People of Perley - Concetta Santoro

Concetta Santoro, Support Services Coordinator at Perley Health, is a wearer of many hats – or, rather, belts. She is a black belt world champion in karate, a title she earned in Germany in 2011. It was an experience that taught her a lot about discipline and hard work, and one she reflects on often.

It was this same discipline that led her to graduating from Carleton University with a degree in psychology and a minor in sociology, and years of teaching martial arts while also working in hospitality, before finding herself drawn to a new calling – caring for seniors. 

Her first experience in long-term care came as an activity coordinator at a retirement home. It was there, she explains, that her passion for working with older adults was sparked. 

“A couple of residents really stole my heart, and it created the passion that instilled in me to want to work in long-term care,” she said. When colleagues told her about Perley Health, and that it was widely recognized as one of the best in the city, she knew that's where she wanted to be.

Today, her role at Perley places her at the heart of the community. 

“I'm basically the face of the department,” she explains. “All the requests and issues come through me, which means I get to meet everyone.” On any given day, she might be helping with new admissions, supporting families, or making sure new employees feel welcome. “I remember how overwhelming my first day was. So now, when I meet new staff, I want them to see right away how awesome it is to work here.”

For Concetta, the connections she makes with residents are what truly enriches her days. One of her favourite memories at Perley is when she was off sick and then came back to work, a resident made her a mug with her name engraved on it. Another meaningful memory for her took place during the pandemic. She grew very close to a resident, and he loved art, so they painted snowflakes and snowmen on the cafeteria windows together. 

“Seeing him lose himself in it brought joy not just to him, but to all the residents around. It was really special.”

Her connection to Veterans is deeply personal, too. 

“It's touching to me when they share their stories, sometimes breaking down as they remember what they went through at just 20 years old. For me, just listening in that moment is so important.”

Concetta's compassion is rooted in her own family experiences. With a grandmother nearing 103, a mother who has lived with a disability for over a decade, and a beloved karate coach who passed away from Parkinson's, she understands the struggles families face when caring for loved ones. 

“That's why the Perley really hits home for me.”

Beyond her day-to-day role, Concetta actively contributes to the wider Perley Health community. She supports Nursing Week celebrations, fundraises annually for the Perley Health Foundation during Ottawa Race Weekend as a member of Team Perley, and continually advocates for her peers. 

When asked about the future, Concetta is hopeful. 

“I hope we continue the legacy we've built. Families always tell us how grateful they are that their loved one gets to be at a place like this. I'd love to see Perley Health expand in the city so more people can experience the same care.”

“Families always tell us how grateful they are that their loved one gets to be at a place like this. I'd love to see Perley expand… so more people can experience the same care.” Concetta Santoro, Support Services Coordinator