Celebrating Teams

Let’s recognize the teams and leaders who are making a difference in primary care. Explore the inspiring work, innovative approaches and impact of Bright Lights Award winners and nominees.

Celebrating Teams

Let’s recognize the teams and leaders who are making a difference in primary care. Explore the inspiring work, innovative approaches and impact of Bright Lights Award winners and nominees.

Bright Lights Awards

Each year, AFHTO puts out a call for nominations for our Bright Lights Awards, generously supported through our ongoing partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim. The awards celebrate the many outstanding achievements and contributions from across the sector that help advance team-based primary care in Ontario.

Individuals and teams are nominated by their peers, and winners are announced and celebrated at our annual conference.

At the 2025 conference, we expanded our awards to recognize MORE of our members and the exceptional work they are doing. The awards were announced and presented on October 23, 2025, during The Power of Primary Care Conference! See our winners and nominees below.

Power of Primary Care Board Award

Team of the Year Board Award

Emerging Leader Award

Heart of the Team Award

Rideau St. Lawrence FHT, Glengarry NPLC, Seaway Valley CHC, Centre de santé communautaire de l’Estrie, Great River OHT

The Constellation of Primary Care Award

Governing with Integrity: Navigating Conflict, Power, and Accountability Award

Rebuilding the QI Muscle: Data, Action & Impact Award

Digital Tools, Human Care: Innovation with Purpose Award

Growing Great Teams: Building Culture, Retaining Talent, and Transforming Care Through Collaborative Learning Award

Meeting Needs, Advancing Equity: The Power of Comprehensive, Patient-Partnered Care Award

Check out AFHTO members who are rising stars in primary care, actively shaping the future of team-based care. Emerging leaders are early- to mid-career professionals (5–10 years) from either clinical or operational backgrounds who demonstrate initiative, innovation, and collaborative leadership. These individuals are driving meaningful change and already show the promise of future system leadership. They lead not by title, but through action, vision, and the ability to inspire those around them to drive change too.

Elizabeth Smith

Elizabeth Smith

Advancing nurse practitioner leadership

Jodi Colwill

Jodi Colwill

Driving integrated and equitable primary care

Subo Awan

Subo Awan

Transforming teams through equity and quality

Cyril Turley

Cyril Turley

Pioneering expanded nursing practice

Bathilde Gautier

Bathilde Gautier

Strengthening primary care through quality and access

Denis Tsang

Denis Tsang

Leading digital transformation across the system

Dr. Shawn Minor

Dr. Shawn Minor

Stabilizing rural primary care systems

Chris Cassolato

Chris Cassolato

Building connected and community driven care

Ale Heddon

Ale Heddon

Advancing nursing leadership and practice

Across AFHTO teams, there are many individuals whose presence is essential but often behind the scenes—they embody the spirit of team-based care through compassion, consistency, and quiet leadership. These team members lift others up, help their teams thrive, and contribute to a positive workplace culture. They’re the glue that holds the team together—mentors, supporters, and steady hands who make excellence possible by enabling others to succeed. 

Amanda Gallion-Ferron

Amanda Gallion-Ferron

Delivering compassionate and responsive care

Chris LeBouthillier

Chris LeBouthillier

Thoughtful leadership and mentorship

Ellen Ibey

Ellen Ibey

Leading resilient primary care in rural communities

Tara Peel

Tara Peel

Expanding access through compassionate leadership

Julie MacVoy

Julie MacVoy

Delivering care grounded in trust and empathy

Erika North

Erika North

Impactful leader supporting growth and comprehensive care

Norma Connolly 

Norma Connolly

Strengthening care through education and mentorship

Frank Ruberto

Frank Ruberto

A catalyst of team growth

Primary care teams across AFHTO’s membership exemplify exceptional interprofessional collaboration, patient-centred care, and innovative quality improvement initiatives. These teams are a beacon of inspiration, showcasing remarkable outcomes, fostering an empowering culture, and sharing impactful practices that elevate primary care. Work is always performed by a cohesive team dedicated to transforming care delivery in their professional roles. 

Woodbridge Medical Centre Family Health Team

Setting the standard for inclusive and digital primary care

Norfolk Family Health Team

Delivering coordinated care rooted in community needs

Barrie and Community Family Health Team

Bringing coordinated care directly to children and families

South East Toronto Family Health Team

Redefining collaborative and equitable primary care

LEARN MORE ABOUT AFHTO'S CONFERENCE!