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Awards and Recognition Program
Recognizing individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology.
The professions of speech-language pathology and audiology are constantly growing and advancing, and this couldn’t be done without the tireless work of speech-language pathologists, audiologists and communication health assistants.
Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) recognizes the immense contribution our members and associates make to their professions and communities, and we want to celebrate this dedication and determination.
SAC needs your help to recognize individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology. Do you know a deserving colleague or fellow professional who goes above and beyond to contribute to their profession?
Eligibility:
SAC member or associate with a minimum of 25 years of membership
Nomination:
SAC member or associate or general public
Description:
Awarded to a member or associate of SAC (may be awarded posthumously) who has a long history of distinguished and dedicated service to both SAC and the professions of speech-language pathology or audiology in the areas of education, clinical services, administration or public awareness and has fostered the development and advancement of the professions, nationally or internationally. Nominees must demonstrate significant and outstanding individual achievements, have a minimum of 25 years of SAC membership and may be nominated by SAC members or associates or the general public.
Kim Lawlor S-LP
Kim Lawlor is a Registered Speech-Language Pathologist in Newfoundland and Labrador with an interest in oral language development and stuttering. Kim has been an advocate of Speech Language services throughout the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
During her 30 years working in the education system, Kim has focused on collaborative partnerships with educators, government agencies and community organizations.
She currently works as a Program Specialist for the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District where she is the provincial team lead for Speech-Language Pathology. Her varied experience includes work as a school-based S-LP, Consultant in the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Education, and sessional instructor in the Faculty of Education at the Memorial University of Newfoundland. Kim supports her provincial colleagues as the current Disciplinary Panel Chair with the Newfoundland and Labrador Council of Health Professionals.
Kim lives on the East Coast of Newfoundland with her husband Rod and their children Emily and Christopher.
Eligibility:
SAC member or associate
Nomination:
SAC member or associate (including SAC student associates)
Description:
Awarded to an SAC member or associate who has significantly influenced or contributed to the clinical training and/or professional development of a student(s) or colleague(s) in speech-language pathology or audiology, either as a clinical supervisor, a mentor or academic faculty. Nominees demonstrate unique and outstanding individual achievements in the area of mentorship, have contributed to the development of others and have served as a role model for students and colleagues within the profession.
Sandrine Umunoza (elle/she/her)
Sandrine is a bilingual speech therapist of Rwandan origin that offers speech and language services in English and French. She lives in Gatineau, Quebec where she owns her successful multidisciplinary private practice called the Cabinet d’orthophonie l’Envol. With three offices in Gatineau (QC), Sandrine’s practice continues to grow year after year.
Sandrine also provides conferences and workshops across Canada about being more culturally responsive in our daily clinical practice as she has in-depth experience regarding multilingual language development and multilingual education practices with a focus on identity and culture. Plus, she has been collaborating with indigenous communities for over 10 years in the North Shore of Quebec to better serve their communication, language, and learning needs.
From offering speech therapy services in schools to consulting and training, Sandrine aims to use her voice as a professional to ensure that all children and families have access to speech therapy and the specialized education services they need. She is involved in various projects related to the Innu First Nation, such as a pilot project to integrate indigenous perspectives into the Centre de services scolaire de la Moyenne-Côte-Nord as well as a project to develop a picture book to stimulate multilingual vocabulary development in young children.
Sandrine has taught courses at the University of Montreal in the Speech-language and Audiology master’s program (École d’orthophonie et audiologie) and at the University of Québec in Chicoutimi in the Department of Education Sciences. Not only that, but she also believes that giving back through mentorship is crucial to the profession. Sandrine believes in the importance of bringing different ways of thinking in the profession by increasing the presence of people of various cultures and backgrounds in the field of communication sciences. She is also involved in mentoring her staff as well as clinicians from outside her clinic. Furthermore, Sandrine works with other speech therapists in her region who work privately to provide opportunities for networking and knowledge-sharing, with a view to standardizing practices. Plus, she continues to offer clinical supervision to speech therapy students in partnership with the University of Ottawa.
Sandrine also considers advocacy for more clinical cross-cultural awareness as key in the profession of speech therapy. With that in mind, she has been an active participant for over 2 years with the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) committee of Québec’s professional order for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (l’Ordre des orthophonistes et audiologistes du Québec) also known as the OOAQ.
Lastly, Sandrine is an active member and cofounder of GAAROA (English Translation: Anti-racism Advocacy Group for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology | French abbreviation expanded: Groupe d’action antiraciste en orthophonie et en audiologie) as well as the co-author of the origination’s Report entitled: The Impacts of Systemic Racism in the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Professions in Québec (August 2020).
As her work speaks for itself, Sandrine demonstrates her industrious, perseverant, and compassionate approach to her profession all with the goal of making speech therapy more accessible and inclusive. To get to know Sandrine even better, you can reach out by contacting any of the following professional handles:
Private practice: Cabinet d’orthophonie l’Envol
Eligibility:
Recognizes the best paper published in the Canadian Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (within the calendar year). SAC membership is not required.
Nomination:
The CJSLPA Editor selects the top papers, which are then evaluated by the SAC Awards and Recognition Committee.
Description:
Annually recognizes the best paper published in the Canadian Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. SAC membership is not a requirement. As a result of our recent merger, SAC will be incorporating the two previous OSLA awards, “Speech-Language Pathologist of the Year” and “Audiologist of the Year” as part of our national awards for 2022–2023. This is the last year these awards will be presented and are only available or Ontario SAC members.
Normative Indicators of Language Development in Québec French at 54, 60, and 66 Months of Age: Results of the ELLAN Study
Read the winning paper (available in French)
- Audette Sylvestre
- Mélissa Di Sante
- Catherine Julien
- Caroline Bouchard
- Vincent Martel-Sauvageau
- Jean Leblond
Eligibility:
SAC communication health assistant associate
Nomination:
S-LPs or audiologists may nominate communication health assistants under their supervision; communication health assistant peers may also nominate, provided the supervising S-LP or audiologist supports the nomination (nominators do not need to be SAC members or associates)
Description:
Awarded to an SAC communication health assistant associate who has demonstrated professional excellence. Some examples of considerations include distinction in assisting speech-language pathologists or audiologists with implementation of treatment plans, materials, outstanding team participation or excellence in the provision of patient and client care.
Eligibility:
SAC Ontario member or associate who has demonstrated excellence in the field of speech-language pathology.
Nomination:
SAC member or associate or general public
Description:
To recognize a speech-language pathologist in Ontario who has demonstrated excellence in their field. An award will be given to a speech-language pathologist based on exemplary performance in any one or a combination of the following criteria: leadership, advocacy and research.
Eligibility:
SAC Ontario member or associate who has demonstrated excellence in the field of audiology.
Nomination:
SAC member or associate or general public
Description:
To recognize a speech-language pathologist in Ontario who has demonstrated excellence in their field. An award will be given to a speech-language pathologist based on exemplary performance in any one or a combination of the following criteria: leadership, advocacy and research.
Nominate them for an SAC award!
Each year, SAC recognizes and celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the association or the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology.
The nomination deadline is November 30, 2022.
Historical List of SAC Award Winners
(Formerly Lifetime Achievement Award and Eve Kassirer Award for Outstanding Professional Achievement; name change effective 2019)
2020 Patricia L. Cleave, Ph. D, S-LP(C)
2021 M. Kathleen Pichora-Fuller
2016 Kelli deVries, M.Sc., S-LP(C)
2017 Not offered
2018 Aravind Namasivayam PhD, S-LP(C)
2017 Not offered
2018 Aravind Namasivayam PhD, S-LP(C)
2019 Janine Verge, AuD, Aud(C)
2020 Diane Dacquay, RSLP, S-LP(C); Kathleen Kennedy, RSLP, S-LP(C)
2021 Not offered
2022 Maureen Penko, M.Sc. Reg. S-LP
2018 Susan Rvachew, PhD, S-LP(C); Phaedra Royle, PhD; Laura M. Gonnerman, PhD; Brigitte Stanké, PhD, M.O.A., M.Sc.Math.; Alexandra Marquis, PhD; Alexandre Herbay, PhD candidate
2019 Mathieu Hotton, Ph.D.; François Bergeron Ph.D
2020 Daniela K. O’Neill, Taylor J. Deglint, Ashley McKinnon, Angela Nyhout and Julianne Scott
2021 Jennifer C Wong, MHSc, S-LP(C) Reg. CASLPO
2022 Janis Oram Cardy PhD, S-LP(C), MHSc, Reg. CASLPO; Olivia Daub, PhD, S-LP; BJ Cunnigham PhD, S-LP(C), Reg. CASLPO
2022 Janis Oram Cardy PhD, S-LP(C), MHSc, Reg. CASLPO; Olivia Daub, PhD, S-LP; BJ Cunnigham PhD, S-LP(C), Reg. CASLPO
2015 Not offered
2016 Not awarded
2017 Not offered
2018 No Nomination
2022 Andrea Little
2015 Not offered
2016 Catriona Steele, PhD, S-LP(C)
2017 Not offered
2018 Judy Meintzer, R.SLP, SLP(C)
2019 Award Discontinued
2000 Debbie Shugar
2001 Walter B. Green
2002 No Nomination
2003 No Nomination
2004 Award discontinued
2004 Mdme. Germaine Huot
2014 The Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children; Virginia Martin, S-LP, M.Sc., MA; Colleen Braun-Janzen, MA, S-LP(C)
2015 Not offered
2016 Gillian Barnes, MA, S-LP(C)
2017 Not offered
2018 Lynne Brewster, PhD, L.S.L.S., Cert. AVT.
2019 Award Discontinued
2014 Using 1000 Hz Tympanometry in Hearing Screening of Babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
2015 Not offered
2016 The Motor Speech Research Study
2017 Not offered
2018 Not offered
2014 ALS Team, The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre
2015 Not offered
2016 ISAND
2017 Not offered
2018 Centre for Autism Services Alberta
(Formerly Distinguished Service Award; name change effective with 1998 award)
2014 Stephen and Carol Goff
2015 Not offered
2016 The Elks of Canada
2017 Not offered
2018 No nomination
2014 Swallowing Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute — University Health Network
2015 Not offered
2016 Not awarded
2017 Not offered
2018 Not offered
2014 No Winner
2015 Barbara Jane Cunningham, M.Sc., SLP(C), Reg. CASLPO
2016 Elaine Kwok
2017 Michelle Phoenix, M.H.Sc., Reg.CASLPO, PhD Candidate
2018 No Submission
2014 Clayton Fisher (Audiology – University of Western Ontario)
2015 Selena Vermey (Audiology – University of British Columbia)
2016 Janet Kim, M.Sc. (Audiology – Western University)
2017 Katharine Davies, BA, MA, M.Sc. Candidate (S-LP – University of British Columbia)
2018 Eleanor Campbell, BA, M.Sc. candidate
2017 Kelsey Andison, M.Sc., RAUD, RHIP, Aud(C), Jessica Clarke, M.Sc., R.SLP, S-LP(C)
2018 Allison Ames, MSc, R.SLP, S-LP(C); Lewis Smith, M.Sc., Aud(C)
2018 Allison Ames, MSc, R.SLP, S-LP(C); Lewis Smith, M.Sc., Aud(C)
2019 Martine Schlagintweit, Aud(C); Peter T. Cahill, S-LP(C), Reg. CASLPO; Jessica Davidson, M.Sc.(A), S-LP(C)
2020 Jessica Niemela, M. Sc., Aud(C); Brianne Senior, M.Sc., RSLP, S-LP(C)
2021 Allison V Robbins, M.Sc., Aud(C); Marissa Woods, BA, MSc, RSLP, S-LP(C); Samaneh (Anna) Yekta, M.Sc, Aud(C)
2014
Sarah E. Wilson, Dalhousie University, Aud.
Heather Elizabeth Beckingham, Dalhousie University, S-LP
Emma Wells, McGill University, S-LP
Julia Esch, University of Alberta, S-LP
Gillian Taylor, University of British Columbia, Aud.
Shanu Kotwal, University of British Columbia, S-LP
Nancy Langlois, Université Laval, S-LP
Julie Roy, Université de Montréal, Aud.
Marie-Claude Sansregret, Université de Montréal, S-LP
Isabelle Mineault-Guitard, University of Ottawa, Aud.
Brittany Mendes, University of Ottawa, S-LP
Leanne Dall, University of Toronto, S-LP
Michael Vekasi, University of Western Ontario, Aud.
Alisha Vaz, University of Western Ontario, S-LP
2015
Laura Hart, Dalhousie University, Aud.
Melissa Mulherin, Dalhousie University, S-LP
Michelle Brouillette, Université Laurentienne, S-LP
Marilyne Joyal, Université Laval, S-LP
Suzanne (Suzy) Read, McGill University, S-LP
Sarah Benetti, University of Alberta, S-LP
Myron Huen, University of British Columbia, Aud.
Katrina Kwan, University of British Columbia, S-LP
Stéphanie Vachon, Université de Montréal, S-LP
Christelle Gagnon, Université d’Ottawa, Aud.
Céline Baracho, Université d’Ottawa, S-LP
Amélie Labeaume, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, S-LP
Krista Howarth, University of Toronto, S-LP
Victoria (Tori) Stone, Western University, Aud.
Jocelyn Hayes, Western University, S-LP
2016
Keith (Kate) Baldoz, audiology program, Dalhousie University
Janine Fitzpatrick, S-LP program, Dalhousie University
Charlotte Guillet, S-LP program, McGill University
Sarah Danielsen, S-LP program, University of Alberta
Stephanie Renaas, audiology program, University of British Columbia
Megan Morrison, S-LP program, University of British Columbia
Maxine Bélanger, S-LP program, Université Laurentienne
Kristina Findlay, S-LP program, Université Laval
Alexis Pinsonnault-Skvarenina, audiology program, Université de Montréal
Jordon Thompson, audiology program, University of Ottawa
Alissa Azzimmaturo, S-LP program, University of Ottawa
Karine Bureau, S-LP program, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Ashley Sirko, S-LP program, University of Toronto
Kathryn Toner, audiology program, Western University
Emily Dueck, S-LP program, Western University
2017
Elspeth MacLachlan, audiology program, Dalhousie University
Jenna MacDonald, S-LP program, Dalhousie University
Danielle Huot, S-LP program, Université Laurentienne
Cléo Guillemette, S-LP program, Université Laval
Evan Kennedy, S-LP program, McGill University
Kelsey McLaughlin, S-LP program, University of Alberta
Chelsey Michaud, audiology program, University of British Columbia
Jessie Lee, S-LP program, University of British Columbia
Patricia Darche, audiology program, Université de Montréal
Maryse Meunier, S-LP program, Université de Montréal
Emilia Colagrosso, audiology program, Université d’Ottawa
Marie Bellavance-Courtemanche, S-LP program, Université d’Ottawa
Amy Verschuuren, S-LP program, University of Toronto
Darcy Ellen Rick, audiology program, Western University
Kerry Hollingsworth, S-LP program, Western University
2018
Kegan R. Stephen, audiology program, Dalhousie University
Katherine Morin, BMT, MTA, S-LP program, Dalhousie University
Megan George, S-LP program, McGill University
Andrew McCormick, audiology program, Western University
Ayesha L. M. Johnson, S-LP program, Western University
Andrea Lau, M.Sc., S-LP(C), Reg. CASLPO, S-LP program, University of Alberta
Jaime Meunier, audiology program, University of British Columbia
Helena Burrows, S-LP program, University of British Columbia
Valérie Caza, S-LP program, Université Laurentienne
Valérie Coulombe, S-LP program, Université Laval
Francis L’Africain, audiology program, Université de Montréal
Karina Girard Laprise, audiology program, University of Ottawa
Jenna Tremblay-Leger, S-LP program, University of Ottawa
Maréva Savary, S-LP program, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Jenna Haji, S-LP program, University of Toronto