Meet the HomeEase Team
OUR TEAM DELIVERS TRUSTED EXPERTISE WITH KINDNESS AND ATTENTION TO DETAILChantal Thomas
ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONSChantal brings exceptional administrative expertise, organization, and attention to detail to the HomeEase team. With a Bachelor of Education from the University of Victoria and over a decade of experience in inclusive education, she excels in coordination, communication, and managing the many details that keep projects running smoothly. In her role as a real estate assistant, Chantal supports behind the scenes, ensuring every transition is handled with accuracy and care. With additional experience in web design, she also helps develop marketing materials and our personalized downsizing plans that reflect the warm, thoughtful approach HomeEase is known for.
Emily Katherine Wagner
DOWNSIZING SPECIALISTEmily Katherine combines exceptional organization, client care, and property management expertise to help HomeEase clients prepare their homes for a smooth transition. After 20 years at a university library, she pursued her lifelong passion for gardening—earning her horticulture certification and founding Dancing Bee Properties in North Saanich. Today, she brings that same attention to detail and calm professionalism to every project, supporting homeowners with garden care, property oversight, and reliable hands-on help through the downsizing process.
Rowan Brunet
DOWNSIZING SPECIALISTRowan brings over two decades of leadership, communication, and entrepreneurial experience to the HomeEase team. With an MBA in Marketing and Management from Concordia University, she has built a dynamic career spanning business ownership, teaching, media, and community engagement. Rowan’s background includes founding and managing a successful fitness business, producing media projects, and serving as a licensed combat sport supervisor across BC. Known for her warmth, professionalism, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life, Rowan helps HomeEase clients navigate transitions with confidence, clarity, and care.
Janette Illing
DOWNSIZING SPECIALISTJanette brings over two decades of experience in healthcare, client care, and home services to the HomeEase team. With a background as a senior nurse in the U.K. and leadership roles in home care and cleaning services, she combines medical knowledge, professionalism, and genuine compassion in her work. Her hands-on experience in client coordination, property care, and hospitality ensures every HomeEase home is managed with precision, warmth, and respect. Whether supporting clients through transitions, preparing homes for sale, or maintaining welcoming spaces, Janette’s attention to detail and caring approach make her an invaluable part of the team.
Kinza Schmidt-Paborn
DOWNSIZING SPECIALISTKinza brings creativity, warmth, and a finely tuned sense of harmony to the HomeEase team. A professional pianist and music educator for nearly five decades, she knows how to blend precision and artistry to create calm out of chaos—skills that serve her clients beautifully during life’s transitions. As conductor of the UVic Chorus and the Island Song choir, Kinza naturally leads with empathy and organization. Her love of design, home improvement, and upcycling furniture gives her a unique eye for helping clients reimagine their spaces with beauty and purpose. Known for her distinctive style and kind, steady presence, Kinza helps each client move forward with both confidence and heart.
Darcy Schmidt-Paborn
DOWNSIZING SPECIALISTDarcy brings a steady, good-humoured energy and a wealth of practical experience to the HomeEase team. With more than 35 years as a landlord and over a decade as an environmental consultant, he’s a natural problem solver who keeps every project running smoothly. A former model and opera performer turned barbershop singer, Darcy has a creative streak and an easy charm that help clients feel at ease through every step of their move. Growing up farming alongside his Ukrainian grandparents taught him the value of hard work, laughter, and community—qualities that define his approach to downsizing today. Grounded, approachable, and always ready with a bit of humour, Darcy helps make each transition a little lighter.
Laurie Shannon
DOWNSIZING SPECIALISTLaurie brings precision, professionalism, and a calm, detail-oriented approach to the HomeEase team. With a strong background in finance, administration, and client service, she’s spent years managing complex operations, financial reconciliations, and vendor relationships with accuracy and care. Her ability to stay composed under pressure and her commitment to organization make her a steady, trusted presence for clients navigating transition. Known for her reliability, warmth, and eye for detail, Laurie helps every downsizing project stay on track—ensuring nothing is overlooked and every client feels supported from start to finish.
Patric Walkling
SPACE TRANSFORMATION SPECIALISTOriginally from Germany, Patric has called Canada home since 2017. His career in construction has taken him across the globe, where he explored diverse building techniques and finishing styles before establishing his own company, Reform Spaces.
With hands-on expertise in renovations, painting, and detailed repair work, Patric brings precision craftsmanship and dependable service to every project. Clients appreciate his practical approach, high standards, and commitment to creating spaces that feel refreshed, functional, and beautifully finished.
Together, we bring warmth, professionalism, and reliability to every transition.
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