Announcing our 2025 Local Award Winners!

Jake is a dedicated advocate and mental health professional with over 10 years of experience supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. As part of LOFT’s team, he co-created BLOOM, the first transitional co-op house for trans individuals facing housing insecurity, mental health, and addiction challenges.

Through his private practice, Jake provides a safe and affirming space for queer individuals to navigate personal and systemic challenges. He has also developed educational workshops on 2SLGBTQIA+ allyship, working with government agencies, healthcare providers, and organizations to promote safe and equitable trans healthcare.

Most recently, Jake led a gap assessment for Durham Community Health Centre, highlighting barriers and solutions to improve 2SLGBTQIA+ services in the region. As Chair of the Canadian Medical Association Patient Voice, he continues to advocate for inclusive healthcare education, ensuring providers are equipped to deliver safe, affirming, and equitable care nationwide.

“This recognition means that my collaborative work is being noticed and making an impact. Personal acknowledgement is affirming and appreciated, but for me, it is about continuing to shine the light on the needs that still exist for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and hopefully spark interest in others to engage in making their workplace a safe, affirming and equitable experience.”

Susan Hrovat is a Registered Social Worker, Certified EMDR Therapist, and EMDRIA Approved Consultant with over 30 years of experience in human services, specializing in trauma recovery. For 18 years, she has helped adults heal from trauma related to injuries, chronic conditions, and disabilities, particularly acquired brain injuries.

Committed to continuous learning, Susan integrates diverse therapeutic modalities to support clients dealing with grief, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Beyond direct client work, she provides EMDR consultation, professional development training, and advocacy, strengthening the skills of fellow therapists.

Her dedication extends to rural economic development and strategic planning, fostering more sustainable, supportive communities. With a strength-based approach, she empowers individuals to heal, grow, and reclaim their sense of agency.

“I am deeply honored and grateful to receive this award, that I share with my colleagues, mentors and the countless clients who have allowed me to walk alongside them in their healing journey. This recognition reflects my commitment to social work and the shared efforts of those I've had the privilege to work with. It reaffirms the power of connection, advocacy, and empathy in creating positive change for individuals and communities and a dedication to justice, equity and positive change.”

Michelle Hayes is a seasoned social worker with 26+ years of experience supporting children, youth, and families. She specializes in evidence-based interventions and improving access to school-based mental health services. As the founder of a clinical practice, she helps families navigate separation, divorce, and high-conflict co-parenting.

Currently, Michelle is the Acting Executive Director at Lynwood Charlton Centre, leading child and youth mental health initiatives in Hamilton. A Registered Social Worker and Accredited Family Mediator, she’s also a researcher, educator, and advocate for children's voices in clinical work. In her spare time, she enjoys family life and dreams of opening a dog rescue.

“Being recognized with the OASW Distinguished Social Worker Award is an incredible honour. It reflects my commitment to leadership, advocacy, and innovation in social work, especially in supporting children and families. I am grateful to contribute to my community and the profession, empowering colleagues and creating meaningful change in the lives of those we serve.”

Anne Beach is a dedicated social worker passionate about helping individuals and couples heal from attachment-based injuries. A leader in incorporating Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy into couples counseling in Peterborough, she focuses on addressing the root causes of emotional distress to transform relationships.

With extensive EMDR training, Anne guides couples through past traumas, helping them rebuild trust, improve communication, and foster emotional intimacy. She also enjoys mentoring new social workers and promoting confidence in the field. Committed to creating healthier relationships and communities, Anne is dedicated to making a meaningful impact through her work.

“I am truly honoured to be nominated by my hardworking colleagues, whom I deeply admire. Their recognition is meaningful to me as it highlights our collective commitment to making a difference. I’m proud to stand alongside such dedicated professionals in our field.”

Lisa Mishibinijima, also known as Golden Eagle Woman, is a mixed white settler and Anishinaabekwe of the Bear Clan. Lisa’s work has primarily been focused on serving First Nations people across the Sioux Lookout Region. Over her 20-year career, she has worked in residential treatment, custody facilities, women’s shelters, community counselling, youth justice, harm reduction program and private practice.

Most recently, Lisa stated a position supporting the Hepatitis C Program at the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority, where she also supported the Anishininiwug Ajimoowin Animisewiinan: Health Status Report.

In addition, Lisa had supported a photovoice project through Ontario Native Women’s Association in 2012, that highlighted sexual violence against women, as well as the CIHR funded research project Trauma and Violence-Informed & Culturally Safe Research Practices with Indigenous and Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, which aims to address gaps in how research is conducted within the community and how researchers can be better equipped to conduct safe research.

“Being recognized with this award is a deeply meaningful moment, not only as a personal achievement but as a reflection of the dedication and work that social workers do across the communities we serve. This recognition affirms the impact we can make when we stand together in support of others, and it fuels my ongoing commitment to continue advocating for those I serve.”

Cindy is a seasoned social worker and trauma specialist who has been dedicated to identifying gaps in care and collaborating on community-based and interdisciplinary solutions. As a hospital social worker, Cindy developed psychosocial supports for cancer patients and played a key role in establishing a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team.

Entering private practice in 1993, Cindy became a leader in trauma education and PTSD support, working with community agencies and Indigenous communities.

In 1999, Cindy was among the first Canadians trained in EMDR Therapy. She has since become an EMDRIA-approved consultant, providing national and international training and consultation on trauma treatment. Additionally, she has been using Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) since 2020, becoming a DBR consultant and presenter. As the founder of the Centre for Trauma and Stress (est. 2022), Cindy continues her private practice with a commitment to healing with dignity and advancing innovative, trauma-informed therapies.

“Receiving this award has touched me deeply. It is meaningful because it demonstrates an acknowledgment in the social work profession that prioritizing clients’ needs and working with other disciplines to find ways to improve clients’ quality of lives is essential. Thank you, OASW, and to the nominators.”

Lisa is a firm believer in staying connected to the communities she serves and to bringing passion to everything she does. She is deeply committed to engaging with her social work community, having made lasting contributions through her involvement in OASW’s Niagara and Area Local Engagement Network. In the Niagara region, she has been a key force in local advocacy efforts, notably supporting Flora’s Walk to raise awareness around perinatal mental health. Her leadership and collaborative approach helped engage local leaders, reduce stigma, and secure vital funds for accessible mental health counselling services.

A thoughtful and generous leader, Lisa uplifts colleagues and community members alike through her volunteer work and grassroots initiatives. Whether providing fresh food to families facing food insecurity, organizing professional development opportunities, or championing wellness and equity, Lisa leads by example. She is known for showing up when it matters most – making a meaningful difference in the lives of those she supports and serves.

“Being recognized with this award reminds me of my favourite poem, written by Marianne Williamson: ‘Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others’.”

Gundel Lake is a social worker and psychotherapist with a deep commitment to equity and social justice. Her career began with community-based roles supporting individuals with HIV/AIDS, developmental disabilities, and substance use challenges. With experience as a harm reduction worker, youth shelter worker, and addictions therapist, her practice is rooted in understanding addiction and mental health within the broader context of oppression and systemic barriers.

Since 2011, she has operated a private psychotherapy practice grounded in an intersectional feminist and structural approach, helping clients navigate the impacts of racism, sexism, cissexism, and other forms of marginalization. She has also taught at Algonquin College and Carleton University on addiction, social work, and feminist counseling. Gundel holds a BA in Women and Gender Studies and History from Trent University and an MSW from Carleton University.

“The Distinguished Social Worker Award is personally meaningful for several reasons. Not only is social work an often-undervalued profession, so too is addictions work and specifically, addictions work from a gender-based perspective. Belonging to this community is an incredible honour, and I am so deeply appreciative of having been able to make a difference.”

Emily is a dedicated mental health professional and community advocate with a deep-rooted passion for supporting families, veterans, and rural communities.

Her studies at St. Thomas University, Lakehead University, and the University of Calgary focused on food insecurity, literacy, and developmental disability support. Emily began her career at Regent Park Community Food Centre in Toronto, gaining valuable insight into grassroots advocacy and the resilience of newcomer and low-income communities. Returning to Renfrew County, she worked with CPAN and the Phoenix Centre for Children and Families, strengthening her expertise in community mental health.

Now with ConnectWell Community Health, Emily continues to advocate for clients and support mental well-being. She has also launched a private practice focusing on families, veterans, and the Canadian Armed Forces. A passionate volunteer, Emily has dedicated 19 years to Camp Lau-Ren, helping young people grow into engaged community members.

“I am very grateful for this opportunity to be recognized. I am so grateful for all the mentors who came into my life, and for all the folks I’ve worked and volunteered with for sharing themselves and their knowledge. I am very proud of our community of practice in Renfrew County. I am forever thankful to my family and support system without whom I wouldn’t be able to do anything!”

Simone Donaldson is the founder and CEO of Agapé Lens Consulting & Therapy, a group practice dedicated to transformative change. A registered social worker, psychotherapist, executive coach, and consultant, she specializes in anti-Black racism, psychological safety, and Black mental health with over 15 years of experience.

Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch in 2024, Simone’s work has been featured in Elle Magazine, Yahoo Mail, and the Toronto Black Film Festival. She has led impactful partnerships with St. Michael’s Hospital, the Ministry of the Attorney General, and the University of Toronto, driving systemic change in equity and wellness.

As a champion for Black healing, she has developed initiatives like There Is More Black healing circles and I See You, a clinical consultation group for Black mental health professionals. Through corporate consulting, psychotherapy, and community partnerships, Simone continues to inspire meaningful change and create spaces for Black communities to heal and thrive.

“Truthfully, "I am, because we are." As a Black woman, this award represents not just my individual journey, but the heart, resilience, and brilliance of those who came before me. I am excited for the untapped gifts and dreams that may awaken or reawaken as a result of this win.”

Jennifer Cline holds over 15 years of experience in community development, advocacy and program leadership. As the Senior Manager of Community Development and Engagement at Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation, she leads a multidisciplinary team focused on mobilizing support in Windsor’s most vulnerable neighborhoods through strategic collaborations and partnerships.

Throughout her career, she has held impactful roles at Legal Assistance of Windsor, Windsor Essex Children’s Aid Society, and the Welcome Centre Shelter for Women, where she worked to improve access to critical services.

Passionate about mentorship and professional development, Jennifer actively guides social work students from the University of Windsor and St. Clair College, helping them navigate complex cases and build confidence in their practice. Her ability to bridge professional expertise with lived experience has strengthened service delivery, empowered communities, and driven innovation in social work. As a champion for equity, access to justice, and community-driven solutions, Jennifer continues to create lasting impacts in the communities she serves.

“I am deeply honored by this recognition. It reflects the collective efforts of so many dedicated individuals working to create meaningful change in our communities. Social work is more than a profession – it is a commitment to advocacy, equity, and empowerment. I am grateful to my colleagues, mentors, and the communities I serve for their support and inspiration. Together, we will continue building a stronger, more inclusive future.”