Shawna Perkins’ journey began in 2007, fresh out of graduate school with an M.A. in Art Therapy and eager to learn and grow in a supportive environment. She was drawn to Holland Bloorview “because it embraced the arts in health care in ways that support healing, growth and meaningful engagement.”
For 18 years, Shawna worked with young children across inpatient, outpatient and respite programs, collaborating with therapy teams to turn everyday moments into opportunities for growth and rehabilitation through play. This experience, which she describes as "life-changing," allowed her to learn from the incredible staff, children and families she worked with.
Shawna recently transitioned to the role of team lead, program integration – a national initiative funded by The Slaight Family Foundation and guided by the National Disability Initiative. Her work focuses on expanding Holland Bloorview’s inclusive, evidence-based programming into community settings through a partnership with March of Dimes Canada (MODC).
When asked what drives her work, she said: “What drives me is the opportunity to keep learning, collaborate with others and contribute to work that supports the wellbeing of children, youth and families.”
Read on to learn more about Shawna and her impactful work:
Tell us about your journey at Holland Bloorview?
My first role was as coordinator for the Ronald McDonald Playroom - a space that truly reflects Holland Bloorview’s values by offering a safe, welcoming environment for clients, siblings and families. After supporting the inpatient therapeutic recreation team, I became coordinator for the inpatient therapeutic playroom. There I pursued registration as a psychotherapist with The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and helped develop an art therapy role within the Get Up and Go persistent pediatric pain program.
I’ve also had the privilege of co-facilitating the Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) program for caregivers alongside social work colleagues and family leaders though our Family as Faculty program.
What does your role involve?
I am supporting the expansion of some of Holland Bloorview’s inclusive, evidence-based programs through a five-year initiative with March of Dimes Canada. This project extends hospital programming into community settings across Ontario and Canada. Seeing these inclusive programs in action, I witness how each participant’s individual needs are considered and responded to. Related to that, I lead the development of Programs in a Box – toolkits that equip partners with the training and resources required to deliver these accessible programs.
Can you share some of the key initiatives your team is currently working on?
In the first year of this five-year initiative, we piloted two programs: Active TogetherSocial Club and Mind, Body, Mingle in community settings with MODC. Currently we’re focused on developing and evaluating a train-the-trainer model to ensure our partners have the tools and resources they need to deliver these programs independently.
Evaluation is a key part of this initiative. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with the hospital’s Evidence to Care team to ensure our training is grounded in best practices, supporting the hospital’s commitment to quality and continuous learning.
Why is this work so important to clients and families?
This project is important because it allows these programs to reach more clients and families, in more places. Through partnership, we’re able to work across systems and extend the reach of Holland Bloorview’s inclusive programming through collaboration with the skilled team at MODC. What stands out most in the feedback we receive is the importance of a strong, positive relationship between facilitator and participant, built through engaging activities, meaningful communication, and shared moments of connection.
You received the most spotlights in 2024 - congratulations! What do you think has contributed to that recognition and what does it mean to you?
Collaboration with teams definitely contributed to this recognition and was especially meaningful as I transitioned into this new role. It gave me a moment to reflect on all the wonderful clients, families and team members I’ve been lucky enough to work with.
What do you find most rewarding about your work here at Holland Bloorview?
Beyond formal training, I love learning through collaboration. One of my favourite examples include being part of a multidisciplinary working group that developed an infant standard of care. That work led to meaningful initiatives like the infant cuddle program, in partnership with nursing and volunteer resources, and recognized the importance of uninterrupted cuddle time for young babies during those first months of their lives while at the hospital.
Is there a moment or experience at Holland Bloorview that stands out as especially meaningful to you?
Since starting my career here, I’ve also been raising my own family and experienced moments that reshaped my perspective on what matters most. I deeply admire parents’ resilience and how they navigate uncertainty and challenges. I’m reminded daily that what children often need most is a caring, present person who meet them where they are. Those moments of connection are powerful and they’re why this work matters.
Outside of work, are there any hobbies or passions you enjoy that people might not know about?
I love art and music and enjoy attending community events that foster connection and creativity. A favourite family tradition of ours is visiting the local farmer’s market – it’s a great way to spend time outdoors, socialize and pick up groceries while we’re at it!
Most recently, we adopted an 8-month-old pup from the SPCA. I’m learning a lot about puppy training and she’s keeping us busy!
Learn more about our inclusion programs and Recreation and Life Skills programs.
