Women Leading with Purpose

1. What is the most rewarding part of your role at St. Joseph’s? 

The people, without a doubt. In my current role within the Regional Geriatric Program of Southwestern Ontario, I am meeting new people within our local communities across the southwest. Each person has a passion to improve the care for older adults and caregivers. Often, they are like-minded, caring people who have a genuine interest in partnering to improve some aspect of the health care system. Building these types of relationships is rewarding; feeling like you are making a difference in the lives of patients and families.

2. Why did you choose a career in health care? 

In high school I found a love for science. I also had the opportunity as a teenager to work as day camp counselor, focused on supporting children with disabilities who were living in an equity deserving community. These experiences guided my post-secondary studies and choice to work in health care.

3. Why do you choose to work at St. Joseph’s? 

St. Joseph’s has always provided me meaningful and challenging health care roles, specifically as an inpatient, outpatient and outreach occupational therapist in Specialized Geriatric Services. Each team I’ve been part of had its own heartbeat, striving to earn complete confidence in the care for older adults and caregivers and meeting people where they were in life’s journey. The geriatric population has informally taught me to keep a sense of humour and to always listen for the pearls of wisdom that may come when you least expect. Participating in quality improvement initiatives has always kept work creative and fresh. The phrase ‘change is good’ has honestly been true in my career; keeping the love for geriatrics at the core I suppose. I have been fortunate to work within one organization and have opportunity to broaden my skills and interests.

4. How can we promote inclusivity for women in the workplace?  

Over my twenty years at St. Joseph’s, most of my colleagues have been women. I believe St. Joseph’s will need to intentionally listen and continually reach out to women within our workplace to develop strong retention strategies to ensure women are properly supported and set up for success; considering both equity and diversity. Transparency around improvements to specific gender-based inequities should be showcased; as well as continued promotion of a psychological safe working environment for all. I have worked with incredible women at St. Joseph’s, and especially want to recognize an occupational therapy colleague whose career has been shortened secondary to living with breast cancer and ask that we think of her on this International Women’s Day.

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