St. Teresa of Calcutta Faith in Action Award

Amy Barlow - St. Joseph's School, Clinton

Amy is a dedicated Catholic educator who embodies the "Little Way" of St. Thérèse by supporting her school community through quiet, extraordinary acts of love. Treating her supportive role as a true ministry, she is often the first to arrive and last to leave, ensuring every learning space feels like a sanctuary where students can flourish. Beyond guiding learners in prayer and liturgy, Amy models the Catholic principle of Solidarity—consistently putting colleagues and students first, organizing local food drives for the Clinton food bank, and reflecting Christ’s love by seeing the good in everyone.

At the core of her work is "heart-led scaffolding," a patient approach that helps students navigate behavioral and academic challenges by breaking overwhelming tasks into manageable steps. Amy views a child’s spirit as vital as their academic progress, meeting students exactly where they are to build self-confidence, dignity, and character. Her quiet, non-judgmental presence offers stability and unconditional love, ensuring every child feels seen, supported, and recognized as a beloved child of God.

Deacon Daniel McPhee, Huron Perth Crossroads

Deacon Dan McPhee serves as a vital spiritual anchor and Board Chaplain, providing compassionate pastoral leadership to students, staff, families, and senior executive leaders. Living out the Gospel with joy, he enriches the community's faith life by leading key liturgies, attending student retreats, and serving as a Deacon within the Huron-Crossroads Catholic Family of Parishes. His dedicated presence bridges the connection between school, home, and church, embodying a genuine desire to serve others as Christ did.

Grounded in the Ontario Catholic Student Graduate Expectations, Deacon Dan brings an inclusive, social-justice-oriented approach to his ministry. He meets people wherever they are on their life and faith journeys, offering steadfast support and comfort during times of grief and crisis. Through his empathy, unconditional love, and dedication to the growth of the whole person, Deacon Dan inspires the entire community to live in deeper communion with God and recognize the inherent dignity in everyone.

David O'Reilly, St. Joseph's School, Stratford

David O’Reilly is a dedicated Catholic leader whose more than a decade of community service integrates faith, compassionate action, and a commitment to the common good. A former school trustee, Dave helped establish the Huron County Food Distribution Center program in local Catholic schools within the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board, where he continues to volunteer as a driver to ensure students receive nutritious food. His commitment to social justice extends into the broader community, including quietly driving cancer patients to medical treatments to offer support during vulnerable moments.

Rooted in a profound respect for human dignity, Dave actively lives out his faith through the Avon-Thames Catholic Family of Parishes and his past work with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Stratford. By addressing local food insecurity and performing quiet acts of Christian service, he bridges the connection between schools, parishes, and the wider community. Dave leads with humility and generosity, serving as an inspiring role model of Gospel-centered leadership.

Lorraine Reinhardt, Sacred Heart School & Parish, Wingham

Lorraine is a pillar of her community whose dedicated service bridges the bond between school, home, and parish. Driven by a passion for Catholic education and the belief that all children are children of God, she brings a warm, welcoming presence to every initiative she undertakes. From volunteering at annual pancake breakfasts to assisting behind the scenes at school plays and guiding students in reading and singing during Mass, Lorraine ensures the Church remains a hospitable sanctuary where students and families feel valued and confident.

As an active member of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) and a regular Mass attendee, Lorraine translates her faith into generous action. She leads key community events that foster fellowship and social justice, including serving as CWL Luncheon Convenor, Family Fun Fest Convenor, and organizing bake sales to support refugees. Respected for her tireless generosity and quiet daily acts of kindness, Lorraine is a true role model of Christian stewardship who enriches the entire community.

Heather Schoonderwoerd, St. James School, Seaforth

Heather is a dedicated Early Childhood Educator (ECE) at St. James School whose profound care for children enriches both her school and the broader community. She fosters student growth through engaging read-alouds, hands-on inquiry, and outdoor education, while consistently going above and beyond her daily duties. Beyond the classroom, Heather leads the school’s Healthy Snack Program to ensure every child is nourished, while actively living out her faith as a Eucharistic Minister, Sunday School teacher, and Catholic Women’s League member.

Heather's spirit of service extends deeply into the Mitchell community through significant philanthropic initiatives. Alongside her family, she has spearheaded fundraising efforts for local mental health resources and was instrumental in bringing the Carter Schoonderwoerd (CS8) Outdoor Rink to life. Whether maintaining the local rink, supporting her colleagues, or performing quiet acts of daily kindness, Heather serves as an invaluable asset and a true model of Christian stewardship.