Staff in York University's Faculty of Health have earned recognition for their significant contributions that have a positive impact on the success of the Faculty, its students and its faculty members.
The Faculty of Health Dean's Staff Awards focus on several areas that show impact at the unit/Faculty/University level, such as: performing at a level that exceeds the requirements of the role; actively participating in initiatives, programs and events that align with the University's vision and values; promoting an atmosphere of inclusion and collaboration; demonstrating a high degree of professionalism; and promoting, supporting and advocating for social justice.
"Staff members are essential to the Faculty of Health's success - their expertise, dedication and daily contributions create the foundation that supports our students and empowers our faculty," says Chris Ardern, interim dean, Faculty of Health. "Recognizing their efforts through these awards not only honours their hard work but also reinforces our commitment to cultivating an environment where everyone can excel."
This new initiative, launched this year, aims to highlight the critical work that staff undertake and emphasize the essential support they provide in areas such as student advising, success programming and research assistance. It supports the Faculty's 2023 strategic plan, "Building a Healthy Word for All," to build a culture of collaboration and inclusivity for students, staff and faculty.
Staff play a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations of the Faculty, says Monique Herbert, associate dean, faculty affairs and inclusiveness. The success of students and faculty within and beyond the Faculty of Health community is directly linked to the supports delivered by staff. She adds that recognizing the contributions of staff is one way to communicate that their work is seen and valued.
Arden describes staff as "the backbone of the University," adding that "their daily work helps to shape, strengthen and uplift our mission, and reinforce our vision of excellence in education, research and service."
The inaugural recipients of the Dean's Staff Awards for Outstanding Contribution in the Faculty of Health are: Nicole Wilson, Cynthia Goodfellow, Melesa Beharry and Sharon Pereira.
"It was a real pleasure to recognize the passion, talent, and impactful contributions of all of our staff - and to specifically acknowledge Melesa, Cynthia, Sharon and Nicole for their commitment, hard work, and the invaluable contributions to shaping the success of the Faculty," says Ardern.
About the recipients
Clockwise from top left: Sharon Pereira, Melesa Beharry, Nicole Wilson and Cynthia Goodfellow
Nicole Wilson is an administrative assistant in the School of Global Health providing administrative and operational support to undergraduate and graduate programs within the school. Wilson was selected as a recipient for her profound impact on the School of Global Health and the Faculty of Health. She champions new initiatives, mentors colleagues and consistently models professional excellence. Wilson is instrumental in making sure the day-to-day operations of the unit run efficiently. She fosters a positive workplace by regularly expressing kindness.
Cynthia Goodfellow is a student success coordinator in Calumet and Stong Colleges, coordinating the effective integration of programs across the student life cycle. Goodfellow was selected for her significant contributions to fostering a sense of community and belonging at York University. Recognizing the barriers students face in joining unit clubs and student governments, she initiated the Calumet College Stong College Volunteer Crew to provide opportunities for students without prior experience. She also identified a lack of support for incoming international students and addressed this by creating Project Warm Hugs, through which over 170 crocheted and knitted items were created and donated to international students, along with a list of helpful resources.
Melesa Beharry is an operations manager in the Department of Psychology. Beharry was selected for her collaborative and inclusive leadership and for her ability to motivate her colleagues. She joined the operations team during a challenging period of staffing transitions and pandemic lockdowns, quickly boosting staff morale by recognizing their strengths. Beharry is dedicated to mentoring staff and encouraging skill enhancement, resulting in two longtime staff members advancing to higher-level roles.
Sharon Pereira is an operations manager in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science. Pereira was selected for her exceptional leadership skills and collaborative spirit, and for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. She is a trusted contact who respects diverse needs and plays a key role in maintaining high academic standards and supporting student success. Pereira mentors new leaders, supports transitions, navigates University processes and assists students, staff and faculty. She is an ambassador for her unit, for the Faculty and for the York University community.
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter.
