Behind the Mask

Health care workers across the globe have rallied to meet the needs of the communities they serve. Each one wearing a mask to protect who they care for during this crisis. At the same time, the mask covers their face - their expression hidden from others. Who are the people behind the mask?

Behind The Mask tells the stories of health care workers at St. Joseph’s from all roles and disciplines. It captures their feelings, functions, sacrifices, triumphs and experiences during COVID-19.

Take a glimpse into the vast and varied lives of the people who care for you in our community - and how they are coping with one of the greatest health crises of our time.

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A sense of duty

Every morning Julie wakes up with an important mission to keep those she cares for safe, healthy and happy. With a keen sense of duty, she cares for an extremely vulnerable patient population in long-term care and never takes shortcuts. She fully understands the importance of her role. “The pandemic...

When one door closes

Rebecca Cantor, Nurse Educator in Specialized Geriatrics Services can’t wait to see people’s smiling faces again. “Parkwood Institute is full of wonderful, friendly people! I miss seeing people smile as you pass them in the hall.” Throughout the pandemic, Rebecca hasn’t seen the smiles but has seen...

The melody of purpose

Emily McCarthy, Music Therapist in the Veterans Care Program, has always turned to music during difficult times, and COVID-19 has been no different. “Every day I see how it has helped me personally and the veterans I work with.” During this crisis it has been important for Emily to feel like she has...

How can I help?

“How can I help?” was Dave’s moto as COVID-19 began to ramp up. Scheduled appointments and surgeries began to be postponed but St. Joseph’s still needed to meet the care needs of patients. His team of information technology specialists readied themselves to enable virtual appointments for patients...

The greater good

Understanding the COVID-19 situation will eventually improve Daria Nedilski, Occupational Therapist at Parkwood Institute, is focusing on the opportunity it provides for time and solitude. “Many of us have been able to slow down and become more introspective,” says Daria. “For me, I am constantly...

An inspirational response

As a psychiatrist, Viraj, thought he would need to mentally support those close to him including his family and friends. He knew circumstances at work would be challenging and he would be running on little sleep. What he didn’t anticipate was that his wife and parents would be a constant source of...

A priceless reward

Scott, security guard, has a new appreciation for the freedoms he had before the pandemic. He and his wife are both social creatures who enjoy being “out and about” with friends and family. They miss the little things like shopping and going out for dinner. Scott has played a big role in looking...

Seeing what's possible

Cindy, Team Assistant, Organizational Development and Learning Services, likes a good laugh every once in a while. And while the seriousness of COVID-19 doesn’t escape her, she appreciates everything people are doing to create some cheer. “I am so impressed with how people have stepped up to help in...

We will adapt

As CEO of a large health care organization, Dr. Gillian Kernaghan has to have razor-sharp focus. That can be especially challenging during a pandemic when her professional career is stretched and her personal life is taking a hit. As President and CEO, Gillian already had a demanding role that...