2026 HOSPITAL SOCIAL WORKER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE

Julia Henderson

Nominated For: HOSPITAL SOCIAL WORKER OF THE YEAR

Julia is deeply grateful to be considered again for the Hospital Social Worker of the Year Award. For over 25 years, including 11 years in acute care, she has had the privilege of serving as the Social Worker for Inpatient Care at Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare’s South Muskoka Memorial Site.

Julia walks alongside patients and families during some of their most challenging moments. Her own journey as a rehabilitation patient following a motor vehicle collision, combined with her perspective as a mother, keeps her grounded in empathy and deeply committed to patient and family-centered care.

Within her hospital role, Julia serves on the Clinical Ethics Committee, co-chairs the Muskoka and Area Situation Table, and finds great joy in supervising social work students. She also enjoys volunteering with Bracebridge Out of the Cold and Cycling Without Age. To support her ongoing growth, she is currently completing the Leadership in Healthcare Certificate Program at the Michener Institute of Education.

Julia holds a BSW from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and an MSW from York University. She is a designated capacity assessor and a registered member of the OCSWSSW and OASW. Julia is thankful for her compassionate colleagues and simply hopes to make a positive difference.