
Behind every successful team is the person or group of people who hold things together. They are the keepers of projects and schedules, the holders of invaluable institutional knowledge and the ones that always go that extra mile for those around them.
Shared Health is proud to recognize Administrative Professionals Day on April 23 for the important contributions they make to the health system every day, whether in direct care, support or corporate environments.
Our Administrative Professionals

Melissa Vilaykeo’s relationship with Health Sciences Centre (HSC) began long before she became an administrative assistant. It all started in high school when she volunteered in the gift shop, developing a close connection with the hospital and its community.
“I’ve always found myself returning to HSC throughout my career,” said Vilaykeo, now an administrative assistant 3 for Rehab Physiotherapy, Child Health Physiotherapy and PAR Services. “When I arrive at work, there’s this incredible hustle and bustle. I really like being part of the bigger team – where everybody has this drive to make a difference.”
After nearly a decade as a rehab assistant, Vilaykeo transitioned into the role of administrative assistant. This shift was driven by her natural ability to multitask and a growing interest to contribute to the clinic’s operations behind the scenes.
“As a rehab float, I was given opportunities to learn a lot of the administrative work and was surprised by how skilled I was in that area,” she reflected.

When Renae Braun was a little girl, she would eagerly accompany her mother to her father’s heavy-duty mechanic shop, where she found herself immersed in a world of office tasks.
“I would beg my mom to take me to the shop so I could answer the phone and assist with the paperwork,” Braun recalls with a nostalgic smile. “I loved pretending to be an office assistant, helping her with anything I could. That’s where it all started.”
Braun’s affinity for paperwork led her to pursue a path in administration, knowing it was one of her callings in a career. She completed her medical ward clerk training at RRC Polytech and has since worked in both the pre-operative clinic at St. Boniface Hospital as well as in mental health services for Southern Health-Santé Sud.
“I’m kind of nerdy, and I like the paperwork end of things,” she admits. “I live for line graphs, pie charts, and labels. It makes me happy to simplify processes, and it’s incredibly satisfying!”

Working as an administrative professional at Health Sciences Centre is something that Michael Pajemolin finds passion and meaning in.
“Even though I’m not on the bedside and taking care of patients, I make sure those who are care givers are taken care of. That makes me excited and makes me feel like I’m on the bigger picture. As long as their needs are taken care of, they can focus on doing their job and taking care of patients,” said Pajemolin.
Working in admin roles since 2008, Pajemolin prides himself on taking care of his colleagues so they can be fully available to help HSC patients.
“If they have worries or concerns about HR, about benefits or something that came up that they need to make schedule adjustments, I help. These small things are big things for nurses and health care aids and it takes away their focus from bedside. Then they can focus their full time on taking care of their patient, then I’m on it,” he said.
Thank you to everyone who nominated an Administrative Professional!
Below are a few of the many administrative professional nominations who were recognized for their important efforts that help keep our teams and departments running smoothly.
Save and send this thank you card to recognize the supportive administrative professional on your team.
Agata Grabowski & Nemia DeGrano
These 2 lovely ladies keep all of us in Nephrology running smoothly. They are smart, hardworking and fun to be around. They cover well for each other and have wonderful ideas. Excellent quality work, they are always dependable. A wonderful team to have – you can tell when someone likes their job beca...
Agata Grabowski & Nemia DeGrano
These 2 lovely ladies keep all of us in Nephrology running smoothly. They are smart, hardworking and fun to be around. They cover well for each other and have wonderful ideas. Excellent quality work, they are always dependable. A wonderful team to have – you can tell when someone likes their job because they put forth such a great effort. They anticipate where things could go wrong and make strides to change them. Deserve much more than celebrations!
Nominated by: Berlene Villanueva
Ahad Malik
He is a wonderful coworker. He always keeps us on track and he is a really vital member of our team. Without him it would take so much longer for us to figure out what we were supposed to be doing. He really makes sure we can focus on triaging our days. He is also so wonderful for our team spirit al...
Ahad Malik
He is a wonderful coworker. He always keeps us on track and he is a really vital member of our team. Without him it would take so much longer for us to figure out what we were supposed to be doing. He really makes sure we can focus on triaging our days. He is also so wonderful for our team spirit always remembering and making sure we celebrate events and milestones. ( also unofficial IT for IP&C St. B. without him none of our computers would work!)
Nominated by: Tessera Ball
Alaina Gislason
I have worked at DLC for over 40 years and Alaina is by far the most competent, organized, sincere, kind, thoughtful, respectful and professional Administrative Assistant.
Alex Dancyt
Alex is a well known member of our small rural community, and has established relationships with our patients. Alex has been at the clinic for over 10 years now, and continues to provide compassionate and quality care to all. She goes above and beyond her role to help our patients receive the care t...
Alex Dancyt
Alex is a well known member of our small rural community, and has established relationships with our patients. Alex has been at the clinic for over 10 years now, and continues to provide compassionate and quality care to all. She goes above and beyond her role to help our patients receive the care they need and deserve. Alex always has a friendly welcoming smile, and knows all the ins and outs of primary care. Alex will go out of her way to help our patients and other community members and is the lead on our annual christmas hamper that our clinic donates to a chosen family in need. Alex is an asset to the clinic and deserves recognition for the outstanding work that she does not only for us, but for the patients and community.
Nominated by: Cheyenne Legal
Amanda Ginter
I would like to nominate Amanda for her incredible contribution to the heart and soul of our clinic. Amanda has been with us for over 10 years, and in that time, she has become a favourite among patients and staff alike. Her bubbly, positive energy lights up the front desk and makes everyone feel we...
Amanda Ginter
I would like to nominate Amanda for her incredible contribution to the heart and soul of our clinic. Amanda has been with us for over 10 years, and in that time, she has become a favourite among patients and staff alike. Her bubbly, positive energy lights up the front desk and makes everyone feel welcome. New clients immediately feel at ease thanks to Amanda’s warmth and attentiveness. When she isn’t here, patients ask for her by name her presence is truly missed. Amanda has a gift for managing clinic flow effortlessly and is always the first to step in and support others. Her dedication, experience, and cheerful spirit make her an irreplaceable part of our team. She goes above and beyond every day, and this recognition is more than well deserved.
Nominated by: Jordan Stark
Amrit Kaur
Amrit is always willing to help her coworkers with out hesitation or asking. Amrit is very skilled, detail oriented, and pleasant with patients.
Amritpal Kaur
Amrit goes above and beyond to help our patients. She radiates positive energy and always has a smile on her face. Amrit works hard and rarely makes mistakes in her work. A lot of the providers at AWW always appreciate her effort and know that if they need something done well, Amrit’s the one to go t...
Amritpal Kaur
Amrit goes above and beyond to help our patients. She radiates positive energy and always has a smile on her face. Amrit works hard and rarely makes mistakes in her work. A lot of the providers at AWW always appreciate her effort and know that if they need something done well, Amrit’s the one to go to.
Nominated by: Paige Oliver-Bingham
Angela Rivers
She is always willing to help! keeps the team in check and organized while maintaining her busy schedule. Always pulling the team together to connect, team lunches/dinner.
Ashley Termath
I would like to nominate Ashley Termath for her exceptional work ethic, sound judgement, and excellent patient care. From the moment we worked together during her PCA student placement, I knew she was something special. Ashley quickly became an invaluable part of our team, and we were thrilled to of...
Ashley Termath
I would like to nominate Ashley Termath for her exceptional work ethic, sound judgement, and excellent patient care. From the moment we worked together during her PCA student placement, I knew she was something special. Ashley quickly became an invaluable part of our team, and we were thrilled to offer her a permanent position upon completing her placement.
Nominated by: Jordan Stark
Balwinder Loomba
Balwinder is one of the acf clerks. She goes above and beyond their duties, exemplifying excellence, dedication, and professionalism in every aspect of her work. Her ability to manage doctor’s complex schedules, anticipate needs, and maintain a calm, solution-oriented mindset under pressure makes her...
Balwinder Loomba
Balwinder is one of the acf clerks. She goes above and beyond their duties, exemplifying excellence, dedication, and professionalism in every aspect of her work. Her ability to manage doctor’s complex schedules, anticipate needs, and maintain a calm, solution-oriented mindset under pressure makes her an invaluable part of our team. They are not only highly efficient but also brings a personal warmth and positivity that uplifts our entire office environment. Balwinder’s work ethic, attention to detail, and genuine care for both their responsibilities and colleagues truly set them apart. They are more than deserving of this recognition, and i sincerely hope you will consider them for this well-earned honour.
Nominated by: Krizel Watson
Brittany Berard
Brittany rejoined Southern Health after being away for 4 years, and jumped right in. Within the last three months that she’s been back, there have been a lot of changes, but Brittany has kept up and is always happy to help. She has already done so much to help with keeping Primary Care working effici...
Brittany Berard
Brittany rejoined Southern Health after being away for 4 years, and jumped right in. Within the last three months that she’s been back, there have been a lot of changes, but Brittany has kept up and is always happy to help. She has already done so much to help with keeping Primary Care working efficiently and has taken on additional workloads due to another admin leaving the region. Primary Care is lucky to have such a dedicated, hard working administrative assistant working for them.
Nominated by: Andrea Rempel
Carol James
Carol is truly the heartbeat of our department and the sunshine that lights up our windowless workspace. Her organization skills are second to none, keeping everything running smoothly while making it look effortless. Always ready with a helpful reminder or a kind offer of assistance, Carol brings a...
Carol James
Carol is truly the heartbeat of our department and the sunshine that lights up our windowless workspace. Her organization skills are second to none, keeping everything running smoothly while making it look effortless. Always ready with a helpful reminder or a kind offer of assistance, Carol brings a sense of calm, clarity, and humor to even the busiest days. Her eloquence and cheerful spirit make her not just an exceptional administrative assistant, but the kind of colleague everyone hopes to work with. We’re beyond lucky to have her.
Nominated by: Karen Budnick, on behalf of the Grace Hospital Rehabilitation Department
Carolene Austria
I have had the good fortune to work with Carolene as WRHA works towards standing up multiple new clinics and initiatives. Her ability to forecast needs, anticipate potential hurdles and organizational skills are outstanding (all the while moving work along with grace and humour). Carolene for Prime ...
Carolene Austria
I have had the good fortune to work with Carolene as WRHA works towards standing up multiple new clinics and initiatives. Her ability to forecast needs, anticipate potential hurdles and organizational skills are outstanding (all the while moving work along with grace and humour). Carolene for Prime Minister!
Nominated by: TC
Carolyn Garlinski
Carolyn is the glue that holds us together. Despite all of the daily challenges and seemingly countless daily phone calls and emails, Carolyn manages to maintain remain cool, calm, and collected in dealing with corporate, educational, patient care and other administrative activities. Carolyn helps w...
Carolyn Garlinski
Carolyn is the glue that holds us together. Despite all of the daily challenges and seemingly countless daily phone calls and emails, Carolyn manages to maintain remain cool, calm, and collected in dealing with corporate, educational, patient care and other administrative activities. Carolyn helps with the monumental task of annually coordinating Bug Day. Carolyn always goes above and beyond in everything she does and it has been a pleasure to have worked together for 25 years!
Nominated by: Dr. John Embil
Chantale Belisle
She’s been serving Shared Health for quite sometime already and she has the passion, dedication and love towards her role. She is very approachable and helpful with regards to making things work.
Chantale Belisle
She is a hard worker and a team player. Very much deserving to be recognized.
Chantale Belisle
Chantale goes above and beyond of her duties as Admin Secretary. She’s been supporting Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable’s workload and doing a great work at that.
Chantale Belisle
Chantale has been a vital part of Accounts receivable and Payable dept. She ensures that everyone is updated with the current updates and guidelines, provides immediate assistance with anything regarding admin, she always offer a helping hand especially during our month ends even if the task is not ...
Chantale Belisle
Chantale has been a vital part of Accounts receivable and Payable dept. She ensures that everyone is updated with the current updates and guidelines, provides immediate assistance with anything regarding admin, she always offer a helping hand especially during our month ends even if the task is not related to her duties and responsibilities. She keeps our office organized and always in order. A pleasant person always in exuding positivity no matter what she has been through. She is a gem and she deserves this nomination- BIGTIME!
Nominated by: Jazel Edano
Chantale Belisle
Chantale is an amazing person inside and out – she goes out of her way to make everyone feel welcome. She goes and beyond for everyone she encounters! Her knowledge and expertise is felt throughout the entire department and she deserves being recognized for the amazing person she is!
Chantale Belisle
Chantale is an amazing person inside and out – she goes out of her way to make everyone feel welcome. She goes and beyond for everyone she encounters! Her knowledge and expertise is felt throughout the entire department and she deserves being recognized for the amazing person she is!
Nominated by: Summer Nguyen
Chantale Belisle
Chantale always goes above and beyond of what is expected of her. She is a wonderful member of the team and a great co-worker who makes everyone’s day better.
