2nd annual Therapy Assistant Association of Alberta Awards

CategoriesLong-Term Service AwardStudent AwardStudent Mentor AwardLeadership AwardOutstanding Practitioner AwardOutstanding Team Practice Award

Long-Term Service Award Must be a member of the Association for at least five consecutive yearsHas been promoting the Association

Long-Term Service Award nomineeHas been an OTA for 24 yearsHas been a member of the ThAAA since it’s inception in 2004Is a passionate advocate for the ThAAA who encourages all therapy assistants to joinShe is always willing to answer questions and provide insights on the role and possible scope of practice of therapy assistantsAs Colleen has been heard saying many times: “There is no reason not to be a member!”Colleen Lazoruk

Long-Term Service Award nomineeHas worked as an SLPA for 15 yearsHas been part of the Association since it’s inception in 2004Took an active role by being on the Association’s Board and by always being willing to promote the AssociationDianne Foley

Long-Term Service Award nomineeDonna Tugwood-JacksonHas been working as an SLPA for 21 yearsHas been a member of the ThAAA since its inception in 2004Was a valued part of the Promotions Committee and fervent promoter of the Association

Long-Term Service Award recipientColleen Lazoruk

Student Award Registered in one of the 4 post-secondary institutions in AlbertaMust possess outstanding clinical and academic skillsInspires fellow studentsDemonstrates a passion for learning

Student Award nomineeCassandra HunterTherapeutic Rec student at Norquest College that is an energetic, confident and caring leader as a student representative for her classRegularly meets with the program Chair and other student reps to discuss issues, brainstorms ideas and plan activitiesEasily worked with individuals for group work and readily gave and received feedbackExcelled in program planning by providing thorough, creative and client-centered plansDemonstrated excellent communication and collaboration skills as well as the ability to remain clam and professional during interdisciplinary communication experiences in the college’s simulation lab

Student Award nomineeEmily KabatPTA student at Norquest College that is respectful, kind and welcoming to students and teachers alikeProactive and self-directed in her learning and demonstrates perseverance to ensure she clearly grasps program conceptsSupports and assists her peers in learning difficult concepts, often by sharing her own study notesAlong with her partner, won 1st place at a student symposium for their poster presentation on TA’s working in PediatricsWinner of the 2013 Shillington Community Leadership Award, which honours students who have an excellent academic standing and demonstrates strong leadership, citizenship and community volunteerism in and outside the college.Volunteered for the PTA workshops hosted by Norquest for the Careers: Next Generation Health Sciences Career Camp in 2013

Student Award RecipientEmily Kabat

Student Mentor AwardHas mentored Therapy Assistant students by providing coaching, support and/or feedback during student’s placementEncourages others to mentor studentsHas made mentoring students a continuing goal in their professional life

Student Mentor Award nominee Hoda JoumaaBrings many years of valued experience to her work at the Sturgeon HospitalApproaches her work with enthusiasm and energyIs constantly being offered students to mentor and never refuses to assist in their educationHelps students in their placements by teaching from a wide knowledge base and with a positive work ethicReinforces the importance of building client rapport and is open to giving critical feedback which allows the students to become increasingly efficient and productive

Student Mentor Award RecipientHoda Joumaa

Leadership AwardPromotes the role of the Therapy AssistantPromotes the discipline(s) and/or specialties in which they workEncourages others to participate in Professional Development and does so themselvesIs an integral member of their rehabilitation team

Leadership Award NomineeCarmen McKnightIs a tireless, positive, energetic and creative force in educating, promoting and advancing the role of TA’sLeads by example in her continuing efforts to create a fun and motivating experience for her clientsShe is a team player who values learning from and providing learning to fellow team membersContinually finds new opportunities for education and encourages others to do the sameIs instrumental in planning and organizing training days for TA’s in her zone

Leadership Award NomineeClaudine SimHas been instrumental in developing the role of TA’s in the mental health settingAdvocated as a student to have her practicum at Alberta Hospital, paving the way for future students Takes an active role in her patients therapies and looks for new ways to improve client careRecently became a Pet Therapy handler to enhance onsite programming opportunities as well as therapy in the communityHas a desire to better the lives of her patients which inspires her colleagues to do the same

Leadership Award NomineeKristin TarnowskiEager to learn new ways of working with clients and is excited to share any new found knowledge with othersDemonstrates creativity with treatment ideas and makes therapy fun for each childIs a valuable resource for her peers and a support for new staff in learning about equipment, exercises and team processesIs a passionate voice for the rights of TA’s and became an AUPE member to represent their interestsEncourages other TA’s to become a member of the ThAAA

Leadership Award NomineeSarah DezallHas worked with ARBI for the last 7 years as OTA, PTA and SLPAHer role included case management, which involves training client’s volunteers in the implementation of daily rehab programs. At a given time, she would be training between 30 to 35 volunteersParticipated in a research study to improve upper-extremity function using the Saeboflex device which required strong clinical skills, refined communication skills as well as a strong understanding of research methods.Used her skills and experience to treat clients, liaise with their families, medical staff and the research leader. Mentors staff with positive results and teaches new techniques with patience, respect and while always maintaining a professional rapport.Regularly supervises students and presents in-services to ARBI staff Presented at a Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund on the importance of Music RehabilitationActive participant on a number of committees

Leadership Award NomineeTracey ClarkHas worked for the Carewest Neuro Rehab unit for 13 years and has been a constant leader for the TA group.Is organized, knowledgeable and helps any TA who needs assistance with scheduling, equipment and other TA duties in a calm, clear mannerOrganizes TA schedule when one calls in sick so that clients do not miss out on any therapyRegularly orients students and new TA’s and is always willing to explain and demonstrate proper techniques (i.e.. Transfers) to NA’sDemonstrates patience and a positive attitude in every aspect of her jobHas presented to SAIT TA students about ‘’The Day in the Life of a Therapy Assistant’’ for the last four years

Leadership Award RecipientSarah Dezall

Outstanding Practitioner AwardHas contributed to the rehabilitation teamMust possess outstanding clinical and interpersonal skillsParticipates in professional development opportunitiesShares with or teaches other team members knowledge acquired through practice or education opportunities

Outstanding Practitioner Award nomineeSLPA who works in inpatients, post-acute rehab and outpatients at Chinook Regional Hospital as well as in client’s homes in the rural communityIs critical in keeping on top of the day-to-day running of the team, including organizing her 5 SLPs while finding and attending unique educational opportunities for herself Is in tune with her clients needs and advocates for appropriate treatment changes to most suit their needs and will rearrange her schedule to fit them inIs very approachable, professional and compassionate towards her clients and gets to know them on a deep, personal which puts them at ease.Adele Comstock

Outstanding Practitioner Award nomineeProactive in offering assistance to whole team and takes initiative in learning new areas and skills of practiceStarted an education/in-service program for other TA’s at the hospitalPractices client centered care which builds strong relationships with those on her caseloadAlways professional and a great advocate for her professionRemains calm and confident but seeks assistance when neededPossesses strong communication skills and is able to adjust to a wide variety of environmentsAlexandra McClure

Outstanding Practitioner Award nomineeTA at a long-term care facility where she displays enthusiasm, joy and tremendous skillsIs team focused and has been able to provide consistency and a welcoming environment for many new staffPossesses strong communication skills and a broad knowledge base Is hard-working, supportive, innovative, resourceful and anticipates clients needs to provide them with optimum therapyHas strong interpersonal skills that she uses with everyone she encounters which helps foster a sense of unity and caring throughout the facilityAndrea Engebretson

Outstanding Practitioner Award nomineeSLPA since 2000 at Medicine Hat Hospital where she contributes to her department in a collaborative and engaging mannerHas a natural ability to work with clients of all ages and has taken the initiative to explore new therapy techniques and materialsDemonstrates a keen respect for each and every patient she serves which helps to improve their lives.Commits to her ongoing education by attending professional development opportunities and helping to organize the 2009 SLP Assistant Conference Catherine Young

Outstanding Practitioner Award nomineeTA on the Hand Practice Team at Chinook Hospital that has been the key consistent team member throughout the yearsProvides stability through her calm demeanor which sustained and facilitated the services growthEstablishes excellent rapport with clients, listens attentively to their needs and then becomes an advocate on their behalfDemonstrates outstanding interpersonal skills with a positive and flexible attitudeHas developed competencies in her splinting skills and has acquire a wide knowledge base but is still willing to learn and clarify expectations when neededSupports therapists in a collaborative way, contributing ideas, strategies and resources for the ultimate benefit of the clientColleen Dyck

Outstanding Practitioner Award nomineeHas demonstrated initiative, adaptability and a drive to learn during her 7 years as a TA for the CRIS program in Edmonton Takes initiative to acquire specific knowledge and skill sets to provide the best clinical treatment (for example – Certification in Manual Lymph Draining and Complete Decongestive Therapy, Physical treatment of the Neurological Patient, Manual therapy techniques and NDT training among them)Has a strong desire to understand the theory behind treatment approachesHas become an invaluable partner to the OT with the development and success of the lymphedema service at the clinic. Uses her manual skills and knowledge to help problem solve for the extremely difficult population of clients with lymphedemaDarla Larsen

Outstanding Practitioner Award nomineeSLPA for 20+ year in Sylvan Lake with pre=school and school aged childrenOrganized, meticulous and detailed in her scheduling, session planning and clinical responsibilityIs always respectful of staff, clients and families including respectful of the SLP/SLPA boundaries Is personable and easy to approach and possesses extensive knowledge and understanding of her fieldShe keeps sessions fun and interactive and genuinely wants the best for her clients and their familiesSeeks out opportunities to grow in her knowledge base and clinical skills and isn’t afraid to ask questions or seek clarification when neededElaine Halter

Outstanding Practitioner Award nomineeTA for ARBI for over a decade who brings enthusiasm, compassion and commitment to her workParticipated in a pilot project to ensure timely access to rehab for stroke survivors by becoming a Rehabilitation workerShe conducts herself in a professional manner and has exceptional communication skills which is critical to her client’s successSupports Outreach clients in the community where she supports workers and families by providing guidance, education and trainingShe has a keen interest in furthering her education and training and puts this knowledge to improve client programmingContributed to the development of a poster presentation on the pilot project at the National Stroke CongressHeather Fulker

Outstanding Practitioner Award nomineeTA with the Department of Occupational Therapy at the U if A since 2010 and has become an invaluable resource and support to the teamHas exemplary interpersonal skills and promotes the professional atmosphere on which students build high academic achievementsModels teamwork, professionalism and communication to demonstrate the complete functioning of the OTA role while making evident the limits and boundaries of said roleHas broadened the department’s resources and access to them and helps engage the students to open their thought-processes to activity analysis and to therapeutic implementationJacalyn Poulin

Outstanding Practitioner Award nomineeTA for the Peace County Student Health Program for 5 years, providing service in over 40 schoolsIs at the top of her field in terms of her clinical knowledge, creativity and dedication and is indispensable to the functioning and morale of her teamIs integral in the development of therapy interventions, establishment of processes and the day-to-day management of the programGenerates new ideas and creative approaches to engage her students in learning effectivelyResponsible for the development of a printing program and presented in-services to schools to inform them of it, all while maintaining her caseloadExemplifies the qualities of dependability, efficiency, timeliness and attention to detailJacinthe Vetsch

Outstanding Practitioner Award nomineePTA for the Physical Therapy Department at the U of A where she had assumed many responsibilitiesHas an integral role in the student-led physical therapy clinic where she is in charge of booking, payment, scheduling and takes part in direct client careIs the sole staff member who facilitates continuity of care for all clients and is the main communication link between the team of PT’s. Provides consistency ensuring a cohesive approach to patient and student managementContributes to student learning through clinical skill demonstration and teachingSets a warm, inviting and professional tone when communication with clients yet adapts her communication style to portray respect and patience in the face of challenging situationsKatelyn Brown

Outstanding Practitioner Award nomineeFull-time TA on a busy 61 bed rehab unit where she manages a very full caseloadIs quietly assertive and always respectful of clients and colleagues as well as being client-focused. She will often alter her approach according to client feedbackProvides opinions to the team in a competent and respectful manner while managing her time, establishing priorities and meeting caseload demandsIs a vocal advocate for appropriate technique and use of assistive devicesSeeks out opportunities to learn, attending conferences when able and also volunteers to teach others about her role and responsibilitiesKathy Cassidy

Outstanding Practitioner Award nomineeTA with Home Living where she is fearless in regards to taking on complex clients and finding ways to keep the client safe using great clinical judgment and keeping them engaged in a rehab programShe is excellent at keeping her team updated on client progress and is very flexible with her schedulingHer clients are all showing significant gains and meeting most of their goals all the while being organized, caring and dedicated to their careShe demonstrates exceptional listening skills and has a way of respecting the clients and their families as wellShe is a quick learner and she embraces opportunities to learnKelly Frazer

Outstanding Practitioner Award nomineeTa on this rehab unit for 9 years where she uses her strong knowledge base to produce high-quality resultsIs extremely skilled at motivating patients and takes the time to get to know them and their motivations so that they have a vested interest in their own therapyWorks very well independently but is mindful of her team and always openly participates in discussions on how to improve the therapy providedActively seeks and participates in whatever learning opportunities that are available as well as learning from fellow team members Passes on her learning to others including students and new team members in an encouraging and caring wayPossesses a genuine enthusiasm for this field and celebrates the successes of her clients and of being a part of their journeyLaura Bourne

Outstanding Practitioner Award nomineeTA with the Geriatric Mental Health Rehab team since 2011 where she presents each day with an engaged, interested, calm and energetic mannerThis role requires knowledge of medicine, psychiatry, inpatients and outpatient issues as well as an understanding and ability to utilize a variety of approaches and responses, all of which Mercedes excels inHas been key in organizing tours of community lodges and supportive living environments to assist patients in understanding their living choicesProvides insight to the team into how clients cope and manage in the community prior to discharge, how they respond to functional tasks and has made strong connections with community partnersIs collaborative in her work and is available to other team members should they need herMercedes Lichty

Outstanding Practitioner Award nomineeAs a TA makes the office run smoothly and creates a positive work environment as well as working well with all disciplinesEngages her kids with movement games and incorporates her own knowledge into therapy (i.e.. Skating groups)She provides excellent suggestions for multisensory work and is great at improvising as neededTakes on any organizing tasks that are required and is willing to help with anything asked of herIsn’t afraid to work one on one with severely impaired children to ensure they meet with success in their therapyPaige Jensen

Outstanding Practitioner Award nomineePTA on the Adult Stroke and Brain Injury team as well as the Spinal Cord Injury team at the Glenrose Hospital since 2003Is committed to ensuring her teams run as smoothly and efficiently as possible in addition to being engaged in providing the best care for her patientsDevelops good working relationships with her patients as well as with any staff member she encounters. She puts the patient first and goes the extra mile to provide them with excellent serviceHas shown great leadership when supervising and mentoring PTA students while making every effort to provide them with opportunities and experiences while at the GlenroseIs a guest lecturer at Grant MacEwan University for the OTA/PTA diploma students about working in neuro rehabilitationIs involved with committees at the Glenrose including the WH&S committee and the Space Utilization Committee, being an excellent advocate for her teamsPenny Miskolzie

Outstanding Practitioner Award nomineePTA in the Pediatrics department at the Glenrose since January 2012. Took the initiative to carve out her role in areas where her her assistance was needed.Possesses excellent interpersonal communication skills and used those to tackle the steep-learning curve of a demanding new positionBecame proficient as well as the “go-to” person in the use of a new and highly technical piece of equipment called the Lokomat, which is a gait-training device that requires specialized trainingKey organizer for summer PT outpatient camps such as: “A Wheelie Fun Camp”, Super Spring and Summer Sessions and the Summer Lokomotion ProgramHas a gently and easy-going personality and always appears positive and enthusiastic which gains her the trust of children and adults alikeShazmin Hussein

Outstanding Practitioner Award nomineePTA at the Northern Light Regional Health Centre in Fort McMurray that is dedicated towards her patients, colleagues and professionDemonstrates an effortless ability to form meaningful relationships with seniors, which encourages them to actively participate in daily exercise programs to enable them to return homePossesses a strong clinical background but remains committed to growing professionally by attending lunch and learns and stroke roundsRemains open-minded in her everyday work and values interpersonal development as she attended courses such as “A bully-free workplace” and “How to deal with difficult people”Capable of prioritizing her time perfectly, while maintaining her clam persona and using creativity to assist with the lack of resources that her team often encountersShirley Randell

Outstanding Practitioner Award nomineeTA who has been integral part of the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program at the Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury for the last 12 yearsDemonstrates dedication and compassion to her clients and always goes above and beyond to help them achieve their rehab goalsHas made a significant difference in some of her clients lives by providing them the opportunity to be around horses at her family stableCarries a heavy caseload which she manages with grace and with is always open to assisting other team members when neededTakes advantage of every opportunity to learn, including taking part in many Solution Focused therapy training sessions, group facilitation courses and more recently, ASST trainingVolunteers to do live broadcast sessions with clients to assist other practitioners in learning and educationStephanie Stafford

Outstanding Practitioner Award RecipientDarla Larsen

Outstanding Team Practice AwardHas impacted their organization by demonstrating outstanding clinical and interpersonal skillsThe team members must have made contributions towards increased knowledge, skills and outstanding client serviceThe TA team’s success is a result of the nominees working in a collaborative and engaging manner

Outstanding Team Practice Award nomineeTA’s at St. Michael Health Centre Post Acute Rehabilitation Program in Lethbridge who support OT, PT and SLPCheerfully and efficiently keep their 8 therapists organized and on trackDemonstrate enthusiasm, commitment and integrity by going the extra mile for patients and therapists, being accountable for their actions and establishing trusting relationships with anyone they encounterBring a wealth of experience and knowledge and demonstrate incredible organization skillsThey work creatively and with a sense of humor which helps everyone keep a positive attitude despite full workloadsContinually seek feedback, knowledge and opportunities to work together to provide the best environment for their patientsPARP Team: Jean Martens and Mirjana Smiljanec

Outstanding Team Practice Award nomineeThe TA’s have stepped in to fill the gaps in the ever growing area of community living even with a rise in acuity of patients they serveThey extend the reach of the 20 PT’s they assist, who rely heavily on the TA’s to help maintain consistency and quality of service amongst many changes to staff and to the programAre innovative, highly skilled in time management and demonstrate strong communication skills which ensures clients are safe and have all of their needs metSupportive Living Team: Letithia Nyiranshuti, Mohit Raja, Anab Abdi, Sherry Rioux, Sara Marghella, Alicia Knutson, Heidi Strachan, Waseem Awar and Joceley Monaghan

Outstanding Team Practice Award RecipientsPARP Team: Jean Martens and Mirjana Smiljanec

Congratulations to all our winners and nominees!We are proud to recognize the outstanding work you do in your respective roles and hope we can all follow the example set by you.Thank you for letting your passion shine through!