We are Niagara Health is a series of stories that celebrates the incredible people working and volunteering in our organization and how they make a difference in the lives of patients and coworkers every day.
At Niagara Health, leadership and patient care go hand in hand. The Extraordinary Us Mentorship Program embodies this connection and plays a key role in growing future leaders and strengthening the organization.
Simon Akinsulie, Executive Vice-President, Practice, Clinical Support & Nursing Chief Executive, took part in recent round of Extraordinary Us as a mentor.
“Honestly, it’s a fantastic experience,” he shares. “It’s allowed me to reflect on my own leadership journey while learning about my mentee’s path. It’s truly rewarding to have open and transparent conversations about leadership and nursing.”
Akinsulie’s mentee, Tanja Groeneveld, works as a Registered Nurse and Clinical Manager of Professional Practice for Nursing. “Gaining insight into Simon’s incredible work to shape Niagara Health into a forward-thinking organization has been invaluable,” she says. “He’s approachable, supportive and genuinely invested in my progress. Our conversations aren’t just about high-level strategy but also practical advice and personal development.”
A structured framework provides guidance for goal-setting and regular check-ins to the mentorship pairs. This helps mentors and mentees stay aligned and on track, addressing challenges, celebrating wins, and refining leadership strategies.
A Two-Way Exchange of Knowledge
One of the most important takeaways for Groeneveld was finding the perfect balance in her role. She learned how to effectively align big-picture goals with practical realities, ensuring that patient care and staff support remain at the forefront of every decision.
“Seeing how much thought and effort goes into ensuring that our staff are well-supported to provide our patients with the best care possible is inspiring,” she says.
Beyond professional growth, Groeneveld experienced significant personal development. Reflecting on her strengths and areas for improvement gave her a deeper sense of self-awareness and confidence. “This experience has broadened my perspective but also reinforced my commitment to contributing to our purpose of Extraordinary Caring. Every Person. Every Time,” she reveals.
Becoming a mentor was a chance to ‘pay it forward,’ and to give back to the healthcare system that shaped Akinsulie’s career. What started as a desire to guide quickly turned into a two-way exchange that deepened his own understanding of leadership. He recalls one of his first mentors, a hospital CEO who took him under his wing.
“It feels like coming full circle. Now, I get to guide someone else, just as others have guided me,” he says. “Working with Tanja has been a joy, and I’ve probably learned just as much from her as she has from me.”
He notes their relationship reminded him about the importance of transparency and connection.
“Healthcare is demanding, and creating a safe space where people feel comfortable sharing feedback is essential for continued improvement and delivering the best patient care,” he says.
Groeneveld’s ability to approach complex situations with poise and professionalism left a lasting impression, he says.
“Her preparedness and strong values are inspiring,” he notes. “She genuinely cares about her team and patients, which makes her a standout leader.”
"Healthcare is demanding, and creating a safe space where people feel comfortable sharing feedback is essential for continued improvement and delivering the best patient care"
Balancing Growth with Purpose
The program’s impact extends beyond individual participants, contributing to Niagara Health’s broader mission. Developing leaders like Groeneveld keeps the commitment to extraordinary care as the ultimate focus.
For Groeneveld, the most rewarding aspect of the program has been learning from her mentor’s insights and observing his dedication to connecting with frontline staff.
“His strong values and integrity set a powerful example for everyone,” she says. “He consistently shows that leadership is about empathy and supporting others to reach their goals.”
As the Extraordinary Us Mentorship Program continues with the third cohort launching this February, it fortifies Niagara Health’s foundation by building leaders who are not only skilled but also deeply connected to the organization’s purpose.
“This program has reinforced my appreciation for Niagara Health as an organization,” explains Groeneveld. “Knowing that they are committed to investing in the growth and development of current employees speaks volumes about the value they place on our team.”
“This program shows that growth isn’t just about advancing your career,” explains Akinsulie. “It’s also about becoming the best version of yourself in your current role, whether you’re a nurse, an educator or a leader.”
