At Oak Valley Health, integrated care for healthier communities is more than our Vision — it’s a daily practice driven by core values of respect, trust, commitment, compassion, and courage. These values are brought to life by individuals and teams who go above and beyond, creating a culture where care and compassion are at the heart of everything we do.
This year marks the 7th annual Honoured to Care Awards, and for the first time, each of the five categories recognize two individual recipients. This event 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 providing extraordinary care.
In winter 2024, staff, patients, families, and the community were invited to nominate individuals or teams who demonstrated the organization’s core values through their actions and service across Markham Stouffville Hospital, Uxbridge Hospital, and 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.
The Honoured to Care Awards showcase the diverse talent and dedication across all departments and areas of care. Aligning with our 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, and a renewed reflection on its core values, this recognition reinforces a shared commitment to advancing both our people and the culture we are collectively building.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
Respect
Caitlin Keeble, Nurse Practitioner, Inpatient Mental Health
Marisa Bouwmeister, Manager, Professional Practice
Trust
Ricco Wong, Registered Nurse, Short Stay
Arden Warren, Registered Nurse, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, Breastfeeding Clinic
Commitment
Carlos Pereira, Manager, Building Operations & Maintenance
Quinn McKenney, Clinical Dietitian & Dietitian Discipline Lead, Clinical Nutrition Inpatient
Compassion
Genevieve Payumo, Unit Secretary, Transitional Care Unit
Maxine Palmer, Registered Nurse, Postpartum/Paediatrics Unit
Courage
Teresa Givelas, Patient Care Manager, Outpatient Mental Health, Staff & Physician Wellness
Leanne White, Patient Care Manager, Inpatient Mental Health, Crisis Team/Urgent Care Clinic and Community Treatment Order Program
For more information about this year’s recipients and what their nominators has to say, visit 2024-2025 Honoured to Care Awards.
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This article appeared in the March 2025 issue of The Link. To receive Oak Valley Health’s community newsletter, subscribe now.