Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) honoured staff, physicians and volunteers of the organization through its annual Service Recognition ceremony and presentation of the Alliance Awards of Excellence. This year’s ceremony was held at the Chatham Capitol Theatre on Thursday, April 3, 2025
Judith Christner was recognized for 45 years of service. Five employees were recognized for 40 years of service: Dr. Robert McMahon, Scott Thomas, Debbie Pepper, Lisa Merritt and Doug McLeod. Eight employees received 35-year recognition: Heather Bennett, Brenda Fysh, Giselle Gregory, Sandy Horrell, Angela Pinsonneault, Kelly Vankerkhoven, Debra Webster, and Dr. Mark Tomen.
Guests of honour also included 106 five year, 83 ten year, 33 fifteen year, 9 twenty year, 20 twenty-five year and 7 thirty year award recipients.
In addition, CKHA paid tribute to 28 retirees:
Sandy Bean
Sheila Blondia
Joanne Britton
Michelle Buxton
Pam Cheznowski
Dr. John Clifford
Deb Moore
Yvonne George
Elizabeth Jay
Dr. Jan Johnston
Dr. Jennifer MacKinnon
Lori Marshall
Michelle Martin
Mark Henry
Annette O’Neil
Cathy Noorenberghe
Cathy Pollock
Louise Pinsonneault
Dennis Poulson
Dr. Peter Sheldrick
Dr. Elizabeth Sherwin
Michele Shanks
Dr. Linda Sinnaeve
Lynne Stephenson
Debbie VanHyfte
Mike Vanbiesbrouck
Tanya Vyn
“At CKHA, our staff, physicians, and volunteers exemplify dedication and compassion every day. This celebration is a special opportunity to recognize their hard work and commitment to excellence in health care,” said Adam Topp, President and CEO, CKHA, in a media release. “We are incredibly proud and grateful for their ongoing efforts to provide quality, patient and family centred care.”
During the ceremony, exceptional performance was recognized with the Alliance Awards of Excellence now in their 20th year, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am honored to congratulate this year’s nominees and recipients of the Alliance Awards of Excellence,” said Deb Crawford, Board Chair, CKHA. “These awards reflect the outstanding dedication and excellence of CKHA’s team, as well as their unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality care.
Alliance Awards of Excellence Recipients:
Mission Award: Dave Robertson, Volunteer – Dave Robertson is a dedicated volunteer in CKHA’s Day Surgery unit, providing kindness, guidance, and reassurance to patients and their families. His warm demeanor and calming presence help ease nerves in a busy environment, offering support with patience, humor, and a genuine smile. Whether greeting patients, answering questions, or assisting staff, Dave treats everyone with respect and care. His ability to connect with both patients and colleagues creates a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. Always willing to go the extra mile, he plays an invaluable role in enhancing the patient experience and is a true asset to CKHA.
Vision Award: Dr. Jason Back, Physician – Dr. Jason Back stepped into the Chief of Pathology role with resilience and dedication following the sudden loss of his Chief. Despite the unexpected challenge, he has strengthened and elevated the laboratory, ensuring it operates at the highest standards. He has reinvigorated key committees, maintaining accountability and structured processes to position the lab for accreditation success. Beyond his technical leadership, Dr. Back fosters a collaborative environment, valuing the input of physicians and staff to drive continuous improvement. His commitment to excellence, structured approach, and ability to lead with integrity have made a lasting impact on CKHA and those he works with every day.
Values Award: Dr. Diondra Miller, Physician – Dr. Diondra Miller exemplifies CKHA’s core values through her compassionate and patient-centered approach to care. She listens attentively to patients, families, and care teams, respecting patient autonomy and ensuring treatment plans align with their values. Her calm demeanor, clear communication, and collaborative spirit build trust and foster excellence in patient care. Whether providing a second opinion to reassure a patient and their family or stepping in to manage care for a patient without a family doctor, Dr. Miller consistently goes above and beyond. Her dedication to collaboration, accountability, respect, excellence, and safety makes her an invaluable asset to CKHA.
Compassionate Caregiver Award of Distinction: Leigh Ann Burden, Registered Nurse – Leigh Ann Burden is an exceptional nurse whose compassion and dedication deeply impact patients and colleagues. In 2024, a Complex Continuing Care patient reached out to the CKHA CEO and the Board of Directors to recognize her outstanding care. Known for her kindness and professionalism, she goes above and beyond to ensure patients feel respected and valued. One patient recalled how she patiently assisted an elderly roommate, never making them feel rushed. In their letter, they wrote, “Leigh Ann is very humble and would never think that her care means so much to so many. She truly loves what she does, and it shows.” Leigh Ann exemplifies compassionate care and is truly deserving of this recognition.
Vicente and Delia Calma Memorial Nurse Excellency Award: JoAnne Britton, Registered Nurse – JoAnne Britton has been a dedicated nurse at CKHA since 1984, providing compassionate, high-quality care to patients and families. A mentor to countless nurses and students, she leads by example, embodying the qualities of a modern-day Florence Nightingale with her kindness, patience, and clinical excellence. Known for her sharp critical thinking and expertise, JoAnne is a trusted resource among colleagues who rely on her guidance in complex situations. Her unwavering commitment to patient care and support for her peers make her an invaluable member of the CKHA team.
Stroke Care Award: Jeanette Segeren, Occupational Therapist – Jeanette Segeren has been recognized with the Stroke Care Award for her dedication to stroke rehabilitation and patient-centered care at CKHA. She has advanced her expertise with specialized training from McGill University and actively mentors colleagues, contributes to regional initiatives, and shares her knowledge provincially. Jeanette has also improved CKHA’s Transitional Stroke Program by streamlining processes and enhancing team collaboration. Known for her compassionate approach, she is described by patients and families as “one of a kind,” making a lasting impact on their recovery journey.
Resiliency Award: Jolene Kresan, Director, Diagnostic Services – Jolene Kresan embodies resilience and dedication, facing challenges with professionalism and an unwavering commitment to patient care. Over the past year, she has navigated significant changes in Diagnostic Services, ensuring seamless operations despite obstacles. As Interim Laboratory Manager, she provided vital support during staffing shortages, maintaining uninterrupted lab services. She also played a key role in managing patient influxes during the Clear Imaging strike and overseeing Diagnostic Services during Code Grey. Through every challenge, Jolene remained a steadfast leader, ensuring patients received timely care while supporting her team with strength and compassion.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award: Antonia Rivard, Social Worker – Antonia Rivard is dedicated to providing inclusive, equitable care, ensuring all patients feel heard and respected. She advocated for a Residential School survivor, addressing trauma-related language barriers that led to a reassessment, allowing the patient to make their own care decisions. She also protected a new mother undergoing suboxone treatment by preventing an unnecessary CAS notification. Antonia’s work with the Indigenous Transition Navigator reflects her commitment to culturally sensitive care, making her a deserving recipient of this award.
Alan Stevenson Memorial Award: Bryan Halls, Volunteer – Since joining CKHA as a volunteer in 2018 and later as a Patient Experience Advisor, Bryan Halls has dedicated over 600 hours to improving mental health care. Using his lived experience, he works to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and enhance patient care with quiet leadership and a compassionate heart. Bryan’s advocacy includes sharing his personal journey in a storytelling workshop, offering art classes to in-patient mental health patients, and contributing to key initiatives like PECAC meetings and CKOHT’s mental health and anti-stigma efforts. His unwavering commitment to improving the system and supporting others makes him a deserving recipient of this award.
