Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO) annually recognizes individuals and organizations dedicated to providing or supporting exceptional hospice palliative care in Ontario. Each year, awards and scholarships are presented at HPCO’s conference to celebrate the contributions of those who make a profound difference to people living with serious life-limiting illnesses.

Among these honours is the Frances Montgomery Personal Support Worker (PSW) Award, sponsored by Life and Death Matters. This award acknowledges outstanding PSWs who exemplify compassion, dignity, and excellence in palliative care. 

As The Canadian Press reports, the need for PSWs in Ontario continues to grow – an estimated 50,000 more required by 2032 – making it more important than ever to uplift, honour, and celebrate those who dedicate their lives to this critical and deeply meaningful work.¹

Meet the 2025 Nominees  

Each nominee has demonstrated exceptional skill, empathy, and dedication, making a profound impact in their hospice communities.

Christine Boisclair – Perley Health

With 20 years of experience, Christine is a respected leader in palliative care. She collaborates seamlessly with teams to enhance care delivery, inspiring professionalism, compassion, and continuous improvement in hospice settings.

Lisa Bonney – Stedman Community Hospice

Lisa goes above and beyond in every shift, offering comfort, dignity, and emotional support. She often stays late to complete legacy work, ensuring families have meaningful keepsakes. Her positive energy and dedication uplift both residents and colleagues.

Derek Bennison – Nipissing Serenity Hospice

Derek is deeply introspective, ensuring his approach resonates with residents, families, and colleagues. He takes time to understand each individual, creating trust and emotional safety in his care. His thoughtful communication and professionalism set a benchmark for excellence.

Michael Dyer – Hospice Georgian Triangle

Michael, known as “Myke,” provides exceptional emotional support to patients and families. His ability to ease anxiety, offer comfort, and create lasting memories through the Living Wish Foundation makes a profound difference in the lives of those he serves.

Andrea Griffin – Durham Region Hillsdale Estates LTC

Andrea is a dedicated advocate and educator, actively involved in palliative care committees and grief support. She teaches both staff and families about the palliative approach, ensuring residents receive holistic, compassionate care.

Colleen Knowles – Regional Hospice of Quinte (Hospice Quinte)

With 15 years of experience, Colleen provides compassionate, calm, respectful care, ensuring residents’ physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met. She actively shapes quality care initiatives, mentors PSW students, and advocates for continuous learning and best practices in hospice care.

Tiffany Li – Lisaard & Innisfree Hospice

Tiffany’s compassion and quiet leadership shine through in everything she does. She excels in legacy work, ensuring families receive meaningful keepsakes. Her ethical approach and deep respect for residents and families make her an invaluable team member.

Shari Mitchell – Hospice North Hastings

Shari has a deeply personal and thoughtful approach to care with unwavering empathy. Whether painting nails, preparing meaningful meals, or simply being present, she ensures patients feel heard, respected, and valued. Families regularly express gratitude for the peace and dignity she brings.

Hollie Smith – Sunnyside Home

Hollie treats every resident as a person with a story and dignity that must be honoured. She listens deeply, builds trust, and ensures palliative care is about more than managing pain – it’s about connection and remembering the small details that bring comfort.

Amanda Tubman – Hospice Muskoka

Amanda treats every family with the same kindness and respect she would her own. She ensures that residents and families receive high-quality, compassionate care, creating positive memories even in life’s most difficult moments.

Celebrating the Heart of Hospice Care

While only one nominee will receive the award, each of these exceptional PSWs deserves recognition for their unwavering dedication to palliative care. Their work ensures that patients and families experience dignity, comfort, and connection whilst living with serious life-limiting illnesses.

To all PSWs across Canada and beyond – your care, advocacy, and compassion matter deeply. Keep leading, growing, and making a difference.

Stay tuned for the announcement of the winner, and let’s continue to honour and uplift the incredible work of PSWs in hospice palliative care.

References

1 Ontario’s need for nurses, PSWs to top 33K and 50K by 2032: document. Available from: https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/health/ontarios-need-for-nurses-psws-to-top-33k-and-50k-by-2032-document/article_2998842b-085b-5542-982d-988b6a63d9e3.html

Thank you to Courtney Murrell, PSW, for her contribution to this article.