Community Council Spotlight: Dawn Smallridge

Lived experience, presence, compassion and the power of community voice

June 22, 2026.

Dawn Smallridge has spent her career showing up for people at their most difficult moments. As a personal support worker, end-of-life doula and grief coach, she learned that being present is often the most powerful thing one person can offer another. That same commitment brought her to the FLA OHT Community Council, where she now lends her voice to shaping how health care is experienced across the Frontenac, Lennox and Addington region.

To get to know Dawn a little better, we asked her what drives her involvement, what she is seeing in the community and what she hopes to contribute.

A reason to get involved

Dawn's path to the Community Council was shaped by years of personal and professional experience with the health-care system. Her experience gave her an honest view of both the strengths and gaps of the health-care system.

"Health care and community support have impacted my life in many different ways, both personally and professionally," she said. "I have seen firsthand where the system works well, but also where people can fall through the cracks."

That awareness turned into action. Dawn is not very interested in abstract policy. She said she wanted to be part of conversations centred on real people and practical solutions.

"I believe lived experience matters, and I wanted to help make sure community voices are truly being heard."

Her three grandchildren are also a constant motivation. Dawn said they remind her why this kind of volunteer work matters beyond the immediate moment.

"They are a big part of why I volunteer and stay involved in community work," she said. "I want to help create a healthier, more compassionate future for the next generation and leave things better than I found them."

What has stood out

Since joining the Community Council, Dawn said she has been encouraged by the quality of the conversations and the genuine spirit of collaboration at the table.

"What has stood out to me most is the genuine willingness to listen and collaborate," she said. "The conversations are thoughtful and centred around improving care, access and communication for patients, families and caregivers."

She also noted that there is a real understanding within the Community Council that health care cannot be delivered the same way for everyone, and that community input is not just welcomed but seen as essential.

"I appreciate that there is recognition that health care is not one-size-fits-all, and that community input is valuable when creating meaningful change."

For someone who works daily with people navigating illness, loss and end of life, that recognition is significant.

The gaps she sees

When asked about the biggest health-care challenges in the region, Dawn pointed first to something she hears often in her work: people simply not knowing where to turn.

"I think one of the biggest challenges is people feeling lost or overwhelmed trying to navigate the health-care system," she said, "especially seniors, caregivers, individuals with mental health struggles or people dealing with chronic illness.

There are several persistent and interconnected issues, Dawn recognizes as challenges: access to services, long wait times, insufficient mental health supports and a lack of continuity of care. These challenges, she said, tend to hit hardest those who are already the most vulnerable.

But beneath all of those practical gaps, Dawn said she sees a deeper need, a shift in how the system treats the people who use it.

"I also feel there is a need for more compassion, communication and education so people feel empowered rather than intimidated when managing their health and wellness."

Empowerment is the goal she has in mind. It is a distinction that reflects her background as a doula and grief coach, roles built on helping people find their footing and feel less alone.

What she hopes to contribute, and to learn

Dawn said she comes to the Community Council with a clear sense of purpose: bring honesty, compassion and advocacy, and make sure the people who do not always feel comfortable speaking up are represented.

"I hope to contribute honesty, compassion, advocacy and a strong community perspective," she said. "I want to help bring forward the voices of people who may not always feel comfortable speaking up for themselves."

At the same time, she said her involvement is also a chance to grow. She hopes to deepen her understanding of the health-care system, of what collaboration can look like at a regional level, and of how communities can come together to build healthier outcomes.

It is a posture that reflects something consistent in how Dawn approaches her work, showing up ready to contribute and equally ready to listen.

Her message to others

For anyone thinking about getting involved in community health or patient and family engagement work, but unsure whether they belong, Dawn's message is direct.

"Your voice matters more than you think it does. You do not need to be an expert to make a difference." She acknowledged that getting involved can feel intimidating. But she also said the reward that comes from it is real.

"Sometimes lived experience, compassion and a willingness to listen are just as important," she said. "Getting involved can feel intimidating at first, but it is also rewarding to know you are helping shape conversations and improvements that may positively impact others in your community."

It is a message rooted in her own experience, and in a belief that the best health-care systems are built not only by clinicians and administrators, but by the communities they serve.

As an Ontario Health Team, the FLA OHT is required to involve patients, families, care partners and people with lived and living experience in how we plan, design and make decisions about health care. The Community Council is how we do that. Members like Dawn bring their personal experience to working groups and conversations across the FLA OHT, helping us build a health-care system that actually works for the people in our communities.

We are grateful to have Smallridge’s voice and experience with us on the Community Council.