An ONA member who works at Southlake Regional Health Centre shares how she advocates for her mental health patients and has been recognized for nursing excellence, inspiring change and building compassionate communities.
About me
My name is Laura Pella. I have been a registered nurse for 35 years, working in a variety of clinical settings such as day surgery, family practice, in-patient mental health, and as a telemedicine coordinator and outpatient team lead for a schizophrenia clinic. I’m currently a Community Treatment Orders (CTO) Coordinator.
A CTO Coordinator is a mental health professional who coordinators and monitors the implementation of Community Treatment Orders, legal mechanisms used to ensure individuals with serious illnesses receive treatment in the community, rather than being hospitalized.
In 2017, I earned my certification with the Canadian Nursing Association (CNA) as a certified psychiatry mental health nurse, which I have maintained ever since.
My award
On May 6, 2023, many Canadians celebrated the coronation of his Majesty King Charles III. To mark this milestone, a commemorative medal – the King Charles III Coronation Medal for Nursing Excellence – was created.
And in March 2025, deserving individuals were awarded it for contributions to their community, Canada or the world. Nominations for recipients were received from partnership organizations, such as the CNA.
The CNA awarded this medal to me in recognition of my dedication and excellence in nursing. This medal is a symbol of my impact and commitment to the profession.
King Charles is shining a spotlight on the work of nurses across the country and the vital role we play, not just in healing but inspiring change, advocacy and building more compassionate communities.
This award is in recognition of dedication to service, leadership and making a difference – values that lie at the very core of our profession!
Patients seen and heard
Mental health patients face stigma and discrimination regularly in society. That’s why I treat my patients as people who have VALUE! I approach my job with compassion, humility and a strong ethical sense.
Every day, health-care professionals need to promote language that respects mental health as part of our overall health. Mental health clinicians model recovery and resilience. Our patients report they are seen, heard, understood and hopeful!
It’s with immense gratitude and deep humility that I have been awarded this medal. A thankful to the CNA. I’ll carry this with pride.
Editor’s Note: During a Mental Health Department celebration for Laura Pella during Nursing Week in May, Dr. Madhi Memarpour, Chief of Psychiatry, commended her for her tireless dedication, compassion and leadership, which “make Southlake Hospital a better place every day.
“Laura has been a cornerstone of our team – a nurse whose compassion, clinical expertise and unwavering dedication have made a lasting impact on both her patients and colleagues. Her presence in the hospital brings comfort, her mentorship brings growth and her work sets a standard we all strive to meet.”
