The School of Social Work Awards of Excellence at UWindsor
In 2024, the school announced it's first Awards of Excellence. The School honoured outstanding alumni, field instructors, inspirational leaders, graduate assistants, and student representatives for their outstanding work and commitment to social work!
Thank you to the Alumni Association for their generous funding of this event!
Our second set of award recipients were honoured on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025 at our Graduation Social in the School of Social Work. This year we added a new award - EDID Committee Award. This award was presented to Marium Tolson-Murtty for her outstanding support of the EDID Committee in the School of Social Work. We are deeply honoured of all our recipients and the incredible work they do in social work education and practice.
Please learn more on our outstanding award recipients below:
2025 School of Social Work Awards of Excellence Recipients
Faith Hale, 2025 Inspirational Leader Award
Nomination from Katka Hrncic-Lipovic, Field Learning Specialist, School of Social Work:
"I would like to nominate Faith Hale for the School of Social Work Inspirational Leadership Award. Faith has been a wonderful community partner and a friend to social work students and the School of Social work for over a decade. She is a frequently invited guest speaker in our classrooms generously sharing her knowledge with us and our students about Indigenous ways of knowing, allyship and reminding us of our shared responsibility to be good to one another. In the last ten + years, in the field preparation course, Faith has presented to over 1000 students; and this does not even include guest lectures she has done in other classes. In 2017, as part of a field education event on allyship, Faith participated in a panel discussion titled, Being an Ally with Indigenous People which was exceptionally well received by our faculty and students."
Ms. Hale's Biography:
Faith Hale is a proud member of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the MHA Nation, is the Executive Director and co-founder of Ska:na Family Learning Centre (SFLC), one of Ontario’s first Indigenous organizations focused on Child Care and Early Years programming. Faith was instrumental in researching, developing, and implementing an urban Indigenous culturally relevant early years framework. Under her leadership, SFLC continues to grow, offering diverse programs and services, while Faith mentors the Child Care and Early Years sector through collaboration with various boards, committees, and networks.
Faith holds a Master of Education, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Wayne State University, a Bachelor of Education from Brock University, and an Early Childhood Education Diploma from St. Clair College. As a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE), she has served on the College of Early Childhood Educators advisory committee, presented at various conferences, and led research projects in education and community development at local and provincial levels.
In addition to her work with SFLC, Faith is the President of the 7 Generations Indigenous Centre (7GIC), a College of Early Childhood Educator Mentor, and has held leadership positions such as past Second Vice-President of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) and delegate appointee to the Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services Board.
Marium Tolson-Murtty, 2025 EDID Committee Award
Nomination from the SSW EDID Committee:
"On behalf of the EDID committee and the School of Social Work, it’s our great pleasure to honour and thank Marium Tolson-Murtty for her commitment and dedication to fostering inclusive living, learning, and working environments for all. Marium has played an instrumental role in guiding and supporting our EDID work at the School. Her critical lens on supporting students' equity and diversity needs has been invaluable. Marium is always available when we need support and guidance, and her thoughtfulness and dedication have greatly enriched our work".
Ms. Tolson-Murtty's Biography:
Marium Tolson-Murtty is a proud Windsorite, educator, advocate, entrepreneur, wife, mother, and community leader. As the youngest of seven children, she has deep roots in Windsor, a city she has always called home. Marium takes immense pride in her African Canadian heritage as a descendant of the Underground Railroad. She is a three-time alumna of the University of Windsor, where she earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, a Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Education. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Education, Marium’s research addresses anti-Black racism and systemic inequities in post-secondary education, exploring their impact on students’ success and persistence in higher education.
With over 20 years of experience in post-secondary education, Marium has dedicated her career to empowering students, families, and developing transformative programs. Her professional journey spans diverse roles, including experiential learning and undergraduate recruitment, where she guided prospective students and their families. Later, she transitioned to the Faculty of Education as the Continuing Teacher Education Program Coordinator, where she discovered her passion for supporting and educating educators. In 2020, Marium was seconded to the Office of the President at the University of Windsor as the Strategic Planning Officer for Initiatives Against Anti-Black Racism. By 2021, she was promoted to Director of Anti-Racism Organizational Change within the newly established Office of the Vice-President, People, Equity, and Inclusion. In late 2024, she assumed the role of Director of Human Rights, Conflict Resolution, and Mediation.
Marium is deeply embedded in the Windsor-Essex County community. She is the past President and a charter member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Psi Delta Omega Chapter (Windsor), the first Canadian chapter in the Sorority’s history. As President of the Hour-A-Day Study Club, the oldest African Canadian women’s organization, she helps to continue its legacy of over 90 years of service in the community. Marium also served on the inaugural Board of the Black Council of Windsor-Essex and chaired its Strategic Planning Committee. A member of Distinguished Women of International Service (DWIS), she is active on the United Way Windsor-Essex Board of Directors, contributing to the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee and Women United. Additionally, Marium served as the inaugural Chair of the Board of Directors for Opportunities United.
As a passionate advocate for education, Marium founded PROPEL (Preparing for the Realities of Post-Secondary Education and Life), a mentoring program supporting students navigating post-secondary pathways. She is also a mentor for Black Boys Code-Windsor and sits on the Board of Directors for Family Fuse and the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society. Moreover, Marium actively contributes to the Greater Essex County District School Board’s Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Committee and engages in numerous university and community research projects.
Marium’s impactful work has earned her widespread recognition. In 2019, she was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Windsor Coalition for Justice, Unity, and Equity during their Black History Month celebration, honouring her outstanding community leadership. She received the Influencer Award from Women’s Enterprise Skills Training (WEST) on International Women’s Day in 2022. She was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch by the Canadian International Black Women of Excellence. In 2022/23, she was nominated for the Windsor-Essex County Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award in the Business Ambassador of the Year category.
A highly sought-after speaker, educator, workshop facilitator, and strategist, Marium addresses topics such as lifelong learning, diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, anti-racism, and organizational change. She is committed to dismantling institutional barriers and fostering inclusive living, learning, and working environments for all.
Bill Dixon, Distinguished Alumni Award
Mr. Bill Dixon's Nomination:
"Bill has served as the Professional Practice Consultant at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) since completing his MSW for Working Professionals from our program in 2015. As an alumnus of the University of Windsor School of Social Work, MSW for Working Professionals Program, Bill consistently embodies the core social work values of service, social justice, dignity, and integrity in both his professional practice and mentorship role. His journey at LHSC began over a decade ago as a front-line social worker, where he demonstrated exceptional dedication before advancing to his current leadership role.
In his position as Professional Practice Consultant, Bill plays a crucial role in supporting UWindsor MSW students by connecting them with valuable social work placement opportunities. His commitment to inclusivity has been remarkable—consistently championing doors being opened for students from diverse backgrounds and experiences, ensuring they access learning opportunities that build pathways to successful futures. Through these efforts, he demonstrates the profession's commitment to empowerment and ethical practice.
We are deeply grateful for Bill's unwavering dedication to our students and his significant positive impact on both our program and the broader community. His efforts exemplify the values of professional mentorship, social justice, and community engagement that are central to both our mission as a school, and the social work profession."
Mr. Bill Dixon's Biography
Bill Dixon is a dedicated Social Work educator, practitioner, and practice consultant with extensive experience in clinical practice, student supervision, and academic collaboration.
A proud graduate of the University of Windsor’s MSW Working Professionals program, Bill brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and real-world experience to his work in the Social Work field. Early in his career, Bill worked as a Student Support Counsellor and Assistive Technology Coach working with individuals with severe learning disabilities, ADHD, ADD, and other mental health concerns through one-on-one and group counseling and assistive technology education. This foundational work experience shaped his commitment to equity, accessibility, and client-centered practice values that continue to guide his career today. To contribute more significantly to the front lines of health care post MSW graduation, Bill’s career focus shifted, and he began his time at London Health Sciences (LHSC) supporting patients and care partners within the acute General Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences programs.
Bill currently serves as an Academic Practice Consultant at LHSC and guides and supports a Health Discipline team of over 150 Social Workers, fostering professional development, growth, research and process improvement. Bill also consults on complex clinical cases, technological innovations, hospital policies, and best practices.
As the lead of the Social Work Student Education Program at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), he oversees a comprehensive BSW and MSW student education program that supports the learning and development of approximately thirty-five practicum students per year from multiple universities, including King’s University College, the University of Windsor, Dalhousie, Laurier University, and Renison College. This program provides students with highly valuable opportunities to experience the acute health care environment and develop essential practice skills alongside interprofessional care teams. Bill and the Social Work team proactively support the on-going Social Worker development that educates the healthcare environment of tomorrow.
Through innovative supervision models, Bill and the LHSC Social Work team provide practicum students with exposure to a broad range of Social Work practice areas, including inpatient, outpatient, adult, pediatrics, and mental healthcare. Known for creating supportive and engaging learning environments, he fosters critical thinking, ethical practice, and professional growth among future Social Workers.
Bill is the proud recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Windsor’s School of Social Work, recognized for his outstanding contributions to the profession and the broader community.
Diana Gabriele, Distinguished Alumni Award
Ms. Gabriele's Nomination by Katka Hrncic-Lipovic:
Ms. Diana Gabriele (BSW class of 1999) has been an exemplary alumna of the School of Social Work, University of Windsor for 25 years and counting. Over the course of her social work career, she has inspired numerous students, colleagues and community members with her passion for social justice, inclusion, humbleness, and an ongoing drive for new learning. She has mentored many undergraduate and graduate social work students who often credit Ms. Gabriele for instilling in them a drive to be better, to do more and to continue to give back to the community through their practice as social workers. Ms. Gabriele is a hardworking and ethical social worker who practices with a high degree of professionalism, integrity and humility. It is for these reasons that she is nominated for this year’s 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award.
Ms. Gabriele's Biography:
Diana graduated with her BSW in 1999 from the University of Windsor. She followed up with a minor in Gerontology, which she completed seven years later while attending classes on a part time basis. During her studies, she volunteered and later employed at The Windsor Family Forum, which was a grass roots organization dedicated to building strong, healthy families by providing group and individual counselling. Here she not only learned about gender equality, anger management, addictions, and mental health, but also group facilitation and couples counselling.
Upon graduation Diana started working for Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH), which was, later renamed HDGH after it moved from Ouellette Ave., trading places with WRH in 2013. From September1999 through to June of 2013, Diana worked as a psychogeriatric social worker for a program called The Mental Health Program for Older Adults (MHPOA) and later renamed the Geriatric Mental Health Outreach Team (GMHOT). GMHOT is a community-based program that treats the mental health and well-being of people age 65 and older.
Diana managed her small private practice (2000 to 2015) in which she provided counselling to adults seeking support. She gave up her private practice when an opportunity for change occurred. After 15 years providing psychogeriatric care, Diana returned to her first love, group facilitation.
Diana is now at the Center for Problem Gambling and Digital Dependency – CPGDD – through HDGH. She has become a Canadian Certified Problem Gambling Counsellor (2015), Trained in Digital Dependency (2016) from the Zur Institute and in 2018 she obtained Certification in Applied Positive Psychology (The Flourishing Center Toronto). About 2 years later, she obtained Certification in treating video game dependency through INTENTA. Dr. B. Lee introduced Diana to Couples Congruence Therapy (CTT) via Canadian Addictions and Mental Health (CamH) in 2022. In 2024, Diana obtained certification for clinical hypnotherapy via the National Hypnosis Guild and incorporates this into her practice.
Diana now practices group facilitation as well as individual and couples counselling through the provinces only exclusive Problem Gambling Bed-based (Inpatient) Treatment Program.
Diana has been able to incorporate all of her skills, talents and education via program development, psycho-education, group and individual counselling, and occasional writing. See www.PositivePsychologynews.com (under the name of Diana Boufford), a book titled “Strengths Matter” by Shannon Polly and Katherine Britton, the HDGH e-connects newsletter and most recently through the Stories of Grit and Grace. In addition, Diana has assumed a media role in promoting Problem Gambling and Digital Dependency concerns via such media outlets such as CBC radio, CBC Television, The National and various online and print media.
Diana has served the School of Social Work by being a supervisor for BSW 3rd and 4th year students and when the need arises, MSW students since 2001. While teaching the ethics and principles of social work and how to apply them to practice, Diana ensured that students also develop a disciple of introspection and self-care. Diana firmly believes that students need to be committed to their own personal growth in order to best serve the needs of their clients. Supervising students for 25+ years has been a very fulfilling endeavor for Diana.
For Diana a career in social work has been the most rewarding, engaging, meaningful journey. It started at the University of Windsor, where she stood on the shoulders of giants such as Frieda MacAvoy, Cheryl Taggart, and many dozens of others. The commitment to social work values, compassion and life long learning were instilled early and has been a foundation of practice, in not only work but also life. Working at HDGH has afforded Diana the opportunity to collaborate with her work family each day to help others overcome their mental health challenges, dependencies and create lives that they can love. Her 25+ years of practice has been a labor of love – love of family, staff, students, community, learning, growth and helping to make our world one that works for everyone. Because everyone matters.
Margo Collver, Outstanding Field Instructor Award 2025
Nomination for Margo Collver - Field instructor at Saint Joseph's Hospice of London, Ontario:
I would like to nominate Margo for her outstanding leadership and dedication as a supervisor at Saint Joseph’s Hospice. Under her guidance, I have had the opportunity to truly embrace the core values, beliefs, and principles of social work. Margo consistently models the importance of not only working directly with clients but also being a strong advocate for the community.
Her ability to see beyond the immediate needs of individuals and work towards creating new programs to address the evolving needs of the community is truly remarkable. Thanks to Margo's leadership and awareness of community needs, we now have a palliative care support group for caregivers, which was created and implemented during my practicum under her guidance. This initiative has been invaluable in providing emotional and practical support to those caring for loved ones in challenging circumstances. Margo’s vision and commitment to social justice and cultural diversity have been instrumental in shaping a more inclusive and compassionate environment at the hospice. Her support has empowered me and others on the team to take on new challenges, advocate for those in need, and make a lasting difference.
Additionally, Margo has provided a unique opportunity to blend theoretical knowledge and best practice of standards into achievable person-centered care. This approach has allowed me to apply social work principles in practical, meaningful ways that directly benefit the individuals and communities we serve.
What stands out most about Margo’s leadership is her unwavering support for the professional and personal growth of her team. She has been an incredible mentor, always taking the time to guide and challenge us to improve while offering a safe space for open communication and growth.
Through her leadership, Margo has fostered a culture where the values of empathy, respect, community service, social justice, and cultural diversity are at the forefront of everything we do. Her ability to inspire and empower those around her, along with her commitment to collaboration and teamwork, is why I believe she is highly deserving of this recognition.
Ms. Collver's Biography:
Margo Collver graduated in 1998 with a BSW (Honors) from King’s University College, London, Ontario. Since that time her career has spanned a wide range of practice settings including hospitals, long-term care, and community-based services. With a deep commitment to advocacy, client-centred care and interdisciplinary collaboration, Margo has dedicated her career to supporting people through life transitions, health challenges and aging related needs. Currently Margo is the Director of Community & Supportive Care at St. Joseph’s Hospice London, where she continues to demonstrate her compassionate approach, strong mentorship skills, and a lifelong dedication to upholding the values and ethics of the social work profession. Margo has 2 grown sons, and lives with her husband and 2 dogs on their family farm near Ilderton.
Neil Van Velzen, Outstanding Field Instructor Award 2025
Niel Van Velzen's Nomination, Crossroads: Centre for Personal Empowerment
Niel has imparted a great deal of wisdom to me as his student; he has celebrated my victories, encouraged me through my challenges, and made me feel beyond ready for my future in this field. All of Niel's work with me was volunteer-based, as he is not a paid staff member of my placement. Niel has informed me that | will be his last student, as he is 82 years old and looking to retire. | believe Niel is an outstanding Field Instructor due to his dedication, consistency, and wealth of knowledge.
Mr. Van Velzen's Biography
Neil has worked in the child welfare field since graduation from the University of Windsor with a Masters degree in Social Work. Neil has more than 25 years experience as a social worker in the school system counseling students, parents and teachers.
He is officially retired but volunteers at Crossroads and the St. Vincent de Paut Society.
Cyrene Gauvin, Outstanding Graduate Assistant Award 2025
Cyrene Gauvin's Nominations
Nomination #1 by Dr. Festus Moasun
I would like to nominate Cyrene Gauvin for the Graduate Assistant award for her outstanding performance when she served as my G.A. for the Social Work and Diversity course in Fall 2024. I have worked with several Graduate and Teaching Assistants in my academic career and Cyrene ranks among the very best of them. She was very professional in her work, and her commitment was top-notch. She took on every assignment with a smile, and never once missed a deadline. She replied to emails and text messages sometimes in minutes. She communicated very professionally, with candour and decorum. The Social Work and Diversity course discusses some of the most sensitive topics in the social work program and demands lots of caution and tact during conversations and in providing feedback on students’ assignments. In my experiences working with GAs in similar courses, they have always struggled with providing feedback on sensitive issues. However, I did not experience this with Cyrene. Her feedback on student assignments were thoughtful and very measured. As a result, unlike my previous experiences, I did not receive a single complaint from students about Cyrene throughout the term. My experience with her was such positive that I requested to have her assigned to me in the Winter 2025 term. However, someone else she had previously worked with, beat me to her. The very fact that another professor requested to work with her again is a testament that Cyrene deserves to be recognised for her commitment, hard work, and dedication to her responsibilities as a GA.
Nomination #2 by Nicole Scott, Field Learning Specialist
My name is Cyrene Gauvin. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and recently completed my Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Windsor through the Advanced Standing Program. I was never a straight-A student, and there was a time when I wasn’t sure I’d even go to university. I didn’t know if I had what it took to succeed. But social work was the one field I truly desired, so I decided to take a chance on myself and give it everything I had. I grew up hearing, 'Just do your best, and that’s all that matters.' Those words stayed with me. Now, five years later, as I reach the end of this chapter in my academic journey, I find myself reflecting on how far I’ve come.
Over the years, I’ve gained meaningful experience working with a range of vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, and individuals facing homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance use issues. My work in shelter settings has strengthened my ability to navigate high-stress environments, where I’ve administered Naloxone, performed CPR, and supported clients in crisis. During my eight-month internship with the CSC Providence School Board, I developed interventions, conducted assessments, and provided counseling support to students. In my final year of graduate studies, I completed an internship at the Regional Children’s Centre at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, where I provided mental health support to
children, youth, and families.
Throughout my journey, I’ve witnessed the powerful impact of social work, both in the lives ofothers and in my own. I’ve seen social workers instill hope and resilience in individuals who simply needed someone to believe in them. I aspire to be that kind of social worker for children and youth who are navigating mental health challenges, trauma, identity struggles, and life’s hardships. My goal is to support individuals in overcoming obstacles and developing the skills they need to thrive. I strive to be a positive force within the profession and a meaningful support for those seeking help. Above all, I want to empower others by making them feel seen, heard, and valued.
2024 Awards of Excellence Recipients
Thank you to Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard for her outstanding commitment to the School of Social Work. Dr. Thomas Bernard has been a strong advocate in combatting anti-racism and has lead numerous School of Social Work events with faculty, students, community members, and staff. We thank you for your dedication and leadership.
Dr. Thomas Bernard was also awarded with an honorary degree by the University of Windsor at the recent Convocation ceremony!
Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard is a social worker, educator, researcher, community activist, advocate, and mentor. Born in East Preston, Nova Scotia, she was one of the first three young people from her community to attend university and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Saint Vincent University in 1975, a Masters of Social Work from Dalhousie University in 1977, and a Ph.D. in 1996 from the University of Sheffield, Sheffield England.
She was the first African Nova Scotian hired in a tenure track position at Dalhousie University in 1990. She served as Director of the Dalhousie School of Social Work for 10 years, retired in 2017 and is now a Professor Emeritus.
Dr. Bernard is highly regarded for addressing racial and cultural diversity in social work education and in the community. She is a founding member of the Association of Black Social Workers, a former Chair of the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women, and a founding member of the Africadian Empowerment Academy.
Dr. Bernard has received numerous awards, certificates and recognition over the years for her trendsetting work and effective community leadership, including the Order of Nova Scotia, the Order of Canada, and three Honourary Doctorate degrees. She was appointed to the Senate of Canada in 2016 under the new Independent appointments process.
Shelley Gilbert, Distinguished Alumni Award
Congratulations to Shelley Gilbert, our Distinguished Alumni Award recipient for on-campus. We are proud to award Shelley for her hard work, advocacy, and work in field. She is a community leader!
Ms. Katka Hrncic-Lipovic's nomination is as follows:
"I would like to nominate Ms. Shelley Gilbert, Interim Executive Director of Legal Assistance of Windsor for the inaugural 2024 School of Social Work Alumnus Award. I cannot think of any other School of Social Work alumnus who has had a more significant local and national public profile and impact in the social work profession than Shelley Gilbert. She is a graduate of the BSW Program at the University of Windsor. She has worked at Legal Assistance of Windsor since 1993. She was the Coordinator of Social Work Services at Legal Assistance of Windsor for many years before her current role as the Interim Executive Director of the agency. Shelley has been a seasoned field instructor to many BSW and MSW students over the years and a frequent guest speaker on various topics at the School of Social Work."
Shelley is a founder and co-chair of the Windsor-Essex Counter Exploitation Network, which involves more than 25 service providers collaborating to meet the needs of human trafficking survivors at the local, provincial, national, and international levels. She also co-founded the Windsor Essex Sex Worker Action Group, is the co-chair and is long-standing member of the Canadian Council for Refugees Anti-Human Trafficking Committee, and the co-chair of the Windsor-Essex Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee.
Shelley has received many awards and recognitions including the Ontario Association of Social Workers Inspirational Leader Award in 2014 and the Attorney General Victim Services Award of Distinction in 2016. She has been recognized by Canada’s Department of Justice for her work with victims and survivors of crime with the Excellence in Victim Service Award in 2022. This award recognizes an individual who has empowered victims and survivors of crime, inspired other service providers and promoted best practices, and achieved meaningful change that has improved the experiences of those who have been touched by crime in Canada.
Shelley conducts training and workshops for both NGOs and law enforcement to help identify and provide service to survivors across the country. She has presented models of collaboration, policy gaps and best practice approaches at national and provincial conferences.
Shelley Gilbert is truly an exemplary social work alumna, someone who is courageous, someone who is committed to breaking down barriers, opening doors, creating opportunities, and challenging injustice."
Anya Gross, Distinguished Alumni Award
Congratulations to Anya Gross, our Distinguished Alumni Award for off-campus. Anya has been a wonderful support to our off campus students in field. Anya is also a member of the field advisory group in the School of Social Work. We are proud to award Anya with this award.
The MSW for Working Professionals field team nominated Anya because of her outstanding commitment to student support. Since graduating, Anya has supervised over 15 students and continues to consistently offer additional placement opportunities each semester. She provides MSW students with learning experiences that are challenging, innovative, and responsive to community needs. Students have shared very positive feedback about Anya's supervision style and the learning opportunities that they experience at Findhelp.
Anya’s educational journey started at Dalhousie University where she graduated with a BSc in Psychology which was immediately followed by an Addiction Careworker Diploma from McMaster University. Anya spent her early career working in addictions, learning both inpatient and outpatient programming and becoming registered with the Canadian Addiction Counsellor Certification Federation as both an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counsellor and as a Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor. She found her niche focusing on those involved with the criminal justice system as an outpatient counsellor, and in harm reduction providing mobile harm reduction services. It was through her early career opportunities that she began to understand how programs operate and how program design impacts those at the individual level. Anya found her passion in program development and design, and recognized that social justice principles can be woven into the core of community based programs.
Having worked closely with Social Workers throughout her career, she identified the Social Work profession as her path forward into leadership and system based solutions. Social Work was a natural fit as it aligned with Anya’s values of social justice, anti oppression and centering people at the core of all service. Anya was excited to be accepted into the UWindsor Working Professionals program as it allowed her to continue her career while she expanded her knowledge and skills from a Social Work perspective. Anya was able to begin implementing her new skills and knowledge while in the program, as she co-launched a new mobile harm reduction program. During her time as a student she was also a student representative for her section, and was on the Ontario Association of Social Work Student Advisory Group.
Anya’s final placement from UWindsor connected her to the world of Information and Referral and the 211 system. Through her placement Anya came to understand the critical role of 211 for those most at-risk in our communities, and was excited to learn how social justice can be at the core of an organization. In her work term she witnessed the launch of the new Toronto Community Crisis Service, an award winning, true community based solution to mental health crisis which has revolutionized how the community experiences mental health concerns. She continued to work with Findhelp | 211 and moved into the role of Director of Strategic and Operational Solutions in 2023 where she is able to continue to focus on Social Work values of social justice, anti oppression and putting people first.
Anya has much gratitude for the UWindsor Working Professionals program and will be taking her Social Work values and education into her future work with a focus on always putting people at the centre of all social service provision.
Cynthia Kandi, Outstanding Field Instructor Award
Congratulations to Cynthia Kandi, our Outstanding Field Instructor Award Recipient for our off-campus program. We are proud to recognize Cynthia's outstanding achievements commitment to our field program.
Cynthia was nominated by one of our students, Kristen McIntyre. Please see her nomination below, followed by her bio.
"Cynthia was truly integral in my development as a social worker. She was consistently referring to my learning contract to ensure my tasks at the clinic were matching my identified goals. Cynthia was able to provide learning opportunities for my outside of the clinic as well. When she learned I was interested in Emergency Department Social Work, she contacted colleagues in the ED and I was able to shadow other Social Workers within HHS - with two of the shadow shifts being in the ED. This allowed me the opportunity to see other social work roles in healthcare, since working in healthcare after placement was my goal. I truly feel like Cynthia was able to personalize my placement experience to ensure it matched my goals and areas of need.
She put an emphasis on boundaries and self-care to ensure longevity in the field, and I know these are skills I will use for my entire career.
She challenged me to bring my critical analysis to a deeper level, and how to ground my work within the OCSWSSW code of ethics and standards of practice.
Since being a student under Cynthia, my confidence as a social worker has sky rocketed. I feel confident in my work and am now able to justify my interventions and decisions with masters level vocabulary and insight. Prior to placement, my lack of confidence was one of my biggest areas of need, and I believe this strengthened confidence has benefited me outside of social work as well.
Nearing the end of placement, Cynthia supported me with preparing and practicing for social work interviews. I've learned how to better identify the key specific areas the interviewers are looking for, and then focus my interview to highlight my strengths in those areas. This support in improving my interview skills was one of the reasons that I ended up being hired at Hamilton Health Sciences for an MSW position, with the interviewer even commenting on my strength in the interview. This is a dream career for me, and I am incredibly appreciative of Cynthia for all of her time, support, care, lessons, and overall supervision that contributed to me being the social worker I now am."
Cynthia was born in Zimbabwe. She immigrated to Canada in 2004. She holds degrees in Social Work and Business. Cynthia received her BSW and MSW from Dalhousie University, in Nova Scotia. She received her Business degree from Bournemouth University in United Kingdom (UK).
Cynthia is a seasoned Social Worker who currently works with Hamilton Health Sciences in their Special Immunology Services Clinic. The SIS Clinic provides outpatient care for children and adults who are HIV-positive. Before working at Hamilton Health Sciences, Cynthia worked in the Violence Against Women sector as a Counsellor and Transitional Support Worker. Under secondment from Good Shepherd Women’s Services, she worked with the Catholic Children’s Aid Society in Hamilton, in their Domestic Violence Response Team. In addition to this, Cynthia has had the opportunity to work with Wesley Urban Ministries as a street outreach worker and Native Women’s Centre as a Relief Crisis Intervention Worker.
Alongside her work, Cynthia has been a part-time research assistant. She believes strongly that research can be used as a tool of activism and social justice.
Demonstrating her passion to give back to the community, Cynthia has volunteered at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton and Hamilton, Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE) and Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre. Additionally, she is a member of Hamilton Health Sciences Racialized Social Workers group and Black Staff Affinity group.
Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard was one of her professors when she did her BSW and MSW at Dalhousie University. The senator reignited Cynthia’s dedication to advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion for the wellbeing of equity-deserving groups that life had dimmed.
Alexandra Dermansky, Outstanding Field Instructor Award
Congratulations to Alexandra Dermansky, Outstanding Field Instructor Award Recipient for on-campus. We are proud to award Alexandra on this award. Her commitment to field supervision has been outstanding.
Alexandra's student in placement, Kenna Robb, noted that:
" This was Ali's first year as a field instructor, and in my opinion, she did amazing. Ali did a fantastic job at setting realistic, achievable, yet challenging goals for me. Through Ali's supervision, I was able to expand and grow my skills in a way that was focused on decolonizing and Wholism. She provided me with incredible learning opportunities, encouraged me to foster my personal connection to spirit, and gave me space to learn who I am in a professional social work setting. Ali provided a unique, enriching placement experience that I am so lucky to have had."
Meet Alexandra Dermansky (Ali - She/Her). Ali holds a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) with a Minor in Psychology from the University of Windsor and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Wilfrid Laurier University, specializing in Wholistic Practice and Indigenous Field of Study. Further, Ali's is certified as a Sandplay Therapy Practitioner (qualifying) and Art Therapy Practitioner. Ali is a dedicated social worker and psychotherapist with a profound commitment to fostering personal growth and development through Wholism. Her work is characterized by Indigenous Wholism and a Jungian analytical approach.
As a Euro-mixed-Indigenous woman with Cree, Ojibwe, and Mi’kmaq heritage, Ali’s passion for joining both Indigenous and non-Indigenous children and families is deeply personal. She practices Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyes Seeing), blending traditional knowledge with contemporary practices to offer an interconnected therapeutic framework. Her practice is deeply rooted in Indigenous values, utilizing traditional healing practices, storytelling, ceremony, art, and nature to connect with the four parts of self: spirit, emotions, mind, and body.
Ali’s career spans a diverse array of environments, from clinical practice to community development, working with mandated and voluntary clients across the lifespan. Ali has specialized in working with children and youth aged 0-18 years and their families. She now practices privately with five associate therapists at her business: Wholistic Health & Wellness, in Windsor.
Outside of her professional life, Ali enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, and skiing. She also loves being creative through painting, drawing, and art-journaling, often engaging in DIY projects. She enjoys playing with paw patrols and dragons with her 3-year-old son.
Ali loved having MSW intern, Kenna Robb for the semester. As a newbie intern supervisor, Ali faced challenges head-on and picked up some golden nuggets of wisdom in the process.
Navigating an extra chatterbox in the office wasn't easy, but Kenna's knack for redirecting Ali from daydreaming out the window was of utmost importance. Ali is grateful for Kenna's eagerness to learn and their shared passion for working with Indigenous youth and families.
Anica Butters, Outstanding Graduate Assistant Award
Congratulations to Anica Butters for your outstanding dedication to your graduation assistant role this past academic year. We celebrate Anica's professionalism and commitment to her courses, where she assisted several faculty and sessional instructors.
Anica was nominated by Mary Kay Morand, Coordinator Of Field Education Programs. Mary Kay notes that "For a GA to be so successful in these graduate and undergraduate courses with such varied duties they must be dedicated to understanding the course and motivated to engage students in learning. Anica exceeded all expectations, and she deserves to be recognized for her efforts as a recipient of the Graduate Assistant Award."
Anica is a recent Master of Social Work graduate of the Regular Track On-Campus program at the University of Windsor. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, majoring in Health Studies and Evolutionary Anthropology. She has an avid interest in palliative care, which has been cultivated through ongoing research and an MSW practicum placement with The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County. Throughout her MSW, Anica has worked as a Graduate Assistant with the School of Social Work. In the last year, she assisted with four courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
