On this page: Award categories | 2026 winners | Previous year's winners
The RNAO Recognition Awards are presented annually to recognize individuals and groups that make significant contributions to RNAO's mandate of speaking out for nursing and speaking out for health. To honour these individuals and groups, consider nominating a colleague, yourself or your organization for one of RNAO's prestigious Recognition Awards. Award recipients will be recognized at various key times throughout the year. Only the Student of Distinction and Leadership Award in Student Mentorship will be celebrated at the RNAO’s Annual General Meeting(AGM) in May.
Status: Closed
| Category | Awards |
|---|---|
| Leadership | |
| Education/mentorship |
Nursing Education (Staff Development) HUB Fellowship (an opportunity to shadow RNAO's CEO Doris Grinspun) |
|
Group |
Chapter of the Year Interest Group of the Year |
|
Student Undergrad |
Student of Distinction |
|
Member of the Public |
Friend of Nursing |
"Finding a voice has to do with patient advocacy...standing up for what's right for the patient."
Leadership Award in Nursing Education
"I feel like I've grown up with RNAO. It is an awesome responsibility to teach others about what this grand profession is about."
Award of Merit
"I think the primary goal of implementing a Best Practice Guideline is to really influence practice change and improve client outcomes."
Leadership Award in BPG Implementation
Safeyyah Raji is a lecturer at London’s Western University, where she teaches in the undergraduate nursing program across theory, clinical, lab and simulation courses.
Desa Dlugosz is manager of interprofessional practice at William Osler Health System in Brampton.
Steve Cairns is an assistant professor and BPSO lead at Nipissing University in North Bay, with a research interest in scaling up nurses’ engagement in planetary health. He serves as an executive member of RNAO’s Ontario Nurses for the Environment interest group. He is also the Ontario representative for the Canadian Association of Nurses for the Environment.
Amy Davignon is a nursing leader with more than 25 years of experience advancing nursing education, mentorship and evidence-informed practice across hospital, community and long-term care settings. Over her career, in her advanced practice nursing roles, Amy has led and advanced nursing education initiatives, mentored nurses and RNAO advanced clinical practice fellows, and worked closely with clinical teams to emb
Rosanra (Rosie) Yoon is a researcher at the University of Toronto who focuses on integrated care for people experiencing structural vulnerabilities, substance use and mental health challenges. Her clinical expertise is in substance use, concurrent mental health conditions, trauma and gender-informed care. She is a champion of trauma-informed leadership and organizational practices to support the psychological health and safety of people.
Linda Patrick is professor emeritus and former dean of nursing at the University of Windsor. She was president of the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) from 2021 to 2023. Her nursing career spans 50+ years, with 40 devoted to education. Her research, presentations and publications include women’s health, accessible education for internationally educated nurses (IEN) and workplace bullying.
Ravin Walker works at Cat Lake First Nation. She is responsible for medication dispensing and direct observation therapy, medication reconciliation, overdose prevention, harm reduction, safe needle use and need distribution. She connects people to addiction medicine nurses and physicians and counselling, crisis intervention and withdrawal management services.
Nyechuor Deng is a student in the Western University/Fanshawe College collaborative BScN program in London. She works as a clinical extern at London Health Sciences Centre, supporting patients with daily needs and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team. As the first in her family to pursue post-secondary education, she says she experienced many barriers growing up.
Janet Hunt is a dedicated registered nurse whose career spans clinical care, education, advocacy, research and leadership. She currently divides her time between the London InterCommunity Health Centre, where she serves as a primary care RN, and Western University, where she mentors future nurses as a faculty advisor for BScN students.
Rodolfo D. Lastimosa Jr. is the associate director of care at Sienna Senior Living in Toronto. He is the Central Toronto council chair/president at the College of Nurses of Ontario. The RN’s passion for nursing stems from his desire to make a difference in people's lives by providing compassionate care to those in need.
Stamatina Romas is a dedicated nursing professional with more than 30 years of clinical experience in acute care, including respirology, oncology, nephrology, specialized cardiology/telemetry, emergency/trauma care and mental health. Since 2011, she has been a full-time clinical nursing instructor at Brock University, teaching students from years one to four in all the above-mentioned settings. She also supports clinical instruction in the master’s degree program.
Windsor Essex Chapter has a revered history of nursing leadership, political advocacy, student mentorship and celebration. Previous members such as Jean Echlin, Sheila Cameron, Vanessa Burkoski and Dale Rajacich have influenced excellence in nursing practice internationally.
The Clinical Nurse Specialist Association of Ontario (CNS-ON) has exemplified outstanding leadership, advocacy and commitment to nursing excellence since it began in 1977.
Jessica Gray is an RN who works as a professional practice consultant at St. Joseph’s Health Care London. In this role, she supports nurses, psychologists and behaviour analysts. She is also the BPSO lead and supports St. Joseph’s BPSO work by aiding in implementing, sustaining and evaluating the Transitions in Care and Services BPG across the organization, and the Engaging Clients Who Use Substances BPG at a site-specific level.
Naïka Thomas is a health equity specialist at Ottawa Public Health. She leads the anti-racism, anti-oppression portfolio, which includes developing policies and procedures that address workplace racism and discrimination, chairing a community of practice, facilitating check-ins for Indigenous, Black and racialized employees, and leading anti-racism education sessions. She also consults with employees and leaders on issues relating to racism/discrimination.
Kay Gervais recently graduated from the University of Ottawa collaborative program with Algonquin College. Throughout their schooling, they actively participated with faculty, advocating for the representation of 2SLGBTQIA+ health-care workers and integrating gender-affirming nursing care into curricula.
Elaine Santa Mina is associate professor in the Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing at Toronto Metropolitan University. She teaches research/statistics and mental health/addictions courses in the post-diploma degree program. She also teaches quantitative research in the graduate program.
Michael Roach is chair of the Sudbury and District Chapter of RNAO. He is a sessional faculty member of Laurentian University’s School of Nursing and the clinical manager for Regional Outpatient Addictions Services at Health Sciences North.
Quinn Grundy is an assistant professor at the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto. She leads a program of research into pharmaceutical and medical device industry initiatives and strategies to promote access to and uptake of their products within health systems.
Mark Anthony Gravoso is an RN at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Toronto General Hospital. He believes nursing is where leadership meets compassion. It’s a way to live one’s values, serve others and lead with purpose.
Gail Paech is a highly focused, seasoned nursing professional with more than 50 years of experience. She has spent a lifetime speaking out for nursing and speaking out for health care in Canada. In her various roles, Gail has consistently championed the role of nurses as critical to the Canadian health-care system. She supports nurses in their advocacy roles, and in promoting and showcasing the value of RNAO as the voice for nursing.
Emily Presswood is a dedicated RN working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton. In her role, Emily provides specialized care to critically ill newborns, supports families through vulnerable moments, and advocates for safety and quality improvements within her unit. She was drawn to nursing by a deep commitment to mental health advocacy and a desire to care for others during life’s most delicate moments.
Gavin Shantz is an RN who works at Sunnybrook Hospital’s Ross Tilley Burn Centre in Toronto. He provides both critical care and burn specialized care to traumatically injured burn survivors. With a deep commitment to patient advocacy, Gavin led a quality improvement project through the Toronto Academic Health Science Network practice-based research and innovation fellowship program focused on standardizing burn ICU nurses’ transfer of accountability.
Sarah Heatlie is a post-diploma bridging student and recent graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University. Passionate about enhancing the student experience and advancing evidence-based practice, she actively seeks out opportunities to implement best practice guidelines in academic and clinical settings.
Since graduating from Toronto Metropolitan University’s BScN program in 2020, Simon Donato-Woodger has worked on the COVID assistance and general medicine units at Kitchener’s Grand River Hospital, the acute care unit at Inuvik Regional Hospital in the Northwest Territories, and most recently the intensive care unit at Scarborough General Hospital.
Dania Versailles is a registered nurse who holds two master’s degrees. Over the past 29 years, she has exercised her leadership at the bedside, in professional practice, in education, management and research. As a director of clinical services at the Canadian Mental Health Association, Dania sees the impact that social determinants of health have on individuals who live with severe and persistent mental illness.
Mackenzie Thiessen recently graduated as a registered nurse from London’s Western University. Throughout her time as a student, she was an active advocate for nursing students and healthy work environments. Today, she continues her advocacy in her workplace, St. Joseph’s Healthcare London.
Emma Bingham is an RN with a wealth of clinical experience, currently working as a staff nurse in neurovascular and neurocritical care at Toronto Western Hospital. She holds a master’s of clinical nursing with a specialization in bioethics from the University of Toronto, where she is also an adjunct lecturer.
Region 10, Ottawa, is dedicated to speaking out for nurses. Over the past several years, the executive team has cultivated strong working relationships with local MPPs, MPs and municipal councillors.
The Rainbow Nursing Interest Group (RNIG) was founded in 2007. Its mission is to advocate for nursing practice and environments that support people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions. The executive, chaired by Dr.
Jameal Reid is manager of professional practice at Trillium Health Partners (THP). She is a passionate leader and advocate for the collaboration of interprofessional teams to advance patient outcomes. With 20 years of health-care experience, Jameal has held multiple nursing roles, from bedside RN to informing and developing strategy. She brings a wealth of clinical knowledge to each role.
Dr. Angela Cooper Brathwaite is a past-president of RNAO, a member of RNAO’s Equity in Focus Consortium, and co-chair of the association’s Anti-Black Racism Task Force. She is an adjunct professor and associate graduate faculty member for Ontario Technology University in Oshawa. Angela has a PhD in nursing from the University of Toronto. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, and has been appointed to the Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada.
Nadia Prendergast, an assistant professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, completed her nursing in England and worked as a public health nurse when she came to Canada. She completed her master’s degree and PhD at the University of Toronto, where she focused her research on the experiences of internationally educated nurses within Canada.
Robyn Hodgson is an RN who currently holds the role of program coordinator and case manager for the Trans and Non-Binary Care Program at London InterCommunity Health Centre. Her early career was diversified, with 20 years focused on rural health, emergency and critical care.
Laura Pozzobon is a nursing leader and certified health executive who is passionate about improving health care in partnership with patients and families. Currently, she is the manager of quality, safety and clinical adoption across University Health Network. With expertise in quality and safety, Laura collaborates across the health system to enhance patient experiences and improve quality of care.
Susan Ferri has been an RN for close to 40 years. She has worked in acute care and for more than 20 years as a clinical nursing instructor. Susan promotes active membership in RNAO to her nursing students and encourages and enables them to be involved with RNAO. An example of this is her facilitation of student participation in a Nursing Students of Ontario (NSO) event on Nov. 14, 2023: #HealthcareForAll: Achieving equitable and inclusive health care in Canada.
Dr. Lisa Cranley is an associate professor at the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto. She is cross-appointed (status only) to the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work Institute for Life Course and Aging. She also holds an adjunct appointment at the University of Alberta Faculty of Nursing. Lisa is a health services researcher whose research supports healthy work environments and quality of care delivery in the long-term care (LTC) sector.
Andrea Keller has been an RN for more than 35 years in various frontline roles and in leadership. In March 2017, Andrea lost her oldest son, Tyler, to toxic drug poisoning. Andrea belongs to the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) Community Drug Strategy Advisory Committee, and is a member of Mom’s Stop the Harm. She also acts as co-chair for the Kingston Chapter of RNAO. She participates annually in International Overdose Awareness Day (Aug.
Paula Manuel has been actively involved with RNAO since 1992, when she was invited to serve on the executive of the Staff Nurse Interest Group (SNIG). Paula has been a staff nurse and a clinical services manager.
Emma Bingham is an RN with a wealth of clinical experience, currently working as a staff nurse in neurovascular and neurocritical care at Toronto Western Hospital. She holds a master’s of clinical nursing with a specialization in bioethics from the University of Toronto, where she is also an adjunct lecturer.
Since graduating from Toronto Metropolitan University’s BScN program in 2020, Simon Donato-Woodger has worked on the COVID assistance and general medicine units at Kitchener’s Grand River Hospital, the acute care unit at Inuvik Regional Hospital in the Northwest Territories, and most recently the intensive care unit at Scarborough General Hospital.
Arpita Roy is a dedicated bachelor of science in nursing student at Georgian College, embarking on her third year of study. With a passion for advocacy and excellence, she has actively contributed to her nursing program as a peer mentor and resource. Her leadership skills and involvement in RNAO highlight her commitment to advancing nursing practice.
Through leadership and involvement in several community networks and organizations, Lori Zozzolotto advocates for and supports nurses and patients to live their best lives, and works to achieve social change on many fronts. Lori started her nursing practice as a registered practical nurse (RPN), then bridged to RN and became designated as a wound, ostomy and continence nurse by the Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC).
Josalyn Radcliffe became a nurse after previous work as an adult educator helping people retrain after workplace injuries. After initially nursing in pediatric mental health, Josalyn worked for six years as a public health nurse for the Waterloo region.
Verna Liezl Perdon’s passion for helping keep people healthy and safe stems from her childhood experience of having a father who sustained a brain injury from a motorcycle accident in the workplace. Impacted by the lifesaving efforts of health-care providers who cared for her father, she felt compelled to help people experiencing health challenges and traumatic events.
Members of the Middlesex Elgin Chapter executive – including Janet Hunt, Lauren Rogers, Chantal Singh, Nicole Forster and Marie Davis – are very honoured and excited to accept this Chapter of the Year Award in recognition of the work done within the chapter over the
The Black Nurses Leading Change interest group (BNLC IG) informs RNAO and our members on issues affecting Black nurses and nursing students.
May Tao’s vision is to empower others to reach their potential, strive for excellence in public health practice and inspire organizations toward continuous quality improvement. May is a health promotion specialist at Toronto Public Health, where she leads their RNAO Best Practice Spotlight Organization® (BPSO®) initiative as well as mentoring several BPSO hospitals in China.
Maureen M. Charlebois is the chief nursing officer at Bayshore HealthCare, one of Canada’s leading providers of home care, pharmacies and community care clinics.
Hasina Amanzai is a faculty member in the Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing at Toronto Metropolitan University, where she teaches in the undergraduate program and the graduate nurse practitioner (NP) program, and also serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Toronto. Hasina has a diverse portfolio of teaching in various programs and settings within the nursing profession.
Dr. Amy Wright is an assistant professor at the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto. Amy is the president of the Canadian Association of Neonatal Nurses, which provides education and networking opportunities for neonatal nurses in Canada. She also works as a nurse practitioner (NP) in the neonatal intensive care unit at McMaster Children’s Hospital, and is past-chair of RNAO’s Nursing Research Interest Group.
Dr. Vanessa Burkoski is an extraordinary and passionate advocate for evidence-based policy in Ontario’s health-care system and for engaging, healthy and scholarly practice environments in the profession of nursing. She nurtures and inspires health professionals to maximize their contribution to patient quality and safety, as well as improve organizational and health system outcomes through evidence-based practice.
Dr. Laura Teague is a highly respected expert in wound care, setting new benchmarks for wound care education and elevating practice standards with groundbreaking educational materials and research. Currently academic and clinical lead for wound care in Toronto's Sinai Health System, Laura has held clinical and leadership roles as an RN, clinical nurse specialist, and NP. While at St.
Louise Gilbert is an advanced practice nurse, educator, consultant and policy advocate on issues such as perinatal mental health, breastfeeding and housing. She has practised at Ottawa Public Health as a clinical nurse specialist for the past 13 years, where she leads their Healthy Growth and Development Program team in their work with young families experiencing psychosocial challenges.
Dr. Wilma Koopman is a nurse practitioner (NP) at London Health Sciences Centre and has focused her career on being a better nurse throughout her 50 years in neuroscience nursing practice. This journey has been fueled by time in the field and by a passion for life-long learning, leading to her earning a PhD in 2022.
Shannon Wright is a nurse practitioner (NP) in the Mental Health in Medicine Clinic at Toronto’s University Health Network (UHN), providing mental health care to patients who live with complex medical conditions. Shannon values the opportunity to collaborate with patients, families and multiple medical teams to improve patient outcomes, experiences and quality of life.
As founder in 1996 and long-standing director of the Health Care and Services Research Unit (Investén-isciii) at the Carlos III Health Institute in Spain, Dr. Teresa Moreno-Casbas has advocated for a robust academic foundation for nurses and for the continuous development of care research as a cornerstone for quality health care.
Currently a nursing student at York University, Leo Jhon Macawile takes every opportunity to spearhead or participate in events that celebrate leadership, community and diversity in the nursing profession. He is the current president of his school’s nursing student association, and also serves as the policy and political action executive network officer for RNAO’s Nursing Students of Ontario interest group.
Emma Ayukawa actively seeks out ways to combine her future career in nursing with her concerns about the environment and the climate crisis. Earlier in her studies she served as student liaison for the Ontario Nurses for the Environment Interest Group. In this role, she initiated a social media campaign to highlight nurses’ roles in the environment, created content for newsletters and hosted the interest group’s Annual General Meeting.
Shelly Philip LaForest has been a registered nurse for 23 years and a long-standing RNAO member. She has maintained a commitment to life-long learning, and is currently working on a PhD degree in Interdisciplinary Social Research at Trent University in Peterborough. As a bedside nurse, Shelly has worked on various surgical in-patient units and has an extensive background in education, pediatrics and leadership.
Amanda Ottley founded The Pamoja Institute for Community Engagement and Action in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic was tightening its deadly grip on Black communities.
Dr. Angela Cooper Brathwaite is an associate graduate faculty member at Ontario Tech University in Oshawa. As a mentor, she coaches, role models, fosters student engagement and stimulates students’ cognitive abilities by questioning and challenging them to excel to their full potential. Angela is also the co-chair of RNAO’s Black Nurses Task Force (BNTF).
Members of the Middlesex Elgin Chapter executive – including Janet Hunt, Lauren Rogers, Chantal Singh, Nicole Forster and Marie Davis – are very honoured and excited to accept this Chapter of the Year Award in recognition of the work done within the chapter over the
The Nursing Research Interest Group (NRIG) became an RNAO interest group in 1986.
Hôpital Montfort is Ontario’s Francophone academic hospital, offering exemplary person-centred care. Affiliated with the University of Ottawa, the hospital serves more than 1.2 million people in eastern Ontario, in both official languages. The daily actions of the Hôpital Montfort team
Jennifer Yoon obtained her nursing degree from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) in 2008. She completed her Masters of Sciences in Quality Improvement and Patient Safety from the University of Toronto in 2014. Jennifer began her PhD studies at Queen’s University in the fall of 2021.
Dr. Victoria Smye, RN, PhD, FCAN, is an associate professor and director of the Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing at London’s Western University (2017-present).
Dr. Charlene Chu is an assistant professor at the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto (2019), and an affiliate scientist at KITE Toronto Rehab at the University Health Network.
Ameek Singh is an RN working for Peel Public Health and also for Unity Health in Toronto. He works with various non-profit organizations to address concerns of health-care access and primary care provision for the homeless populations of Peel. Ameek is a firm believer in culturally competent care. He feels that a person is more than just a diagnosis.
Dr. Angela Cooper Brathwaite is a past-president of RNAO, a member of RNAO’s Equity in Focus Consortium, and co-chair of the association’s Anti-Black Racism Task Force. She is an adjunct professor and associate graduate faculty member for Ontario Technology University in Oshawa. Angela has a PhD in nursing from the University of Toronto. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, and has been appointed to the Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada.
Hilda Swirsky began her career with a diploma in nursing from York Regional School of Nursing. Enthralled with life-long learning, she went on to receive her baccalaureate degree from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and her Masters of Education from the University of Toronto. Hilda is a respected role-model and me
Carleigh Higgins is a nursing student at Queen’s University in Kingston. She is entering her fourth year of study.
Daniela Acosta, RN, GNC(C), is a practice leader at The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre, an innovative senior’s village in Ottawa. Driven by her belief that there is opportunity for growth and success everywhere, Daniela is dedicated to mentoring and building capacity in others.
Daria Adèle Juüdi-Hope knew she had a calling when, as a young child in eastern DR Congo, she witnessed an aunt die from what she understood, even then, as something from which no one should die. The dedication of relief workers she witnessed in refugee camps made her vow to pay forward the compassion she received.
Currently in independent practice, Claire Lynn Joseph works as a certified neuroscience advanced practice nurse (APN) with Nurse on Board Inc., in Ottawa. She supports complex clients and families to overcome barriers to care through advocacy, navigation and care management.
Dr. Louela Manankil-Rankin is an assistant professor with the Nipissing University School of Nursing’s Second-Degree Entry Accelerated Scholar Practitioner Program (SPP), located in Toronto. Louela co-led the Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO)-Academic designation team that achieved BPSO designation in early 2021. She highlights the work of her students as partners in propelling the learning related to best practice guideline (BPG) uptake in nursing students of the SPP.
The Algoma Chapter executive includes Karen Belanger, Lorena Bressan, Adrienne Kappes, Jessica Dugas, Lyndsay Suurna, Irene Amadu-Azomani, Olivia Babic and J’aime-Rose Ferris. Liliana Bressan is the Region 11 board representative involved in the work of the chapter.
Ontario Nurses for the Environment Interest Group (ONEIG) proudly drives political action on key environmental health issues, including: water protection, environmental justice and climate action.
Comella Levers has been a registered nurse for 27 years. She holds a bachelor of science in nursing as well as master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in health-care administration and specialization in gerontology. Comella works at Toronto’s Humber River Hospital as the Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) clinical lead. She completed an RNAO Advanced Clinical Practice Fellowship (ACPF) and has mentored other fellows for the program.
Tania Paolini is a registered nurse and the manager of Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) at The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre (Perley Rideau), the largest long-term care facility in Ottawa. Tania has always been passionate about working with the frail elderly and quickly jumped at the opportunity to manage the Infection and Prevention and Control program at Perley Rideau in 2016.
Tammie McParland always wanted to teach. Since 2008, she has been an assistant professor in nursing at Nipissing University in North Bay, teaching across all years and several courses in the undergraduate program. She graduated from a hospital diploma program in 1980. In 1994, she completed a BScN, then a master’s degree in nursing with a teaching focus in 2006. She achieved her PhD in education, with specialization in nursing education, in 2015.
Martine Puts is an associate professor in the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto. She loves working with older adults and their families. “I learn so much from working with them,” she says.
Mahoganie Hines is a palliative pain and symptom management consultant for Hospice Niagara. She is an active member in her community. Currently, she volunteers her time acting as RNAO’s policy and political action executive network officer (ENO) for both the Niagara Chapter and Palliative Care Nurses Interest Group (PCNIG). She also sits on the newly formed national Canadian Palliative Care Nursing Association (CPCNA) as secretary/treasurer.
Susan Lepine always wanted to be either a nurse or a teacher. Happily, she has been able to combine both. She started her career as a diploma nurse and subsequently obtained a BScN and master’s degree in education. For 47 years, Susan has worked in the NICU setting. She has spent 44 of those years at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), in Ottawa.
Shanna Anness knew at a very young age that she wanted to make a difference. During her time at Lakehead University, it became apparent that she wanted to devote her life to bettering others’ health through nursing. Shanna currently works for the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Care Group in Thunder Bay. She recently accepted a position as the occupational health coordinator at St. Joseph’s Care Group.
Lisa De Panfilis is a master’s prepared registered nurse who works in an outpatient psychiatry clinic at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. She is the vice president of RNAO’s Hamilton Chapter. In this role, she recruits
and mentors nursing students, organizes events and supports government advocacy work.
Booshoo! From Sandy Lake First Nation BPSO (Indigenous Focused). Our team consists of me, Greta Meekis (Team Lead – Child Wellness), Lyndsey Kakepetum (Prenatal Nutrition), and Carmel Meekis (Indigenous doula – Maternal Child Health).
My name is Catherine Joan Rae and I am the health director for Sandy Lake First Nation. I have worked in the health field for many years. My goal has been for my home community to have access to the best health care and to lead happy, active and healthy lives.
As a student who began in a science program at Western University six years ago, Huda Mohamed never thought she would transition into nursing. However, the leap of faith that she took in pursuing this profession has been “one of the best decisions in my life,” she says.
Una Ferguson is a veteran RN with more than 52 years of experience. She is also a grandmother of four who enjoys technology, which has led to a loving nickname from her colleagues on the Staff Nurse Interest Group and from her night co-workers: Techno Granny. Ferguson graduated in 1968 from the Ontario Hospital School of Nursing in Kingston. Her long career has taken her overseas, including moves to Europe and India while her husband was in the army.
Lhamo Dolkar is a nurse practitioner (NP) at Lakeridge Health GAIN clinic, ensuring that our seniors are able to live in their own homes safely and independently. Dolkar is a second career nurse and brings her international health-care experience into her Canadian nursing career. She has worked across various sectors, such as multidisciplinary clinics, group homes as youth counselor, acute care, nursing home, public health, and community health care.
Alicia Moonesar says it is thanks to mentors and role models she looked up to as a novice nurse that she was inspired to work in staff development. She currently works as an NP at Humber River Hospital. She also works with staff to make sure they are using evidence-based practice to inform their decision making.
Suzanne Fredericks has been teaching nursing students since 2003. After receiving her BScN from Ryerson University, she immediately started working on her master’s degree at the University of Toronto, followed by her PhD studies. During her first year of the PhD program, she was hired as a tenure track faculty member at Ryerson University.
With the largest membership base in its region, and an active executive, RNAO’s Sudbury Chapter owes a lot of its success to persistence and listening to its members.
The Community Health Nurses’ Initiatives Group (CHNIG) prides itself on collaboration, a skill that community health nurses use in their day-to-day practice. The group, which includes over 850 members, has had a busy year with a variety of unique events.
An essential goal for Peterborough’s Trent/Fleming School of Nursing is to always prepare nursing students for real-world nursing through evidence-based practice.
Arlene Masaba has seen first-hand the way that nursing is a truly global profession. She currently works for the University of Calgary, and is based in Doha, State of Qatar. In her role as co-ordinator at the Clinical Simulation Centre, she helps to train the next generation of nurses by using RNAO’s best practice guidelines (BPG).
As the chief nursing officer and director of health promotion at Ottawa Public Health, Esther Moghadam sees herself as a change agent who can impact others. “Every leader has to be able to expect and manage change.
Louela Manankil-Rankin is a dedicated educator who has worked in nursing education for 20 years. She graduated from the University of Toronto in 1986 and achieved her PhD at McMaster University in 2015.
For Karey McCullough, nursing was a calling. After graduating from the University of Ottawa in 1999, she returned to northern Ontario (she is originally from Barry’s Bay) and began working in the emergency department at McKellar Hospital (now Thunder Bay Regional Hospital). Getting hands-on experience, she says, opened her eyes to what nursing is all about.
If you have attended RNAO’s Queen’s Park Day or Queen’s Park on the Road (QPOR), you have probably met Sepelene Deonarine, political executive network officer (ENO) for the Durham Northumberland Chapter and the International Nurses Interest Group.
Una Ferguson is a veteran RN with more than 52 years of experience. She is also a grandmother of four who enjoys technology, which has led to a loving nickname from her colleagues on the Staff Nurse Interest Group and from her night co-workers: Techno Granny. Ferguson graduated in 1968 from the Ontario Hospital School of Nursing in Kingston. Her long career has taken her overseas, including moves to Europe and India while her husband was in the army.
For more than 20 years, RN Vicki McKenna has been an activist for nurses, living by the words of her father, who “…would have this mantra…pay attention to what’s happening and help those around you,” she recalls. As the president of the Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) since 2018, and a member of RNAO since 2006, McKenna has done just that.
Salima S.J. Ladak, a nurse practitioner for more than 15 years, believes effective leaders are those who can recognize leadership in others and influence change in a positive way. “True leadership recognizes that everyone has input and…their ideas count,” she says. Ladak, who works as an NP for Toronto General Hospital, provides direct clinical care to patients with complex acute and persistent pain.
Primary care NP Aric Rankin has always had a passion for working with Indigenous communities. Since traveling to work in isolated northern First Nation communities early in his career, and then working with urban Indigenous communities in Southwestern Ontario as an NP, he has always felt a strong connection to this work. Rankin is pursuing a PhD in nursing with a focus on bridging the gap of health inequity in Canada.
Mitchell Martel has always had a strong belief that nurses can make a huge difference with their voices. “I’ve come to learn nurses have a strong evidence-based voice that has the power to affect real positive change and help transform the lives of all Canadians and people around the world,” he says. Now a graduate of nursing from Toronto’s York University, Martel has gone out of his way to advocate for issues he feels passionate about.
This award is given to an RNAO member (RN/NP) who identifies themselves from one of three groups/communities: Indigenous, Black or 2SLGBTQI+ and who advocates for one of these groups/communities. Three (3) awards, one for each of the three (3) groups/communities: Indigenous, Black and 2SLGBTQI+. This individual:
This is awarded to the registered nurse (RN), nurse practitioner (NP), or Ontario-based health-care organization that promotes excellence in nursing practice and nursing work-life balance.
The recipient of this award works to enhance the image of nursing through the committed use and advancement of RNAO’s best practice guidelines (BPG) in the workplace.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is bestowed on long-standing members of RNAO who exemplify outstanding contributions to the profession in the areas of practice, education, administration or research, at the provincial, national and/or international level. This includes activities that promote RNAO among nursing colleagues, the government and other health-care partners.
The RNAO Leadership Award in Nursing Administration is offered to the RN or NP who provides exemplary nursing management by acting as a change agent, resource and mentor within their professional setting. This individual actively collaborates with health-care teams to enhance patient care through the development and implementation of innovative and creative strategies.
The RNAO Leadership Award in Nursing Education Academic is awarded to the RN or NP who practises excellence as a nursing educator in a college or university setting.
This individual enhances the image of nursing by encouraging critical thinking, innovation and debate about important nursing issues and acts as a role model and mentor in their work environment.
The RNAO Leadership Award in Nursing Research is awarded to the RN or NP who actively explores innovative ideas in nursing research. This individual enhances the image of nursing by engaging in efforts to disseminate research knowledge, and is in dialogue with RNs, NPs and nursing students to identify nursing research needs. The member has a proven ability to attract research funding and actively participates in the activities of professional organizations.
The RNAO Leadership Award in Political Action is awarded to an RN or NP who acts as a change agent, resource and mentor through political action. This individual is actively involved in discussions with MPPs/MPs, other decision-makers and media that benefit the health of individuals, or communities.
The RNAO President’s Award for Leadership in Clinical Nursing Practice is awarded to the RN or NP who consistently demonstrates expertise and evidence-informed practice in one or more areas of clinical practice in a staff nurse position. This member enhances the role of nursing by demonstrating nursing leadership in their workplace and influencing change for the betterment of patients, families and/or communities.
The winner(s) of this award will receive a $2,000 scholarship or $2,000 towards attending the next Canadian Nurses Association or International Council of Nurses conference. Funding for this award is generously provided by HUB International Ontario Limited, RNAO’s group home and auto insurance provider.
The RNAO Leadership Award in Nursing Education (Staff Development) is awarded to a registered nurse (RN) or nurse practitioner (NP) who practises excellence as a nurse or clinical educator in any health-care setting. This individual enhances the role of nursing by encouraging critical thinking, innovation and debate about important nursing issues, and acts as a role model and mentor in their work environment
The RNAO Leadership Award in Student Mentorship is awarded to the RN or NP who demonstrates outstanding practice as a nurse educator, mentor or preceptor in health care. This individual enhances the role of the RN and/or NP by encouraging critical thinking, evidence-informed practice and initiates discussion about important nursing issues that encourage action and change. This individual is resourceful, adapting teaching to maximize learning opportunities that will contribute to student engagement and action. The nursing program supporting the nominee promotes RNAO initiatives and activities, as well as membership.
The RNAO Award of Merit is awarded to an RN or NP who has made outstanding contributions to RNAO and the nursing profession in Ontario. This resourceful individual is a change-maker, advocating for, promoting and initiating changes to improve healthy public policy through RNAO initiatives. This person serves as a resource and mentor contributing to and enhancing the role of the RN/NP in Ontario.
The RNAO HUB Fellowship provides an RN or NP with the opportunity to get in the thick of things with a one-week placement with RNAO’s CEO. The $2,000 HUB fellowship is generously sponsored by RNAO’s group home and auto insurance provider, HUB International Ontario Limited.
The RNAO Chapter of the Year award is awarded to the RNAO chapter or region without chapters (RWC) that best exemplifies a commitment to RNAO through active promotion, participation and initiation of projects that promote healthy public policy and the role of the RN, NP and nursing students in their region. The chapter or RWC uses a variety of media and communication tools to effectively engage with their region; influence decision-makers and mobilize RN/NPs for action. The chapter or RWC demonstrates strong leadership in their nursing and health-care community. Their activities reflect RNAO’s ENDs.
The RNAO Interest Group of the Year best demonstrates commitment to the nursing profession and active participation in the association’s initiatives. The interest group effectively communicates through a variety of means, which influences decision-makers and mobilizes RNs and NPs for action. This interest group exhibits exemplary teamwork and strong leadership within the nursing and health-care community.
The RNAO Student of Distinction Award recognizes a current undergraduate nursing student who has made significant contributions acting as a change agent, resource, and mentor within her/his undergraduate nursing program. This individual must show active involvement in RNAO Region/Chapters/Interest Groups.
The Honoured Friend of Nursing Award is awarded to an individual who is not a nurse who has made outstanding contributions to the nursing profession. The individual will have demonstrated outstanding leadership and collaboration within the nursing community at the provincial level.
© 2026 RNAO. All rights reserved.
