Kai S., Health, Safety, & Wellness Specialist is the recipient of the 2023-2024 Award for Equity– one of the highest honours within Circle of Care’s employee recognition program, Champions of Care.
Exploring Passion in Healthcare and Wellness
Kai’s interesting career journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. After completing her undergraduate studies, however, she knew she was not interested in going into a traditional hospital role as a dietitian; instead, she wanted to focus on wellbeing. Her curiosity led her to stumble across a one-year post-graduate certificate program called Workplace Wellness Health Promotion, which would profoundly shape her future career trajectory.
Making an Impact at Circle of Care
Kai started at Circle of Care in 2019 as a Health, Safety, and Wellness Coordinator, where she was the first person in the role. Tasked with establishing and building the organization’s wellness program, she also quickly became the driving force for work on Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity. Now, as a Health, Safety, and Wellness Specialist, she continues to be very excited about being able to work with so many different healthcare professionals, such as Personal Support Workers (PSWs), Social Workers, and the Holocaust case management team. Her goal was to help create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for these amazing teams so they can feel inspired and energized to continue providing great services to the community.
“Kai is one of the best and most diligent advocates for inclusion and diversity that I’ve ever met,” says Tanya, Circle of Care’s Communication Director. “She’s always researching new strategies to foster a great work culture and works hard to galvanize folks on this topic through communications, presentations, and committees. I know that her colleagues across the organization feel inspired and recognized by her efforts.”
Championing Equity in Healthcare
It is clear to anyone who meets her that Kai is very passionate about equity in healthcare.
Most recently, Kai, who leads of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, organized and facilitated education sessions aimed at increasing employee understanding and awareness of different lived experiences, including on topics of Disability Awareness and Understanding Micro-aggressions and Discrimination. She also spearheaded the implementation of mandatory e-learning for all management in the organization focused on Indigenous cultural Competency in Healthcare.
In June 2024, Kai received the Champions of Care Award for Equity. This award is given to someone who ensures an inclusive and respectful environment for all that seek care.
“It felt nice to be recognized for a value that is incredibly important for me and for this organization,” says Kai.
Her commitment to equity, inclusiveness, and respect continues to play a major role in creating a supportive and welcoming environment for all our clients and staff.
