Making a Difference – meet the 2026 winners of the Sisters of St. Joseph’s Awards for Excellence

Each recipient represents the very best of who we are as an organization. Across diverse roles and teams, they make a meaningful difference every day, supporting patients, residents and colleagues with dedication and heart.

Meet the 2026 recipients of the Sisters of St. Joseph Awards:

• Vicky D’Oria, Grants Officer, St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation
• Kim Smith, Instructor, Veterans Arts Program, Parkwood Institute
• Monica Collins, Occupational Therapist, Brain Injury Program, Parkwood Institute
• Dr. Steven Macaluso, Physiatrist, Stroke and Neurorehabilitation programs, Parkwood Institute  

Established in 1990, the Sisters Awards honour staff, physicians and volunteers who reflect the Sisters’ spirit of excellence, compassion and respect.

Congratulations to this year’s award recipients, as well as all those who were nominated by their colleagues. 

Vicky D’Oria – the heart behind the scenes

Vicky D’Oria, grants officer with St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, is the kind of colleague who makes everyone feel welcome the moment they meet her. Known across St. Joseph’s for her warmth and steady support, she is often the first person people turn to for help, guidance or simply a reassuring conversation. Her nomination is filled with stories that speak not only to her expertise, but to the genuine care she brings to every interaction.

With more than three decades of service, Vicky has built deep knowledge of the organization and the people within it. Whether she is compiling complex grant reports, supporting donor relations or helping a teammate troubleshoot a challenge, she approaches each task with thoughtfulness and attention to detail. Colleagues say she quietly goes above and beyond, often anticipating needs before they are even voiced.

Even on the busiest days, she makes time to listen, comfort and encourage others, putting their needs ahead of her own.

“She brightens every room she’s in,” one colleague shared. “You can hear the warmth in her voice. She has a way of making people feel seen and cared for, no matter what’s going on.”

From greeting donors at events to walking patients to appointments and guiding new staff through unfamiliar hallways, Vicky’s impact is felt by all who are lucky enough to encounter her expertise, guidance and warmth. Her dedication and kindness help work move forward smoothly every day, strengthening our organization and the those around her.

Kim Smith – creating connection through care

“Creative, talented, thoughtful, kind and compassionate - there are simply not enough words to describe Kim,” says a coworker who works closely with her.

Kim, an instructor in the Veterans Arts Program at Parkwood Institute, is described by her peers as consistently reliable and dependable, often the first to volunteer for overtime, extra shifts, and special events. She willingly supports school group visits, tours, veteran camp trips, and unexpected needs without hesitation.

She is equally vital and compassionate to the veterans in her care.

“She has the ability to make every veteran feel like the only person in the room, even while caring for many at once,” says another coworker. “Through her presence and authentic connection, she creates moments of dignity and belonging that veterans and their families never forget.”

Kim is also known for her creativity and personal touches. She makes custom hats and headbands for veterans celebrating their 100th birthdays, designing each one to reflect the individual’s interests and personality so they feel truly recognized and celebrated.

Throughout her work, Kim continually finds innovative ways to put veterans first. After getting to know one veteran and learning of his passion for heavy metal music, Kim collaborated with Music Therapy to design meaningful programming. This included an exploration of musical themes and the design and creation of battle jackets - personalized vests decorated with band patches and artwork.

Kim also helps facilitate weekly programs in partnership with St. Joseph’s Operational Stress Injury Clinic, Music Therapy, and Therapeutic Recreation to help veterans build coping skills related to PTSD.  

“Kim’s commitment to partnership and thoughtful, veteran-centred care is what truly sets her apart,” says one team member. 

Dr. Steven Macaluso – a trusted guide for patients and colleagues

Colleagues describe Dr. Steven Macaluso as “a trusted guide for both patients and the team,” a physician whose dedication, creativity, and expertise consistently elevate care across St. Joseph’s and beyond.

A physiatrist on the Stroke and Neurorehabilitation Programs at Parkwood Institute, he is also an Associate Professor at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Known for his kindness, respect and innovation, Dr. Macaluso consistently steps forward to close gaps in care, designing thoughtful solutions that make health care easier to navigate. By collaborating with an acute-care neurologist to create a joint consult clinic, he enabled patients to receive coordinated care in a single visit, saving time, reducing stress and avoiding multiple trips.

Equally committed to his colleagues, Dr. Macaluso mentors, listens, and actively engages the team in problem-solving, creating an environment where therapists feel supported and valued.

“He is always willing to collaborate, openly seeking the opinions of his colleagues and valuing their unique strengths. He is open to questions and takes time to teach his colleagues, mentor students, and provide leadership,” says one colleague.

He extends his expertise beyond St. Joseph’s, providing care for Team Canada and supporting the national wheelchair curling team. His international work highlights both his dedication and the high regard for his skills.

Monica Collins – compassionate care that leaves a lasting imprint  

“Her care leaves a lasting imprint on those she serves,” says a colleague who works closely with Monica Collins, an occupational therapist in the Brain Injury Program at Parkwood Institute.  

Teammates describe Monica as consistently compassionate and committed to advocating for others, contributing to the team’s success by championing meaningful changes that improve the client experience, even amid system limitations.

Guided by compassion, Monica created the PossABILOT Group, a gentler, low-stimulation program for patients with brain injuries who were overwhelmed in other programs. Using clinical insight and emotional awareness, the group incorporates soft lighting, positive affirmation cards and a calm environment to support emotional safety alongside rehabilitation.

On another occasion, Monica noticed some patients, often without family supports, arrived without appropriate therapy attire. Without hesitation, she organized a clothing drive and personally laundered and prepared donations so each person could participate with dignity, comfort and confidence.  

“Monica’s exceptional practice is defined not only by her clinical expertise, but by the love with which she leads,” describes another colleague.  

“She does the right thing, always, even when no one is watching. Her work is marked by rare altruism, deep compassion, and a remarkable commitment to finding better ways to help others.”