Tell us a bit about yourself, and your role here at CAMH.
Hi, I’m Maryanne, and I have been with CAMH since September 2013. I started as a Dietary Attendant and now I’m part of the Management team in Nutrition Services.
Can you talk a bit about what prompted you to work in healthcare, specifically mental health? How did you wind up working at CAMH?
I wanted to be someone who is able to help people and growing up there were several individuals in my proximity that were and are facing challenges with their mental wellness. Being in healthcare provides the most opportunity to be able to help and make a difference in a person’s well-being through providing care. On top of that, with my Filipino roots, I consistently saw how food brought together people. Combining both led me to working in CAMH which is Canada’s largest mental health hospital. I still remember when I first started, there was a stigma towards mental health and when I said I work at CAMH, others would look at me differently. With all the efforts that has been done in over a decade- CAMH is the place to be and it’s my privilege to be a part a world where Mental Health is Health.
Can you share a moment or an experience where you felt fulfilled about the work you do at CAMH?
I would have to say the most memorable and significant experience would be during the pandemic. It was my first (and hopefully the last) pandemic - I used to only see these things happen in movies! Since our role at CAMH is an essential service, we continued to operate, and things were so different in our department. Everything can change in an instant and yet everyone continued to work with each other. When a unit would suddenly have an outbreak, we worked as one to change and prepare accordingly. I was able to thrive under pressure using the skills and talents I acquired over the years and I felt at ease knowing that I have a great team to work with.
What keeps you motivated or what drives you to continue to do your best in the work that you do?
I think practicing gratitude helps to keep me motivated. By being thankful for the things that I have, I am able to do my best at work and in life. I often remind myself that the life I have now was once a prayer of mine so I’m deeply grateful for the daily blessings.
