A Bold Brand They Won’t Forget
Our bold pink brand isn’t just a color choice—it’s a statement. It signals confidence, care, and our commitment to find a better way to care. It’s a sticky brand that turns heads and sparks conversations. It’s not something you scroll past or walk by without noticing. Once you’ve seen it, you don’t forget it.
Happier Aging
Happier Aging™ is Nurse Next Door’s unique philosophy redefining aging as a time for joy, purpose, and rediscovery. It starts by asking, “What did you used to love doing that you no longer do?” and builds care around reconnecting seniors with those passions.
Rooted in five core principles—choice, purpose, respect, autonomy, and belonging—Happier Aging™ shifts the focus from what’s lost to what’s still possible. From small initiatives like being able to shop for groceries, to unique experiences like Jack’s helicopter ride.
Nurse Next Door's Core Values
Admire people
WOW customer experience
Find a better way
Passionate about making a difference
Bold Kindness
We are committed to providing compassionate care to clients and team members. Our unique leadership training programs empower our franchisees to not only be business owners but also compassionate leaders, enabling them to run their businesses with heart. Learn more on our Bold Kindness site.
Our Leadership Team
Leadership team
Cathy Thorpe
As President & CEO of Nurse Next Door, Cathy has driven business results over the last decade, expanding the organization’s reach across North America, Australia and England. Under her leadership, Nurse Next Door has dramatically scaled from 40 to 400 locations, achieving 20% year-over-year revenue growth.
Cathy has been recognized as a top influential woman in business by Business in Vancouver in 2024 and received the Waterstone MacKay - Canada’s Most Admired CEO Social Purpose Innovator Award.
Cathy aims to transform senior care globally, emphasizing autonomy and dignity through Happier Aging. Her leadership philosophy, "Bold Kindness," has cultivated an unmatched company culture, contributing to substantial business results. Her insights are captured in her Amazon bestselling book, Bold Kindness: A Caring, More Compassionate Way to Lead.
Leadership team
Arif Abdulla
As Vice-President of Global Franchise Development, Arif has 18+ years of experience with Nurse Next Door. He plays an integral role in expanding the company’s growth into global markets, including Australia and England. Over the years, Arif has overseen the company’s growth from one location in Vancouver to 400+ units in four countries.
Arif is an enthusiastic leader and mentor with experience in new market expansion, sales and marketing, business development, operations and people. He’s passionate about building a business with heart and bringing Happier Aging to more and more people around the world.
Arif has completed a certified executive program with Singularity University and in 2017, was awarded Business in Vancouver’s Top 40 Under 40 Award.
Married with two children, Arif enjoys fitness, golf, skiing and travel, and coaching kids’ soccer.
Leadership team
Veronica Tissera
As Vice President of Client Experience at Nurse Next Door since 2014, Veronica has become an integral part of the team, bringing both passion and expertise to everything she does. She is dedicated to creating meaningful, human-centered strategies that not only enhance the client experience but also drive growth, loyalty and long-term relationships. Veronica’s heart for great service and people shines through in her work. She takes great joy in seeing people and businesses flourish—helping them grow and succeed in ways that matter most.
With over 25 years of leadership and business experience, Veronica has worked with iconic international brands like The Gap, Please Mum and Aritzia. Her journey has given her a deep understanding of what it takes to connect with people and make a lasting, positive impact. She believes in the power of relationships and strives to infuse that belief into everything she touches at Nurse Next Door.
Leadership team
Susan Karda
As Vice-President of Operations since 2017, Susan has been instrumental in building and strengthening Nurse Next Door’s infrastructure, and has been pivotal in developing scalable processes. Her leadership focuses on long-term growth and fostering a culture of innovation.
She is a strong mentor who has 25+ years of experience with global brands, leading teams at lululemon Athletica, Artizia, Vancity and The Gap.
Susan’s loves and experiences go far beyond traditional skills. Passionate about self-exploration and discovery, Susan has an Advanced Coaching Certification (LIFT) from the Ivey Business School at Western University and is an accredited Erickson Professional Coach (EPC).
Susan is an avid traveler and lover of life, whose adventures have taken her across the globe with her family, creating lasting memories along the way.
