Julie Bessant Pelech

B.E.S., CGeront., M.A.
Principal, Consulting Gerontologist

Julie Bessant Pelech is a gerontologist passionate about changing the way society views growing old and being old. As a principal of BPA Inc., her gerontological and long-term care consulting practice, Julie relishes being a strong and knowledgeable advocate for age-friendly and dementia-friendly environments that will positively impact elders’ experiences in later life.

Julie has worked with over 150 not-for-profit and for-profit healthcare organizations across the continuum of community-based programs, seniors’ housing, retirement and assisted living residences, long-term care homes as well as complex continuing care and acute hospitals.  She has been directly involved in the programming, planning, design, construction and opening of over 65 new long-term care homes and residences across Canada.

Julie holds a Master of Arts degree in sociology/gerontology from the University of Waterloo. She lectures at various universities on the eldercare system and gerontological issues and was well respected in her roles as Coordinator of Gerontology Programs and Instructor at Sheridan College.  Julie uses her opportunities as both keynote and guest speaker at numerous national and international conferences to address eldercare issues and solutions for supporting meaningful elderhood and quality of life for older adults.

Whether in her consulting practice or her other advocacy and awareness contributions, Julie’s mandate is clear – to inspire organizations to reach their potential in making a difference in the lives of elders every day. The BPA logo, which depicts the Egyptian hieroglyphic for esteemed elder, summarizes the company’s philosophy at its core.