The Learning Development Fund at Grand River Hospital enables staff to pursue additional educational opportunities to gain new skills and further their professional development. It is also entirely funded by generous donors and supporters like you.

We asked hospital staff who received financial support from the Learning Development Fund to share how it promotes learning, helps them become better professionals, and ensures Care. Never. Stops. at the Hospital.

Here are just a few of the things they had to say:

“The reimbursement received through the GRH Learning Development Fund is greatly appreciated! Not only does it help financially, but it is a wonderful way to let team members know that continuous learning is recognized and valued in our organization.” – Heidi Clay, OHS, Physiotherapist

“Thank you to the donors for allowing me to gain further skills and specialization to help our younger population in the emergency department.” – Jessica Hill-Porter, Emergency, RN

“Thank you for providing me with the opportunity for this funding. These programs make all the difference in the world for people like me who are trying to do their best. Thank you for your support!” – Marcus Arar, Environmental Services 

“Thank you so much for supporting education for healthcare professionals. You are directly impacting patient care at Grand River Hospital by allowing staff to develop advanced knowledge and skills.” – Trinda Crawford, Childbirth

“Thank you for this wonderful opportunity! We are very fortunate to have such generous and supportive donors!” – Carolyn Wilson, Specialized Mental Health, Psychologist

“Thank you for supporting my professional development in the area of dementia care. This opportunity has improved my understanding of this disease, strengthened the empathy I have for my patients, and equipped me with various tools for navigating challenging interactions.” – Veronica Suitor, Occupational Therapist

“From the depth of my heart, thank you so much for your incredible help, and making a difference through your compassion and generosity.” – Dimpal Patel, Medical Imaging, X-ray Technologist

“I can’t begin to tell you how appreciative I am of your generosity. This fund helps take so much stress off the school year when having to balance both work and completing my Masters degree in Nursing. You rock!” – Farida Mamoukhova, Childbirth, Registered Nurse

“Thanks for helping fund my final semester of my nursing bridging program. It makes a huge difference in bettering myself.” – Tyler Bowman, 1F Psych RPN

“Working in oncology with cancers patients is very rewarding and very complex. This programme allows me the opportunity to enhance my knowledge, and gives me the ability to better care for my patients and work alongside the other health care professions in the department. I am very grateful that this has elevated my practice and improved me personally and professionally. Thank you so much!” – Laura Kraemer, OP Oncology, RPN

“It is these learning opportunities that allow me to grow as a clinician that help inspire me to find new ways to make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families. Thank you.” –Katrina Martin, Seniors SPMH Occupational Therapist

“Thank you for your generous donations that have enabled me to work towards bettering myself in my career and allowing me to fulfil my dreams of becoming an RN at GRH. I would love to one day work towards work towards becoming a physician at GRH, and being able to get my degree in nursing is a step in that direction for me! Thank you so much!” – Charlotte Pratt, RPN, Emergency Room

“Thank you for your generosity. Your contribution provides frontline staff with the opportunity to acquire the most up-to-date information in order to provide exceptional patient care. It is because of you that we are able to further provide outstanding care.” – Bremely Berganza Pelaez, Speech-Language Pathologist