Strategic Direction
Board of Directors
Heather Martin
CEO
I am passionate about caring for our seniors, and as C.E.O. I feel compelled to create the conditions needed for excellent and sustainable long-term and retirement care at Vision. This belief enables and empowers our team to continue providing high quality care and promoting improved quality of life. Working together with our partners, we will implement the necessary changes to care for our aging population, providing exemplary homes for our seniors, for another fifty years.
Nathan Miller
Board Chair
Nathan was born and raised in Sarnia, Ontario, where he returned to practice law after attending law school. After honing his skills at a well-known real estate firm, he left to start his own practice. When Nathan is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He enjoys spending his time playing hockey, golf, or tennis. He is currently a board member for Vision 74 Inc, Wellington Ridge Not for Profit Developments, and the Lambton Law Association.
Nell Vrolyk
Past Board Chair
Nell Vrolyk is a retired Registered Nurse with 45+ years of experience at all levels and across many sectors of healthcare. Nell was born and raised in Sarnia, left as a newly graduated RN to work in northern Canada and many remote, semi remote and rural locations over her 45 years of work. Much of this was working with First Nations communities in both front line and administrative positions. Upon retiring in 2016 Nell moved back to Sarnia and has taken up a new career of volunteering.
Cheryl Hellinga
Secretary
Cheryl Hellinga is a resident of Sarnia and works at a refinery in the area. As a Board member at Vision 74, she is interested in the oversight and learning opportunities the Board provides about its operations. She is a regular volunteer in other non-profits, and values giving back to the community.
Matthew Smit
Treasurer
Matt has been part of the Vision Board since 2018. He has worked in the banking industry for more than 17 years. He lives in Sarnia with his wife and two children.
Jarod DeGroot
Jarod DeGroot, born and raised in Sarnia. My family has a long history of serving on the Board of Directors at Vision Nursing and Rest Home. I have worked as a Registered Nurse since 2017 and in that time have learned the importance of maintaining dignity throughout one’s life. I am excited to be serving on the Board for a Long Term Care Home and Retirement Home that shares those same values.
Darren Hakker
Born and raised here in Sarnia, Darren Hakker is a husband, father and local entrepreneur who uses the power of creativity to change lives. He does this through his own marketing business and other not-for-profit organizations. In his personal life, Darren dreams about being a Disney Imagineer and is trying to have as much fun as possible with his family, whether camping, riding coasters or cycling to the bridge.
Derek Hoogland
Derek Hoogland brings a diverse perspective to the Vision 74 Board with experience in small business, board governance, non-profit executive leadership and development. Derek is the owner of Big Lake Manufacturing, LTD and lives in Sarnia with his wife and two children.
Carolyn Van Reenen
Rachel Houston
Rachel Houston recently joined the Vision 74 Board in June of 2023. She comes with knowledge and experience with Vision having worked for the company in the past as a summer student in the Human Resources Department. Rachel currently works as an Associate & Labour Relations Advisor for GoodLife Fitness. Rachel lives in Petrolia with her husband and little girl and is expecting a little boy in November 2023.
Carolyn VanReenen grew up locally, married, and with her husband raised their family in Sarnia. I truly appreciate how Vision is an integral part of this community. As needs change, Vision has its focus on caring not only for the elderly at Vision, but also for the vulnerable citizens around us. I had a great career as a Registered Nurse with Bluewater Health for 20 years. The wisdom and knowledge I acquired direct me as I advocate for ongoing improvements at Vision and in our community.
Gordon Simmons
Is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario and has a Doctor of Ministry from the Graduate Theological Foundation in Indiana. He has over forty years of experience in health care. He has a vast background in various healthcare organizations including: Pastoral Care in Clinton General Hospital, Pastoral On Call Team at Bluewater Health, Board of Directors at Lambton Elderly Outreach, Board of Directors at CCAC, Government in Council, and most recently on the Board of Directors are the Erie St. Clair CCAC. He retired from the CCAC Board in 2015. He has been involved with Vision since 1987 and was elected to the Board in 2016. He is passionate about holistic care, ensuring our residents beliefs and mental health are as valued as their physical health.