We are pleased to recognize alumni who have made an impact on the Waterloo community and continue to stay connected. Their contributions in supporting health and well-being, as well as their meaningful impact within the community and the University of Waterloo, do not go unnoticed. Please join us in celebrating our 2024 award winners on their remarkable achievements!
Alumni Achievement Award
STEVEN REBELLATO
Steven Rebellato (PhD ’13, Public Health and Health Systems) embodies exemplary leadership in public health and a commitment to mentoring current undergraduate and graduate students. He is currently completing a Fellowship in Artificial Intelligence at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto as part of the AMS-Fitzgerald Fellowship in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Human-Centred Leadership at the Joint Centre for Bioethics.
Rebellato has played an instrumental role in promoting the health and well-being of children, youth and families through his leadership at the York Hills Centre for Children, Youth and Families. He has guided the organization in delivering comprehensive mental health programs and services tailored to the needs of children and families in York Region. His commitment to mental health is evident through his efforts to develop a diversity, equity and inclusion framework within York Hills, emphasizing the importance of accessible care for all demographics, including Indigenous communities.
Since his graduation, Rebellato has remained actively connected with the University of Waterloo. Recently, he signed on to teach a course on the Management and Administration of Public Health Services over a three-year period in the School of Public Health Sciences to provide continuity to our programs. Rebellato’s ongoing practice-based experiences, along with his integrated public health scholarship and AI focus, are a vital aspect of the current Master of Public Health program at Waterloo. Students are inspired by his words and excited for the start of their degree and reminded as they leave the program about important themes for their own practice.
In recognition of his impact on public health and the next generation of public health leaders, Steven Rebellato is the recipient of the 2024 Faculty of Health Alumni Achievement Award.
Alumni Inspiration Award
ANALYSSA CARDENAS
Analyssa Cardenas (BSc ’18, Kinesiology) displays leadership and strong dedication to health care, research and community service. She is a recent graduate of Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Toronto and is currently in her fourth year of medical school at Dalhousie University. She is focused on improving health-care outcomes, particularly for children and vulnerable populations across Canada.
Cardenas is passionate about raising awareness of Indigenous health services within local emergency departments. As a volunteer at the Wije’winen Health Centre, Cardenas collaborated with community members, staff and hospital teams to create a promotional campaign and advocate for health equity in her local community. Additionally, she plays an active role in promoting Indigenous health through her work with the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Society, where she helps raise awareness of health-care services for Indigenous communities.
Her impact extends beyond community service, as she has also made notable contributions to the field of research. Currently, she is investigating the burnout, psychological morbidity and job satisfaction among Canadian child protection professionals through IWK Health. Her research findings have been shared at national conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals, significantly impacting the health and well-being of Canadians. Cardenas’ research spans across three pediatric hospitals and has led to eight peer-reviewed publications, 19 presentations and more than $35,300 in awards and scholarships, along with key national leadership positions.
In recognition of her commitment to her field and passion for success, Analyssa Cardenas is the recipient of the 2024 Faculty of Health Alumni Inspiration Award.
Alumni Volunteer Award
JILLIAN FLEMING
Jillian Fleming (BA ’01, Recreation and Leisure Studies), director of
Recreation for the City of Waterloo, has received the Alumni Volunteer Award due to her dedication to supporting our students and her lasting impact on our academic and professional community.
For more than two years, Fleming has generously served as a guest lecturer in REC 101 (Introduction to Recreation and Leisure Services), offering our undergraduate students invaluable insights into the field of municipal recreation. Fleming has volunteered to participate in a recorded interview for our REC 600 graduate class, where she shared her expertise with students. Here, she focused both on how her RLS degree has shaped her thinking about the role of recreation and leisure in people's lives – at all stages – and where she thinks the field is headed in the future. Her real-world experience has been a source of inspiration for students, giving them a clear picture of how their studies can translate into meaningful careers.
Beyond her classroom contributions, Fleming has gone above and beyond in offering personalized support to our students. She has provided thoughtful feedback on their career aspirations and actively connected them with her professional network. By doing so, she has helped students secure internships, job opportunities and mentorship connections that have set them on a path ro success.
Fleming's commitment to giving back to the University of Waterloo community has made a significant difference in the lives of our students and has helped to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world.
In recognition of her dedication to supporting students and the University of Waterloo, Jillian Fleming is the recipient of the 2024 Faculty of Health Alumni Volunteer Award.
Nominate an alum!
If you know an alum who embodies the Faculty of Health spirit through their contributions to the health and well-being of society, nominate them for an Alumni Award!
