diverse teams has been instrumental in achieving project objectives seamlessly. This wealth of experience has honed Judith's analytical prowess, empowering her to deftly identify and mitigate financial risks, optimize resource allocation, and drive profitability. Transitioning seamlessly into the senior living industry, Judith has effectively applied her CPA expertise to tackle industry-specific challenges including revenue recognition intricacies, expense management, and regulatory compliance. Through the implementation of strategic financial planning initiatives and the streamlining of operational processes, Judith has significantly bolstered the financial health and sustainability of senior living communities, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Judith finds fulfillment in embarking on enriching travel experiences with her family, exploring new horizons, immersing herself in diverse cultures, and continually fostering personal and professional growth through adaptability, cultural awareness, and a global mindset.
Empathy - We all have a unique story to tell. We seek to listen and understand each other's story and support each other through the journey we take together.
Nimble - During these everchanging times it is important to anticipate and prepare for challenges so that the business and the people are in a position to react quickly and put forward novel approaches and new ideas. Quick to resolve issues and provide innovative sustainable solutions.
Leadership - Our Leaders model the way for our people. Each and every day they demonstrate the characteristics and values we all aspire to through their interactions with residents, team members and stakeholders; their problem-solving and decision-making; and their written, verbal and non-verbal communication.
Integrity - Our word is our bond. We are transparent and ethical in decisions and action.
Value - We value and respect our residents, our team members and our stakeholders. We value diversity, equity and inclusion. We understand how diversity in individuals makes each of our lives richer for the experience.
Empower - Our residents and team members are empowered to make decisions knowing that they are responsible and accountable for their decisions and the impact they may have on others.
Nurture - We believe that living is learning. We nurture and cultivate growth and development in others.
*Mandatory field.