Recipient of the 2023 REHABILITATION COMPANY OF THE YEAR

Lawlor Therapy Support Services

Lawlor Therapy Support Services

Nominated For: REHABILITATION COMPANY OF THE YEAR

We are grateful to our colleagues who nominated us and to the Ontario Brain Injury Association, in collaboration with the member firms of PIA Law to be selected as a nominee for an Award of Excellence in Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Company of The year. We congratulate all of the nominees for this year’s awards in recognition of their valuable contributions in this field.

Lawlor Therapy Support Services has been providing rehabilitation support services to people with an acquired brain injury and other catastrophic injuries since 1998 in Ontario. This year is Lawlor’s 25 year anniversary! When Laura Gridel and Angie Cunningham, sisters, started their company, their goal was to focus solely on providing exceptional, client centered, rehabilitation support work. They honoured their mother who had passed away that year by naming the company after her (Lawlor was her maiden name). Her philosophy of life was incorporated as our mission statement and moto. To treat everyone as you would want to be treated. This has been our guiding principle in the people we hire and the people we serve.

We are honoured to work with individuals that have allowed us to walk alongside them on their rehabilitation journey. Every individual we have worked with and their families have taught us the true meaning of strength and courage. It has been a privilege to witness the many obstacles and challenges they have overcome. Lawlor is inspired by every individual we have worked with and they motivate us to continually improve our skills and service.

In the 25 years that we have been providing services, we have been fortunate to work with many esteemed members of the rehabilitation community that recognize the importance of the role of a Rehabilitation Support Worker. Lawlor staff also recognize their role as part of a team that includes regulated health care professionals who provide the RSW with direction and guidance to enable clients to reach their rehabilitation goals. We are grateful to be part of a rehabilitation community that supports each other, provides educational opportunities through OBIA and other resources, fights for the rights of the insured through the Ontario Rehab Alliance, and the numerous Brain Injury Associations that support and fundraise for so many people with an acquired brain injury.

Our success is due to our amazing RSWs who maintain a client-centered philosophy, and are true team players. Lawlor RSWs are known for their exceptional documentation skills, professionalism, training, and ability to work within their scope of practice. We are fortunate that the majority of our employees have been with us for over 15 years and several have been with us since the beginning. Our outstanding managers, lead inspire and encourage staff. All of our managers wear many hats and continue to work with clients. Rck Hadleycrane is head of Business Development, our Barrie and Area manager and has developed and managed the Technology Training Program Developer which has been very successful in helping clients incorporate technology to improve their abilities and skills. Heather Ricardo is our Niagara and Hamilton manager and part of the Health and Safety team as well as part of the training and hiring team. Courtney Enright is our Toronto manager, social media expert and referral coordinator. Drew Schmitt, our Kitchener Waterloo manager support clients, manages staff, and is also the keen eye and final say on our treatment plans. We are beyond grateful to work with an amazing team of managers and staff and this recognition would not be possible without them.

We continue to be inspired by Rob Kattenhorn, an RSW who passed away in 2016. He was recognized as Rehabilitation Professional of the year in 2014. When Rob won the award he said to the audience, “I hope this reminds people of why what you are doing is so important and how big of an impact you can make in your life, even if it is for a very short period of time.” I hope we all recognize this.

Thank you, The Lawlor Team

Please check our website for additional information. www.lawlortherapy.com

62 Comments
  • Ellie Lapowich says:

    I cannot say enough good things about Lawlor Therapy Support Services. From the top down and the bottom up, their staff are kind, caring, creative, compassionate and client centered. Not only do their RSWs take direction well, they often offer extremely helpful and effective suggestions , aimed at moving their clients forward and helping them to progress. When there is an issue, their RSWs are quick to communicate with the appropriate providers and problem solve. I never hesitate to put their staff on my files and am confident that my clients are in great hands. This is a well deserved nomination. This is your year guys!!

  • Cassandra Gowing says:

    This company deserves all the recognition in the world! Started by two hard-working, kind, dedicated, and compassionate ladies, Lawlor has been making a difference in the world since the moment it started. Angie and Laura are trailblazers and an incredible example of a female-led organization. They treat their staff like family, and their clients are always their priority. In many ways, these ladies have paved the way for current and future companies alike. If you’ve ever met these women, you know how passionate they are about what they do. Thank you, Lawlor. You deserve this award.

  • Meagan Buttle says:

    Lawlor – your team is fantastic!

    Every manager and RSW I have the opportunity to interact with has a deep passion for their work. They go above and beyond to meet client’s needs. They implement feedback from team members, come up with functional and innovative ways to meet goals, and are always eager to help clinicians on the team any way they can.

    Your team is eager to learn new approaches and best practices, and their curiosity, communication and enthusiasm is contagious. I am always at ease when I see a Lawlor RSW on our team roster.

    Cheers to your very well deserved nomination! Like Ellie said, this is your year! <3

  • Anonymous RSW says:

    As an RSW on the Lawlor team I can say this agency absolutely deserves to win this award. From the perspective of a member of this team with over 20 years of experience in the Mental Health and ABI services sector I can say that the work I have done for this agency has been meaningful and positively impacted the lives of the individuals I’ve served. As for the management, I have never felt like I was not supported or not heard by every level of management. I have always been made to feel empowered and like I am a valued member of the team. I am proud to be a part of such an amazing operation! This nomination is absolutely well deserved!

  • Courtney Enright says:

    I am honoured to be a part of this amazing team and to work with so many incredible RSWs who are out there on the road supporting people with acquired brain injury everyday. For nearly 20 years I have learned from Laura and Angie how to be client centered, how to advocate for our RSWs, how to be a contributing member to our community, and how to be a leader. When people hear the name Lawlor, they know they are going to get the best care from the most compassionate people in the business. Good luck Lawlor!

  • Lori Lawrence says:

    As a recipient of the amazing Lawlor care, I find it difficult to express all they have done for me and for my TBI recovery, as there is so much.
    Almost 6 years in, Lawlor continues to support me , through all of the various recovery stages.
    Whilst life seems traumatic and change inevitable, Lawlor’s support always remains a constant. They are experienced and role with ease amongst all of the challenges recovery brings. In turn, their confidence helps me manage change somewhat better.
    In particular, Courtney and Sarah are sooo compassionate and competent.

    Their support has created a level of confidence in me and an understanding of my “ new normal “ as I navigate this new , post TBI world.

    The Lawlor team’s knowledge of what and how to implement strategies for my day to day (overwhelming) challenges, is truly beneficial.

    They constantly remind me that “I’ve got this”. And they are right!

    Lawlor communicates ,with great ease and expertise, with my extensive medical team, ensuring I am heard and supported.

    And mostly, it’s their kindness and compassion that stands out.

    On many occasions, both Courtney and Sarah have “ checked in” with me, on their own time, despite their busy lives.

    It’s just who they are as individuals.

    And that’s what I think of when Lawlor comes to mind.
    Compassionate + Competent.

    Congratulations Lawlor!

    • Angie Cunningham says:

      Thank you so much Lori for your thoughtful comments. ? You sure do have two amazing RSWs that we are very proud of. I wish you continued success on your rehabilitation journey.

    • Laura Gridel says:

      I would not expect anything less that amazing from Courtney and Sarah! Thank you for taking the time to post your feedback Lori! You’ve got this!

    • Courtney says:

      Lori, thank you for the wonderful comment! I am forever grateful that I was able to meet and work with you, I am so proud of how far you have come 🙂

  • Colleen Boyce says:

    I have known Laura and Angie prior to establishing Lawlor (27 + years) and with Rick and their incredible staff deserve this recognition and credibility within our industry. Congratulations on this nomination and being so client centred, great team players, compassionate, dedicated and creative programming that benefits clients and their families. Also, always giving back to the brain injury community!!

  • Trisha Di Caro says:

    This group has a wonderful team of professionals and are the gold standard from my experience. Well done Lawlor!

  • Rachel Greenwood says:

    I have such a deep respect for Lawlor – the frontline work done by the amazing RSWs, the coordination done by the managers, the quick response when I call, the problem solving and troubleshooting that occurs… the list could go on.

    Courtney, I can’t imagine doing my job without you doing yours. Rick, you’re the reason I went back and did a second referral to Lawlor. Angie and Laura, you should both be SO proud of what you’ve built in Lawlor.

    Lawlor will forever be my first call.

    • Courtney says:

      The feeling is completely mutual Rachel. Thank you for all the support, it is a pleasure to collaborate with you. I always look forward to every opportunity to work with you 🙂

      • Rick Hadleycrane says:

        Wow, Rachel. Thank you so much for your comments. Everyone at Lawlor has so much respect for the work you do for your clients. We are so glad you came back for that second referral :0)

  • Sarah Lo says:

    A company that truly cares. From their compassion for people, managers and owners that go above and beyond, and a heightened sense of client awareness, Lawlor Therapy is top of its class.

    This is truly the best company I’ve ever worked for. I have felt supported in every moment and from every member of the Lawlor organization and am honoured to be a part of this team. I can’t thank them enough for creating a culture of understanding and excellence.

    This is the most well deserved and easiest vote for Rehab company of the year!

    • Courtney says:

      Sarah, you are truly one of a kind! thank you for your kind words. We are beyond lucky to have you as a part of the Lawlor family.

    • angie cunningham says:

      Sarah, we are sooo lucky that you are part of our team. We know when you are working with a client they are 100% in great hands. Thank you for being such an amazing RSW!

  • RSW (Anonymous) says:

    I am so fortunate to have two roles with Lawlor Therapy and can say I love being part of their team! I believe in their mission and it means a lot to me to be able to contribute to this team. We are a motivated team that continues to focus on delivering support with integrity and compassion to our clients.

    I admire how the Lawlor Management Team makes it a priority to regularly stay connected with their staff to keep up to date with their clients and to check in with their RSW’s to find out how they are doing and if they require any support. They take every opportunity to help their RSW’s improve in their role and that is the reason for my continuous growth as an RSW.

    We are a professional team who are dedicated and hardworking and so deserving of this award and recognition!

  • Rick Hadleycrane says:

    I am thrilled to read the wonderful comments about Lawlor and our exceptional team. Working for Lawlor over these many years has been an incredible experience. I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else, and this is all thanks to the amazing leadership of Angie and Laura and their huge hearts. I strongly believe that they deserve this recognition after giving so much of themselves to the ABI community over the past 25 years. They have truly made a difference in so many lives.

    I feel extremely fortunate to be part of this team. We have an amazing management team (Courtney, Heather and Drew) and our RSWs are exceptional. I look forward to many more years of working together.

  • Peg Ryder McElwain says:

    The experiences working with Lawlor will forever remain with me. I am grateful for the conducive environment and the honor to be an employee with this company, it’s been full of wonderful experiences.

    The coaching and mentoring opportunities the company has exposed me to have been invaluable and priceless. It’s such an honor to be an employee of Lawlors.

    • Courtney says:

      Thank you Peg! You are amazing at what you do and all of your clients benefit from your compassion, loyalty, and experience.

    • angie cunningham says:

      Thank you Peg!!! We so appreciate you. You are such a positive light in your client’s lives and ours also!

  • DAS says:

    When the need for home assistance arose, a few years ago, I was fortunate enough to get a recommendation to contact Lawlor Therapy Support.
    My support worker was and still is Peg.
    I have had an enjoyable professional working relationship with Peg Ryder McElwain for a number of years and greatly appreciate her
    feedback and dependable support.

    • Courtney says:

      Thank you DAS, we are so glad to be able to provide support and Peg is absolutely an amazing RSW. I know she thoroughly enjoys working with you as well 🙂

  • Victoria Sweetman says:

    Congratulations to the hard-working and dedicated team at Lawlor Therapy Support Services on this well-deserved recognition and nomination! Bravo!

  • Benita J Wolf says:

    15 years working with Lawlor says it all.
    Angie, Laura and the managers who dedicate themselves to support their staff who provide exceptional service to their clients makes being a part of Lawlor and honor.

    • Courtney says:

      Benita we are hands down the luck ones to have you as part of the Lawlor family for so many years! You are such an amazing person and RSW 🙂

  • Heather Ricardo says:

    I am so proud and fortunate to have been part of the Lawlor Family for 20 plus years.

    The entire Lawlor team is dedicated and compassionate. We are always humbled and grateful to be part of a wonderful health care community and be choosen to help others on their rehab journey.

    I am so thankful Laura and Angie chose me to be a part of the Lawlor family (they even held on when I moved cross country). There is no other place I would rather be.

    • angie cunningham says:

      2000 km could not stop us from holding on to you Heather! Thank you for staying with us. You are a major part of our beginning and hope you always stay.

  • Maureen Palmer says:

    Congratulation to the entire team at Lawlor for this well deserved nomination! Laura, Angie, Courtney, Rick, Heather- you all deserve this recognition for the incredible work you and your RSW’s do in the brain injury community! I have had the privilege of working with all of you and the support, creativity, problem solving and clinical skills are exceptional and so appreciated when working in dynamic and complex situations with our clients with ABI! Your team can always be counted on for your professional, dedicated, and compassionate services. Congratulations and good luck!

    • angie cunningham says:

      Thank you so much Maureen. It is always a priviledge to work with you.

    • Courtney Enright says:

      Thank you Maureen for the kind words. It is always a pleasure to work and collaborate with you. thank you for all the years of support!

  • Maxine Fyffe-Roberts says:

    Congratulations to Angie, Laura, and the Lawlor team for this recognition of all the wonderful work that you do!!

  • Michele Ouellet says:

    For the past 15+ years, I have relied on the support of Courtney Enright at Lawlor Therapy Support Services. Courtney’s expertise and constant commitment allowed me to make it through the difficult rehab/insurance period. Courtney has been there not only to deal with matters related to rehab and insurance but her support has and continues to extend to all aspects of my life. This made it possible for me to support my elderly parents for 11 years during which time we dealt with many significant challenges: moving my parents, medical appointments and emergencies too numerous to count, my mother’s passing in 2014, Covid, and finally, my father’s passing in 2021. Courtney was also a part of so many happy memories with my parents. A TBI is for life and with Lawlor, I am reassured knowing I have support that will follow beyond the medical/rehab/insurance and see me through all stages and aspects of my life. I would also like to thank Heather Cleveland, Chas Harding, Laura Reino, Peg Ryder McElwain, Kirsten Hadleycrane and Rick Hadleycrane who have also contributed to my support.
    Congratulations Lawlor.

    • Courtney Enright says:

      Michele, you kinds words mean so much to me and to Lawlor. It is an honour to have supported you and spent time with your amazing family. thank you for taking the time to post.

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