Allied Health Professionals Week
The WRHA’s many Allied Health Professionals represent a wide range of health professions – everything from audiology, diagnostics, community health, dietitians, home care, lab services, pharmacy, occupational therapy, social work, and many, many more. Together, they are a critical component of Manitoba’s health-care system.
We are proud to recognize the positive impact of Allied Health Professionals on patient, resident and client care every day and express our appreciation for their efforts to keep us all well. We hope you will take a moment to celebrate Allied Health Professionals with us!
In 2025, we are celebrating Allied Health Professionals Week during May 11-17, to align with the Manitoba Government’s proclaiming this week as The Allied Healthcare Professionals Recognition Week. Allied Health Professionals make important contributions in their varied roles and are vital members of the interdisciplinary teams that provide essential care to patients, clients and residents.
Click here to watch and read a collection of stories and meet some of the people who are an essential part of the care teams providing support to patients, clients and residents throughout our system.
- Meet the Riverview Health Centre Pharmacy Team
- See how Therapeutic Recreation is engaging residents at Misericordia Health Centre
- Learn about tele-rehab physiotherapy on First Nations
- Read inspiring stories from across the region
Here are some events happening throughout the region:
- An Introduction to Physiotherapy Research
May 21 | 12 – 1 p.m. | Virtual
This lecture will be presented by Dr. Kathryn (Kate) Sibley Professor, Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Cara Windle, Physiotherapist & Director Clinical Service, Continuing Care, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority & Bernard Lesk, Physiotherapist & Clinical Service Leader, Physiotherapy, Deer Lodge Centre. Physiotherapists employed within WRHA sites and HSC can attend. All other allied health professionals can also attend. There is no need to register. Learn more here.
We asked you to recognize the achievements of your colleagues, here is what you said!
Aynsley Allen
Speech Language Pathologist, Communication Devices Program
Nominated by: Amy McDougall, Occupational Therapist, Deer Lodge Centre
Aynsley Allen is the Speech and Language Pathologist, for the Communication Devices Program. Her expertise in communication disorders and desire for the basic human right of communication is evident. We are lucky to have her!
Stephanie Barnes
Registered Dietitian, Clinical Lead, Concordia Hospital
Nominated by: Vanda Racciatti, Registered Dietitian, Food Services Manager, Concordia Hospital & Place
Stephanie goes above and beyond her job every day. She is seeking to improve patient care even when it means adding to her workload. She has provided my Food Services staff with weekly training which is sincerely appreciated by all.
Miriam Brown
Registered Midwife, Ode’imin
Nominated by: Lindsay Stevenson, Registered Midwife, Access Winnipeg West
Miriam Brown’s clinical expertise provides evidence-based care, supports informed choices, and promotes empowering birth experiences. She is known for her calm, confident presence guiding families through birth with trust, precision, and compassion.
Michaela Cardamone
Home Care Case Coordinator, Access Winnipeg West – Assiniboine South
Nominated by: Regina Santos, Home Care Case Coordinator, Access Winnipeg West – Assiniboine South
Michaela embodies social work values through her client-centered approach, commitment to ongoing learning, and strong peer support. She consistently advocates with compassion, uplifts others, and models professional growth in every aspect of her work.
Monica Corbin
Service Partner, Riverview Health Centre
Nominated by: Shannon Sinclair, Service Partner, Riverview Health Centre
Michaela embodies social work values through her client-centered approach, commitment to ongoing learning, and strong peer support. She consistently advocates with compassion, uplifts others, and models professional growth in every aspect of her work.
Luis Fernandez
Physiotherapist, Grace Hospital
Nominated by: Tricia Mohammed, Rehabilitation Assistant, Grace Hospital
I get to work with a lot of different therapists, and they are all great in their individual ways; Luis stands out in my mind because he is a great communicator with his patients, he is very knowledgeable, and he goes the extra mile for anyone in need.
Andrea Giacobbo
Physiotherapist, Victoria General Hospital, Home Care, Priority Home, Thompson, 496 Hargrave
Nominated by: Tricia Mohammed, Rehabilitation Assistant, Grace Hospital
Andrea NEVER stops! She goes above and beyond for her patients. She works hard and advocates for system improvements and she is incredibly knowledgeable in her profession.
Pat Huntley
Physiotherapist, Misericordia Health Centre Prime
Nominated by: Christina Neves, Prime MOA
I nominate Pat Huntley who works at MHC Prime as a Case Manager/Physiotherapist. Pat has been a physiotherapist for over 20 years. The kindness and care she gives clients/patients is above and beyond. Our team wouldn’t be a team without her.
Jonathan Jandavs-Hedlin
Certified Spiritual Health Practitioner, Riverview Health Centre
Nominated by: Chris Salstrom, Certified Spiritual Health Practitioner, Riverview Health Centre
Jonathan is one of the most skilled Spiritual Health Practitioners I have ever worked with. He has always innovated yet included evidence-based techniques into his work. Now he has begun to train the new generation of Spiritual Health Professionals.
Sonia Katyal
Occupational Therapist, Seven Oaks General Hospital
Nominated by: Mark Nytepchuk, Physiotherapist
Sonia has been a staple on the weekend for Occupational Therapy. She helps things run smoothly for her discipline on very busy weekends, with less staffing. She is a very big reason for discharges to occur from the hospital on weekends, which is a very important task.
Erika Kaufman
Clinical Dietician, Nutrition services at Riverview Health Centre
Nominated by: Akshat Shah, Diet Office Clerk & Diet Aide, Nutrition services at Riverview Health Centre
Erika is very caring, comforting, and a very compassionate dietician. She is exceptionally intelligent, and hard-working woman. She always put the needs of the residents, and her fellow coworkers above her, and is always accommodating.
Jennifer Labuick
Respiratory Therapist, Respiratory Home Care
Nominated by: Kailyn Boulet, Respiratory Therapy Clinical Service Lead, Deer Lodge Centre
Jennifer is very compassionate with all her clients and goes above and beyond the call of duty to improve the quality of life of her clients. She always ensures clients get the best care possible, even when it makes her own job more difficult.
Cristina Luz
Registered Dietitian, St. Boniface Hospital
Nominated by: Sharon Cruise, Registered Dietitian, St. Boniface Hospital
Cristina always goes above and beyond for all her patients. She gives them the most evidence-based education, patiently answers all questions and strives to improve their nutrition, every time.
Meenakshi
UCA, Victoria Hospital
Nominated by: Nitasha Chaudhry, Psychiatric Liaison Nurse, Victoria Hospital Urgent Care
Mini is always smiling, happy to help others, works hard and goes above and beyond daily. She is dedicated to providing the best patient experience and is a great team player. Mini is an integral part of the team.
Esther Okewumi
Case Coordinator, Point Douglas
Nominated by: Katelynne Santos, Case Coordinator Point Douglas
I admire Esther & her ability to engage & create rapport with clients. Esther is always open to sharing her knowledge with others, she is patient & a team player. Esther often stays late. She works so hard & is an advocate for her clients.
Oyindamola Otubusen
Professional Lead Physiotherapy, WRHA 650 Main St
Nominated by: Jane McSwiggan, Occupational Therapist, Education and Research Coordinator -Wound Care, WRHA 650 Main St.
Oyin is a physiotherapist and dedicated scholar who has just completed her PhD thesis defense. She is a humble and gracious person and a leader for women in academia especially for black women.
Kelsey Robins
Social Worker, Victoria Hospital
Nominated by: Ashley Dercach, Recreation Coordinator, Victoria Hospital
Kelsey is a strong advocate for patients and colleagues and will always speak up to provide the best care. You can go to her with frustrations, and she will validate those feelings but will also share in your excitement when patients are doing well.
Laura Sheps
Physiotherapy Clinical Service Lead, Victoria Hospital
Nominated by: Tricia Mohammed, Rehabilitation Assistant, Grace Hospital
Laura is incredibly motivated and knowledgeable. She is her colleague’s “Go-To” for information and advice. If she doesn’t know the answer, she will find it.
Kelly Tye Vallis
Speech Language Pathologist, WRHA Long-term Care SLP service, Deer Lodge Centre
Nominated by: Monique Piatt, Speech Language Pathologist, WRHA Long-term Care SLP service, Deer Lodge Centre
Kelly is an enthusiastic, dedicated colleague who strongly advocates for our profession and for her clients. Her work has made MANY meaningful differences in the lives of others.
Sharon Valenzuela
Rehabilitation Assistant, Concordia Place
Nominated by: Shannon Croft, Manager Health Services, Concordia Place
Sharon collaborates with OT, PT, vendors, volunteers, nurses & HCAs to provide resident specific exercises ensuring best resident care. She works with a smile, focusing on residents’ abilities, while building a trusting relationship with them.
Nikki Yaworski
Occupational Therapist
Nominated by: Allison Shiach, Music Therapist/Counsellor, HSC Mental Health/WHC
Nikki is committed to excellence as an OT and puts patients first. She is compassionate, professional, organized, and an inspiring care provider making a huge impact on patients’ recovery.
Donna Wiltshire
Mental Health Promotion Facilitator, 469 Hargrave St
Nominated by: Jennifer Hohne, Mental Health Promotion Facilitator, 469 Hargrave St.
Donna has worked in Mental Health Promotion since 2012. She is instrumental in the successful “Towards Flourishing” program’s creation and implementation which focuses on mental health and wellness for new families. Donna’s portfolio includes Public Health, perinatal mental health, school divisions, the Winnipeg Suicide Prevention Network, Roots of Hope, and Addictions and Recovery and more. With an impressive resume and level of dedication, she is also a loyal coworker and friend. Donna constantly shows up with a positive attitude and understanding, kindness, and support to everyone she meets. She is admired by her colleagues and leverages these relationships to build strong connections. Donna is a champion for staff, ensuring they have the tools and support they need to be their best. She is understanding, kind, friendly, caring, supportive, and the kind of person you want in your corner.