Jelisa Clarke and Ron Bartley receive 22nd Annual Krista Sepp Memorial Awards

MARKHAM, ON, May 2, 2013 /CNW/ - On May, 2, 2013, Ron Bartley, Senior Child and Youth Worker, Hincks-Dellcrest Centre, and Jelisa Clarke, Child and Youth Counsellor, Vanier Children's Services, received the 2013 Krista Sepp Memorial Awards in recognition of their service to children and families.

The Krista Sepp Memorial Awards were established by Kinark Child and Family Services in 1991 to honour the memory of Krista Sepp, who lost her life on February 3, 1989, while performing her duties as a child and youth counsellor.

The awards celebration is held to recognize the high quality work and dedication of Child and Youth Counsellors/Workers from across Ontario.

During his distinguished career, Ron Bartley, recipient of the Mentoring Award, has been recognized as a leader and exceptional Child and Youth Worker. One of the many examples of his boundless initiative is his creative development and ongoing management of Hincks-Dellcrest Centre's 'Basement Beverage Company' (BBC), an in-house company selling various beverages providing paid job experience to youth.

"Ron is a person who goes above and beyond his work, not only with children, youth and their families, but also in his work to support, train and mentor emerging young professionals in the field," says Sheva McRae, Child and Youth Worker at Hincks-Dellcrest Centre.

Jelisa Clarke, winner of the Horizon Award, has been with Vanier Children's Services for over two years. Jelisa's passion for improving relationships with young people and visionary ideas are remarkable. She works with youth and families to create a caring, emotionally healthy and supportive community where all children, including the most vulnerable, reach their full potential to lead safe, productive and independent lives.

"Jelisa is bursting with positive and fun ideas for activities to do with the kids. She is able to seek out community resources to find events and activities for the children to participate in," says Lizz Black, Child and Youth Counsellor at Vanier Children's Services.

"These awards are a reflection of the hard work, dedication and passion of Child and Youth Counsellors and Workers across Ontario," says Peter Moore, President and CEO of Kinark Child and Family Services. "The Child and Youth Worker and Child and Youth Counsellor field is filled with bright and talented innovators and it's a privilege to play a role in celebrating their accomplishments."

The winners of the Krista Sepp Memorial Awards recipients were chosen by a selection committee. The committee considered the nominations based on the nominees' enthusiasm, empathy, creativity and initiative.

About Kinark Child and Family Services

Kinark Child and Family Services is the largest children's mental health organization in Ontario, providing expert help to children and youth, their families and communities.

SOURCE: Kinark Child and Family Services

or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Anne Rappé
Director of Communications
647-638-3981
[email protected]