Woodview Mental Health Leaders Honoured with Prestigious Provincial Award
September 2, 2025
Two staff members from Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services have been recognized with the 2025 Elizabeth Manson Award, a prestigious honour that celebrates excellence in child and youth mental health across Ontario.
Executive Director Flora Ennis and front-line worker Angela Kirk were selected from nominees throughout the province for their outstanding contributions to mental health services for young people.
Award honours pioneering legacy
The Elizabeth Manson Award was created in 2005 by the Department of Psychiatry at SickKids by physicians and clinicians who admired Elizabeth Manson’s lifelong dedication and passion for children’s mental health services and education. The award specifically recognizes exceptional clinical and programmatic contributions of non-physician health professionals and leaders in child and youth mental health across Ontario.
Carolina Gorodetsky, speaking on behalf of the award committee, said: “This year, we’re delighted to celebrate two individuals whose commitment and exemplary work have had a profound impact on the mental health and well-being of children and youth. Flora and Angela were each nominated for demonstrating extraordinary dedication to improving the lives of young people and strengthening the systems of care that support them. Their innovative approaches, compassionate advocacy, and tireless efforts have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field.”
Decades of dedicated service
Ennis, who has been at Woodview for over 23 years in various roles, was nominated by her team for her leadership and dedication. Her guiding philosophy centres on client-first care: “It’s never a wrong decision when you put the clients first,” she said, emphasizing the importance of working with families as a whole, including siblings, parents, and the broader community support network.
Kirk, who works in Woodview’s Brantford Adolescent Day Treatment program, recently celebrated 20 years with the organization. Her long-term commitment to youth mental health is evident in her relationships with clients. “We just celebrated the 30th birthday of a client that we met when they were 12,” Kirk said. “It’s a gift to be able to show up for these clients.”
Milestone recognition
The dual recognition comes as Woodview celebrates its 65th anniversary this year, making this double accolade both a proud milestone and a demonstration of the agency’s enduring impact and commitment to person-centred care.
In accepting the award, Ennis emphasized the collaborative nature of the work: “This award reflects not only individual effort but the collective strength of our team, our shared values, and our relentless drive to create a better future for those who rely on us.”
The Elizabeth Manson Award serves as recognition of the critical work being done locally to support children and youth facing mental health challenges, highlighting the expertise and dedication present in our community’s mental health services while carrying forward Elizabeth Manson’s vision of ensuring children and youth receive the care, support, and advocacy they deserve.
Nicole Schween presents Flora Ennis with the Elizabeth Manson Award
Angie Kirk is presented with the Elizabeth Manson Award by Cathy Stefanelli