Ms. Lorraine Sunstrum-Mann

Doctor of Laws, honoris causa

For her inclusive, compassionate and visionary leadership, and her unwavering commitment to family-centred care, professional excellence and meaningful improvements to care systems, the university proudly confers upon Ms. Lorraine Sunstrum-Mann the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.

Ms. Sunstrum-Mann served as CEO of Grandview Children’s Centre (Grandview Kids) from 2011 to 2023, leading the not-for-profit in providing specialized programs and outpatient care for children with physical, communication and developmental needs. Under her leadership, Grandview Kids expanded its services, strengthened its partnerships and launched a more than $100-million capital expansion project, resulting in the new Grandview Kids Ajax headquarters.

Prior to this, she held senior leadership roles at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto and Lakeridge Health Oshawa, where she was widely recognized for advancing quality and interprofessional collaboration.

Ms. Sunstrum-Mann led the Canadian Network for Child and Youth Rehabilitation on the national level, representing Ontario’s treatment centres and driving data-informed practice. She also served on Ontario’s Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health, and is a trusted community advisor across health, education and social service sectors. She is widely celebrated for her ability to bring people together with compassion and purpose to create lasting and positive outcomes in the lives of children, families, and the broader health system.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Health Studies from York University, a Master of Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland and has completed executive training from the Rotman Leadership Institute at the University of Toronto. She also holds diplomas in Nursing from Durham College and Early Childhood Education from Humber.

Her work has earned her numerous awards, including the Ontario Association of Children’s Rehabilitation Award of Excellence, the Employer Excellence Award from the Canadian Nurses Association (while at Lakeridge Health), the Alumnus of Distinction Award from Durham College, the Health Award of Excellence, and the YWCA Women of Distinction Award.