Speakers

Jacqueline and Donna are Elder Planning Counselors and can work with your organization to deliver a custom presentation or workshop on a wide range of seniors' issues. Contact us for fees and availability.

Donna Ritch is a Registered Nurse, Elder Planning Counselor and well versed speaker on the subject of wellness, aging and care giving. She is on the faculty of Canadian Initiative for Elder Planning Studies and educates across Canada on seniors issues, aging, chronic conditions, end of life planning and bereavement. She has an extensive background in healthcare including her work with the Canadian Cancer Society and the Victorian Order of Nurses. Through her private practice, Change of Season, she works directly with seniors and provides counseling, coaching on health related issues including pain management and care in the home. She is Director of Health Services for the Wellness Programs Division of Health Assured Financial Group.

Jacqueline Figas formed Health Assured Financial Group in 2003, an independent insurance firm in Mississauga specializing in health benefits; and in 2005 launched the Wellness Programs Division in partnership with Donna Ritch. Jacqueline is a Chartered Life Underwriter, an Elder Planning Counselor, member of the Advocis Peel-Halton executive, and Vice President, Board of Directors of the Oakville Senior Citizens Residence which is a government-owned supportive housing complex providing supportive living services to seniors. She is also on the faculty of Canadian Initiative for Elder Planning Studies and educates across Canada on a range of seniors’ issues including health and societal aspects of aging, housing, care giving, long-term care and marketing communications for seniors. She is a published author of Evaluating Long Term Care Insurance published by CCH Canadian Limited and author of the new Advocis RHU Training Module on Long Term Care Insurance.

Health Assured Financial Group was awarded the 2005 Business Recognition Award from the City of Mississauga, Mississauga Business Enterprise Centre for business excellence. In 2006, Health Assured introduced 'My-MEDIC-Notes™' through the Wellness Programs Division to address the information vaccum facing paramedics during health emergencies. It has been endorsed by Canadian Initiative for Elder Planning Studies and Epilepsy Durham Region as a recommended medical safety program.