Everyday Heroes: Michelle Dobroshinsky, Stephanie Harnden, and Magdalene Graham
April 17, 2026
We are honoured to present this week’s Everyday Heroes for the 2025-2026 school year.
Our everyday heroes are the epitome of compassion, devotion and care, transforming everyday tasks into extraordinary impacts.
Their subtle yet powerful actions not only elevate the experiences of colleagues but also enrich the lives of the students we proudly serve. They are more than just supportive adults or empathetic peers; they are the vibrant pulse of our educational community, profoundly touching the lives of all they encounter.
Our everyday heroes come in all forms, quietly making a difference in our schools and board offices, yet very often they overlook or downplay their own actions.
This week we are celebrating Michelle Dobroshinsky, Stephanie Harnden, and Magdalene Graham.
Michelle Dobroshinsky
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Michelle is an Educational Assistant (EA) at Holy Family CES in Bowmanville.
Michelle was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“Michelle is the heart of our community, consistently putting others before herself and finding thoughtful ways to offer support, encouragement, and kindness.
She knows every student and staff member by name, creating an environment where people feel valued and connected. Each morning, she greets students and staff warmly, helping everyone feel safe, welcomed, and seen. She is deeply committed to her students, she advocates fiercely for their success and ensures each child has what they need to thrive. Her extraordinary patience allows children to learn at their own pace, make mistakes, and grow confidently while she gently guides them toward success.
Michelle notices the little things—remembering your favourite treats or small details about your life—and uses them to make you feel appreciated and cared for. After challenging days, she takes the time to check in with colleagues, sending emails to ensure they are okay and reminding everyone that mental health truly matters for being the best educator.
Michelle’s compassion, dedication, and unwavering support make her truly an Everyday Hero.“ |
Stephanie Harnden
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Stephanie is a Learning Commons Specialist at St. Paul CES in Peterborough.
Stephanie was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“Stephanie possesses the rare ability to translate high-level technical processes of library cataloging into simple, beginner-friendly steps, turning an intimidating task into a manageable win.
Known for her tireless dedication and grace, she welcomes any volume of questions at any time, providing the patient, high touch support you need to move forward with confidence.
Whether you’re just starting out or stuck on a difficult project, Stephanie is the helpful partner who ensures you never have to find the answers alone.” |
Magdalene Graham
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Magdalane is a Human Resources Officer at the Catholic Education Centre (Board Office) in Peterborough.
Magdalene was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“It is my pleasure to nominate Magdalene.
Her presence has a transformative effect on our team’s productivity and morale. She possesses a rare “no task too small” attitude, consistently jumping in to support colleagues during high-pressure moments without being asked.
Her level of organization ensures that even our most complex projects run seamlessly, providing a foundation of reliability that the entire department depends on.
Magdalene approaches every challenge with a genuinely positive and infectious energy. Even on the busiest days, her friendly demeanor and “can-do” spirit make the workplace a better environment for everyone.
I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.” |
We would like to thank Michelle, Stephanie, and Magdalene for their commitment to creating a culture of faith, hope and love to ensure equity and well-being at our board.