Board members, staff and volunteers all contribute meaningfully to our not-for-profit dementia initiative. Our board members bring collective wisdom and expertise to ensure decisions are made in the best interest of the organization. Our dedicated staff manage day-to-day operations and report to the board, while a robust and diverse group of volunteers strengthens our efforts in countless ways.
Clients also play an active role in daily life at Memory Lane Home Living, contributing through their own volunteerism and participating in activities that give back to the broader community – our Music from the Heart Choir being a shining example.
It is this vibrant community of board members, staff, volunteers, and clients that makes it possible for us to fulfill our mission and create meaningful impact every day.
Board of Directors
Mona Lancaster
Board of Directors, President
BA, B Comm. Founding member of Memory Lane Home Living. Mona has a background in Psychology/Sociology and the mental health field. Banking experience followed. While in university, she worked as a Nurse’s Aide in a Long-Term Care facility. She has completed the Dementia Montessori Course. Mona has also completed the Dementia Care Matters Course, to guide and implement important aspects of the “Butterfly Model of Care “into Memory Lane Home Living Inc. From 2020-2025 Mona was appointed to the Steering Committee as an Older Adult Representative for Caregivers with the Provincial Geriatric Leadership Office (PGLO). In December 2021 Mona Lancaster was awarded an Outstanding Canadian Award for her perseverance and compassion in making a difference for a new way of living in community with dementia. In October2022, Mona was also awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Community Hero Award.
Dannese Yang
Board of Directors, Treasurer
An enthusiastic and highly motivated CPA, Dannese Yang holds an MBA from the Ivey Business School and an Honours Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from York University. She brings a wealth of experience in accounting and leadership across diverse sectors.
New to the not-for-profit world, Dannese is deeply passionate about supporting dementia-related initiatives – an area close to her heart, inspired by her grandfather’s journey with dementia. She is committed to raising awareness and driving meaningful change in this important field.
Outside of her professional life, Dannese enjoys traveling and cherishing quality time with her children and extended family.
Gisela Vanzaghi
Board of Directors, Secretary
Gisela Vanzaghi is a compassionate healthcare leader with over 15 years of experience in healthcare and non-profit environments, including in management roles within long-term care and community health centres. Her work is grounded in respect for older adults and a strong belief in creating spaces where seniors feel safe, valued, and understood.
She brings expertise in primary healthcare, health promotion and community development, with a focus on relationship-based care that honors each individual’s life story.
Gisela is currently working on an Admin Leadership Program through AdvantAge ON. She has completed an MA in Adult Ed and Community Development, and a Business Admin designation.
Outside of work, Gisela enjoys dancing and spending time with her family and friends, values that reflect her belief in connection, joy and community at every stage of life. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Peg Bocci
Board of Directors
Peg Bocci is the founder of Silver Lining Senior Advisors and principal at Move Seniors Lovingly. With over 23 years of experience supporting older adults, she specializes in senior transitions and eldercare planning, guiding families through the emotional and logistical challenges of downsizing and moving with empathy and expertise. Drawing on both personal and professional experience with dementia, Peg brings a deep understanding and resilience to her work.
Outside of her professional life, she enjoys gardening, cooking, traveling, and proudly cheering on her children from the sidelines of the soccer field.
Lilian Lum
Board of Directors
Lilian Lum Mbah is a multilingual MBA holder and Certified Professional Consultant on Aging, award-winning entrepreneur and founder of Divine Favour Healthcare Staffing Inc., a trusted homecare provider serving seniors and individuals with disabilities across Ontario. Inspired by caring for her late mother, Lilian built a company known for its compassionate, personalized care and reliable staffing solutions for long-term and retirement homes.
Lilian was honoured with the 2024 Equity Entrepreneur Award and the 2025 Inclusive Leader Award in recognition of her leadership and impact in the healthcare sector. Beyond business, Lilian is deeply involved in community service—volunteering in senior homes, supporting youth programs, and doing street-level outreach.
Lilian is also a proud mother of five and continues to champion caregiving, leadership, and faith.
Nena Gvozdenovic
Board of Directors
Nena Gvozdenovic holds an BA in Social Development Studies and a MA in Public Service from the University of Waterloo. During her studies, she was recognized with an Outstanding Volunteer Award by the student committee for her meaningful contributions. She has also completed a Digital Marketing Apprenticeship Program through Wilfrid Laurier University and Digital Trades School. In addition, Nena holds a CAPM® (Certified associate in project management) certification from the Project Management Institute
Nena is deeply passionate about mental health and supporting older adults. She has completed coursework in social work with seniors and conducted research focused on Alzheimer’s disease
She is proud to support this not-for-profit initiative and is committed to advancing its mission and fostering positive community impact. As a board member she leads the Events Committee.
In her free time, Nena enjoys singing, reading, and spending time in nature.
Program Staff
Alysa
Recreation Therapist
Alysa is the Recreation Therapist at Memory Lane Home Living. She holds an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy from Seneca College and brings experience from both long-term care and retirement homes. Passionate about supporting emotional and cognitive well-being through meaningful activities, Alysa is currently advancing her studies in Health Care Management to blend hands-on practice with leadership in elder care. She believes in the power of fun, connection, and creativity to bring purpose to daily life- and finds joy in helping others rediscover theirs.
Nayeli
Recreation Therapist
Nayeli is a Recreation Therapist at Memory Lane Home Living Inc. She has a BA specializing in Psychology and a Recreation Therapy diploma.
She is passionate about creating meaningful, engaging, and inclusive programs that support cognitive health, emotional well-being, and social connection. Nayeli believes in meeting each individual where they are and using recreation as a powerful tool to enhance quality of life, spark joy, and create moments of purpose and belonging
She brings valuable hands-on experience gained through over three years of volunteering at Memory Lane and a retirement home, alongside a school placement with the Alzheimer Society of York Region.
In Nayeli’s spare time, she enjoys engaging in creative pursuits with her Cricut, spending time with loved ones, and exploring activities that support balance, wellness, and personal growth.
Farideh
Program Assistant
Farideh serves as a committed Program Assistant at Memory Lane Home Living Inc. in Richmond Hill. Armed with a Bachelor of Science degree, she adeptly applies her knowledge across various aspects of her role. Her previous volunteer work in Adult Day Programs for seniors, coupled with her personal experience with dementia, uniquely equips her for this position. Farideh is known for her compassionate and empathetic approach, deeply connecting with both clients and their families.
Volunteers
At Memory Lane Home Living, we are fortunate to work with dedicated and compassionate volunteers. A special thank you to each of our volunteers, whose spirit and commitment are the driving force behind our programs.
Partners
