Barbara Muskat receives 2015 OASW Inspirational Leader Award

Dr. Barbara Muskat, Director of Social Work at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), has received the Ontario Association of Social Workers’ (OASW) 2015 Inspirational Leaders Award. Muskat was recognized for her contributions to the profession of social work that reflect OASW’s Social Work Month theme: Social Workers: Mobilizing Strengths in Individuals and Communities. The award was presented at SickKids on March 2.

Muskat is renowned internationally for her consultation to the children’s mental health community as well as her role as a social work educator in the areas of direct clinical practice and group work, with a focus on children with developmental needs. She is a strong advocate of field education and has influenced the development of many innovative approaches, including a recent social work in health course for the University of Toronto, where she is an Assistant Professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work.

“I am honoured and touched to be a recipient of the OASW 2015 Inspirational Leaders Award,” says Muskat. “I have been very fortunate to spend my entire career as a social worker and it means a great deal to be honoured by my professional organization. I have been inspired by the clients and social work colleagues who I have had the privilege to work with and I share this honour with them. I look forward to continuing the pursuit of mobilizing strengths in the individuals, groups and organizations with whom I work.”