2025 HOSPITAL SOCIAL WORKER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE

Michelle Kaustov

Nominated For: HOSPITAL SOCIAL WORKER OF THE YEAR

Michelle is a Registered Social Worker with 7 years of experience in the social services field. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from York University and a Masters of Social Work from University of Toronto. Her experience includes supporting individuals facing complex psychosocial challenges, including histories of homelessness, substance use, and mental health, in both community and hospital-based settings.

Currently, she works as an inpatient Social Worker with the Tory Trauma Program at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. She works with an interdisciplinary team to support patients with complex traumatic injuries and medical needs, including traumatic brain injury. Her role includes following patients and their families throughout their admission and supporting with aspects such as advocacy, education, emotional support, resource linkage, and discharge planning. She works closely with both internal and external providers to ensure the needs of patients are met. In addition to her clinical work, she has contributed to student education at Sunnybrook by offering placement opportunities to MSW students.

Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the city, drawing, reading, and spending time with friends and family.