2025 HOSPITAL SOCIAL WORKER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE

Julia Henderson

Nominated For: HOSPITAL SOCIAL WORKER OF THE YEAR

Julia is grateful to be considered for the 2025 Hospital Social Worker of the Year Award.

With over 20 years of experience, Julia has had the privilege of serving as the Social Worker for Inpatient Care at Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare’s South Muskoka Memorial Site (SMMH), a small acute care hospital in rural Muskoka. She is dedicated to advocating for patients and families, helping them navigate complex health and social challenges and accessing the resources they need. Julia works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team to support positive outcomes for those in her care.

Her own experience as a rehabilitation patient following a motor vehicle collision, and her perspective as a mother, deepen her empathy and commitment to patient and family-centered care. Julia strives to ensure that the voices and needs of patients and their loved ones are always central to care decisions.

Julia is committed to fostering a supportive environment for both patients and staff. She chairs the Muskoka and Area Situation Table, bringing together community agencies to address urgent risk situations, and serves on the Clinical Ethics Committee at MAHC, contributing to complex decision-making and supporting ethical patient care.

Dedicated to lifelong learning, Julia is currently enrolled in the Leadership in Healthcare Certificate Program at the Michener Institute of Education. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Ryerson University and a Master of Social Work from York University, is a designated capacity assessor, and is a registered member in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), as well as the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) and its Healthcare Advisory Group.

Julia is thankful for the opportunity to support patients and families at MAHC, and for the collaboration of a compassionate team. She hopes her work has made a positive difference in the lives of those she serves.