As an organization rooted in caregiving and community, VHA Home HealthCare (VHA)—and Champlain Rehab Solutions (CRS) in Ottawa—are proud to support not only our exceptional staff and service providers but also their families. This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the many remarkable mothers and mother-figures across our organization who are nurturing, uplifting and inspiring the next generation.

We’re honoured to share the voices of mothers whose children are recipients of VHA’s Head Start Scholarship program, which recognizes academic excellence and community leadership. These mothers reflect on the qualities in their children that make them most proud, what they cherish about being a parent and their hopes for their children’s futures. Their experiences offer a meaningful look into motherhood and are a testament to the strength, love and dedication that shape both their professional and personal lives.

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Onuwa ‘Lizzy’ Otuogbodor, Personal Support Worker, Toronto Central

Lizzy Otuogbodor has been a proud personal support worker with VHA since 2019, a role she says brings her great joy. “Every day I have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life, offering help, hope and compassionate service—and I truly love it,” she shares.

That same spirit of care and perseverance shines in her daughter, Ngozi, a Head Start Scholarship awardee and Biomedical Sciences student at Toronto Metropolitan University. With her sights set on becoming a doctor of obstetrics and gynecology, Ngozi’s drive and determination fill Lizzy with deep pride.

Since arriving in Canada, Ngozi has earned numerous academic, leadership and athletic honours—including two awards from the African Heritage Education Network, her high school’s Principal Award and Female Athlete of the Year in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

“Being a parent to Ngozi is the greatest gift of my life,” Lizzy says. “She’s not only my daughter but also my best friend. As a single parent, she has been my rock—my reason to get up each morning and strive to be a better person.”

Looking to the future, Lizzy hopes Ngozi continues to pursue her goals with focus and determination. “She has always approached life with kindness, compassion and love and I know that will take her far.”

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Judith Apps, Physiotherapist, Champlain Rehab Solutions, Ottawa  

For physiotherapist Judith Apps, raising a family while building a meaningful career has been one of her proudest accomplishments. “I’ve been with Champlain Rehab Solutions for 10 years. When my daughters were young, I wanted better work-life balance,” she says. “This role allowed me to manage my schedule while feeling supported and part of an amazing team.”

Her daughter Gabrielle, a Head Start Scholarship recipient, is headed into her fourth year studying Nutrition and Dietetics at Acadia University.Recently accepted into a highly competitive 12-month practicum, Gabrielle balances her studies with volunteering, researching, teaching assistant work and playing on the club lacrosse team.

Her younger daughter Julianne also just completed her first year of Nursing at Nipissing University and Judith admires her perseverance managing the demands of a rigorous program, living independently and playing club basketball.

What Judith treasures most about parenting at this stage of life is staying connected through everyday moments and celebrating her daughters’ success. “Watching my daughters carve out their own careers in healthcare is awesome,” she says. “I’m so proud of their perseverance,  kindness and dedication to making a difference.”

Judith hopes her daughters find fulfillment, happiness and balance in their lives and careers. “Fingers crossed they both land back in Ottawa one day, and who knows, maybe one of them will work for VHA,” she laughs.

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Neha Patel, Physiotherapist, VHA, Mississauga Team

Neha Patel has been a physiotherapist at VHA since 2013, helping clients improve their strength, balance and mobility. She’s also the proud mother of Nandni, a Head Start Scholarship recipient now in her second year of Geological Engineering at the University of Waterloo.

“Nandni really enjoys her field,” Neha shares. “She’s exploring opportunities in the mining industry, project management, and even thinking about an MBA after graduation.”

While juggling a demanding program, Nandni has also been learning to live independently. “She’s cooking, managing her time, and getting really good grades. I’m very proud of her,” says Neha.

For Neha, watching her daughter grow into a confident, capable young woman is incredibly rewarding. “It’s amazing to see her find her own path and take charge of her bright future,” she says.

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Together, these stories reflect the dedication, compassion and resilience that shape both VHA’s team members and the families behind them. This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the strength of VHA mothers and mother figures, not only for the difference they make in the lives of our staff and clients, but for the inspiration and guidance they offer their children and loved ones every day.

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About the Head Start Scholarship Program

Launched in 2012, VHA’s Head Start Scholarship Program awards annual scholarships to the children of our workforce who are pursuing post-secondary education. Recipients are recognized for their academic excellence and strong commitment to community involvement. To date, the program has awarded $435,000 in scholarships, including $45,000 to 30 students in 2024 alone. This initiative reflects the deep value VHA places on empowering not just team members, but their families.  

Applications for the 2025/26 school year open June 15 and close July 31, 2025. For more information, leave a message at (416) 489-2500 ext. 4711 or email hssp@vha.ca.