Geneva Centre for Autism

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Bhayana Award

Supporting Membership

Bhayana Award

Bhayana Award of Excellence

Generously Donated By Raksha and Mo Bhayana to Recognize Staff Excellence at Geneva Centre for Autism

Geneva Centre for Autism (GCA) selects employees who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Our mission is to empower individuals with ASD and their families to fully participate in their communities.

We recognize that our successes can only happen with the assistance of our most valued resources, our employees. We are committed to selecting and nurturing dedicated staff members who will provide the enthusiasm and expertise necessary to meet our objectives.

The Bhayana Award of Excellence is presented to full time Geneva Centre for Autism’s employees who have demonstrated excellence in the following areas:

1. Improves Geneva Centre for Autism’s ability to service those affected by ASD

2. Exemplifies the values and goals of GCA

3. Enhances the professionalism of GCA

4. Enhances the profile of the GCA to the community and clients

Bhayana Award Winners

Candidates are nominated by their peers and a selection is made twice annually by a subcommittee of the Geneva Centre for Autism Board of Directors.

Gheri Williams was the first winner in 2004 and continues to be employed by the Centre as a Preschool Behaviour Communication Consultant. Gheri’s work with the Toronto Preschool Speech and Language Services team and has received high praise from her client families. One mother describing the gains her son has made stated; “the change started happening when Gheri got involved.”

Emily Blackstock was the second recipient of the Bhayana Award. Emily made significant contributions to the Intake Department as a Social Worker and met all criteria for the award with ease. She was the first person new families came in contact with at the Centre and played an integral part in ensuring that each families needs were met. Emily left the Centre after starting a family. She is still missed!!

Stephanie Moeser was the third winner of the Bhayana Award and recently said: “Receiving the Bhayana award meant a great deal to me. I’ve worked at Geneva Centre for Autism since the fall of 1999. I feel I work hard at my job and I take pride in doing what I can to ensure the needs of the individuals we support are being met both at the Centre as well as in the community. I have always received positive evaluations from my supervisors. However this award meant even more to me than the positive evaluations as it came directly from my colleagues.”

Jennifer Fairfield’s nomination form in the section called “Enhance professionalism of the GCA/Individual” reads as follows: Jen could simply be committed to a single team, but since her job description requires her to work with so many departments, all of us are lucky to be exposed to her commitment and her infectious dedication. At the time of her nomination Jennifer not only worked as a Behaviour Consultant but she also provided an important service to many staff and families by providing visual tools. Jennifer now works full time as a Behavior Consultant.

Graham Seater - Graham’s had a varied career with Geneva Centre for Autism. His energy and creativity in programming is what was highlighted in his nomination for the Award. Graham continues to work for the Centre part time in our Social Skills department while completing his Masters of Arts in Child Study and Education at OISE.

Bel Reymundo was a Lead Instructor Therapist when she was nominated and won the Bhayana Award. Bel has left the Centre, continuing in the field of Autism. Bel was seen as a leader to the entire TPAS-IBI team while being totally committed to enhancing the lives of the clients she supported.

Andrea Rodrigues - Andrea began working at Geneva Centre for Autism as a Receptionist while she completed her Social Work degree. Andrea is now a Social Worker and a member of our Intake Department. About receiving the Bhayana Award of Excellence, Andrea said: “I was completely shocked when my name was called at my staff meeting to receive the Bhayana Award. To have my superior speaking in front of all my peers about my accomplishments and contributions to the work I do at Geneva Centre, was overwhelming. Also working the field of administration, it can be one that is not always recognized as a valuable profession, thus when receiving this award, it reminded me of the value of my work and how Geneva Centre appreciates the work done by all staff. There is also much to be said about being acknowledged by your fellow peers; the award reconfirmed for me the love of my work and the staff that I work with.”

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