Celebrating Professional Excellence

St. Joseph’s Excellence in Professional Practice Awards honour nursing and allied health professionals who embody the organization’s Mission, Vision and Values through exceptional leadership and patient care.

Nominated by their peers and leaders, this year’s recipients were celebrated at a ceremony on Oct. 1 at Parkwood Institute. Preceptor Excellence Awards were also presented, which recognized staff for their outstanding mentorship and commitment to supporting the next generation of health care professionals.

Each year, bursary applications are also accepted, allowing nursing and professional practice staff to receive financial support for continued education. These bursaries are made possible through the generous donations to St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation.

“We are inspired by the dedication, expertise, and compassion of our nursing and allied health professionals,” said Karen Perkin, Vice President of Patient Care and Chief Nurse Executive. “Their commitment to excellence strengthens patient care and enriches our community every day.”

Below are this year’s Excellence in Professional Practice Award recipients.

Excellence in Clinical Practice Awards

Leah Barnes 

Excellence in Clinical Practice Award  - Complex Care, Rehabilitation and Geriatrics

Leah Barnes, a registered nurse in St. Joseph’s Specialized Geriatric Services Program, is committed to making care for older adults more accessible, compassionate and patient-centred. She was recognized with the Excellence in Clinical Practice Award for her dedication and impact.

Leah was instrumental in launching Oxford County’s first nurse practitioner and registered nurse–led geriatric clinic, providing older adults with timely, expert assessments and support within the community.  

Colleagues describe Leah as someone who ensures older adults and their caregivers feel heard, supported, and fully involved in their care.  

“Leah is a tireless advocate for providing older adult care closer to home,” said her nominator. “She seizes every opportunity to innovate, advancing equitable access for all older adults with complex needs.”

Holly Davey

Excellence in Clinical Practice - Mental Health Care

Holly Davey, a registered dietitian at St. Joseph’s Parkwood Institute, is recognized for her dedication, creativity, and compassion in supporting patients’ recovery. She was awarded the Excellence in Clinical Practice Award for her exceptional impact on mental health care.

As the lead of St. Joseph’s Let’s Get Cookin’ program, adapted from the Middlesex-London Health Unit, Holly gives patients hands-on cooking experience, practical food skills, and the confidence to make independent choices. The program also helps patients develop teamwork, problem-solving skills, and a sense of accomplishment, supporting their recovery and overall well-being.

Colleagues describe Holly as innovative, highly creative, and a skilled problem solver who continually enhances patient care. “Let’s Get Cookin’ has been met with rave reviews, and patients have shared overwhelmingly positive feedback about their experience,” said her nominator. “Holly’s dedication, creativity, and collaborative spirit have transformed patient engagement and made a lasting impact on the team and those in her care.”

Marissa Bradley

Excellence in Clinical Practice Award - Mental Health Care

Marissa Bradley, a registered practical nurse at Parkwood Institute’s Finch Family Mental Health Care Building, is recognized for her compassion, leadership, and dedication to providing individualized care. She was awarded the Excellence in Clinical Practice Award for her outstanding impact on patients.

Marissa has played a key role in developing discharge plans and guidelines that help patients transition smoothly back to the community, ensuring they and their caregivers feel prepared and supported. Colleagues describe her as someone who builds strong, trusting relationships with patients and consistently steps in to support her peers.

Known for her thoughtfulness, Marissa often creates engaging environments for patients, including donating puzzles to encourage social interaction.  “Her holistic approach and unwavering commitment make her an invaluable member of the team and a trusted advocate for her patients,” said her nominator.

Max Borowiec

Excellence in Leadership Award 

Max Borowiec, a clinical manager and registered nurse, is celebrated for his exceptional leadership, teamwork, and dedication to driving positive change. He was recognized with the Excellence in Leadership Award for his ability to lead complex projects while inspiring and supporting his team.

Max led the implementation of OneChart, St. Joseph’s electronic health record system, at Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care, enabling staff to access and share patient information safely and efficiently.

“Max played a key role in implementing OneChart and always kept patient care and staff needs as his top priority,” said his nominator. Colleagues describe Max as a people-first leader who listens carefully and values all staff perspectives.  “Max is someone his team can count on. He consistently follows through and supports everyone involved,” added the nominator.

Heather Dehn

Excellence in Teaching and Coaching

Occupational Therapist Heather Dehn brings exceptional expertise, passion, and mentorship to the Forensic Outreach Team at the Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care. She was recognized with the Excellence in Teaching & Coaching Award for sharing her knowledge, precepting students, and fostering professional growth.

Heather approaches her work with patience, compassion, and clarity, helping patients, families, and staff understand care decisions while building confidence and skills across the team. Known as the “go-to” clinician, she is always ready to explain the reasoning behind care decisions and answer the important “why” questions. She views student participation as an opportunity to enhance patient care, offer fresh perspectives, and strengthen clinical relationships.

“Heather’s enthusiasm, dedication to teaching, and compassion for patients and students make a profound difference in the lives of everyone she supports,” said her nominator.

Katie Gonser and Kristin Wanless

Excellence in Innovation and Evidence Based Care Award

Physiotherapists Katie Gonser and Kristin Wanless were recognized for their innovative, evidence-based approaches to care in Parkwood Institute’s rehabilitation program. They are this year’s recipients of the Excellence in Innovation and Evidence-Based Care Award.

Katie and Kristin have expanded access to Locomotor Training (LT)—a therapy that helps patients with spinal cord injuries improve their walking—by creating a student placement program, co-supervising students, and providing advanced LT training for staff. Their efforts have allowed more patients to receive consistent, intensive rehabilitation while giving students and staff valuable hands-on experience.

“The program has not only improved patient outcomes but also inspired students and staff to innovate and enhance their practice,” said their nominator. “Katie and Kristin’s creativity, dedication, and collaborative spirit have made a lasting impact on both patient care and the professional growth of everyone involved.”

Parkwood  Institute Consortium Site Implementation Team

Team/Group Award  

The Parkwood Consortium Site Implementation Team (SIT) brings together clinical staff - including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nurses, and social workers - along with researchers, physicians, and care partners. Together, they combine diverse perspectives from clinical experience, research, community work, and leadership to improve care for people with spinal cord injuries.

As part of the national Spinal Cord Injury Evaluation and Quality Care Consortium, the team has led initiatives to enhance quality and patient safety while putting best practices into action. Their work has introduced evidence-based practices to improve patient care and support patients and caregivers transitioning home, which has strengthened outcomes and experiences.  

The team also shares its expertise widely, producing peer-reviewed publications and abstracts presented at national and international conferences.

“The initiatives led by the SIT are rooted in a strong commitment to meeting patient needs,” said their nominator. “The team continuously adapts care processes, addresses gaps, and implements meaningful changes to improve outcomes. Every team member’s role is valued and supported, with opportunities to contribute their unique expertise.”