New Living Classroom at Pioneer Ridge Supports Healthcare Education

Pioneer Ridge Long-Term Care and Senior Services, in partnership with Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute, are proud to celebrate the grand opening of the new Living Classroom at Pioneer Ridge, an innovative training model designed to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals through hands-on, immersive education.

A Living Classroom integrates learning directly within a long-term care setting, allowing Personal Support Worker (PSW) and Practical Nursing (PN) students to gain valuable experience with mentorship and real-world interaction. 

“This partnership represents a significant investment in the future of long-term care in Thunder Bay,” said Traci Fisher-Zaiser, Administrator, Pioneer Ridge Long-Term Care and Senior Services. “The Living Classroom is more than a learning space; it is a place where education, mentorship, and compassionate care come together to empower students and support seniors.”

“We are proud to partner with Pioneer Ridge to offer our students an innovative learning experience that combines academic instruction with hands-on clinical exposure,” said Lorrie Deschamps, President, Oshki-Pimache-O-Win. “This collaboration supports student success by providing immersive learning opportunities in a supportive environment, while also helping address the growing need for skilled healthcare professionals across northwestern Ontario. Together, we are building pathways that empower students and strengthen our workforce.”

The initiative reflects a shared commitment to education, workforce development, and enhancing care for seniors through collaboration and innovation.   

The Living Classroom program is funded by the Government of Ontario and led by the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA), in partnership with the Ontario Association of Adult and Continuing Education School Board Administrators (CESBA).

The Living Classroom supports broader objectives in the City’s Smart Growth Action Plan by strengthening workforce development and education partnerships, expanding hands-on learning opportunities, and helping prepare the skilled healthcare professionals needed to support Thunder Bay's future growth.

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Contact:      Morgan Connors, Student Placement Coordinator, Pioneer Ridge Long-Term Care and Senior Services - (807) 633-6547, morgan.connors@thunderbay.ca