Mr. LeBlanc, can you tell us how you came to be in your current role?
“It’s fair to say that I’ve had two careers. I first earned a college diploma in Communications from Cégep Limoilou then later went on to study theater for two years at Cégep de Saint-Hyacinthe’s École de théâtre. While my studies led me to work in communications, I also spent fifteen or so years working in theater and film.
Then, in 2010, at the age of 39, I went back to school, this time at Collège Montmorency, in Laval. I graduated in 2013 with a DEC in physical rehabilitation, now known as the Physiotherapy Technology Program.”
When did you join our organization?
“I started at the Grace Dart Extended Care Centre in 2013, back when it was a pavilion on Sherbrooke Street. Since the closure of the pavilion in 2016 coincided with the relocation of several of its residents to Ste. Anne’s Hospital, I went with them and spent three months working in that facility. Afterwards, I returned to my home base.”
What are your main functions?
“My duties include leading group exercise classes of ten or so residents. From the moment they walk into the gym, they are met with a festive atmosphere. My playful approach encourages participation and socialization, while allowing each resident to go at their own pace. They can enjoy fitness, stationary bike and stretching classes, walking and so much more, all to the beat of some great music. The goal of these group-based exercise classes is to help older adults stay independent. You know, seniors take great pride in being able to get out of bed, go to the bathroom and eat on their own.
Also, depending on the various requests, I attend to what happens on the residential units, such as falls or wounds, for example. I’m blessed to be able to count on the help of a devoted support aid. The VERY tall Salim Koceila Aït-Kaci is an invaluable asset.”
What are the key challenges you face?
“I sometimes work with residents who have very strong personalities. In the long run, it can be exhausting. The secret to successfully managing such challenges resides in my ability to not take things too personally.”
What do you love most about your job?
“When I first decided to switch careers and went into physical rehabilitation, I envisioned myself working with athletes in a private clinic. However, after completing an internship in a residential centre, I quickly developed an interest in human connections and felt very at ease working with vulnerable individuals. They are less judgmental and more authentic. Since I love to entertain the residents by improvising, I find myself before a receptive audience that welcomes my antics. Whether it’s a glance or through their body language, I can see that they appreciate my efforts.”
Mr. LeBlanc kindly agreed to share some aspects of his personal life with us...
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your family?
“While I was born in Montréal, I was raised in a Québec City suburb. I moved back to Montréal when I was about 25 years old and have not looked back. I am the proud father of two boys aged 10 and 13. I enjoy the social aspect of city-living, but am just as happy in the country, which is more in line with my need for solitude.”
What are your favourite hobbies?
“The arts are still a big part of my life. I can’t do without creating, whatever form that may take! I love experimenting in the kitchen, cooking dishes from around the world. I will admit that I have a weakness for Japanese and Italian cuisine. Since I once owned a fermentation company, I use this process to make mustard, spicy barbecue sauce, etc.
I also enjoy painting with my boys. It’s a hobby that is very instinctual. Lastly, I’m a huge music fan. I have an impressive number of playlists across all music genres.”
You’re also a cyclist, are you not?
“That’s right! I now ride year round. Regardless of the weather, I spend 90 minutes on my bike commuting to work every day. It’s a great way to transition between my professional life and my private life. When I’m on my bicycle, everything just melts away. As I ride, time literally flows right through me!”
“My work changes constantly, based on the progress made by our residents. Fortunately, in order to address everyone’s needs, I can count on the relationships I’ve forged over the years with a variety of employees who work in a broad range of areas within our facility,” says Mr. LeBlanc, who has a tremendous amount of respect for our seniors. Pictured here, resident Alice Desautels is delighted by the attention given to her by Mr. LeBlanc.
“I draw a tremendous amount of inspiration from my coworkers at the Grace Dart Extended Care Centre. Despite the heavy workload, they are deeply involved in our little community”, states Mr. LeBlanc, an avid outdoorsman.