As part of BC Social Work Week celebrations hosted by the BC Association of Social Workers, Minister of Children and Family Development Mitzi Dean will present awards to two B.C. social workers who have distinguished themselves through exemplary service to others and their communities.
The 2023 Canadian Association of Social Workers Award (BC) will be presented to Prince George social worker Heather Lamb. She has dedicated personal and professional time to fighting for a more accessible society for people with disabilities. Lamb’s personal and family experience with disability, fuels her passion for addressing ableism in society. Lamb provides case management and counselling services to individuals with spinal cord injury or related disabilities, and she addresses systemic inequalities through her advocacy efforts. Lamb has worked for Spinal Cord Injury BC since completing her MSW in 2013.
The 2023 Heart of the Grasslands Award will be presented to Kamloops social worker Nadine Ryan. Nadine serves as Director of Operations for the Ministry of Children and Family Development in Kamloops where she provides operational leadership and oversees delivery of services, human resources, and strategic planning. Nadine has been employed by the Ministry for more than 25 years and has made significant contributions to the welfare of children and youth in previous roles as manager, team leader, and child protection social worker. Nadine was instrumental in the development of practice and policy in the areas of youth agreements, domestic violence, and permanency planning. Nadine has a passion for developing teams and mentoring others.
“The theme for BC Social Work Week, ‘Social work is essential: Action today for a better tomorrow’, recognizes the profession’s role and its commitment to serve British Columbians through action that results in a more equitable society,” said Michael Crawford, President of the BC Association of Social Workers. “Heather Lamb and Nadine Ryan are exceptional and compassionate social workers who have made significant contributions improving the lives of British Columbians and it is our pleasure to recognize them with these awards.”
Dean will present the awards at a ceremony held via Zoom, set for noon, Wednesday, March 22, 2023 (Pacific). Registration link –https://tinyurl.com/485pt4z3