Grandview Kids

Every Child And Youth Living Life At Their Full Potential

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Celebrating care closer to home

Adrian Polidano

Reflecting on the first anniversary of the Durham Region Paediatric Complex Care Program

In May 2021, Grandview Kids opened its doors to children and youth with medical complexity with the launch of the Durham Region Paediatric Complex Care Program. On our first anniversary, members of the multi-disciplinary team share their reflections on how this program supports local children and youth with complex medical needs and their caregivers.

Members of the Complex Care Program multi-disciplinary team posing with Zoe–the first child to access care through the program.
Members of the Complex Care Program multi-disciplinary team posing with Zoe–the first child to access care through the program.

What makes the Complex Care Program so impactful for children, youth and families?

Samantha Haigh, Registered Nurse and Child and Complex Young Adult Care Coordinator with the Central East Home and Community Care Support Services said:

“The integrated, team approach to care is what is most impactful for those accessing care through the clinic. The collaborative engagement between families and health professionals from The Hospital for Sick Children, Grandview Kids, and Central East Home and Community Care Support Services help families to access appropriate services closer to home, improve system efficiency, improve shared decision-making and problem solving, optimize their child’s health, and navigate the health and social systems. Families are able to communicate their most important needs and concerns to the entire team at the clinic visit. This saves families time and energy by ensuring that all members of the health care team are aware of the current care plan. I strongly believe that participation in the Complex Care Program provides families with a sense of trust, support, and confidence as well as an opportunity for self-advocacy.”

A unique feature of the Program is the inclusion of a Peer Navigator. What benefit does this bring to families?

Christine Huang, Speech-Language Pathologist with Grandview Kids reflects:

“It is wonderful and unique that the Complex Care Clinic includes a Peer Navigator, a person with lived experience, who reaches out to families before every visit.  Families have an opportunity on that phone call to share updates and concerns, peer to peer, and ask questions.

It could be potentially overwhelming and intimidating to be in a room full of professionals on their clinic visit, so it is great that the family has someone who can be an advocate for them in that room.”

How would you describe the Program to someone who hasn’t heard of it before?

Heather-Ann Burrell, Registered Dietitian with Grandview Kids states:

“Complex care is an opportunity for families and clients to see multiple members of their healthcare team in one appointment. With the various interdisciplinary roles in the same room, families can voice their main priorities for their child and the team can work together in unison to address these priorities.”

Courtney Brazier, Recreation Therapist with Grandview Kids continues:

“The Complex Care Program is an all-inclusive clinic where clients, families and caregivers are able to connect with a comprehensive interdisciplinary team to receive coordinated, quality care. One’s interdisciplinary team may include a Paediatrician, Nurse Practitioner, Dietician, Social Worker, Care Coordinator and Family Engagement Program Assistant, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Speech-Language Pathologist and Recreation Therapist.”

What is something you learned since the Complex Care Program launched one year ago?

Mandy Doherty, a Social Worker with Grandview Kids shared:

“The education I receive from working with families is never-ending. It is truly a privilege to work with them. They have taught me there are no boundaries to love, humour and strength. I have learned that each family is unique and therefore, the care required is unique.

It’s also wonderful to work with the multi-disciplinary team at the clinic. My knowledge base benefits from their respective roles and what they bring to the clinic.”

Members of the Complex Care Program multi-disciplinary team on the day the program launched one year ago on May 5, 2021.
Members of the Complex Care Program multi-disciplinary team.

A note of thanks

It has taken a village of dedicated individuals to build this Program. Grandview Kids would like to extend its deepest appreciation to the members of the launch team, our supportive stakeholders, and our current team delivering high-quality, coordinated care to children and youth.

Project launch team members

Thank you to the members of the project launch team who worked behind the scenes to move the Program from idea to action.

Grandview Kids: Lorraine Sunstrum-Mann, Janet Isaac, Cathy Kelly,  Fadia Omer, Dr. Carolyn Hunt, Tisha Harris, Janet Isaac, Dr. Helen Wong, Dr. Tanya Buors, Marianna Wise, Andrea Belanger, Cherie Kerr, Jessica Todd, Sandie Le, Mandy Doherty, Kirsten White, Jackie Down, Christine Daley, Krista Witherspoon, Avori Cheyne, Dr. Taryn Eickmeier, Harry Deeg, Courtney Brazier, Kate Gauldie, Abby Siapno, Maritza Basaran, and Kelly O’Connor.

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids): Dr. Julie Johnstone, Dr. Julia Orkin, Joanna Soscia, Kate Langrish, Katharine Williams, Jason Buera

Lakeridge Health: Julie Rojas, Dr. Joan Abohwheyere

Central East Home and Community Care Support Services: Tracey Raymore, Laszlo Cifra, Nousha Naweed, Kim Grieg

Strategy Systems: Priya Rana

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Kayden is a strong-willed, 16-year-old teenage girl that will tell you what she wants and how.

Even with her few words, her strong personality and love for her family is a clear imitation of her super vigilant and proactive mom. With a diagnosis of Cardiofaciocutaneous (CFC) Syndrome, an epilepsy disorder and a global developmental disorder, Kayden is fully dependent on family members in all aspects of life. She requires help with eating, toileting, dressing and personal hygiene. She uses a walker and wheelchair due to difficulty in balancing herself, is G-tube fed and uses a tablet for most of her communication, only recently beginning to speak a number of words.

Kayden sitting in-between her two siblings while kissing her sister to the right of her on the cheeck.
Pictured: Kayden and her siblings.

Kayden’s complex health needs require immense attention and care. From the endless appointments between specialists and therapies to coordinating the care and information between her medical teams in Toronto and the Durham Region community, Kayden’s family can feel the enhanced stress that comes on top of the daily care she needs. When Grandview’s Complex Care Program began a year ago, this Ajax family found that this was the extra community care and support they had been needing all along.

Kayden sitting beside her mother, father, siblings and dog on the couch.
Pictured: Kayden and her family.

Kayden has been receiving a number of Grandview services over the years but with the Durham Region Complex Care Program, children and youth with complex medical needs, like Kayden, are now supported closer to home. This program is delivered in partnership between The Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids), Grandview Kids, Lakeridge Health, and the Central East Home and Community Care Support Services. Though Kayden will still have to go to Sick Kids for some clinic-specific supports, such as neurology and nephrology, many services that would normally mean a full-day trip from Ajax to Toronto are now accessible at Grandview Kids. The Complex Care Program has also “helped in bridging the gap between Sick Kids and the community,” says Kayden’s mom.

“Normally I would coordinate with the hospital and home and community care, but now since they are all available at the appointments, my worries and extra efforts are completely gone. They do the work while I sit and focus on Kayden’s health issues only.”

Kaydem’s mom

Clients and caregivers benefit from the care, support and expertise of an interprofessional team, inclusive of a Paediatrician, Nurse Practitioner, Care Coordinator and Family Engagement Peer Navigator. This allows Kayden’s family to remain focused on her well-being, while Kayden’s dream “to be loved by everyone” is fulfilled.

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Meet our volunteers!

Grandview Kids is fortunate to have a team of more than 150 incredibly talented and caring volunteers across all of our sites. To continue our National Volunteer Week celebration, we interviewed 5 of our volunteers to get insight into their work with Grandview. In this series of interviews, you will meet Norma-Jean, Taaha, Kirsty, Natalie and Elliot, who will express what volunteering means to them.

Meet Norma-Jean!

Photo of Norma-Jean hugging a pony in a purple tutu.

What is it about volunteering at Grandview Kids that appeals to you personally?

I’ve been fortunate with my family and see that GV provides many much-needed services in the community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a worthy cause.

How has volunteer work had an impact on your life?

[It] keeps me busy and fulfills a personal duty in me to give back. 

What has your favourite event or volunteer assignment been with Grandview Kids and why?

I’m on the committee for the GV Foundation’s Annual Golf Tournament.    I interact with a variety of GV Staff / Ambassador Families other volunteers, donors/sponsors and tournament participants. It’s such a huge event and seeing the results of everyone’s hard work every year really is very satisfying to be a part of it all.

Meet Taaha!

Photograph of Taaha Ijaz in front of a snowy background.

What is it about volunteering at Grandview Kids that appeals to you personally?

To me, the most appealing aspect of Grandview Kids is how dedicated everyone is in providing compassionate family-centred care. Volunteering at Grandview Kids allows me to be a part of providing such care to an exceptional group of clients in our community. In addition, volunteering at Grandview Kids has allowed me to work with a fantastic group of clinicians who are always willing to answer questions I may have regarding their specialty.

How has volunteer work had an impact on your life?

Volunteering at Grandview Kids has made a huge impact on my life. I have been able to learn so many different skills while volunteering. My communication skills with children and their parents have improved significantly – you can read all you want about communication skills, but until you apply them you’ll never develop those skills. I have learned so much about prioritizing especially when there is a rush of clients and their families coming in through the door. Lastly, volunteering at Grandview Kids has also helped me understand the importance of establishing and advocating for more pediatric care centres. Facilities such as Grandview Kids are necessary if we want to help children reach their potential.

What has your favourite event or volunteer assignment been with Grandview Kids and why?

I truly enjoyed volunteering at the Covid-19 vaccine clinic organized by Grandview Kids. Helping children overcome their fear of needles was extremely rewarding.

What do you like to do when you are not volunteering?

I recently learned how to swim, so anytime I’m not volunteering or busy with school you can find me at the pool.

Meet Kirsty!

Head shot of Kirsty Dykes.

What is it about volunteering at Grandview Kids that appeals to you personally?

I like to help the kids and be able to get out of the house to do something worthwhile. 

How has volunteer work had an impact on your life?

It makes me happy to see that I can help children and it shows me how much the children can improve and be part of the community.

What has your favourite event or volunteer assignment been with Grandview Kids and why?

(Prior to COVID) I loved to do the Free to Read program and I was able to walk around the atrium and interact with the kids as well as giving parents books to read to their kids.

Also, I loved doing the McHappy Day. I liked to see the faces of kids when I gave them balloons and it was great to see people give money to support Grandview. 

What do you like to do when you are not volunteering?

When I am not volunteering I like to go to the movies, hang out with my friend Terri and watch wrestling. I enjoy going to the Abilities Centre. I also loved working at The Bistro 67 in Whitby before COVID. I will hopefully get back to work.

Meet Natalie!

Head shot of Natalie Bedrossian.

What is it about volunteering at Grandview Kids that appeals to you personally?

The most appealing aspect about volunteering at Grandview kids is the wide sense of availability that is presented to volunteers. While volunteers are meant to provide aid in certain positions, one rarely remains in the same setting. We are exposed to various programs within the centre and are always learning more about all of the services that Grandview offers to their clients and families as well as more about the services themselves, ranging from rehabilitation programs to family services. It is not only a beneficial setting for both the individual and the centre, but in turn, the volunteer learns more about the community and the various aspects that go into running such a smooth and lively setting.

How has volunteer work had an impact on your life?

Volunteering has had a major impact on my life in many ways. Although I can positively say that volunteering has allowed me to grow in ways that I believe no other setting would have, I also attribute my weekly contribution as a way of allowing myself to become more certain of the path I would like to take on as my future profession. I started volunteering for Grandview when I was in my second year of university and like many, was somewhat uncertain of what I wanted for my future. It was through volunteering that I was able to learn about various rehabilitation therapists and therapy assistants and the impact such services have on children and youth.

What has your favourite event or volunteer assignment been with Grandview Kids and why?

While it is hard to distinguish a specific volunteer assignment, it would seem that my favourite volunteer assignment at Grandview has been the ability to volunteer within the Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and Speech-Language Therapy Assistant (SLTA) therapy groups. Alongside being able to learn more about the various aspects that are involved in each session, it was very interesting to learn about the different ways in which clinicians incorporate to continue to target their clients’ needs while also being able to keep them engaged without trying to make it seem like therapy.

It was enjoyable to be able to see and hear of the progress that some of the clients were making throughout their time at Grandview and to learn about the various skills and actions that are provided for Grandview clients and their families from before they are provided direct support to well after. It was a truly exceptional experience that has cultivated my favourite volunteer assignment so far.

What drives you to keep coming back to Grandview?

What continuously keeps me coming back to Grandview is the sense of community and belonging that is harvested amongst both clinicians and staff members as well as between clinicians and clients/families. Whether it is during a therapy session or workshop, clinicians and several other members of the Grandview team always strive to provide the most exceptional quality of care and service to their clients and to each other, something that I have rarely seen in the various places I have volunteered. Everyone is made to be treated equally and when one is in need of help, whether it is to discuss the best pursuit of action for a specific issue or to just clarify a need from a family, everyone is available to help in any way they can. It truly allows you to feel like you are connected to a greater family, rather than being a fellow volunteer.

What do you like to do when you are not volunteering?

Apart from volunteering, I am an avid bookworm where I try to finish at least 2-3 books a month and I am an experimental baker, always looking for new recipes to try and master.

Meet Elliot!

A photo of Elliot Smith working at a McDonald's Drive Thru on McHappy Day.

What is it about volunteering at Grandview Kids that appeals to you personally?

What appeals to me about volunteering with Grandview Kids is personally, it allows me to give back to the place that helped me when I was younger. The therapists at Grandview helped me learn how to talk and even how to print my own name. I feel included and like part of a team at Grandview. I am now a college graduate and Grandview helped me get there.

How has volunteer work had an impact on your life?

Volunteer work has had an impact on me on a positive note because volunteering has made me become a true leader and a good citizen. I feel good when I can give my opinion and thoughts as part of the Youth Advisory Committee in order to help Grandview become a better place for kids. Volunteering has made me work hard so I can be a positive role model for any Grandview kid out there who thinks they won’t get there. I am now working as a Physical Fitness and Literacy Associate at the Abilities Centre and volunteering at Grandview and other places (Kerry’s Place, Vikings Rugby League and Pickering All Abilities Soccer) has helped me create a good resume.

What has your favourite event or volunteer assignment been with Grandview Kids and why?

My favourite event/volunteer assignment with Grandview Kids has always been McHappy Day. It is my favourite event because I got to work in the Drive Through and give orders to customers. I had a lot of friends and teachers stop by to get their orders from me. We raised a lot of money! I liked helping out with these fundraisers because they were all about showing teamwork and helping others in the community to make Grandview Children’s Centre a more accessible environment.

Why do you think it is important to volunteer (for Grandview Kids and elsewhere)?

It is important to help volunteer at Grandview and other places because it just feels good to give back and help others. To see smiles on people’s faces when you make them happy makes it all worth it. I think it helps to show that we are just like everyone else and we have a lot to offer too.

What do you like to do when you are not volunteering?

I like to read books and play sports like baseball, soccer, rugby, and archery. I also like to play in a band with my bandmates at Online Math and Guitar. Finally, I also like to be involved with social groups at the Abilities Centre.

This year’s theme for National Volunteer Week is Volunteering is Empathy in Action. Click here to learn more about National Volunteer Week.

A graphic of a heart with the Grandview Kids logo in the centre. The phrase reads, "Volunteering is a work of hear. Thanks for all you do!"

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"A message of gratitude from Grandview Kids CEO, Lorraine Sunstrum-Mann" next to a photo of Lorraine.

The National Volunteer Week theme for 2022, Volunteering is Empathy in Action, affirms the strong connection between volunteerism and empathy. Empathy is a quality that can help people relate to and connect with others. Empathy has the power to build awareness around different experiences. The empathy, compassion and generosity that our volunteers at Grandview Kids possess help to create a stronger and more connected Grandview.  

Throughout this past year, most of the volunteering opportunities have been Screener/Greeter roles, taking place at our Welcome Centres. As we continue to navigate our way through these times, our volunteers strike a balance, ensuring COVID protocols are adhered to, while providing a warm welcome into our Centres for our clients, families, and visitors.  

Our talented, caring and experienced volunteer team of more than 150 volunteers (and growing) is comprised of students, retirees and working professionals. We will continue to build the volunteer program at Grandview, and look forward to creating more opportunities in the future.   

The entire Team Grandview is thankful for your support, and we celebrate your contributions which have such a positive impact on our successes every day. You truly add a special “sparkle” to #TeamGrandview.  

A sincere thank you, volunteers.

Lorraine Sunstrum-Mann

CEO, Grandview Kids

A graphic of a heart with the Grandview Kids logo in the centre. The phrase reads, "Volunteering is a work of hear. Thanks for all you do!"

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Grandview Kids is the lead agency for the Ontario Autism Program – Durham (OAP-D), a local partnership providing programs and services to children and youth with Autism.

In 2021, the OAP-D was selected by the Province of Ontario to offer Caregiver-Mediated Early Years Program as part of the Ontario Autism Program. Grandview Kids offers one of three programs in the Durham Region, known as the Social ABCs.

After several months of intensive fidelity training, four members of Team Grandview have successfully become Social ABCs coaches through Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

Portrait of Grandview Kids Speech-Language Pathologist, Rosie Bakhurst
Rosie Bakhurst, Speech-Language Pathologist

Rosie, what was it like becoming a Social ABCs coach? How did the fidelity process impact your own practice?

For me, becoming a Social ABCs coach was really eye-opening! I have been a clinician for many years but this was a very different way of providing coaching for parents. Social ABCs provides supportive, in-the-moment coaching. We identify the impact on the child and it was amazing to see the difference in parents’ skills with this style of coaching, as well as their confidence!

In order to become a Social ABCs coach, once you’ve completed the training, you must submit “coaching fidelity” videos of you implementing the program to the Holland Bloorview Team. The team reviews the videos with you so that you can see how you’re doing and how to improve. The fidelity process really allowed me to see what was working with my coaching and where I needed to make changes to better impact my families.

Grandview Kids, Speech-Language Pathologist, Kathiga Karthikaikumar
Kathiga Karthikaikumar, Speech-Language Pathologist

Kathiga, how did the fidelity process impact your practice?

It is often hard to capture the success of parent strategies in a concrete way. I think the fidelity process really helped highlight the importance of ongoing evaluation to help guide the focus of the remainder of the sessions. It also helped me work towards an end goal.

Vareesha Khan, CDA

Vareesha, what has been the most significant benefit of the program?

The most significant benefit has been watching the immediate change in parents’ skills and confidence within themselves during the seven-week program. In this short time, we really get to work with parents to build a close bond with them and build a sense of community as they get to interact with other parents in the weekly parent sessions. This program really focuses on positive self-building and growth. The most empowering message a parent told me in a coaching session was:

“Thank you for giving me the confidence to be able to interact with my child and connect with them on a level I never thought was possible.”

Grandview Kids CDA, Karen Jagne
Karen Jagne, CDA

Karen, what have you seen as the most significant benefit of the program?

The most significant benefit to the Social ABCs program has been empowering families to connect with their kids in new ways! We have had parents say that their child won’t play with them, or doesn’t acknowledge them, and by the end of the program, they are smiling and laughing together!! Families have varying levels of success with the program, but across the board, we have seen improved connections, which build the foundation for future learning.

Karen, what do you want others to know about Social ABCs?

Social ABCs is a positive, gentle program, that teaches children how to coordinate their voice and attention to keep fun interactions going. It also teaches parents strategies to connect and share smiles and laughs with their children – building the foundation for future social interactions.

Grandview Kids is proud to offer the Social ABCs as a caregiver-mediated early years program. If your family has received a letter of invitation from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, visit https://grandviewkids.ca/caregiver-mediated-programs/ to learn how you can enroll in the Social ABCs.

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The Power of One:

Nominate a member of Team Grandview for this prestigious award

At Grandview Kids, we take great pride in our most valuable asset – our team.

Each member of Team Grandview gives their best every day. With every appointment, program or service delivered, our clinicians, staff, students and volunteers help build a welcoming and inclusive environment for all families. All Team Members sparkle and we’re asking for your input to help them shine.

Nominate a member of Team Grandview who has made a difference in the life of your child, youth or family.

Any member of Team Grandview can be nominated.

One team member will be selected to receive the Power of One award, presented at our Annual Staff Barbeque in June.

Nominations are now open using this online form until Friday, April 29, 2022.

Questions? Email Communications@grandviewkids.ca

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Everyone registered in the Ontario Autism Program is eligible to access Autism Services at Grandview Children’s Centre.To register with the Ministry's Ontario Autism Program (OAP) - Visit Ontario Autism Program.
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