Donna T. Ritch, R.N., EPC

Throughout the years, Donna has learned an abundance of knowledge pertaining to health promotion with a focus on older adults.

Ms. Ritch received her Nursing Diploma from Scarborough Regional School of Nursing in 1971. She immediately accepted a position as Staff Nurse & Assistant Head Nurse at the Centenary Hospital where she remained until 1987.

Between the years of 1983 to 1987, while still employed at Centenary Hospital, Donna was a Lecturer and a Trainer for Weight Watchers International. This paved the way for her to receive her Leader’s Training Certificate from Weight Watchers International in 1988.

In 1987 she accepted a position with the Canada Life Insurance Company, where she held the position of Special Projects Co-Ordinator. During that same year, Donna received a Wellness and Lifestyle Management Honours Post Graduate Certificate from Centennial College in Toronto, ON.

From 1987 to 1998, Ms. Ritch partnered with the Canadian Cancer Society, where she was the Community Program Consultant, Health Promotion Consultant, as well as a Workplace Education Nurse.

In 1998, Donna earned three credits of a Women’s Studies Diploma program from Trent University in Peterborough ON.

Donna has also done consulting with the Victorian Order of Nurses, Durham Region Branch from 1998 to 2003, where she was the Manager of the Friendly Visitor Program.

Some of Donna’s other educational accomplishments are the attainment of an Interchurch Health Ministries Diploma in Partnership with Emmanuel College of Victoria University, U of T and a VON Management 300 Certificate Course from the Victorian Order of Nurses.

She is currently only two courses away from achieving her Bachelor Health Sciences (Nursing) Degree from Charles Sturt University in Australia.

In 2003, Donna started her own consulting business she called ironically enough what we all will experience – “Change of Season.”

The strength and success of Change of Season rests with Donna’s experience of being a registered nurse for more than thirty years.

Much of her experience is in service to older adults, particularly those living in their own homes who feel isolated and lonely. Donna's nursing background in hospitals and in the home helped her recognize the need for more home services for older adults. At the same time she is ever mindful that the children of older adults experience increasing stress in trying to meet the conflicting needs of their parents and their children.

Change of Season was created to provide those non-medical and health promotion services that improve well being and help elders remain well in their own home.

Donna’s postgraduate background in health promotion has enabled her to help people by providing the tools, resources and support necessary to improve quality of life at every stage and season.

Through the use of Therapeutic Touch, Donna is able to assist clients experiencing pain and needing assistance with improved quality of sleep.

She is also invested in assisting the valued work of the Parish Nurse's health and healing ministry. Her belief in the health of the mind, body and spirit has lead Donna to become a member of Westminster United Church's Health Cabinet.

The combination of Donna’s education, experience and most importantly her passion for “OUR AGING SOCIETY” is the force that propels Change of Season.

Some of Donna’ other accomplishments are:

Management