From going above and beyond the call of duty, to the many little things done each and every day, the Honoured to Care Awards celebrate how our people are living our values — demonstrating respect, trust, commitment, compassion, and courage across our organization.
This year marks the 7th annual Honoured to Care Awards, and for the first time, each of the five categories recognized have two individual/group recipients. This year, 10 individual recipients received an Honoured to Care Award. This marks a celebration of our people, their exemplary contributions, and the continued growth of the organization. The timing also coincides with the 35th anniversary of Markham Stouffville Hospital and serves as a reminder of how every member of our team contributes to our shared commitment to delivering extraordinary care.
Nominations for these awards are especially meaningful as they come from colleagues, staff, and community members, recognizing the exceptional care and dedication demonstrated by staff across Markham Stouffville Hospital, Uxbridge Hospital, and the Reactivation Care Centre.
From one end of the care spectrum to the other, these awards recognize the contributions of all staff — clinical, support, administrative, and beyond. Congratulations to this year’s recipients! Read what their nominators had to say in recognition of their outstanding contributions:
Respect
Marisa Bouwmeister (she/her), Manager, Professional Practice
“Marisa demonstrates respect in her daily interactions, actively ensuring everyone feels included. Whether considering race, physical ability, background, or other factors, Marisa’s broad thinking ensures every decision accounts for the diverse needs of colleagues and the organization. Her focus on the impact of their choices reflects a deep care for creating an equitable and inclusive workplace.”
Caitlin Keeble (she/her), Nurse Practitioner, Inpatient Mental Health
“Caitlin plays an integral role in our behaviour rounds for our patients with cognitive impairments. She helps understand the nature of our patients’ behaviours, provides insight, and delves into familial and personal history. Caitlin establishes strategies that help our patients improve behaviours and helps lead them to discharge destinations. She treats each patient as an individual and speaks respectfully.”
Trust
Arden Warren (she/her), Registered Nurse, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, Breastfeeding Clinic
“Arden’s gentle voice, soft touch, and kind gestures earn the trust of her patients. Her compassionate care creates a strong foundation, empowering new mothers with the tools they need to nourish their babies. She embraces each mother’s unique goals, offering guidance with confidence and clarity, ensuring they never feel overwhelmed. Arden also includes partners in the process, recognizing that it takes a village to support a new parent. Their trust in her, and her magic makes a significant, positive outcome to their feeding journey.”
Ricco Wong (he/him), Registered Nurse, Short Stay
“Ricco is a trusted presence that patients, families, and colleagues can rely on without hesitation. Patients feel safe and cared for, knowing their needs are met with compassion and expertise. Families appreciate his clear communication and patient advocacy, often expressing gratitude for the trust he inspires. Among colleagues, Ricco is someone to turn to in moments of uncertainty. He is a skilled caregiver and a supportive leader, setting a powerful example for handling difficult moments with empathy and professionalism.”
Commitment
Quinn McKenney (she/her), Clinical Dietitian & Dietitian Discipline Lead, Clinical Nutrition Inpatient
“Quinn’s drive, enthusiasm, and commitment to patient-centred care and improving the clinical dietetics profession is demonstrated in the work she does for her team and patients. In Quinn’s clinical role as a dietitian, she commits herself to provide the best possible care to her patients. Quinn demonstrates commitment to her colleagues, always offering her help and support, and fostering a positive and collaborative environment.”
Carlos Pereira (he/him), Manager, Building Operations & Maintenance
“Carlos demonstrates dedication, leadership, and commitment to enhancing the hospital’s infrastructure and operations. He goes above and beyond his role, and is efficient and reliable, particularly during critical moments. One of his most remarkable accomplishments is building electrical redundancy to safeguard the hospital from power disruptions. His ability to independently manage projects while addressing day-to-day maintenance highlights his time management, problem-solving skills, and unwavering commitment to the hospital’s mission.”
Compassion
Maxine Palmer (she/her), Registered Nurse, Postpartum/Paediatrics Unit
“Maxine made me feel like more than just a student. She treated me as a future nurse, with trust and respect, encouraging me to rise to challenges and grow. She gave me the space to make decisions and take responsibility while always being a steady guide when I needed her. Her dedication to patient care is equally inspiring. She listens to patients and treats them with dignity and respect. For Maxine, it’s not just about problem-solving or completing tasks, it’s about connecting with people and making sure they feel valued.”
Genevieve Payumo (she/her), Unit Secretary, Transitional Care Unit
“Genevieve treats staff, patients, and families with the compassion and respect. She elevates the level of care, no matter who or which area she supports. It is part of who she is and it shows in small and nuanced ways. She never seeks recognition, always offering a smile or a laugh, noting she just wants to help. She is a special human being and well-suited for a unit that requires so much from staff as there are many challenging that require skill, safety, compassion.”
Courage
Teresa Givelas (she/her), Patient Care Manager, Outpatient Mental Health, Staff & Physician Wellness
“Teresa addresses challenges head-on, leaning into difficult conversations, embracing risk carefully, advocating for change, and collaborating. She has played a crucial role in improving service delivery, ensuring patients receive timely, effective treatment, and approaches challenges with empathy and strategic insight. Teresa treats her staff with respect and compassion. She bravely supports personal and professional development and well-being.”
Leanne White (she/her), Patient Care Manager, Inpatient Mental Health, Crisis Team/Urgent Care Clinic and Community Treatment Order Program
“Leanne provides high-quality leadership, decision-making, fiscal management, and mentorship. She is always present — an anchor during difficult moments, a champion for necessary change, and a source of support and mentorship for all. This is evident in her clinical interactions, where she facilitates safe, effective resolutions and serves as the voice of reason when supporting families and care providers. Leanne demonstrates and lives the hallmarks of leadership excellence, making a lasting impact to the organization and people in our care.”