Ontario Winners of CPA Awards 

OPA is excited to celebrate the Ontario winners of the CPA Awards!

Helen Johnson – Life Membership Award 

This award is presented to current or former CPA members who have contributed to the growth of the profession through at least 25 years of service at local and/or national levels.  

Helen Johnson has been an active volunteer with the Ontario Physiotherapy Association for many years. She was the District President for the Windsor District, was a volunteer, and has presented multiple times at our conference, InterACTION. She also volunteered on our committees and Board of Directors, and contributed her voice to OPA’s advocacy.  

Helen is also the 2006 recipient of the Professional Contribution – External, OPA Award. 

Parag Shah – Clinical Education Award 

Congratulations to Parag Shah, an Ontario member, for winning the Clinical Education Award. This award is presented to a member who has made outstanding contributions to the clinical education of physiotherapy students. 

Alyssa Benitez – H. S. Rahikka Student Leadership Award 

Alyssa Benitez is the Co-President of the Central Toronto District of OPA. We are excited to see her recognized nationally for her leadership skills! Congratulations Alyssa!

Iris Wang – H. S. Rahikka Student Leadership Award 

The Helen Saarinen Rahikka Student Leadership Award is presented to a student member who has demonstrated leadership and made outstanding contributions to the promotion of the profession. Iris has participated in Ontario activities including joining us at InterACTION 2024 and acting as a voting delegate for OPA’s Annual General Meeting in 2025. Congratulations Iris!