Jul 1, 2025

Celebrating Dr. Angela Colantonio’s Impactful Tenure as RSI’s First Director

angela colantonio
By Jessica A Boafo

After years of dedicated leadership, Dr. Angela Colantonio will be completing her final term as Director of the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute (RSI) in June 2025. As we look ahead to the next chapter for RSI, we want to take a moment to recognize and thank Dr. Colantonio for the tremendous impact she has had on the institute and the broader rehab sciences community.

As RSI’s first Director, Dr. Colantonio has been instrumental in shaping its identity and expanding its reach. Under her leadership, RSI grew from being described as a “hidden gem” in its first external review during her tenure to becoming an internationally recognized and valued hub for rehabilitation research and training. RSI now receives visitors and invitations for collaboration from across the globe. Further, relationships across the university, with our top academic hospital/research institutes have been strengthened and expanded. For instance, RSI had the honour of partnering with KITE-Research Institute to co-present the highly successful International Conference on Aging, Innovation and Rehabilitation over the last 3 years.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion have been central to her work as Director. Dr. Colantonio championed EDI initiatives such including Indigenous Cultural Safety Training for the RSI community and introducing a requirement for sex and gender to be addressed in all Research Day poster submissions, an important step toward inclusive and rigorous research practices.

Throughout her tenure, she has been a true advocate for student growth and success. During the challenges of the pandemic, she ensured the continuation of key programs and support for students. She has consistently sought out new opportunities for students to thrive beyond the classroom, including providing support to attend international conferences such as the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) by covering registration fees. Her commitment to student success also extends to fostering a strong culture of mentorship within RSI, one that has earned consistently high praise from students working with faculty.

Working in close collaboration with the Executive team, Dr. Colantonio launched several initiatives that will have a lasting impact. These include the RSI Recognition Awards, which highlight exceptional contributions from members of the institute, and the Leadership Rehab Rounds, a platform that brings thought leaders in rehabilitation sciences into conversation with students and researchers.

Among the many standout moments of her tenure, RSI’s hosting of the Terry Fox Mural unveiling at the Rehabilitation Sciences Building served as a powerful symbol of resilience and community, values that reflect the very heart of RSI’s mission.

As she prepares to step down from her role, Dr. Colantonio leaves behind a strong, thriving institute rooted in the values of equity, collaboration, and excellence. Her legacy is one of vision, care, and meaningful change, and we are deeply grateful for the foundation she has laid for RSI’s future.

Thank you, Dr. Colantonio, for your tireless dedication and your unwavering support of RSI and its students. The values you’ve championed will continue to shape RSI’s direction for years to come.

*This article is featured in the inaugural issue of the RSI Newsletter.