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Celebrating staff achievements
Each year, Kinark Child and Family Services (Kinark) hosts our KARE Awards ceremony, a recognition event created to celebrate staff excellence and achievement. The event allows staff to nominate colleagues and teams across seven award categories:
- Family Engagement KARE Award
- Inclusivity KARE Award
- Health, Well-being, and Safety KARE Award
- Individual KARE Award – General
- Individual KARE Award – Frontline Service
- Team KARE Award – General
- Team KARE Award – Frontline Service
This year, our virtual event was met with positive energy and enthusiasm, and spirit remained high as we recognized a record-breaking 112 nominations.
Our nominees represented departments, programs, and individuals across the organization who live Kinark’s values and mission every day. Attendees had a chance to hear heartfelt stories and examples of tenacity and dedication to support our clients and families to the highest extent.
The celebration was a powerful reminder of the extraordinary people and the work we do that makes Kinark such a special organization. Keep reading to learn more about our winners.
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Family Engagement KARE Award
Grace L., Family Support Worker, Peterborough CYMH
Among this year’s winners was Grace Loucks, recipient of the 2026 Family Engagement KARE Award. As a Family Support Worker, Grace has become a trusted source of support and hope for countless children, youth, and families. Through her compassion, determination, and unwavering commitment to meeting families where they are, she has made an extraordinary impact across the organization and beyond. We are grateful for all she does and proud to recognize her as this year’s Family Engagement KARE Award recipient.
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Inclusivity KARE Award
Danielle G. and Alyssa S., Clinical Therapists, Durham CYMH
As Clinical Therapists in our CYMH Durham program, Danielle and Alyssa demonstrated an exceptional commitment a family in our community. To better understand the family’s Indigenous background and foster a culture of inclusion and belonging, they attended a Circle facilitated by Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services. A Circle is a gathering ceremony created to uphold the Seven Grandfather Teachings as well as the Haudenosaunee Great Law of Peace. Danielle and Alyssa showed curiosity and understanding, challenging themselves to learn, grow, and work collectively with community partners. We are proud to recognize their shared commitment to inclusivity.
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Health, Well-being, and Safety KARE Award
Ashley D.,Child and Youth Worker, Peterborough CYMH
Ashley is a dedicated member of the Peterborough CYMH team, lending her health and safety expertise to our Live-In Treatment program and the Strive program. Ashely goes above and beyond to always ensure the safest possible environment for clients and staff. She advocates for the mental and physical wellness of staff in countless ways and is continuously contributing toward a positive workplace culture at Kinark. She is an asset to the organization, and we are honoured to celebrate her as this year’s Health, Well-being, and Safety KARE Award winner.
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Individual KARE Award – General
Jasmin I., Lead Architect, Information Technology
Jasmin demonstrates the leadership, initiative and commitment to excellence that exemplify the Individual KARE Award. His contributions to the development of the Autism Services CRM were instrumental in advancing a complex project, bringing strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail and an ability to anticipate emerging needs. Jasmin approaches his work with a commitment to continuous improvement and consistently supports high-quality outcomes, often behind the scenes and without seeking recognition. His dedication and expertise make a meaningful contribution to Kinark and to the children and families we serve.
Jessica S. – Administrative Assistant, Durham CYMH
Jessica is a valued member of the administrative team at our CYMH Durham location, helping create a welcoming and supportive experience for children, youth and families from the moment they arrive. Her warmth, compassion, and strong relationship-building skills contribute to a positive experience for those accessing our services. Jessica brings this same care to her colleagues, consiste
ntly supporting the well-being of her team with her approachable nature and sense of humour. We are pleased to recognize Jessica and the meaningful contribution she makes to Kinark and those we serve.
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Individual KARE Award – Frontline Service
Chelsea M., Child and Youth Worker, Simcoe LIT CYMH
Chelsea, a Child and Youth Worker in our Simcoe Live-In Treatment (LIT) program, demonstrates compassion, creativity and initiative in her work with youth and colleagues. She is a strong advocate for others, helping ensure they feel heard, respected, and supported. Chelsea’s ability to identify creative solutions and enhance the client experience has contributed to important initiatives, including the development of the new LIT sensory space. Her dedication and commitment to positive outcomes for youth make a meaningful contribution to Kinark, and we are pleased to recognize Chelsea with this award.
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Team KARE Award – General
CYMH Central Administration Team
Please join us in celebrating the CYMH Administrative Team on their well-deserved award. The team includes Angie, Debbie, Delaney, Carmen, Emma, Heidi, Janet, Krista, Manar, Matthew, Mojhgan, Sharon, Stefanie, and Suzanne.The CYMH Central Administrative Team serve as the first point of contact for clients and families in need of mental health support, offering warmth and guidance during what is often a challenging and vulnerable experience. Their care and dedication to go above and beyond are evident in all they do. The team often work to enhance the client experience, improve services, and strengthen communication. Most notably, their commitment to collaboration has been an invaluable asset in the Kinark community. Together, they work seamlessly across programs and departments to help solve challenges and share knowledge. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
Autism Services Administration Team
We are pleased to highlight the Autism Services Administrative Team for winning the Team KARE award. The team includes Angela, Amie, Geerthika, and Priyanka. The Autism Services Administrative Team plays an important role in creating a positive and seamless experience for clients and families. From coordinating supplies, forms and vendors to providing a warm and welcoming first point of contact, the team brings professionalism, care and commitment to every aspect of their work. They have also demonstrated flexibility and adaptability as Autism Services has continued to evolve and grow. We are pleased to recognize the team for their dedication and their ongoing commitment to keeping clients and families at the centre of all they do.
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Team KARE Award – Frontline Service
Cottage 8 Team, Syl Apps Youth Centre
The Cottage 8 Team was established to support a youth with highly complex needs transitioning from hospital to Kinark’s Syl Apps Youth Centre. Bringing together expertise from across disciplines, the team worked collaboratively to develop and adapt a comprehensive treatment and safety plan focused on the youth’s individual needs. Through challenges, team members supported one another while remaining focused on providing high-quality care and achieving positive outcomes. Their coordinated approach has contributed to meaningful progress in the youth’s education and peer interactions. The Cottage 8 Team demonstrates resilience, compassion and collaboration, and we are pleased to recognize their exceptional commitment to the youth they support.
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These award winners reflect the dedication and expertise demonstrated across Kinark every day. Our strength comes from our people who bring diverse expertise, compassion, and commitment to supporting children, youth and families with complex needs.
Through both challenges and change, our staff continue to demonstrate the values that define Kinark and contribute to the quality of the services we provide. Their dedication moves our organization forward and strengthens our collective impact on the communities we serve.