Mélanie St-Germain named General Manager of Vent de l’Ouest
Since late February, Mélanie St-Germain has taken on the role of General Manager at the Vent de l’Ouest residence. Motivated by a genuine desire to contribute to the well-being of those around her, she hopes to build lasting relationships with both residents and her team. Meet a deeply caring manager, guided by the values of kindness and integrity that are so close to her heart.
Mélanie, your professional background is quite unconventional. Please tell us about it.
I grew up in a family deeply involved in the business world, so I was exposed to it from a very young age. That said, my path has been anything but straightforward. As younger, I explored several different fields – art history, finance, communications. But my real dream was always to open my own restaurant. After working as a commercial director at a car dealership, I became the owner of a bistro at 24. That experience taught me a great deal about working with all kinds of people and personalities. Six years later, after selling the restaurant, I returned to my home region of the Montérégie to help my grandfather restructure his golf club. Once that was done, I moved into hospitality, which turned out to be a tremendous springboard. It gave me the chance to develop my ability to juggle many things at once: operations, service, maintenance, teams… Looking back, I can see how that winding road prepared me perfectly for my role as General Manager at Vent de l’Ouest.
Speaking of which, what excites you most about the role of General Manager?
Connecting with people is a huge source of motivation for me. I also have a strong desire to do things well and to keep doing them better; continuous improvement is something I truly value. I want to provide residents with a healthy, safe and reassuring environment. My role at Vent de l’Ouest is to ensure they can live peacefully in their own home. As General Manager, I’ll make sure everything runs smoothly.
What qualities or personal approaches would you say make you a strong manager?
I believe deeply in kindness, empathy and listening. I like to think I bring all of these to my work. I also have a genuine desire to help my team members grow and thrive. To my mind, that fosters retention, which is crucial in a living environment like a seniors’ residence, and it strengthens residents’ sense of security. I place a great deal of importance on truly listening. And for me, it means far more than simply hearing someone – it starts with welcoming them, then seeking to understand what they’re going through, and ultimately helping them find their way forward.
Why did you decide to work in a seniors’ residence?
In hospitality, people come and go. Whereas in a residence, you build relationships that endure. I was drawn to that deeper connection, and also to the opportunity to learn, to help and to give back. At this point in my life, working in a seniors’ residence just felt like a natural next step.
And what drew you to Le Groupe Maurice?
It’s their values. Integrity is the one that resonates with me most, because transparency and honesty are things I genuinely care about. I believe that beyond technical know-how, understanding how to conduct yourself and how to communicate are just as essential. You can say a lot of things in life, but it matters how you say them. I also think it’s important to be able to explain your decisions and show people why they make sense. Collaboration is equally central to who I am – I like to involve the people around me in decision-making. It goes a long way toward easing the acceptance of change, even if I know you can’t please everyone all the time.
How would you describe your relationship with older adults?
I’ll do my best not to let my emotions get the better of me… My paternal grandmother was my best friend from the time I was very young. We did everything together. She was the one who took me to my first outdoor concert and my first northern lights. She would pick me up after school to go skating, and every Saturday morning we volunteered at Sainte-Justine Hospital. I spent so much time by her side… We were incredibly close, and I think she would be very proud of where I am today. That special bond is what makes connecting with older people feel so natural to me – and why bringing them the confidence and peace of mind they deserve is something I hold close to my heart.
How do you intend to connect with the residents?
I think the way to build connections is simply by spending time with people. I have a great deal to learn and understand as General Manager, of course, but I want to be present in residents’ daily lives – joining in their activities, going to meet them, taking the time to talk with each of them. I’m someone who smiles easily and loves people, and I hope residents will feel that energy and my genuine desire to do right by them.
What would you like to say to the residents of Vent de l’Ouest?
What I want to tell them is that they are my new family. My team and I are here to support them and listen to them. Together, we will look after their well-being every day, so that they feel truly at home; safe, and confident that they’re in good hands.
Let’s move on to some lighter questions. What do you do to unwind?
I don’t relax very often. I’m a pretty active person. (laughs) That said, I love cooking. I also love being out on the water and riding motorcycles. There’s nothing like the wind in your hair to shake off the stress! (laughs)
What never fails to make you smile?
I’m genuinely a very upbeat person by nature. Even when things get tough! I always try to look on the bright side. I think that comes from my father, who taught me that there is always a solution, no matter the obstacles.
What book is currently on your nightstand?
I’m reading a trilogy by Lucy Score, a romance novelist. Light, easy reads are my way of switching off from daily life.
What proverb guides you every day?
I often say there are no coincidences, only meant-to-be moments. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason!
Which celebrity inspires you?
I could say, Michelle Obama. I deeply admire her strength and determination. But the person who inspires me most is Walt Disney. His story really resonates with me: he faced rejection and failure, yet he picked himself up and built an empire. To me, a setback is never the end. If anything, it can become the very thing that pushes you to go further.
If you could wave a magic wand, what would you wish for?
I’d want to be able to read people’s minds – to better understand what they’re going through, what they’re feeling and what they need. It would be a way to prevent so much conflict and suffering, both in everyday life and in the wider world.
Mélanie St-Germain, thank you for such a lovely conversation. We wish you all the best as you embark on this new chapter with Le Groupe Maurice!