Employee Spotlight: Mark Dager

From Orderly to Director: A 30-Year journey of leadership at Woodingford Lodge

For nearly three decades, Mark Dager has walked the halls of Woodingford Lodge. Over that time, he has witnessed significant changes in long-term care, helped shape innovative programs, supported countless residents and families, and built a career that reflects both dedication and growth.

Today, as Director of Long-Term Care for Woodingford Lodge, Dager leads one of Oxford County’s most respected long-term care homes. But his journey began long before he stepped into a leadership role.

A Career Built at Woodingford Lodge

Born and raised in Oxford County, Dager was familiar with Woodingford Lodge long before he became an employee.

“Woodingford Lodge has always had a strong reputation in the community and across Southwestern Ontario,” he says. “That reputation was a big part of what attracted me here.”

Dager began his career at the Lodge as an orderly. From there, he pursued nursing and returned to Woodingford Lodge as a nurse before progressing into supervisory roles, including Behavioural Supports and Dementia Care Services. Eventually, he was appointed Director of Long-Term Care.

Looking back, the progression feels both remarkable and natural.

“I love what I do,” says Dager. “Every day I come to work, it doesn’t feel like 30 years. But when you say it out loud, it certainly reminds you how long it’s been.”

Throughout those three decades, he has seen the long-term care sector evolve dramatically. Legislative changes, increased regulatory requirements, and the lessons learned through the COVID-19 pandemic have transformed the way care is delivered.

“Long-term care is one of the most heavily regulated industries in Ontario,” Dager explains. “While many of those requirements can be labour intensive, the benefit is always for the residents. The heightened focus on quality, safety and accountability helps ensure residents receive the best possible care.”

Creating the Family Transition Program

When asked about the most rewarding achievement of his career, Dager points to a program that has changed the way residents and families experience the move into long-term care.

The Family Transition Program, which began development in 2018, was created to make the transition into long-term care more personal, supportive and resident-focused.

Rather than viewing admission as simply a process, the program focuses on understanding each resident as an individual and preserving the routines, preferences and comforts that make them feel at home.

“We really wanted to look at how residents transition into long-term care and ensure there were no unnecessary disruptions to their lives,” says Dager. “It’s about understanding who they are and making sure they continue to feel supported.”

The program has since received recognition beyond Oxford County and is considered one of the first initiatives of its kind in Canada.

For Dager, however, the greatest reward has been seeing the positive impact on residents and families.

While being selected as Director of Long-Term Care stands out as a significant professional milestone, he says the true measure of success can be found in the people around him.

“I’m honoured every day to work alongside such a dedicated group of staff,” he says. “Seeing the kindness, compassion and commitment they bring to residents each day makes me incredibly proud.”

Growing through opportunity

Dager credits much of his professional development to the support he has received throughout his career from both Woodingford Lodge and Oxford County.

Over the years, he has participated in leadership development opportunities, professional growth programs and collaborative decision-making processes that have helped shape his leadership style.

“The County believes in its staff,” he says. “When employees have ideas, they’re encouraged to share them. That support and willingness to listen builds confidence and helps people grow.”

He recalls bringing forward the concept for the Family Transition Program and found the leadership willing to have meaningful conversations about how the idea could become reality.

“That collective support gave me the confidence to continue developing the program and helped me grow as a leader.”

He also points to Oxford County’s focus on leadership development and succession planning as a key strength.

“The programs offered through Human Resources help identify potential leaders and encourage their growth. It’s about recognizing talent and helping people become the best versions of themselves.”

Leading with experience

One of Dager’s greatest strengths as a leader comes from having worked in many different areas of the organization throughout his career.

“There aren’t many facets of Woodingford Lodge that I haven’t touched,” he says.

That experience gives him a unique perspective when listening to staff and understanding the realities of frontline work.

“When people bring concerns, ideas or feedback forward, I can often say that I’ve lived that experience myself. It allows you to hear the message differently and understand the challenges and opportunities from their perspective.”

Dager believes leadership is rooted in continuous learning and recognizing the contributions of others.

“The encouragement and belief that others showed in me throughout my career taught me the importance of doing the same for my team,” he says. “It’s about seeing potential in people and helping them grow.”

Advice for the next generation

For those just beginning their careers at Woodingford Lodge, Dager offers a simple but meaningful piece of advice: embrace the home’s guiding principle.

“An excellent place to live and work.”

For him, the tagline is more than a slogan. It reflects the culture, values and commitment that have defined Woodingford Lodge for decades.

“When you see the satisfaction of residents and families, it reinforces the importance of the work being done,” he says. “The longevity of our staff speaks volumes about the investment people have in doing the right thing for residents.”

His advice to new employees is to arrive with an open mind, an open heart and a willingness to contribute.

“Share your voice. Share your ideas. Bring your innovations forward,” he says. “Every employee has the opportunity to make themselves better, make the home better and contribute to the future of Woodingford Lodge.”

After nearly 30 years of service, Dager’s own career stands as proof of what can happen when passion, opportunity and community come together. From orderly to director, his journey reflects not only personal growth, but also the culture of support, innovation and care that continues to make Woodingford Lodge an excellent place to live and work.