Brantford, ON – Champions of Inclusion Awards
The Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDSB) proudly recognizes Speech-Language Pathologists Stephanie Bergman, Meagan Courneyea, and Mary Hanhan as the recipients of the 2025 Champions of Inclusion Award.
The Champions of Inclusion Awards are presented annually at the Coaching to Inclusion Conference to honor individuals who exemplify exceptional leadership in advancing inclusive education. Established in 1999, the award recognizes educators who advocate for inclusive education and embody its principles in their daily actions, ensuring all students are welcomed, valued, and empowered.
These clinicians have significantly advanced inclusive practices through professional development, assessments, consultative support, and practical resources.
Their initiatives include:
- High-Tech AAC Devices*: Ensuring equitable access to communication tools for students with urgent needs.
- Complex Communicators Guidebook: Providing comprehensive resources to support AAC users and build staff capacity.
- Story Champs Program: Implementing an oral language intervention program for Kindergarten classrooms to support early literacy and language development.
Congratulations to these outstanding clinicians for their well-deserved recognition.
* AAC devices (Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices) are tools designed to aid or replace speech or writing for those with impairments in the production or comprehension of spoken or written language.
Photo cutline (left to right): Sandra DeDominicis, Student Achievement Leader | Special Education; Mike McDonald, Director of Education; Stephanie Bergman , Speech and Language Pathologist; Mary Hanhan, Speech and Language Pathologist; Meagan Courneyea, Speech and Language Pathologist; Carol Luciani, Chair of the Board; Phil Wilson, Superintendent of Education.
Quotes:
Chair of the School Board: “Stephanie, Meagan, and Mary have demonstrated exceptional commitment to inclusive education. Their innovative initiatives have not only transformed the lives of students but have also set a benchmark for inclusive practices across the district. We are incredibly proud to honor them with this award.” – Carol Luciani
Superintendent of Education: “The dedication and vision of Stephanie, Meagan, and Mary have made a profound impact on our schools. Their work ensures that every student, regardless of their needs, has the opportunity to succeed and thrive. This recognition is a testament to their unwavering commitment to inclusion.” – Phil Wilson
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MEDIA RELEASE CONTACT
Sandra DeDominicis | Student Achievement Leader – Special Education
Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board
Email: sdedominicis@bhncdsb.ca
BHNCDSB CONTACT
Tracey Austin | Manager of Communications and Community Relations | Privacy Officer
Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board
P: 519.756.6505 Ext. 11234 | E: communications@bhncdsb.ca
