We’re celebrating one of our own!
Empower Simcoe is proud to announce that Community Support Worker Cortney Moreau has been recognized with the Developmental Services Human Resources (DSHR) Forum Direct Support Professional Leadership Award at the Provincial Network on Developmental Services Conference, held October 28, 2025.
This prestigious provincial award celebrates Direct Support Professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing quality supports for people with developmental disabilities across Ontario.
“I truly love my job. In the developmental services sector, we don’t see what we do as going above and beyond – it’s simply who we are and what we do every day. Helping someone have a meaningful day is its own reward, so I’ve never expected recognition for it. That’s why receiving this award is such an incredible honour. All my colleagues care deeply and give their best. Every Empower Simcoe Support Worker brings their own heart, compassion, and strengths to the team, and together we make each other stronger.”
-Cortney Moreau
A dedicated Empower Simcoe team member for the past 16 years, Cortney Moreau was recognized for going above and beyond to support Hailey, a person she supports through Empower Simcoe’s Community Support Services program in Orillia. Observing Hailey’s determination to pursue her passion for knitting, Cortney personally researched, designed, and built an adaptive loom device – at her own expense and on her own time – to help Hailey achieve her creative goals.
“There’s no doubt that Empower Simcoe has the very best employees, bar none,” says Dr. Claudine Cousins, CEO of Empower Simcoe. “It is truly a pleasure to see one of our Direct Support Professionals recognized for leadership within the developmental services sector. We are so proud of Cortney, who represents all our employees and showcases the skills, compassion, and dedication demonstrated every day at Empower Simcoe in supporting people and families here in Simcoe County.”
Congratulations, Cortney! Your leadership and creativity make a real difference every day, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate you!
