Our Team
Tanya Mac Donald, Director, Senior Living and Community Programs
Email: tmacdonald@perleyhealth.ca
Phone: 613-526-7171 x 2454
Tanya Mac Donald serves as Director, Seniors Living and Community Programs at Perley Health, where she leads the Senior Living independent apartments, the Active Seniors and Veterans Living Centre, and the new Living Well at Home™ sub-brand. In this role, Tanya oversees a diverse offering of community programs designed to help Seniors and Veterans in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario age in place. Her portfolio includes specialized initiatives such as Assisted Living for High-Risk Seniors, Respite House, and the Adult Day Program. By integrating and expanding these services, Tanya ensures that older adults from different socio-economic backgrounds - and those living with dementia - receive person-centered care at the right time. These programs offer the added benefit of providing respite to family and caregivers.
Tanya's approach to healthcare leadership is informed by more than 20 years' experience in clinical practice, policy research, and evidence-informed best practices. Prior to joining Perley Health, she served at Healthcare Excellence Canada, where she specialized in implementing national learning collaboratives to improve quality and person-centered care for older adults across the country. Her work is rooted in her personal frailty-informed experience, ensuring that caregivers have access to trusted, dementia-informed environments.
A graduate of the University of Ottawa, Tanya has a bachelor's degree in physiotherapy, and a Master's degree in Epidemiology. Her collaborative style, commitment to create strong partnerships help guide and support Perley Health's expansion of community programming to benefit Seniors and Veterans and the wider healthcare system.
Ursula Herzig, Care Coordinator
Email: uherzig@perleyhealth.ca
Phone: 613-526-7171 x 2011
Ursula Herzig grew up in Switzerland and immigrated to Canada in 1979. She has always been a caregiver to some degree and pursued this passion by earning a Behavioural Science Technician Diploma from St. Lawrence College . In 2016 she completed the PSW (Personal Support Worker) Diploma at Herzing College. After completing a placement as a PSW at Perley Health, Urusla accepted a position there, eventually rising to the role of Care Coordinator. A proud mother of three daughters — all graduates of Carleton University — Ursula loves to spend her spare time with them, as well as working on the family's country homestead.
Stephanie Deschamps, Care Coordinator
Currently on Maternity Leave
Email: sdeschamps@perleyhealth.ca
Phone: 613-526-7171 x 2212
Stephanie Deschamps, or Steph as she prefers, grew up in Ottawa with a passion for Seniors. After earning Developmental Services Worker and Recreation & Leisure diplomas, she began her career at Perley Health. Steph then returned to school to earn a certificate in Therapeutic Recreation focusing on Seniors. In 2020, Steph joined Perley Health's Assisted Living and Senior's Housing team. In her free time, Steph enjoys camping, gardening, walking her dog, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.