It is difficult to talk about Lori without starting with her positive attitude, sense of humour, and infectious energy. Lori always lightens the mood at team Rounds and Get Up & Go meetings, as well as often diffusing the tension for nervous families at intake meetings and on admission days. She is self-effacing and her particular brand of somewhat irreverent humour takes clients by surprise in a way that helps them to realize that Lori is approachable and that this will not be a typical medical appointment!

By seeing beyond their diagnostic labels, Lori employs a strengths-based approach to care. This sets the stage for positive relationships with other team members, as Lori is the first point of contact for clients with persistent pain and their families who are referred to Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

Similarly, in team meetings, Lori often orients the discussion toward future-thinking and positive objectives; in this way, she upholds the values of the organization. During the COVID-19 pandemic in particular, Lori has shown a resilience and dedication that serves as an example to the Get Up & Go team.

As admissions were postponed, Lori remained in touch with families to keep them abreast of developments and to assuage their anxieties amidst the uncertainties of this unprecedented situation. Families expressed their gratitude to Lori for reaching out and it meant that, when we were ready to resume admissions, a solid number of families stood at the ready. As an office mate, Lori is a pleasure to work with, and I am happy and honoured to call her a dear friend.