ROB KATTENHORN
Nominated for:
Rob Kattenhorn, joined Lawlor Therapy Support Services as a Rehabilitation Support Worker ten years ago in 2004. Rob was motivated to change careers that year after losing his mother, Jane Kattenhorn, to a brainstem aneurism. Jane became ill a day after she walked in the 2003 Brain Injury Association of Waterloo Wellington’s Annual Walkathon. After this tragic experience Rob wanted to perform meaningful work and he felt a calling to support others.
Rob became a board member of the Brain Injury Association of Waterloo Wellington in 2012 and was one of the key coordinators of the Walk, Run, and Roll fundraiser for the B.I.A.W.W in 2013 and 2014. He also has attended, and/or volunteered at numerous fundraising activities that support acquired brain injury since 2004.
Rob is a Laurier University B.A graduate. He attended Seneca College and received a Rehabilitation Professional Certificate. He has also attended the Ontario Brain Injury Association level One Certificate Training and attended numerous other seminars and conferences to improve his skill level.
Rob is one of Lawlor’s most requested staff. Numerous rehabilitation team members comment on Rob’s professionalism, his genuine interest in his clients and his dedication. Rob’s clients have relayed that he has assisted them in achieving many goals due to his genuine interest in their wellbeing and his commitment to helping them gain their independence. Rob’s job has always been to work himself out of a job with clients and he is the person to let you know when he thinks they are ready to move forward without RSW support.
Rob was awarded the Lawlor Mission and Values Award in 20010 for his dedication to rehabilitation, commitment to client-focused care, pursuit of high standards, promotion of ethical principles and conduct, focus on continuing education and going above and beyond expectations.
Rob’s impact on others and delivery of care to his clients is truly remarkable. He is one of those rare individuals that puts others’ needs before himself and is continually generating ideas in how to best support people. Rob does not work at this job for the compensation or the accolades, his reward is seeing the people he works with succeed and overcome obstacles. Rob is the guy who will drive hours through a snowstorm if his client is in need.
Unfortunately Rob received devastating news in June of this year when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer. This event has affected everyone who has known and worked with Rob and he has the power of their support and love behind him while he is fighting this insidious disease. Rob’s nomination as Health Care Provider of the Year is just one of the ways the rehabilitation community has chosen to recognize, honour, and support him on this journey. I can think of no one more deserving of this reward and recognition.