Lisa Reeder: Building a Life in Brantford

As a pharmacist and leader at Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS), Lisa Reeder’s journey reflects the power of roots, relationships, and reflection.

Newly married and starting her career, Lisa moved to Brantford and was welcomed with open arms to BCHS in 2003. Over the years, Lisa explored other roles in neighbouring hospitals, but time and again, she found herself returning to BCHS. “This place always pulls me back,” she says. “I love it here. It’s the people. It’s the sense of community. It’s the fact that I know I’m making a difference right here where I live.”

That deep sense of purpose has kept Lisa anchored at BCHS, and it’s what inspires her as a leader today.

A Polish Heritage That Shapes Her Lens

Growing up, Lisa was surrounded by hard work and resilience. Her mother immigrated to Canada as a child and worked tirelessly to help the family succeed, while her father, born in Brantford and raised on a farm in Waterford, built a successful career in business while continuing to work the land on weekends. “The work ethic, from both sides of my family, became a big part of who I am,” she says.

Raised in Oakville, and only speaking Polish at home, Lisa didn’t start learning English until junior kindergarten. During this transition she also attended Polish school twice a week to maintain her language and cultural connection. Though she presently understands more than she speaks, the impact of her upbringing has stayed with her.

Lisa’s Polish heritage is alive in her family’s cherished traditions, especially around the holidays. Every year, they gather for Wigilia, the Polish Christmas Eve supper, which features twelve meatless dishes and customs that have endured across generations.

Her favourite holiday dish? Borscht, a deep red beet soup served with mushroom-filled dumplings called uszka. “It’s the one dish I associate with Christmas. My mom still makes it, and I love it - even if my kids don’t,” she laughs.

The family also continues the tradition of breaking the opłatek, a thin wafer similar to communion bread. Well wishes for the year ahead are extended to each other as the opłatek is shared.     

“These rituals connect us,” Lisa says. “They remind me of who I am and where I come from.”

Her parents remain deeply connected to Brantford’s Polish community. Her father is Vice President of the Polish Community Centre Brantford, while her mother, a Director and tireless organizer, leads many of the group’s cultural events from harvest dances to golf tournaments.

Fostering Space for Others

Now as Director of Pharmacy, Lisa brings those same values of connection and care into her leadership.

“Growing up with a strong cultural identity was transforming,” Lisa reflects. “It helped me understand the importance of culture and community and made me think differently about how I approach my work and others.”

“I’ve learned that we all carry biases, some from our upbringing, some from our environments. What matters is that we’re aware of them, that we work to check them, and that we foster spaces where everyone feels seen and valued.”

When asked what belonging means to her, she replied, “to me, belonging means being able to come as you are and ensuring others feel accepted and heard. That’s what I want to create in my department, because when people feel like they belong, they thrive. And when we thrive as a team, our patients benefit.”

Her chosen theme song, “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey resonates with her for its uplifting energy and message of hope. “I’ve always tried to lead with positivity. Even when things are tough, I believe we can find a better way. I believe in people,” she says.

She’s noticed the transformation at BCHS firsthand. “Our hospital is changing, and it’s not just about diversity,” she explains. “It’s the conversations we’re having and the purposefulness behind creating spaces that focus on making sure people feel safe and supported.”

Lisa is proud to be part of that shift.

“This work matters. It’s not always easy, but it’s making us better. Better leaders. Better colleagues. Better caregivers.”

This feature is part of the “I Belong” campaign, where BCHS employees, professional staff, and volunteers are given the opportunity to share their personal stories, strengthening a culture of belonging that empowers each individual and deepens our collective mission to provide exceptional care. Together, we’re creating a more inclusive, connected, and empowered BCHS.