Niagara Health celebrated the outstanding work done by individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond in clinical expertise, research and innovation, patient partnerships, mentorship and interprofessional collaboration.
The 2024 Interprofessional Practice Award (IPA) recipients were honoured at a special virtual and in-person ceremony on Feb. 20, 2025. The awards recognize healthcare professionals who demonstrate exceptional dedication, teamwork and leadership in delivering safe, high-quality care.
“Interprofessional collaboration is essential to delivering safe, high-quality care. It’s inspiring to see so many individuals and teams recognized for their contributions in 2024. Their passion and commitment make a lasting impact on our patients and the future of healthcare at Niagara Health,” said Darlene Venditti, Interim Director of Interprofessional Practice, Ethics & Education.
The awards are a valued tradition at Niagara Health, reinforcing our People First culture and the importance of interprofessional collaboration in patient care.
Each award recognized individuals and teams who made a lasting impact on patient care and healthcare innovation in 2024.
“The Interprofessional Practice Awards shine a light on the incredible dedication and collaboration that define our healthcare teams,” said Simon Akinsulie, Executive Vice-President of Practice, Clinical Support and Chief Nursing Executive. “These awards are a reflection of our commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, teamwork and learning that ultimately improves patient care.”
2024 IPA Award Recipients and Their Achievements
Excellence in Clinical Expertise – Individual Practice
- Tyler Harris, Psychotherapist – Recognized for his compassionate and highly effective therapy, particularly for clients with complex mental health needs. Tyler fosters a supportive environment and is a strong advocate for mental health awareness within the team.
- Tammy Walker-Brown, ECG Holter Technician – Honoured for her exceptional leadership, problem-solving and dedication to patient care, especially during HIS go-live. Tammy is also a teacher at Mohawk College, contributing to the professional development of others.
- Evelyn Belchoir, RPN – A strong advocate for mental health and addictions patients, Evelyn goes the extra mile to educate colleagues, reduce stigma and create a welcoming environment for all.
Excellence in Practice – Student Preceptorship
- Kimberly Cournoyea, Physiotherapist – Recognized for mentoring students and junior staff, leading stroke education initiatives and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Sindhu George, MRI Charge Technician – Honoured for her leadership in training and mentoring MRI students and staff, implementing orientation programs, and enhancing the MRI learning experience for new recruits.
Excellence in Patient and Family as Partners
- Kate Dobson-Brown, Occupational Therapist, NICU & Children’s Health – Recognized for her compassionate support of families navigating complex neonatal care, providing education, reassurance, and policy development to improve patient experiences.
- Kerry Charette, Communications Disorder Assistant – Celebrated for her patient-centered approach and dedication to helping patients enhance communication, even under challenging circumstances.
Excellence in Practice – Leadership Award
- Richard Sit, Manager, Biomedical Engineering – A respected and compassionate leader, Richard fosters team collaboration and technological advancements in patient care.
- John Chirico, Regional Charge Respiratory Therapist – Honoured for his commitment to evidence-based practices, mentorship and advancing respiratory therapy standards.
- Kayleigh Tyrer, Interim Manager, Withdrawal Management, Welland Avenue Clinic – Recognized for her exceptional leadership in fostering open communication, staff engagement, and a positive workplace culture.
Excellence in Research and Innovation
- Khadija Al-Harazi, Clinical Trials Coordinator, Outpatient Oncology – Recognized for her work in coordinating cutting-edge clinical trials, giving patients access to advanced treatment options.
- Angela Santelli, Physiotherapist – Honoured for leading rehabilitation innovations in ICU care, particularly through in-bed physiotherapy interventions that have transformed patient outcomes.
Excellence in Interprofessional Practice Collaboration – Team Award
- Welland Laboratory Team – Celebrated for their commitment to quality and innovation, navigating multiple high-impact projects while maintaining excellent patient care.
- Professional Practice Nurse Educator Team, Multi-Site – Recognized for their role in staff education, policy development and ensuring best practices across Niagara Health.
- Orthogeriatrics Team, Lauren Habel (Physiotherapist), Hannah Eborall (Occupational Therapist), Christina Huntington (Nurse Practitioner) – A pioneering team that has developed a collaborative care model addressing falls, delirium and functional decline in elderly patients.
- Niagara Falls Laboratory Team – Honoured for their resilience and teamwork in executing complex lab projects while ensuring uninterrupted patient service.
Excellence in Practice – Rising Star
- Jaclyn Carver, Pharmacy Technician – A standout professional, Jaclyn played a key role in HIS implementation, demonstrating leadership, technical expertise and dedication to patient safety.
- Amy Chen, Pharmacist – Honoured for exceptional patient advocacy, particularly in managing complex medication plans and improving compliance through education and relationship-building.
Excellence in Practice – Lifetime Achievement
- Kimberly Dunne, RPN, Prostate Diagnostic Assessment Program – Recognized for her longstanding dedication to patient care, particularly in providing timely access to prostate biopsies and fostering a positive clinical environment.
- Susan Dolan, Infection Control Practitioner – A respected leader with 35+ years of experience, Sue has played a critical role in infection prevention and control at Niagara Health, including COVID-19 and SARS response initiatives.
Niagara Health extends its heartfelt appreciation to all nominees and award recipients for their contributions to improving patient care and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
