Category: Young Professional of the Year Award Finalist
Location: Bethesda, 3280 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON
Website: www.bethesdaservices.com
We’re excited to highlight Monica Hughes, Clinical Supervisor at Bethesda, as a finalist and the runner-up for Young Professional of the Year at the 2025 Outstanding Business Achievement Awards. This award recognizes a local professional under the age of 40, who consistently demonstrates excellence in their occupation and/or has tackled the ever increasing challenges of entrepreneurship.
About Bethesda
Bethesda is a not-for-profit organization that has been supporting people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities since the opening of their first home in 1937. They have continued to grow and adapt to the needs of those they support while maintaining their roots of helping people in the Spirit of Christ.
They are dedicated to serving children, youth and adults with special needs within the community through a network of clinical supports. Bethesda’s staff is caring, committed, and dedicated to supporting you, your loved ones, and family.
Celebrating Monica's Contributions
Monica was a finalist for the Young Professional of the Year because of her leadership in launching a transformative training initiative across Southwestern Ontario. She demonstrated exceptional expertise and commitment in developing and delivering Bethesda’s Therapeutic Respite Training Series, a program she helped design from the ground up.
Taking a hands-on role in both facilitation and implementation, Monica ensured that respite support workers were equipped with the knowledge and practical tools needed to provide high-quality therapeutic care to children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Her leadership abilities and dedication to empowering others helped strengthen the skills of more than 200 professionals working within the Ontario Autism Program. Monica is proud that this initiative is contributing to meaningful, impactful support for families across Southern Ontario.
Team Spotlight
Every great organization is powered by remarkable individuals. Bethesda would like to highlight:
- Lead facilitator/curriculum design: Monica Hughes
- Manager: Corrin Oosterhoff
- Co-facilitators: Chelsea Bastasin, Amber Boshart, Bethany Muir, Allison Baxter, Joshua Pedretti
Their skills, passion, and leadership are essential to the organization’s continued growth and impact.
Why We're Celebrating
The Outstanding Business Achievement Awards celebrate those who help strengthen our region. As a 2025 OBAA finalist, Monica Hughes’s impact reflects the dedication, innovation, and leadership that define our business community.
We’re proud to highlight and celebrate the meaningful work she does through Bethesda.