Apr 16, 2025 | Mental Health, Faces of HDGH
Working in children’s mental health, I’ve seen firsthand how urgently families need care that’s responsive, accessible, and compassionate. That’s why I’m incredibly proud to share what our team at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare’s Regional Children’s Centre (RCC) has been building. It’s called the Assertive Community Treatment Team for Children (ACT-C) — the first program of its kind in Canada — and it’s transforming how we deliver mental health care to children as young as six by meeting them where they are: in their homes and communities. This bold new approach is already making a meaningful difference, right here in Windsor-Essex.
Modeled after the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Teams used to support adults, ACT-C is specifically tailored to the needs of children, along with their families to meet the complex needs of young people struggling with severe mental health challenges — right where they live.
The team collaborates with community partners like the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society (WECAS) to provide families with a well-rounded network of support. Designed for flexibility, the ACT-C approach meets families where they are—at home and in the community—while reducing the need for emergency services such as hospitals, police, or crisis units. Despite being community-based, the program offers similar level of intensive care as live-in or Day treatment settings, including individual and family counselling, in-home behaviour management coaching, recreational programming, and skill-building activities.
Here are just a few of the ways ACT-C is making a positive impact:
Since launching, ACT-C has supported 62 families. Early results show improved outcomes for children and families participating in the program, as well as agency-wide benefits, including shorter waitlists for other intensive services like day treatment and better access to counseling and therapy.
The most powerful evidence? The families we serve. Krystle and Adam, parents of two children in the program, shared their experience:
“The Assertive Community Treatment Team for Children has impacted our family in a wonderfully, positive way. Jen has been very thorough with the education she has given to us, and has given us a great follow through plan. It has been very helpful to our family that Jen has come into our home to be hands on teaching us and the children to build a morning routine through modeling and visual charts. She has also given us resources to the community partners so Adam and I can continue positively in our journey. The collaboration between the team and our family has been great and very professional. Since participating in the program, the boys have been better behaved, not as destructive. They are willing to participate in things we are asking them, they have a sense of purpose again.”
ACT-C is paving the way for improving how we support children’s mental health care that could inspire systems across the country — and beyond. I’m honoured to have been invited to speak about our work at an upcoming European conference in Denmark, where we’ll showcase ACT-C and the work our team and community partners are doing to transform children’s mental health.
Together, we’re not just treating mental illness — we’re transforming how and where we deliver care for children and families. And this is only the beginning.
DJ MacNeil, director, Regional Children’s Centre, has a wealth of experience from his extensive career in mental health services. With a background that spans outpatient, inpatient, community, correctional and emergency department settings, DJ has dedicated his professional life to improving mental health care for children and families.
DJ holds a master's degree in Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, reflecting his deep interest in these areas. He enjoys learning and working on initiatives related to quality and health system improvement. DJ also volunteers on the Quality, Utilization & Risk board for the WECHC.
Outside of his professional life, DJ spends a lot of time with his wife and three kids. He is a true philomath and voracious reader, always eager to expand his knowledge and understanding.
Feb 20, 2025 | Mental Health, Faces of HDGH
February is Psychology Month in Canada and Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) wants to showcase the psychologists that work here and the role that they play in a patient’s healthcare journey. Clinical psychologists are mental health clinicians with doctoral degrees who are registered with the College of Psychologists and Behavioural Analysts of Ontario. At HDGH, psychology plays a part in a number of the adult services, as well as in the children's services at the Regional Children’s Centre.
In the Toldo Neurobehavioural Institute, which is our inpatient specialized mental healthcare facility, the clinical psychologist, currently Dr. Bethany King, provides therapy and assessment services and has the support of a part time psychometrist. The psychologist is a key member of the multi-disciplinary team, which is made up of psychiatry, nursing, social work, occupational therapy, certified rehab assistants, recreational therapy and consults on developing treatment plans for the 49 patients in this program.
HDGH also has a neuropsychologist providing services in the inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient Acquired Brain Injury programs. The neuropsychologist provides assessments (also supported by a part time psychometrist) to evaluate cognitive functioning and therapy services, as well as consults with the multi-disciplinary team. Dr. Anne McLachlan recently retired from this position after 30 years.
At the Regional Children’s Centre (RCC), three psychologists offer psychological assessment and consultation services to a variety of programs. Current RCC psychologists include Dr. Amanda Darroch, Dr. Jenna Jones, and Dr. Lauren Wysman. RCC psychologists offer psychological assessments to clients aged 6 to 12 years receiving outpatient mental health counselling and/or those enrolled in the Intensive Treatment Services (ITS) Day Treatment program to determine their cognitive, academic, behavioural, and socio-emotional functioning. They also run an Autism screening clinic and subsequent Autism diagnostic assessments for children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years in the community; this is the only publicly-funded autism assessment program in Windsor-Essex for this age group. To complete this work, psychologists are supported by one full-time and one part-time psychometrist, who assist with Autism screenings and diagnostic assessments. In addition, RCC psychologists offer consultation services to social workers regarding treatment of complex cases and report reviews for those clients who have an existing assessment.
HDGH psychologists also offer supervision to doctoral students, primarily from the University of Windsor's clinical psychology graduate program, through practicum placements and are very proud to support the training of future clinical psychologists
Dec 20, 2024 | Leadership, Faces of HDGH
As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on all the incredible moments we’ve shared at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare this past year. We have experienced a journey of growth, resilience, and community spirit. I want to take a moment to celebrate our achievements together and extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you—our dedicated staff and physicians, compassionate volunteers, community partners, and the Windsor-Essex community for their support.
In January, HDGH in collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB) were thrilled to be selected for a national demonstration project focused on advancing, strengthening care delivery and improving the outcomes for those living with schizophrenia. Partnering with the Mental Health Commission of Canada and Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences is an honour, and it allows us to implement standards that will truly change lives for the better.
Heading into 2024 brought its own set of challenges, as we continued to deal with the aftermath of a cyberattack. I’m incredibly proud to say we successfully rescinded the Code Grey in March, thanks to the tireless efforts of our IT, clinical, and back-office teams. Your patience and support, along with our frontline staff and physicians efforts to continue to serve our patients and clients during this time, has made a world of difference, and I cannot thank you enough.
May was a beautiful month of connection and purpose. HDGH, along with the Métis Nation of Ontario, Ska:na, and Hiatus House, to host our inaugural Moose Hide Campaign, promoting healing and solidarity in the fight against violence towards women and children. Additionally, the launch of HDGH and Windsor Police’s new Crisis Response team (CRT) was a testament to our commitment to the community. The program pairs crisis intervention (CIT) trained frontline police officers with dedicated CIT-trained social workers to provide compassionate support to those in acute crisis situations.
In June, we relocated key programs to the HDGH Downtown Campus, offering private office spaces for one-on-one support, as well as large bright and welcoming rooms. In addition, the Mental Health and Addictions Urgent Crisis Centre (MHAUCC), which supports those in crisis, relocated adjacent to the Windsor Regional Hospital’s Ouellette Campus Emergency department, helping to divert clients from the emergency department and ensuring they receive the appropriate support in a timely manner.
August marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter as we broke ground on our Outpatient Rehab Clinic. Set to open in October 2025, this facility will offer specialized rehabilitation services for patients with complex neurological and physical disorders. I can’t wait to see the positive impact this will have on our community!
Throughout the year, we celebrate and acknowledge one another not only for the support we provide our clients and patients, but also for the encouragement we offer each other. From honouring our dedicated nurses and the transformative impact they have in our community during the annual Nurses Week in May, to fostering the wellness and well-being of our staff and physicians at our annual Wellness, Health and Safety Fair, we truly demonstrate our commitment to working together.
In October, we celebrated Employee Appreciation Week with activities that were as much fun as they were meaningful. From the Hot Wing Challenge kick off to the Service Awards & Retiree Recognition event, and daily trivia games and scavenger hunts, it was a joy to honour the hard work and dedication of our team. You all truly make HDGH a special place!
This year, our community giving initiatives have been nothing short of inspiring. In February, we received generous donations of pickleball equipment for our Regional Children's Centre, bringing joy to our young clients. In July, our "Donate Your Kicks" campaign collected over 170 pairs of running shoes, making a difference in countless lives.
When the Adventure Challenge fundraising event called, our community answered! The event was filled with fun, teamwork, and laughter as we raised essential funds for our Outpatient Rehabilitation Centre. It was great seeing our community come together in such a spirited way.
And let’s not forget our Big Night Party in November, where we raised over $134,000 for Mental Health and Addictions programs. The evening was a beautiful celebration, honouring those who have contributed so much to our mission. The event featured an inspiring speech by former Team Canada Women's Hockey goalie Kendra Fisher, who shared her personal mental health journey, encouraging the crowd to overcome the stigma surrounding mental health and seek help when needed.
As we look forward to the new year, I’m filled with excitement about what’s to come. Our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care, all while embodying our core values of Kindness, Teamwork, Expertise, and Social Responsibility. Guided by our vision of being a trusted leader transforming healthcare and cultivating a healthier community, we strive to ensure that every step we take is infused with compassion and collaboration.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Your support, dedication, and compassion make all the difference in the lives of those we serve. Together, let’s continue to create a brighter future for our community.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a New Year filled with hope and promise!
Bill Marra is the President and CEO at HDGH and brings his 35 years of honourable leadership experience in health, public affairs, and community service to the HDGH executive team. Since joining HDGH in 2011, Bill has been steadfast in his goal to make HDGH the safest hospital in Ontario. He created an in-house security team to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare workers. Bill took on the role of President and CEO in January 2022 and in just one year, he led a person-centered model of care change in the Complex Medical Care and Palliative Units, introduced Personal Support Workers to the healthcare unit, established a HDGH Wellness Committee, and formed an EDII Alliance.
Sep 30, 2024 | Faces of HDGH
I was asked to write a blog about Truth and Reconciliation and I must admit it’s probably the hardest thing I’ve had to do. How do I explain to people the devastation that Canada, the country that most people moved to be a part of has put upon their first people? This was not something from 1492, although that’s roughly when things started according to history, but something that has continued throughout the decades and centuries since.
The recognition that finally came about when so many unmarked graves were found was the catalyst for what we now know as Truth and Reconciliation Day. But beyond the title of Truth and Reconciliation and beyond the 94 recommendations made by the government to make an attempt to improve the future of our First Nations people, there are countless people who have memories of those days and the children and the grand children of those people who turned to substances to hide the pain, shame and horror that was their lives. Many of these individuals never knew how to be part of a family, never learned how to parent, and in turn passed those traumas on to the next generation. There are still many communities without clean water to drink or contaminated air and land that they cannot use to grow food.
This day is not a holiday, it is not a chance to simply have a day off…No, this is a day to mourn and to hold our loved ones close and pray this never happens to them. The fear of this is still present in many people you speak to who have experienced the residential school system, as well as the “60’s scoop”. The system that once again proved only to remove children from loving families guilty only of having a different way of life from those who wanted to assimilate them into a world that was never kind to them.
I ask that if you want to understand to please read up on this history. Talk to some of the people who’ve lived it and then pass that information on to your children so they know and they make sure this history is one that is not repeated. Make sure your children’s school is teaching your children the real truth about Canadian history. Read the recommendations set out and see where you can (if you can) change things in your lives to ensure that you are not adding to this history and continuing it any further.
September 30 is recognized as Orange Shirt Day, inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, a residential survivor who at 6 years old was taken from her home and brought to a residential school where she had her new orange shirt immediately taken from her by school staff. Please remember why you wear this shirt when you wear it and keep that in your heart every day, all year. Don’t just “wear” a shirt…understand it!!!!
Aug 12, 2024 | Mental Health, Faces of HDGH
Summer is a time of fun and freedom for children, but it also poses a challenge for parents who are looking to keep their kids entertained in meaningful ways. It’s important for children to have the freedom to choose how they spend some of their time through the summer months. It is equally important to include structured activities to ensure children are engaging in various enriching and interactive activities. Working in children’s mental health, I have collaborated with many parents to develop ways to engage children in activities that foster creativity, learning, physical activity and social skills. Here are some of those tips!
Encouraging children to express themselves creatively can work to boost their mental health, confidence, and feelings of empowerment. This can include crafts, and also dance, drama, and music! Setting up an art station at home with various supplies can provide endless opportunities for creative expression. Consider these ideas:
While it is important that your child have a break from education, keeping their minds active with educational activities can be fun and exciting! Any time your child is trying something new, mastering a new skill, reading, writing, or being exposed to something for the first time, they are learning! Here’s a few ideas:
Physical activity is essential for children’s mental and physical health. Anytime your child is outdoors, they will expend more energy than when inside. Get your kids outside and get them moving! Here are some fun ways to keep your kids active:
Social interactions are crucial for developing important life skills like cooperation, communication, social skills, and empathy. Here are a few ideas:
As a parent, you play a vital role in ensuring your child’s summer is both fun and enriching. By incorporating activities that promote creativity, learning, exercise, and connection, you can help your child enjoy a healthy and balanced summer. Any time you get your child outdoors, moving their bodies, trying or learning something new, or spending time with others, you are promoting their healthy development and their mental health. Get creative, have fun, stay safe, and enjoy a great summer!
Jun 19, 2024 | Faces of HDGH
Every June, the province of Ontario recognizes our older adult population by dedicating the whole month to seniors with a different yearly theme identified alongside it. In honour of Ontario’s Seniors Month 2024 “Working for seniors”, Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) would like to recognize its Specialized Geriatrics portfolio, and highlight the meaningful work these programs provide for seniors, and their formal/informal care partners within our community.
Here at HDGH, we have both inpatient and outpatient supports for our older adult population. Specialized geriatric programs are designed to help avert/decrease hospitalization stays and support clients to remain/transition safely back to their home/LTC within the community. Services are designed to provide specialized assessments that may support a diagnosis, education for capacity building, increased coordination and collaboration between care systems, and ensuring people have access to the services and resources that suit their needs best.
The specialized expertise of its staff is used to provide a time-limited continuum of specialized interdisciplinary services to support the client, and their informal/formal care partners both here at HDGH, and also in the community where they live. Our programs utilize the expertise of 5 Social Workers, 6 Nurses, 2 Nurse Practitioner’s, an Occupational Therapist, a Physiotherapist, a Kinesiologist, Behaviour Navigator, Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant, an Elder Life Coordinator, and a Dietitian. Along with our specialized allied and nursing teams, our amazing secretarial trio steer these ships and support our day to day operations and clinics alongside the three Geriatricians, and our Geriatric Psychiatrist/psych residents.
HDGH is also the host organization for Provincial Geriatrics Leadership Ontario (PGLO) and the Regional Geriatric Program- South West (RGP-SW) for Erie St. Clair. PGLO represents and convenes a provincial network that plans, designs and delivers clinical geriatric services and seniors’ mental health services, called Specialized Geriatric Services (SGS). SGS are coordinated by regional partners that are called Regional Geriatric Programs (RGPs) or Regional Specialized Geriatric Services (RSGS). All RGPs and SGS entities provide strategic and operational leadership for the implementation of clinical geriatric services region-wide, and work with local community and health partners to:
Our SGS Portfolio here at HDGH works hard to advocate, educate, support, and navigate the challenging medical and social ecosystem post-pandemic for their patients and/or their care partners daily to ensure they have what they need for their overall well-being and independence. A warm heartfelt thanks goes out to these teams, for ALL the work they do daily- we appreciate you!
Apr 24, 2024 | Faces of HDGH
As we celebrate Administrative Professional’s Day on April 24th, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the many unsung heroes who keep our workplaces and hospitals running smoothly day in and day out. Behind every successful team lies an efficient, organized, and highly dedicated administrative professional, often the glue that holds everything together.
At HDGH, we’re fortunate to have countless dedicated admin professionals who work tirelessly to support our hospital’s many teams. In honour of Administrative Professional’s Day, we had the privilege of sitting down with one of them! Lisa DePutter is the Admin Assistant for our Lead Agency and Communications & Mission portfolios. She graciously shared her insights and experiences with us.
My journey hasn’t been straight forward like it is for some, but each opportunity left me better equipped to handle the next and formed long lasting relationships. My first-ever administrative position was a co-op placement at an accounting firm. Eventually, wanderlust would lead me to a receptionist position on a cruise ship in the Bahamas.
In Vancouver, I held the position of Secretary to the President of a gold mining company and, after it stopped producing gold, I jumped at the unique opportunity to be the sales and marketing manager of a BC Wedding Publication. Two years later, I purchased 50% of the publication, grew the business and in 3 years sold it to our strongest competitor. I am very client service oriented. The sale of our business was bittersweet, but it allowed me to move closer to my soon-to-be husband, an RCMP officer located in a small, remote community. I went back to administrative work at a very small, remote hospital where I wore many hats. From managing rental properties for locums and flying in nurses for vacant shifts to coordinating tabletop Tsunami exercises, my admin role was pretty diverse.
Eventually, we would leave the area as remote RCMP postings are limited in duration. A more permanent move would find me walking through the doors of 1453 Prince Road in Windsor. During my time on this campus, first with WRH and then HDGH, I’ve provided administrative support to the Director of Complex Care, the Director Rehabilitation, the Program Medical Director of Restorative Care, the Director of Research & Project Management and their portfolios. Currently, I support the Executive Lead for Lead Agency for Child & Youth Mental Health and the Director of Communication & Mission and portfolio. Working throughout the HDGH campus has provided me with knowledge that I wouldn’t otherwise have and has proven to be helpful in my role. I've also learned that I have some amazing colleagues!
Most recently, I’ve been involved with coordinating the HDGH Clothing Closets [which helps supply patients and clients in need with a variety of clothing items year-round].
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to provide support to an HDGH team while they vaccinated residents at a long-term care home. I am also trained in mask fit testing, so I was able to provide additional mask fitting support to the Occupation Health & Safety department here and at our Crisis and Mental Wellness Centre (CMWC) during the pandemic. Prior to the Pandemic I organized the HDGH WW at Work Program.
During my time in BC, I initiated and spearheaded the upgrade of the hospital phone system after I discovered unused allocated dollars. I also initiated and coordinated various site improvement projects. I like to coordinate things!
Prioritizing tasks and then blocking time in my calendar to complete them helps to keep organized. Also, setting reminders in my calendar for upcoming deadlines. Colour coding my incoming email also helps to keep me organized. I’m not sure what I would do without a to-do- list (a blend of paper and electronic), both at work and at home! Anticipating the needs of those I support also helps when trying to plan ahead.
The Patient Benevolent Fund was established by our Corporate Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) as a means of assisting patients facing severe financial hardship – meaning that all family, savings, community programs, etc. have already been explored and exhausted. For example, the social worker of a patient/client who might not afford a wrist brace that would benefit their therapeutic plan of care/recovery could apply to have the Benevolent Fund cover this expense.
My role is to guide the application process, coordinate purchases and payments, then work with the HDGH Foundation to disburse funds. It’s a very good feeling to be a part of helping patients who are struggling in this way.
This is a good question and there are lots of lessons. One lesson is understanding that everyone we work with has a significant role. There was an occasion where I was the only non-union person working at the small, remote hospital I mentioned earlier. I was notified that I would be trained in Dietary and Environmental Services (ES) due to friendly job action. I was terrified but managed to cook, learned about special diets, and the interactions I had with patients while serving meal trays was a highlight. I honed my cleaning skills, and developed a deep appreciation for my ES and Dietary colleagues. I also discovered that a hospital has a lot of toilets!
Oh, and always remember to smile... at everyone!
From managing numerous schedules, to always being willing to raise her hand for additional projects outside her scope of work, and being an overall delight to have on your team, Lisa embodies the essence of professionalism, dedication, and having a positive attitude under pressure.
When reflecting on her time working with Lisa, Nicole Crozier HDGH’s Director of Communications & Mission, shared the following:
"Lisa seamlessly manages tasks with her adaptability, discretion and calm demeanor. She keeps everything on track, with a great attention to detail, but for me, it is her friendly, always willing to help attitude that shines through. Her role in the Clothing Closet and Benevolent Fund really showcases Lisa’s patient-family centred approach. Happy Administrative Assistant Day to all the AA’s at HDGH!”
Lori Kempe, HDGH’s Executive Lead, Lead Agency Child and Youth Mental Health, had these kind words to share:
“It is truly a pleasure working with Lisa. Lisa genuinely enjoys providing assistance and support to others – whether it is a colleague, a patient, or a visitor – and always with a smile. Lisa enjoys connecting with people and extending kindness to everyone – showing care beyond her role.”
Please join us in honouring and celebrating the many dedicated admin professionals who make a world of difference behind the scenes, today and every day. Happy Administrative Professional’s Day!
Lisa is the Administrative Assistant for the Leady Agency and Communications & Mission portfolios at HDGH. She started at HDGH in 2010 and has supported a variety of teams including Complex Care, Rehabilitative Care, Restorative Care, and Research & Project Management. Prior to moving back to Ontario, Lisa lived in British Columbia where she worked for a gold mining company, the Vancouver Island Health Authority and owned a wedding publication called the Westcoast Bridal Guide.
Mar 8, 2024 | Faces of HDGH
This month, to celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we sat down with Donna Wellington, a senior executive at Henry Ford Health and board member at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, and Sharmaine Tanario-Battagello, a Social Worker in our Withdrawal Management Centre, to talk about this year’s theme (“Investing in women: accelerating progress”), their experiences as women in healthcare, and the power of representation.
About Donna. Donna is an accomplished healthcare leader with over 25 years of leadership experience at Henry Ford Health in Detroit, Michigan. She currently serves as the SVP, Chief Ambulatory Officer and VP System Primary Care, where she is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, operational management and integration of ambulatory care services ensuring high quality patient centered care across the ambulatory footprint. Donna is highly experienced in hospital operations, ambulatory care, and behavioral health services. She has held roles such as VP Operations at Henry Ford Hospital, COO Behavioral Health, Nurse Administrator and Senior Administrator at various Henry Ford Medical Group departments such as Women’s Health, Dermatology, Urology, Primary Care and Pediatrics. Donna's impact extends beyond Henry Ford Health as she serves on multiple boards including the Ontario Hospital Association and Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare. Donna was named a 2020 honouree to the prestigious Top 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women and is a fellow of the AHA and Carol Emmott Fellowship.
Personally, International Women’s Day is a reminder of the incredible potential and power of all women everywhere. It is a momentous occasion that resonates deeply with me as a celebration of strength, resilience, and empowerment. It is a day to recognize and acknowledge the remarkable women who are making a significant impact in our community, country and the world, inspiring change. Yet, despite progress made, there are still persistent challenges and disparities that women face worldwide. The annual recognition of International Women's Day for me is symbolic reminder of being inclusive of all individuals, as we not only honour the contributions and experiences of women but also reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive, succeed, and contribute fully to the betterment of society.
The impact of organizations investing in women is profound and wide-ranging. When organizations invest in women it can strengthen the workforce by enhancing decision-making, boosting employee morale, and driving overall business success. It is not just a moral imperative; it is a smart business decision that benefits everyone involved.
On the flip side, the lack of investment in women creates a lack of gender diversity which can result in a homogenous and insular work culture that hinders organizational growth, and minimizes the diverse range of perspectives, ideas, and talents that women bring to the table.
In healthcare specifically, the absence of women leaders can lead to a lack of understanding of women's health issues. Women healthcare leaders bring increased advocacy for initiatives that address gender-specific health concerns, promote equitable access to healthcare services, and advance policies that benefit women's health. This is an important voice at decision making tables.
I have been very fortunate to work at an organization (Henry Ford Health) that wholeheartedly champions diversity, inclusion and equity by fostering an empowering environment where every individual’s unique strengths and perspectives are celebrated and valued.
I think everyone, however, can think of a time when they did not feel included. Many come to me as a child in school, playing on teams, etc. – there is a universal feeling of exclusion. A sense of disconnect and a lack of recognition from others is demoralizing and can hinder one’s sense of belonging, motivation, and create self-doubt.
Rather than letting self-doubt consume me, I chose to take a proactive approach. I reflect on the situation – consider the context, people involved, and my own perception. I seek out feedback from trusted individuals and, depending on the situation, may provide feedback (assuming innocence) so that they are aware of how I felt and what we could do better so no one else feels excluded.
That being said, it is important to engage fully when sitting at the table discussion and more importantly ensuring when leading the table discussion to be proactive to foster a sense of belonging, inclusivity and wellbeing to ensure all voices are heard.
As a leader, every day I strive to create an environment where inclusion is not just a buzzword, but a lived reality for everyone on our team. I firmly believe that diversity is our greatest strength, and I make it my mission to ensure that each and every individual feels heard, valued, and respected. I lead by example- actively seeking out different perspectives, and encouraging open and honest communication. I foster a culture where differences are celebrated, not feared, and where every voice is not only welcomed but actively sought out. By promoting empathy, understanding, and collaboration, I empower my team to embrace their uniqueness and leverage their individual strengths to collectively achieve greatness. I feel there is no better feeling than being able to be your authentic self every day at work. I strive to create an environment of inclusivity, where innovation flourishes and relationships deepen creating a space where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential. Together, we are a team united by our shared vision and boundless respect for one another. I recall a speaker ending her talk with the following: “If you can’t be who you are, where you are- then change where you are NOT who you are!” I strive every day to create a space for staff to be WHO THEY ARE.
One memorable lesson I've learned as a leader is the fervent importance of using my voice and staying true to myself. There will always be noise and distractions, so it is essential to speak up for what I believe in, share my unique perspective, and advocate for what is right. By being authentic and genuine in my words and actions, I hope that I create trust and respect from others but also pave the way for meaningful change in addition to creating a safe place for others to feel they can speak up. Embracing my voice as a powerful tool for positive impact has not only enriched my leadership journey but I hope has made a difference in the lives of those around me, fostering a culture of authenticity, empowerment, and genuine connection.
About Sharmaine. Sharmaine is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker II at our Withdrawal Management Centre, with nearly 15 years of experience at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare. She is registered as both a Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist, lending her expertise to support patients in their journey towards recovery. Previously, Sharmaine worked as a Program Developer in our Bariatric program before transitioning to her current position. Prior to returning to Canada, she was employed in the United States, working at various institutions including Henry Ford Health, St. John Hospital, and Beaumont.
I was in my late teens and working at a weight loss clinic, the services were based on sales not helping individuals deal with many of the psychological and emotional struggles that are often attached to obesity. While working in this environment I realized I wanted to focus on psychology so I entered into my undergraduate with a focus on psychology and sociology. Once I completed my undergraduate studies I completed a masters in organizational psychology. Even though the work was very rewarding, I realized many corporate struggles involve employees who are also struggling personally. I moved out of the corporate domain and back into individual client care under a Master in Clinical Social Work.
Since graduate school I have worked in different community agencies and hospitals from the Toronto Ontario area to Michigan, most of my work had a focus in either addiction or mental health or concurrent disorder.
When looking into substance use disorder both research and lived experience have demonstrated that women react differently to substances, lifestyle of addiction, and engage in recovery differently than men. Substance use treatment often lumps client care together and neglects to look at significant differences between clients. When addressing the matter of female biology, social issues attached to women and society, and psychological issues faced by women; having even more focus on women’s treatment and women caring for women has been shown to increase recovery stability.
Prevailing reasons to invest in female-focused recovery services, which are also often identified in research studies:
Healthcare in Canada still falls under a very Western perspective, but I have been fortunate enough to see strides in ethnocultural and racial elements being added into our healthcare process. Canada still has a significant way to go in their healthcare inclusion but maintaining a positive advocacy process helps to provide a voice to the often voiceless.
I believe the continued development of women’s specific care issues being addressed in all hospital departments will add to the amazing medical system we already have.
Know your history regarding medical care for patients/clients from underrepresented backgrounds and maintain updated information about your underrepresented communities' expressed medical needs and desired care.
To dive deeper into the significance of International Women’s Day and to discover ways to get involved in creating a more equitable world, we encourage you to visit the following:
Whether it’s participating in local events, supporting women-led initiatives, or advocating for policies that promote gender quality, every action counts. Let’s continue to educate ourselves, uplift each other, and work towards a future where every woman and girl can thrive without barriers. Happy International Women’s Day!
Feb 15, 2024 | Faces of HDGH
Black History Month is a time to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements and contributions of Black people and their communities and their part in our heritage.
BHM is meaningful to me as it exemplifies individuals and actions that make me proud to be a Black man and a part of the Black community. Many of the great individuals and acts that have been revealed to me through Black history are very contrary to the negative images I was raised to believe about Black people. In celebration of Black History Month, I look for events to attend as the Windsor-Essex area is very rich with Black history.
It is important that organizations like HDGH celebrate BHM because it brings people together. I stated prior that I was unaware of the great individuals and acts that Black History Month has revealed to me. However, this information wasn’t just withheld from me. It is with great intention that sharing these stories may help members of organizations like HDGH see their fellow colleagues in a different way and further embrace the diversity surrounding them.
Black Excellence means so much to me, I see Black excellence in individuals like Lebron James. Most of us just see an athlete that plays basketball. However, I see an individual who, despite only having a high school education and coming from a single parent home, has become a philanthropist that has opened a school, a producer, and a dedicated husband and father. He is also willing to stand behind his beliefs and attempts to use his platform responsibly. To me that is Black excellence. It’s not based on finances or fame, it’s about your inner spirit.
I got started in the EDI field through a colleague that I worked with here at HDGH. We had many in depth conversations about my life as a Black man. She was at times saddened and shocked by the stories I would share. She was in management and had been told that there was anti-Black racism committee being formed and urged me to join. The rest is history. I found a passion for this work, and I have been blessed to now be able to work on the development of our new EDI program.
I would describe EDI as an investment. Yes, the tenants of EDI are morally correct, but EDI also pays dividends. Just like any other investment: input equates output. Studies show that organizations that have a work culture immersed in EDI strategies outperform other organizations by leaps and bounds. EDI creates a pathway for worker satisfaction, a sense of belonging, and happiness. These conditions equate optimal output for any organization.
My biggest piece of advice for people wanting to implement EDI more is to approach and embrace change. Look at situations with openness and a willingness to learn. EDI is about treating one another fairly and sharing the table.
What excites me the most about my role as EDI Manager is the opportunity to create the foundation of a program that will make the environment and culture here at HDGH even better than it is now. I hope that long after I am gone the work we start now, together, will grow for generations to come.
Martin Thompson is the Manager of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare. He has been an HDGH employee for over 20 years and has worked in various roles over the years including: Emergency Department Unit Aide, Environmental Services Worker, Materials Management Clerk, Transporter, Wheelchair Tech, ACT Peer Support, and ACT Manager.
If you would like to learn more about Black history and anti-Black racism, please explore these links: