Your health care team: Social workers
Webinars | May 20, 2025
Your health care team: Social workers
What role do social workers play in your end-of-life care – and how can they support you and your loved ones through this deeply personal journey? We were thrilled to offer another session from our Your Health Care Team series, spotlighting the vital role of social workers and featuring three professionals from across Canada. We delved into day-to-day responsibilities of social workers in end-of-life care, the emotional and practical support they provide, and how they advocate for patients and families navigating the health care system.
Shelley Aronov is a social worker and MAID Coordinator with over 25 years of health care experience, specializing in oncology, emergency medicine, and end-of-life care. She currently works in the Emergency Department at Humber River Hospital (HRH), where she advocates for patients, educates staff, and develops programs to enhance care. As HRH’s first MAID Coordinator, Shelley helped establish the hospital’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) program, integrating it into patient care through policy development, staff training, and emotional support for patients and families. She is dedicated to ensuring that individuals receive care aligned with their values—both in life and at the end of it. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Courtney Matthews, MSW, RSW (she/her), is a Mental Health Clinician and Clinical Coordinator at a Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) Care Coordination Centre in British Columbia. She supports clients and their families throughout the MAID process, providing collaborative, patient-centered care to honour their end-of-life wishes. With ten years of experience as a Social Worker in health care, Courtney’s work prior to MAID includes inpatient psychiatry, community mental health, chronic disease management, and acute care. Outside of her Social Work practice, Courtney enjoys exploring the beautiful BC mountains, lakes and ocean with her partner and dogs, camera in hand.
Annette Samson has studied social work at both Dalhousie and McGill University and is currently employed with Nova Scotia’s Medical Assistance in Dying Team. She has worked in health care social work for 18 years. Her experience includes working with seniors and homeless/at-risk women and youth in Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Ontario. Working in health care has ignited a passion for grief and bereavement work and Annette considers herself a grateful recipient of the wisdom and knowledge imparted to her by her clients. Born off the island of Cape Breton and now living in Halifax, Annette enjoys urban gardening and wild swimming whenever/wherever she can.
