Home Care Ontario Symposium

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Home Care Ontario Symposium 2025
Home Care for the Future

Home Care Ontario is proud to present the
2025 Frontline Worker of the Year Award Winners:

Lori Knott

Partners In Rehab
Allied Health Professional/
Therapist of the Year

Lori Knott is celebrated for 15 years of dedication, innovation, and advocacy in home care. Her leadership enhances client experiences through mobility solutions and equitable access, especially in remote and Indigenous communities. Lori’s compassion and commitment to justice inspire change and ensure personalized, dignified care for all.

Erin Stewart

Nightingale Nursing Registry

Nurse of the Year

Erin has been Nightingale’s backbone since 2006, exemplifying reliability, initiative, and compassion. Balancing full-time work and family, she covers extra shifts, ensures safety for diabetic students, and provides meticulous, proactive care. With 19 years of flawless service, Erin’s professionalism and empathy make her an invaluable role model and a true home care champion.

Clara Palmer

Spectrum Health Care

PSW/HSW of the Year

Clara has been Spectrum’s heart for 23 years, managing complex cases with unwavering dependability and compassion. She builds trust, acts swiftly in crises, and advocates fiercely for clients. From addressing hoarding risks to preserving dignity, Clara’s initiative and care inspire all. Her dedication makes her a true lifeline and role model in home care.

Sunita Mandi

S.R.T. MedStaff
Supervisor/Coordinator of
the Year

Sunita Mandi, PSW Supervisor at S.R.T. MedStaff since 2015, exemplifies reliability, compassion, and initiative. From late-night safety checks to weekly calls supporting vulnerable seniors, her care goes far beyond duty. Sunita’s empathy and advocacy make her a trusted leader and an inspiration. Today, we honor her extraordinary dedication to patients and staff alike.

Home Care Symposium Presentations

Please note that some presenters did not provide accompanying presentations.

Northern & Rural Home Care: Home Care Provider Innovations

Neil MacLean, Executive Director
Brightshores Research Institute

Josephine DesLauriers, CEO
CarePartners

Care in the Big Picture

James Janeiro, Director of Policy and Government Relations
The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence

Ageing in Canada Survey - Findings from NIA's 2024 Ageing in Canada Survey

Mark Hazelden, Executive Director (Interim)
National Institute on Ageing

Leveraging Evidence and Interprofessional Practice to Drive Outcomes in Wound Care

Dr. Michelle Acorn, CEO
Nurse Practitioners' Association of Ontario

Cathy Harley, CEO
Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada

Dr. Gary Sibbald, CEO
Woundpedia

Moderator: Fiona Dellar, CEO
Canadian Home Care Association

Home Care Ontario Symposium 2024
More Home Care

Home Care Ontario is proud to present the 2024 Frontline Worker of the Year Award Winners:

Lorraine Te Grootenhuis

CarePartners

Staffing Coordinator

Lorraine has built a reputation at CarePartners as a dependable, empathetic, and proactive team member. Her passion for home care shines through in everything she does—whether collaborating with colleagues, guiding PSWs beyond orientation, or sending helpful reminders about tasks and training. Known for her honesty, respect, and professionalism, Lorraine consistently seeks solutions, blending experience with innovation. Her unwavering dedication and love for clients and colleagues make her an invaluable part of the CarePartners team.

Charlene Chisholm-Brisson

GEM Health Care Services

Care Provider

Charlene has been a dedicated member of GEM Health Care Services for six years, serving clients across Ottawa with warmth and compassion. Originally from Nova Scotia, she began as a Home Support Worker for City of Ottawa Social Services, helping individuals remain in supportive housing environments. Her days are full, assisting five clients daily with homemaking and essential tasks. Charlene’s kindness shines through as she supports people with diverse needs—from twins with developmental challenges to seniors facing cancer, amputations, and limited mobility. Her unwavering commitment ensures each client maintains independence and dignity at home.

Home Care Symposium Presentations

Please note that some presenters did not provide accompanying presentations.

Supporting Canadians Aging at Home Ensuring Quality of Life as We Age

Linda Jeffrey, Member of Expert Panel
National Seniors Council

The Need to Invest in Home Care

Rosalie Wyonch, Senior Policy Analyst C.D. Howe Institute

Panel Presentation: Enhanced Ontario's Seniors at Home Tax Credit

Fraser Macdonald, StrategyCorp

Gaye Moffet, Home Care Ontario Board Member (GEM Health Care Services)

Sharon Ranalli, ORCA Board (Chartwell)

Understanding Health & Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority (HSCPOA)

Deborah Cohen, Registration Manager
HSCPOA