National Capital Region's Top Employers (2025) - Flipbook - Page 24
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NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION’S TOP EMPLOYERS (2025)
Creative ways to care come 昀椀rst at Hôpital Montfort
I
n 2008, Christine Albert
Breton completed a student
internship at Ottawa-based
Hôpital Montfort while
earning an occupational
therapy degree at the University
of Ottawa. “Right away, I was
drawn to the culture of respect
and excellence,” she says. “As a
student I could see it on a daily
basis – it was such a welcoming
environment.”
Since it was established in 1953,
Montfort has been Ontario’s only
francophone academic hospital,
caring for patients in both official
languages. After Albert Breton
completed her degree, she was
hired as an occupational therapist
in mental health, then moved to
the physical therapeutic services.
In 2023, she became a wellness
specialist.
“I see my pathway as being promoted because I’ve always aspired
to try new things and thrive in the
organization,” says Albert Breton,
who grew up in Grand Falls,
N.B., and whose first language is
French. “Each role brought up
new opportunities, and I’ve always
had supportive managers and
supervisors to help me through
the transitions.”
One of those leaders was Valérie
Dubois Desroches, whom Albert
Breton describes as “outstanding.” In 2002, Dubois Desroches
herself did a student placement
at Montfort, in the physiotherapy
department. “Even as a student,
there are opportunities to be
involved in interesting projects,”
she says. After graduating from
her program, she also chose to join
Montfort and has since progressed
through various roles within the
organization.
Dubois Desroches knew she
wanted to work in management
one day. With her supervisor’s
support, she returned to school
to do an administration program,
then earned a master’s degree in
public administration – all while
working full-time. “I was given
flexibility with my schedule to
accommodate my studies, which I
really appreciated,” she says.
There’s no question that
hospital employees are constantly
feeling pressure, but it’s also
quite rewarding. As a wellness
specialist, Albert Breton strives to
promote what she calls “psychological safety” at work. “We want
everyone to feel comfortable
communicating openly with their
leaders, about their challenges,
needs and ambitions,” she says.
For example, to help staff unwind during their busy workday,
two Recharjme pods are available
on premises, where people can
disconnect and relax in a reclining
massage chair and enjoy soothing
music or use light therapy for half
an hour (reservations can be made
through an app).
We have a unique vision,
mission and values that are
quite close to my heart.
— Valérie Dubois Desroches
Senior Vice President,
Patient Care
Employees at Hôpital Montfort can take advantage of many wellness perks, including access to the
organization's two Recharjme pods.
Another recent initiative
has been to collaborate with
community partners in offering
“wellness moments” across the
hospital, comprising 10-minute
huddles to discuss mental health
topics such as stress management
and mindfulness. When it comes
to wellness and recognition,
Montfort is creative throughout
the year and leaders listen to what
their employees say they need
and appreciate the most. Albert
Breton is looking into offering
guided 30-minute sessions, where
employees can rest and recharge
on yoga mats in a quiet room and
