OUR TEAM
Coming together from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, our skilled team of professionals is the backbone of Seniors Advocacy Movement (SAM). Their ideas help shape the direction and mission of our organization as it continues to develop. Read on to learn more about some of our incredible team members.
DANIELLE PORTNOY
Founder & Creator
Danielle is a 3rd year medical student with a passion for seniors advocacy and public health. Starting at a young age, Danielle's family always visited the elderly in long term care homes to help reduce loneliness. Danielle has volunteered and worked in several LTC homes throughout Edmonton. When the pandemic began and restrictions started prohibiting visitation at LTC homes, Danielle knew she had to do something to help and established SAM. Known for its art therapy program and popular art exhibit at Southgate Centre, SAM has provided art supplies to many seniors in Edmonton to help give them an outlet to express how the pandemic has impacted them. Danielle enjoys advocating for
JONAS SZELEWICKI
Team Leader
My name is Jonas and I am a medical student at the University of Alberta with a particular interest in care of vulnerable groups. My interest in seniors advocacy specifically grew in 2019 when I participated in a geriatrics elective organized by Danielle where I had the opportunity to engage with seniors in healthcare, leisure, and community settings. The work SAM does is also personally meaningful, as I have family members who live in long-term care homes (and a twin brother with disabilities who lives in a group home) and have seen them both struggle with boredom and social isolation, especially during the pandemic. It is a privilege to be involved in SAM and I look forward to bringing new and creative ideas to help further expand SAM’s reach and initiatives.