Congratulations to St. Joseph's 2026 President’s Award Recipients

Compassionate, innovative and deeply committed to making a difference, the 2026 St. Joseph’s President’s Award recipients were recognized for their outstanding contributions to advancing St. Joseph’s mission, values and strategic priorities.

The President’s Awards celebrate individuals, teams and community partners who go above and beyond in service to our patients, residents, colleagues and community. Reimagined to align with St. Joseph’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, the program honours those whose leadership, innovation and dedication are advancing our mission and helping shape the future of care.

“The mustard seed at the heart of St. Joseph’s logo is a powerful symbol of what can happen when small acts of compassion, service and innovation are nurtured and allowed to grow,” says Roy Butler, President and CEO of St. Joseph’s Health Care London. “Our President’s Award recipients embody that spirit every day. Through their dedication to patients, residents, colleagues and community, they are creating meaningful change and helping St. Joseph’s continue to grow its impact in the lives of those we serve.”

Nominated by their peers, this year’s recipients were celebrated alongside colleagues, family members and friends during a special ceremony held June 22 at St. Joseph’s Parkwood Institute. 

Meet the 2026 recipients

President's Award for Mission in Leadership

Stephanie Cornell 
Clinical Manager, Acquired Brain Injury Program, Parkwood Institute 

Mentor, advocate, connector and compassionate leader - these are just a few of the words colleagues use to describe Stephanie Cornell, this year’s recipient of the President’s Award for Mission in Leadership.

As clinical manager of the acquired brain injury (ABI) outpatient and outreach programs at Parkwood Institute, Stephanie creates environments where people feel heard, respected and supported in their work. Through mentorship, encouragement and support, she helps staff build confidence, take on new challenges and recognize strengths they may not yet see in themselves.

“Stephanie leads with warmth, humour and steadiness, creating an environment where people feel supported even in challenging moments,” her nominator shares. “Her leadership is consistent, compassionate and empowering, and it fosters growth and collaboration across both individuals and teams.”

Stephanie’s commitment to people extends to the patients and families in her care. She is always looking for ways to strengthen collaboration and improve how care is delivered for individuals with complex needs.

Recognizing that some individuals experience both acquired brain injury and the impacts of domestic violence, Stephanie brought together the ABI outpatient team and St. Joseph’s Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Program to strengthen collaboration and shared understanding. She supported dedicated time for both teams to connect, including a full-day retreat to build relationships and enhance coordinated care.

This work continues today, with Stephanie encouraging ongoing collaboration and helping shape more responsive approaches to care.

“Compassion runs through every aspect of Stephanie’s leadership,” adds her nominator. “Whether she is supporting a patient or a member of her team, she consistently considers the whole person -  mind, body and spirit.”

President’s Award for Excellence in Care, Powered by Discovery 

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Care and Research Team
Lawson Research Institute and Infectious Diseases Care Program  

Sometimes the most groundbreaking ideas are the ones no one sees coming.

St. Joseph’s Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) Care and Research Team has transformed a once-unconventional scientific concept into one of the world’s leading FMT programs, advancing research and improving care for patients facing complex and often life-altering illnesses.

This year, the FMT Care and Research Team has been awarded the St. Joseph’s President’s Award for Excellence in Care, Powered by Discovery, in recognition of its remarkable ability to translate research discoveries into meaningful improvements in patient care.

What began as pioneering research by Dr. Michael Silverman - Lawson scientist and Chief of Infectious Disease at St. Joseph's - has grown into a nationally recognized program.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) uses carefully processed donor stool to restore a healthy balance of gut bacteria, treating certain serious infections and diseases. Working alongside research coordinator Seema Nair Parvathy (PhD) and St. Joseph's Infectious Diseases Care Program, the team pioneered the development of capsule-based FMT - making treatment more accessible and comfortable for patients.

Originally focused on recurrent C. difficile infections, the program has since expanded into groundbreaking research exploring how FMT may improve outcomes for patients living with cancer, metabolic disease and other complex conditions - helping position St. Joseph's as a leader in clinical trials investigating the role of the microbiome in health and disease.

The team is also deeply committed to the people it serves.

"Patients are supported with clear education at every stage of care and are offered choice in how treatment is delivered," says the nominator. "Because FMT is unlike most treatments, families are welcomed as partners in care, and cultural beliefs, personal values and concerns are thoughtfully considered, so patients feel informed and confident in their decisions."

"The FMT team has transformed a difficult and invasive procedure into a more patient-friendly therapy," the nominator adds. "For patients with few remaining options, that difference is everything."

Members of the research team include Dr. Michael Silverman, Dr. Seema Nair Parvathy, Liesl De Silva, Mahnaz Kazi, Sepideh Taghizade, Trina Lewis and Kelly Muhsin. Not all team members are pictured.

President’s Award for A Vibrant Workforce

Katie Sciberras 
Storekeeper, Food and Nutrition Services

"How can I help?" It's a question Katie Sciberras asks often and one her colleagues have come to count on.

Even with her coat on and heading out the door at the end of a shift, Katie takes the time to answer a question, track down a supply or support a colleague in need. In her role as Storekeeper, she keeps operations running smoothly behind the scenes at Parkwood Institute, managing inventory, coordinating supplies between kitchens and ensuring staff have what they need to support patient care.

But it is the way she shows up for people that truly sets her apart.

"Katie always tells us she is 'here for you,'" says her nominator. "Her 'How can I help?' approach makes people feel included, supported and valued."

That commitment is tested regularly in a busy, fast-paced environment, and Katie consistently rises to the occasion. During a particularly demanding holiday period, an unexpected refrigeration failure put a large inventory of prepared foods and desserts at risk. Katie quickly assessed the situation, reorganized storage space and ensured every product was safely preserved. Nothing was lost.

"In high-pressure moments, she responds without hesitation," her nominator says. "She offers practical solutions and steady support."

Whether solving unexpected challenges or supporting a colleague, Katie approaches every situation with professionalism, kindness and a genuine desire to help others succeed. Her calm leadership, collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment to service strengthen both her team and the care they provide every day.

This year, Katie has been awarded the St. Joseph's President's Award for a Vibrant Workforce in recognition of her outstanding contributions, collaborative approach and the positive difference she makes for colleagues across the organization.

President’s Award for Partnering for Impact 

Rehabilitation program at Parkwood Institute and the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario 

Rehabilitation does not always end when a patient leaves the hospital.

For many people living with the lasting effects of a serious injury, illness or disability, the transition from hospital to community life can be one of the most challenging stages of recovery. While rehabilitation helps people regain physical function, rebuilding confidence, independence and everyday routines often requires continued support long after discharge.

Recognizing this need, St. Joseph's and the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario came together with a shared vision: to expand access to specialized adapted fitness programming that was once available only at the Parkwood Fitness Centre. Together, they created a partnership that extends rehabilitation beyond hospital walls and helps people continue their recovery in the community.

This year, that partnership has been awarded the St. Joseph's President's Award for Partnering for Impact.

Known as Partners in Motion, the program provides participants with twice-weekly YMCA-led exercise sessions following discharge from rehabilitation. Designed to improve strength, mobility and functional movement, the program also helps participants become comfortable in community recreation settings, where they can build confidence, establish healthy routines and reconnect with others.

The partnership brings together the clinical expertise of St. Joseph's with the YMCA's welcoming community environment, creating a seamless transition from hospital-based rehabilitation to community living.

"This partnership has created something truly unique," says the nominator. "It removes barriers that can exist after discharge, builds confidence and provides a welcoming space where people feel supported long after formal care has ended."

The program continues to evolve through participant feedback and close collaboration between both organizations, reflecting a shared commitment to person-centred care that extends well beyond traditional rehabilitation.

"Through this partnership, people are not only staying active," the nominator adds. "They are rebuilding independence, strengthening confidence and reconnecting with their communities in meaningful ways."

By combining the strengths of health care and community recreation, St. Joseph's and the YMCA have created more than a fitness program. They have built a lasting partnership that helps people continue their rehabilitation journey, regain independence and thrive in their communities.
 
Pictured (not in order): Rebecca Fleck, Stephanie Cornell, Dalton Wolfe, Jeff Weiler, Kristen Wanless, Maya Chawla, Neal McKinnon, Stephanie Marrocco, Soyuth Sok, Ash De Cruz, Travis Watson, Gemma Carleton and Lindsay Whitaker. Not all team members are pictured.