Shanika Donalds is the Director of Housing and Client Services at GEF Seniors Housing. She leads the organization’s strategic initiatives and research partnerships that address wellbeing needs of older clients. Shanika completed her BSc. and MSc in Social Work at the University of West Indies, Mona and is a Registered Social Worker. She holds a PhD in Family Studies from the University of Alberta, where her research focused on family life course of older migrants from the Caribbean.
Her research on families over the life course, informs her current work on the social and structural factors shaping older adults’ family experiences. As an active research collaborator, Shanika partners with academics to translate findings into practical solutions that improve housing models, service delivery, and policy development Through innovation and evidence-based strategies, her work advances sustainable, person-centered approaches that promote aging in the right place and enhance wellbeing for older adults.
She advocates for evidence-based interventions and believes that the intersection between research and intervention is where innovative solutions, policies, and practices to improve service delivery and client outcomes can be achieved.