Each year, the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation presents Awards of Excellence to personnel in care, research and support, as well as community members who have stood out for their exceptional commitment to sick children.

The 2025 edition celebrates their unique and diverse talents, all driven by a shared passion: improving the lives and health of kids at The Children’s, in the community, nationwide and beyond. Congratulations to our laureates, whose extraordinary dedication allows The Children’s to find unexpected ways to heal and help young patients regain their boundless energy. Long live little brats!

From left to right: Annie Guillemette, Jessika Truong, Émilie Veilleux, Cathy Quirion and Hélène Langlois

American Iron & Metal Teamwork Award of Excellence

Pediatric Oncology Pharmacy Team

To this team of passionate pediatric oncology pharmacists, each child deserves rigorous, compassionate and patient-centered care. Their close collaboration with medical teams and constant presence with families make all the difference throughout the care journey. Thanks to their tailored expertise and key role in clinical trials, they make innovative treatments available to patients, giving them hope. They also stand out for their small gestures that warm the heart. It is their synergy, kindness, and professionalism that have earned them this well-deserved Award of Excellence.

Photo: Pamela Lajeunesse, Medical Multimedia Services, MUHC

National Bank Medical Award of Excellence

Dr. Mylène Dandavino

Dr. Mylène Dandavino’s passion and determination turn challenges into opportunities. She has never stopped learning and growing, completing multiple trainings to better care, better teach and better inspire. A compassionate leader, committed mentor and passionate educator, she generously offers guidance for future healthcare professionals. With the support of a large, multidisciplinary team, she ensures inpatient units run smoothly and devotes herself to delivering safe and compassionate care for children. Her kindness and commitment make her a natural choice for this Award of Excellence.

From left to right: Jordan Paquette, Alexis Zhang, Bernard Atondo and Fadi Hassouna

Bombardier Nicolas W. Matossian Junior Community Award of Excellence

Leaders on Wheels

The students with Leaders on Wheels from the MacKay satellite campus at Westmount High demonstrate true strength of character and exceptional generosity. Despite the challenges associated with their health conditions, they skillfully produce and market products, like their famous BBQ sauce, to support the hospital that cared for them. With support from their teacher and special educators, the young leaders develop practical skills while proudly giving back to their community. Their dedication, both personal and collective, proves that with heart and determination, everything is possible. This inspiring project fully deserves an Award of Excellence.

Pfizer Research Award of Excellence

Dr. Maryam Oskoui

Dr. Maryam Oskoui’s medical practice brings together cutting-edge science and a strong sense of humanity. As a clinical researcher in pediatric neurology, she transforms care for children with rare neurological conditions, thanks in large part to gene therapy and innovative tools like a therapeutic video game for home physiotherapy. She listens to families, letting their realities guide her research to make concrete improvements in care. Thanks to her commitment, spinal muscular atrophy has been included in Quebec’s newborn screening and in the creation of international standards of care. Her deeply humanistic approach to innovation in care makes her truly deserving recipient for the Research Award of Excellence.

Photo : Pamela Lajeunesse, Medical Multimedia Services, MUHC

Rio Tinto Nursing Award of Excellence

Julie Brouillard

Julie Brouillard didn’t set out to become a nurse, and yet, she’s excelled in the role for 25 years. An advanced practice nurse in neuro-oncology and neurosurgery at The Children’s, she provides compassionate support for families facing devastating diagnoses, honouring their lived experiences and helping them find balance. Specialized in complex cases, she plays a key role in improving practices by developing protocols, training colleagues and easing the transition to adult care. Her incredible journey, bringing together expertise, sensitivity and commitment, makes her a worthy recipient of the Nursing Award of Excellence.

Sun Life Community Leadership and Volunteer Award of Excellence

Kim Thomassin

An influential leader with an impressive background, Kim Thomassin, Executive Vice-President and Head of Québec at the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, expertly balances her professional responsibilities and philanthropic commitments. As co-president of The Children’s Bal des tannants in 2023, Kim Thomassin helped raise a record sum of 1.5 million dollars for the Healthy Kids Fund. A committed ambassador, she continues to make a real difference as co-president of the Unexpected Ways to Heal campaign, seeking to transform the future of pediatrics. Inspired by both staff and patients, Kim Thomassin’s active, humanistic and visionary approach to philanthropy has earned her the Leadership and Volunteer Award of Excellence.

Photo: Pamela Lajeunesse, Medical Multimedia Services, MUHC

TD Professional Staff Award of Excellence

Marie-Eve Besner

Professional coordinator of The Children’s Clinical Nutrition Department, Marie-Eve Besner demonstrates outstanding leadership. Innovative and proactive, she implemented a rigorous traceability system and found creative solutions to shortages, even contributing to a provincial project recognized by the Ministry of Health. Thanks to her efforts, nutritionists are more integrated into care protocols, especially in the neonatal unit and genetics. She has also optimized clinical practices by implementing electronic and collective prescriptions. Her commitment, vision and impact on care, as well as the recognition of her profession, make her a worthy recipient of the Professional Staff Award of Excellence.

Photo: Pamela Lajeunesse, Medical Multimedia Services, MUHC

MCHF Administrative, Clinical and Technical Support Staff Award of Excellence

Anastasia Thiveos

Administrative officer in The Children’s Division of Dentistry and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Anastasia Thiveos expertly coordinates general anesthesia services, a complex job she executes with remarkable efficiency and a strong sense of kindness. Thanks to the form she created, she optimizes each time slot in the operating room, ensuring fluid services for families and the clinical team. Her curiosity and rigour have led to a deep understanding of the clinical and administrative factors linked to complex dental care. With her strong sense of empathy and informed by her own experiences, she’s skilled at reassuring anxious kids. A piece of cake for the former head chef, whose rare blend of compassion and organizational skill has earned her the Administrative, Clinical and Technical Support Staff Award of Excellence.