Kids Brain Health Network sponsored Monica Halsey to present at the Children’s Healthcare Canada 2024 Annual Conference, “Right-sizing Health Systems for Kids: Navigating to Brighter Futures,” a journey reflecting the impact of collaboration in healthcare.
A mother of two with one son diagnosed with autism, Monica’s advocacy work has been shaped by her experience as a parent. For over a decade, she has been dedicated to improving healthcare for families. Starting as a Family Leader with Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, she later joined the Family as Faculty program in 2023. Her work has spanned research projects, committees and policy discussions, aiming to build a stronger support system for families navigating pediatric healthcare.
Monica Halsey, second from the left, is seated with the other presenters for the “Autism Diagnostic Clinical Pathways: A Collaborative Approach to Improve Family and Clinician Experience” presentation at the Children’s Healthcare Canada Annual Conference 2024. Photo by Children’s Healthcare Canada.
The opportunity to attend the conference almost slipped away due to the challenges of being a single parent without childcare for three days. However, when a colleague reached out to Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) to explain her situation, the Network responded with additional support. Although KBHN had initially committed to sponsoring a session with a focus on including a family member or individual with lived experience as a co-presenter, the Network stepped in to increase the sponsorship, allowing her to attend with her children in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
“I’m thankful for the support of my colleagues and KBHN,” Monica shared. “I was brought to tears when a teammate said, ‘Pack your bags!’ Moments like these make you feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself.”
KBHN was a key sponsor of the event, which took place from October 20-22, 2024, at the St. John’s Convention Centre. The conference gathered leading voices in pediatric healthcare to explore innovative strategies for enhancing services for children, youth, and families. KBHN CEO Geoff Pradella and COO Kim van der Hoek were both in attendance to ensure they connected with the people as well as embraced the theme of the conference.
The KBHN-sponsored session “Autism Diagnostic Clinical Pathways” began with Geoff’s opening remarks, followed by a discussion co-led by Monica. The presentation highlighted how clinicians, parents, and youth with lived experience came together to improve an autism diagnostic process. “Our team had the privilege of working alongside clinicians and families, gathering feedback to make sure our work truly reflects their needs,” Monica explained. The collaboration led to a new screening and triage process, six clinical pathways, and enhanced waitlist support.
Monica also co-presented a poster on an initiative close to her heart: “While We’re Waiting,” a peer support group for families awaiting an autism assessment for their child. “I am so happy when we help even one parent experience less stress during this preliminary stage of the diagnostic process,” Monica said. “I wish something like this had been available when I was waiting for my son’s assessment.”
Beyond her presentations, Monica’s experience at the conference was one of connection and learning. “Meeting Kim at the conference was a highlight, as it allowed me to thank her in person and share my work and what attending meant to me,” she said. Monica also emphasized the significance of involving family experts who bring lived experience perspectives in discussions on research priorities. “This conference was a powerful reminder that people genuinely care and that we can drive meaningful change through collaboration.”
Looking forward, Monica is more determined than ever to continue her advocacy work with the autism community. “This conference reminded me of why I do this work: to make a real difference in the lives of families and children, and to create a future where children’s healthcare is accessible, compassionate, and responsive to all needs.” Her experiences at the conference have deepened her commitment to improving family-centred healthcare and reinforcing the importance of lived experience in shaping healthcare systems.
KBHN wants to thank all the advocates and experts like Monica for their passion and determination. “Partnering with families in research and innovation is at the core of what we do. Their insights ensure that our work is grounded in real-life experiences, making a lasting impact for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities across Canada,” said Kim.
