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Back for it's second year, we are pleased to announce our 2023 APHD Recognition Award winners. The APHD Recognition Awards is a new initiative and was implemented within the department of applied psychology and human development to recognize our amazing students, their hard work and dedication to their programs and peers.

The APHD Recognition Awards have four categories, including a compassionate award, a volunteer award, a leader award and star award.

We sat down with each of our recipients to learn more about what this award means to them and what's next.

APHD Compassionate Award
The APHD Compassionate Award is awarded to a masters or doctoral APHD student who may be going through financial difficulty for various reasons.

Award recipient: Maude Thomas, current masters student in the Child Study & Education program
Expected year of graduation: 2024

What does this award mean to you?
Winning the APHD Compassionate Award holds profound significance within the dynamic landscape of my journey through the MA-CSE program. It symbolizes more than just an accolade; it is a humbling recognition of my sincere commitment to promoting compassionate practices in education. I have always felt deeply about cultivating empathy, understanding, and inclusivity within educational settings.The award inspires me to view compassionate education not merely as a concept but as a transformative force in fostering positive change. It reinforces the importance of creating a supportive and empathetic learning environment. This recognition encourages me to continue contributing to compassionate education, not just as an academic pursuit but as a lifelong commitment to making a meaningful impact within the broader academic community; I am excited to be a catalyst for further exploration and innovation in integrating compassionate practices into educational frameworks.  There are many avenues for research and collaboration to advance the cause of compassionate education that I would like to explore. 

What next?
I envision myself in a multifaceted role where I can significantly influence educational policies and practices to create truly inclusive learning environments.My ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between theory and practice, actively contributing to positive changes in education. Whether through educational consultancy, impactful research endeavors, or assuming leadership positions, I aim to incorporate the invaluable insights I gained at OISE to foster lasting and sustainable changes in the field of education.As a dedicated advocate for equitable and innovative educational practices, I am committed to being a catalyst for positive change on a broader scale. I actively seek opportunities where I can make a meaningful impact and contribute to the advancement of inclusive and empathetic educational practices.

APHD Leader Award
The APHD Leader Award is awarded to a masters or doctoral APHD student who has started or led an initiative with deliverable results. 

Award recipient: Shona Mistry, current doctoral student in the School and Clinical Child Psychology program
Expected year of graduation: 2028 

What does this award mean to you?
Being a leader in a mental health field is of strong importance to me. I care deeply about growing our field to have more compassionate, reflective, and socially just care rooted in advocacy and activism. Being recognized as a leader at OISE is a huge honor and I hope to continue using my voice and platform to advocate for our clients, students, and communities with whom we work.

What next? 
Once finishing the PhD, I aspire to work in either community mental health or in the school board, with a particular focus on providing services to minoritized and racialized children, youth, and families from different intersectional backgrounds. I am passionate about using my advocacy experience and skills to ground all of my clinical work in social justice and activism, and to continue to dismantle systemic barriers preventing vulnerable people from accessing services.

One of Shona's nominators also add "Shona has been the glue of our SCCP PhD1 cohort since before we even started this program. She connected us all and fostered the most caring, supportive environment where we are all able to thrive". Another nominator says "In addition to many formal roles, Shona is an active leader and participant in every class, and consistently provides support to both students and faculty in various capacities".

APHD Star Award
The APHD Star Award is awarded to a masters or doctoral APHD student who has made a positive impact on their peers and the APHD/OISE community.

Award recipient: Jenny Hui, current doctoral student in the Counselling and Clinical Psychology program
Expected year of graduation: 2027

What does this award mean to you?
Winning this award is a reflection and celebration of my community at OISE. I am immensely grateful for the unwavering support and care extended to me by the students, staff, and faculty who share my passion for building community at OISE and uplifting marginalized voices in counselling and psychology. This award represents the positive impact that you all have had on me, for I would not be where I am today without your wisdom and affirmation, and it is together as a collective that we create change.

What next?
Throughout my program at OISE—and beyond, into my career—I aim to centre the experiences and needs of marginalized individuals. I dream of engaging in collaborative, innovative research with racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, and disabled people, that translates into mental health advocacy and interventions for underserved communities. I dream of providing patient-centred care to people living with chronic illnesses and different intersecting identities. I dream of continuing to organize events and initiatives that (1) foster solidarity across diverse communities, and (2) uplift the stories and work of marginalized individuals (including students, clinicians, academics, and community members). These are a few things I envision in my future!

One of Jenny's nominators also add "On numerous occasions, Jenny has shown up for her peers and created a positive atmosphere within the APHD Student Community. She has shown up for students in ways that really mattered. She is extremely resourceful and more than deserving of the APHD Star Award because she brightens up everyone's day."

APHD Volunteer Award
The APHD Volunteer Award is awarded to a masters or doctoral student who has volunteered within the OISE community and beyond in the last two years.

Award recipient: Rya Buckley, current doctoral student in the School and Clinical Child Psychology program
Expected year of graduation: 2028

What does this award mean to you?
I'm so honoured to have received the Volunteer Award, especially knowing that it was voted by my peers! Getting involved in events on campus has always enriched my university experience. For me, participating in the BIPOC Socials and Racialized Students' Team has been an important part of my graduate student experience because it has helped me to meet like-minded people and feel supported as a student. I’ve gained so much from volunteering at these events.

What next?
I’m still figuring it out, but I am interested in both research and clinical work supporting the mental health of minoritized children and youth.

One of Rya's nominators says "Rya is an amazing person and has spent her time to organize and participate in many activities across APHD regardless of her busy schedule. As an SCCP student, Rya contributes her lived experience and shares it with others to educate and move beyond the barriers".