Recipients 2005
OADD Awards & Scholarship Recipients – 2005
Staff Recognition Award
OADD’s Staff Recognition Award is presented to an individual who is employed by an agency funded to provide services to those with developmental disabilities who, as a professional, has contributed significantly to better understanding of, or enhanced the well being of, those with developmental disabilities.
Mary Novak
Mary Novak joined Sunbeam Centre in 1990 as the Manager of Health Services. A Registered Nurse, and member of the College of Nurses of Ontario, Mary also holds a Diploma in Long Term Care Management from Ryerson University. In 1996, as a result of organizational restructuring, she assumed the newly created position of Director, Residential & Professional Services. In this capacity all residential, program and professional/therapeutic services report to her. She is a member of Sunbeam?s five person Senior Management Team.
Myrna Flynn
Myrna Flynn has been employed by Sunbeam Centre for thirty years. She is a graduate of Conestoga College?s Consumer & Family Studies Program, and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Waterloo. Myrna was first employed as a Nurse?s Aide at Sunbeam, and over the years worked as an Infant/Sensory Stimulation Worker, Assistant Unit Director, Behaviour Therapist, Group Home Supervisor, Director of Community Living, and since 1996, Manager of Residential & Professional Services. In this capacity Myrna is second in charge of all Sunbeam?s residential, program and professional/therapeutic services.
Directors’ Awards of Excellence
For OADD members who have made, or are making, a very substantial and extensive contribution to the direction, leadership and promotion of OADD.
Betty Davis, Lynn Woodford, Jennifer Demark
Kay Sansom Scholarships: The awards, one each at the college, university undergraduate, and university graduate level, are granted to individuals who have a proven interest in the field. As such, the award must be used to pursue full time study in a recognized program associated with a professional discipline related to developmental disabilities.
Joyce Liu – Undergraduate Award
Joyce Liu is in her third year of a four year Ryerson University Baccalaureate Nursing Program. During the past year Joyce has shown a keen interest in supporting and learning more about Developmental Disabilities. She has created and updated learning aids for individuals with Developmental Disabilities related to health education such as “Going to the Doctor”, “Taking Medication” and “Experiencing Menopause” as well as having offered a workshop in medication safety. Joyce has written articles on her experiences that she will be publishing to encourage others in the health care profession to become more aware and involved. While Joyce is in school she has had to work 2 jobs in order to support her living and pursuit of education. The Kay Sansom Scholarship award will enable Joyce to focus more on her studies, specifically her interest in Persons with Developmental Disabilities.
Mary-Jane Mills-Rogers – Graduate Award
Mary-Jane Mills-Rogers is currently completing her Masters of Social Work Degree from McGill University (Kingston Site) where the subject of her specialized study is people with Developmental Disabilities and their families. She completed her honors degree in Sociology from Queens University and was employed at Community Living Kingston in a Group Home Supervisory Position. From that position she worked managing the Family Home Program (Home Share). Ms. Mills-Rogers now works with the Dual Diagnosis Consultation Service Outreach Team through the Providence Continuing Care Centre in Kingston while having a full time school commitment. Her plans are to continue to a PhD Program in Social Work. She is described as exceptionally talented in her ability to work with people to support and arrange safe placements for vulnerable individuals. Ms. Mills-Rogers has shown a high level of commitment to persons with a developmental disability and in her community. She is described as a passionate advocate, compassionate clinician, and role model and leader in providing supports to persons with a dual diagnosis.
College Award: The College Scholarship was not awarded in 2005.