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“Growing up, I always knew I wanted to work with kids,” says Alaa. “I didn’t know how exactly, but I knew it was something I was meant to do.” In 2013, Alaa’s dream began to take shape. She moved from Abu Dhabi to Canada and started her bachelor’s degree in childhood and youth studies, with a minor in disability studies.
But moving to Ottawa and away from everything she knew was a culture shock for Alaa. Her first year of university felt isolating and difficult. Alaa was no longer surrounded by the community she grew up with and her mental health suffered. “We don’t talk about mental health where I come from,” says Alaa. “That’s why I’m so passionate about helping others on their mental health journey.”
And Alaa did just that. She started her career working with children and adults in a group home in Orleans and then in 2023, she joined the CHEO community as a respite worker with the Neurodevelopmental Health department. A few months later, she took a permanent position in the Emergency Department as a Patient Experience Lead. In this role, Alaa offers kindness and support to patients and their families during a stressful time.
“I offer a listening ear,” says Alaa. “Patients and families are anxiously waiting for care. They’re sick, scared and stressed. I help relieve their stress, put a smile on their faces, bring them juice or water, and make them feel heard. That’s what matters.”
For Alaa, working on the CHEO campus with patients and families gives her purpose and brings happiness. Walking into the hospital, she's surrounded by community – something that Alaa was desperately searching for when she first moved to Canada.
“Everyone has the same goal here. Everyone wants to help. That’s why I always wanted to work at CHEO. And now I do,” shares Alaa.
CHEO is filled with kind and thoughtful people like Alaa. Join us.