Cathy Stefanelli Selected as Semi-Finalist for CharityVillage Impact Award!
October 17, 2024
Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services is thrilled to announce that Cathy Stefanelli, Program Manager of our Adolescent Day Treatment (ADT) Program in Brantford, has been named a semi-finalist for the CharityVillage Impact Award in the Most Outstanding Individual Impact (Staff) category. This prestigious recognition celebrates Cathy’s exceptional contributions to our organization and her profound impact on the children, youth, and families we serve.
As Cathy marks an incredible milestone—40 years with Woodview—this recognition is a testament to her unwavering commitment to mental health and autism services. While the award focuses on the impact made in 2023, Cathy’s decades of leadership, mentorship, and advocacy shine brightly, leaving an indelible legacy of hope and transformation.
Leading with Compassion and Expertise
Over the past year, Cathy has exemplified what it means to lead with heart and purpose. As manager of the ADT Program, she supports youth aged 13 to 18, many of whom face complex mental health challenges and come from trauma backgrounds. Under her leadership, the ADT team provides intensive daily treatment and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) sessions three times a week, helping youth develop the skills they need to thrive and successfully transition back into mainstream schools.
Cathy’s dedication to youth extends beyond her program. From delivering Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) to co-chairing the Brantford/Brant Community Suicide Prevention Committee, Cathy’s reach is felt across the community. Her advocacy efforts also helped a student secure the Jen Brown Memorial Scholarship during Mental Health Week, underscoring her advocacy for education and opportunity.
A Legacy of Mentorship and Growth
Mentorship has always been at the heart of Cathy’s work. For over 15 years, she has trained Woodview staff and community groups in suicide prevention through ASIST, SafeTalk, and Assessing for Suicide in Kids (ASK) workshops. Her dedication to learning and sharing knowledge exemplifies her belief in empowering others to make a difference.
Cathy’s leadership has also fostered a strong and resilient team within the ADT Program. Many of her staff have remained for over 15 years, a testament to the supportive and learning-focused environment she cultivates. Her colleagues describe her as an inspiration, a role model, and a friend, whose wit and humour uplift everyone around her.
Recognizing Cathy’s Impact
Cathy’s impact is both measurable and deeply felt. Since 2006, the ADT Program has served 117 youth, delivering over 57,000 days of service. Families frequently express gratitude for the program, sharing how it has brought about transformative changes in their children’s lives.
Her peers have praised her through recognition videos and heartfelt testimonials. As Woodview’s Executive Director, Flora Ennis, aptly said, “Cathy’s tireless efforts have reached far and wide, making a meaningful difference to the children, youth, and families we serve. She embodies compassion, generosity, and the power of one person to inspire hope.”
Join Us in Celebrating Cathy!
We are so proud of Cathy for this well-deserved recognition and grateful for her 40 years of service. As a semi-finalist for the CharityVillage Impact Award, Cathy stands as a shining example of what it means to truly make a difference. Finalists will be announced at the CharityVillage Virtual Conference on November 20th, 2024.
Congratulations, Cathy—you are an inspiration to us all!
Celebrating Cathy Stefanelli’s milestone anniversary at Woodview’s Staff Appreciation Day in June 2024. Pictured (L-R): Flora Ennis, Executive Director, Cathy Stefanelli, Christine Dragojlovich, Director of Services.