Acknowledging our team’s remarkable contributions
At CNIB Deafblind Community Services, our employees are our strength. Every day, our incredible staff team goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional service and support to our clients. Since the beginning, we’ve heard countless stories and testimonials from clients in communities across Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia – all with the same message: that our staff care deeply about what they do and the people they serve.
Without our staff, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do — and we can never truly express how grateful we are to be able to work with such a phenomenal team of passionate and dedicated individuals!
DBCS staff recognition awards
Want to recognize a DBCS staff member who’s gone above and beyond? Let us know and help us celebrate their great work. .
Kerry G. Wadman Service Excellence Award
At DBCS, we’re proud to honour the outstanding work our staff do every day across the country. Since 2017, the Kerry G. Wadman Service Excellence Award has recognized one team member each year who goes above and beyond in their role, making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
This award was created in memory of Kerry G. Wadman, a pioneer, visionary, and lifelong advocate for intervenor services. Kerry became Deafblind at an early age, but that never stopped him. He was one of the first Deafblind Canadians to graduate from the University of Toronto, later joining CNIB, where he worked for many years.
Kerry was instrumental in establishing Canada’s first apartment building for people who are Deafblind, and he travelled internationally to share his knowledge and advocate for intervenor services. He was a mentor, teacher, and inspiration to many. His legacy lives on through the values we hold dear: respect, empowerment, empathy, teamwork, and professionalism.
Each year, the award is open to all DBCS staff across Canada. Nominations are welcomed from colleagues, clients, and families. A selection committee reviews all nominations and chooses one outstanding recipient who embodies Kerry’s spirit and values in their everyday work.
Congratulations to the 2025 recipient!
My name is Kelli, and I am the DBCS Project Lead. I have been with our organization since 2006 and feel so blessed to be working for and with some of the best people I’ve ever known. I started as an intervenor and eventually merged into full-time admin and Project lead. I love every aspect of my role, both present and past, and I am absolutely thrilled to be the recipient of the Kerry G Wadman Service Excellence Award this year! It is such an honour and I truly believe that you have all helped me over the years to get to where I am today. Thank you!!!
Project Lead, Eastern Ontario
Thank you for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to service excellence.
Past Recipients:
• 2024 – Sandra Forbes
• 2023 – Nicol Rumball
• 2022- Kim Setzer
• 2021- Cheri-Leigh Follow
• 2020 – Christine Melehes
• 2019 – Janine Tucker
• 2018 – Maureen O’Brien