Our Team

Gordon Denford

Founder

Chris Denford

President

Amir Hemani

Chief Executive Officer

As the CEO of Berwick Retirement Communities, Amir provides strategic leadership and oversees the business operations to support Berwick’s growth and success. With over 13 years at Berwick, including his prior role as COO, Amir drives the organizational direction of the company while working closely with our owners on strategic capital deployment, resource optimization, and Berwick’s expansion.

He is responsible for scanning the senior living business landscape to identify opportunities and innovations, ensuring Berwick remains well-positioned to respond and drive best practices.

Supporting the operations team, Amir helps enable excellence across Berwick’s communities while promoting sustainable growth and fiscal responsibility. His focus is on fostering innovation, promoting business excellence, and delivering exceptional experiences for residents and staff alike.

Outside of work, he enjoys doing any kind of physical sport, and pickleball and football rank among his favourites—go Hawks go!

Sundari Ware

Chief Financial Officer

In the late 1980’s when Sundari was working at a local CA office, she was tasked with assisting a client of hers, Gordon Denford, prepare financial projections for a proposed seniors retirement home.  Not just any retirement home, but one with a commitment to excellence and respect for every resident; a place they could call home.  It was a project that changed her life and soon after Sundari became part of the Berwick team.

Almost 35 years later, she is still here, although working only part-time hours now.  When not in the office Sundari and her husband enjoy spending the winters in Sun City West, Arizona.

It has been an honor for her to work along side of Gordon and Chris throughout their journey, and she is so proud to be part of a team that truly supports and cares for our Berwick residents’ well-being and happiness.

Kelly Lazaro

Chief Operating Officer

It’s been an unforgettable tenure with Berwick, and I have never once looked back. I have held a number of positions, including Marquise District Manager, Berwick General Manager, Director of Operations and now COO. Knowing all aspects of our business has been a huge asset in helping me develop a dream and a vision for Berwick. 

Blair Echlin

Project Manager, DCM

My dad always told me, “Whatever you do, be the best at it.” These words stuck with me. The first day I moved to Victoria in 1985, after growing up and graduating from high school in Port Alberni, I was mesmerized by the tower cranes on construction sites; this wasn’t yet part of my visible future. I’ve frequently heard it said, “If you want to be successful, surround yourself with successful people.” I’ve always found satisfaction in passing down the things I’ve learned and experienced in life.

The “Berwick Way” checks all these boxes for me. As a Project Manager in this organization since early 2021, I get to construct and remodel fantastic communities, work with the best team with the highest ambitions and pass along the philosophy and knowledge I’ve accumulated to the next generation of our team. Learning and teaching never stop.

Graham Colley

Director of Operations

Graham Colley, Director of Operations is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational support to all Berwick communities.  He joined Berwick in 2017 as General Manager for Berwick Royal Oak, before moving into his current role where he continues to contribute to the success and growth of this family-owned business.

Before joining the retirement industry, Graham held operational, accounting, and human resources positions over a period of 15 years within the first-class sector of the hotel industry.  With over 10 years in the retirement industry, Graham has found fulfillment in the opportunity to positively contribute to the lives of seniors.

Outside of the office, Graham and his family enjoy travelling, sports and spending time up island in the summer.

Lesley Sikorski

Director of Sales, Marketing & Internal Community Engagement

As the Director of Sales & Marketing, Lesley plays a key role in driving Berwick’s sales objectives and guides our corporate branding initiatives, ensuring that Berwick is recognized as an innovative and leading senior living operator across British Columbia. She focuses on developing and executing creative sales and marketing strategies that elevate the visibility of Berwick’s empowered living culture.

With over a decade of experience in the senior living industry, Lesley’s insights and leadership help shape the vision for our communities. Lesley ensures that each community’s unique vision is marketed and communicated effectively while maintaining the consistency of Berwick’s established brand across all communities.

Outside of work, Lesley enjoys spending time with her family and friends; she is an avid runner and skier, is a car and driving enthusiast and loves traveling the world. She received her Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the Gustavson School of Business and has held a number of volunteer positions with community partners.

Trevor Hammond

Director of Human Resources

Trevor has led Human Resources at Berwick since 2016, putting our people-centric culture at the forefront . He and his team seek to connect people in roles where they flourish, support their well-being at work , and promote their career development within Berwick. Known for empathetic and authentic leadership, Trevor takes a forward-thinking approach to how work & life intersect, to ensure that Berwick remains the greatest place in the world to work.

Outside of work, Trevor is an avid NFL fan (Go LA Rams!) He loves spending time with his family in the sun, kayaking, and being near the ocean.

With a focus on empowering individuals and building cohesive teams, he is dedicated  to the continued excellence of Berwick and its people.

Paulette Goodman, CPA, CGA

Manager of Financial Operations

I’ve been working at Berwick for the past three years, after over a decade in public practice accounting, and I’m so happy I made the change! There’s such great energy at Berwick, and I’m grateful to be part of a wonderful team where I’m happy to come into work each morning. I love the problem-solving aspects of my job and the opportunities for creative thinking. Collaborating with other departments on various projects is also something that keeps my job interesting.

My husband and I have a young daughter, so my life outside the office centres around my family. Most of my “free” time is spent with them, along with my siblings and many nieces and nephews. Living on Vancouver Island provides us with endless parks to explore and I love being outdoors with the family. I love to cook and am always up for trying out new recipes, and I’m also a big reader and have a stack of fiction on my nightstand at all times.

Jenny Jessa, CPA, CGA

Manager of Special Projects

Jenny keeps Berwick’s internal processes evolving in her role as Manager of Special Projects by providing professional knowledge and skills to operational projects that empower others to succeed.  Her efforts in implementing new software and workflows enhance efficiency and consistency of information between departments.  Her focus is on improving processes and bringing automation to Berwick

Jenny has her Chartered Professional Accountant designation and over two decades of experience with Berwick, which enhances her comprehension and expertise needed for this role.

Outside of work, family is a priority for Jenny and dinner for 12 is a common weekend gathering.  In between weekends, she spends time with her husband, two teenagers, and labradoodle.

Andrea Purvis

Clinical Services Manager