Celebrating Excellence: Sarah Mosaico, Recipient of the 2024 Aleda Patterson Award
At ABC Head Start Society, we believe in empowering children and families to reach their fullest potential—values inspired by our visionary founder, Aleda Patterson. Aleda’s legacy is one of boundless compassion, determination, and a steadfast belief in creating positive change. Each year, we honor her memory through the Aleda Patterson Award, recognizing individuals who embody her spirit of care and dedication to community building.
A Legacy of Compassion: Aleda Patterson’s Vision
Aleda Patterson was more than a founder; she was a force for good in the community. Her leadership extended beyond ABC Head Start Society to include roles in her church and Edmonton’s Personal Development Centre, which later became part of the Support Network. Aleda’s remarkable ability to nurture potential and inspire others to create meaningful change is the foundation of our work today.
Sarah Mosaico, MSc., R.SLP, S-LP(C)
This year, we are thrilled to celebrate Sarah Mosaico, as the recipient of this prestigious award. Sarah’s story is one of passion, purpose, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of vulnerable children and families—a true reflection of Aleda’s values.
Meet Sarah Mosaico: A Champion for Early Learning and Community Support
Sarah’s journey with ABC Head Start began as her first professional role after earning her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Today, she continues to contribute by supporting ABC through assessments and stepping in when needed. Over the last 12 years, Sarah has dedicated her private practice to supporting newcomers to Canada and families in low-income communities, addressing the unique challenges they face with grace and expertise.
Her commitment to early learning extends far beyond clinical work. As a clinical consultant with the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative, Sarah has developed trauma-informed programming to help organizations apply Brain Story principles, fostering resilience and well-being across Alberta.
Her impact reaches even further through her roles as a lecturer and trainer for the University of Alberta and as a workshop leader for early childhood educators and families. Beyond her professional work, Sarah gives her time as a volunteer with JustServe, helping nonprofits and governments enhance volunteer recruitment, disaster recovery planning, and community engagement.
Honoring a Shared Vision
The Aleda Patterson Award is more than an accolade; it is a symbol of hope and a reminder of what’s possible when compassionate leaders work together to empower those in need. Sarah’s dedication to supporting early childhood development, fostering inclusive communities, and creating opportunities for vulnerable families is a testament to the enduring spirit of Aleda Patterson.
Thank You, Sarah
From all of us at ABC Head Start Society: thank you, Sarah, for your tireless efforts to make our city a better place for all. Your work inspires us, and we are proud to celebrate your achievements with the Aleda Patterson Award.
As we honor Sarah, we also celebrate the countless individuals who share our mission of supporting families and fostering brighter futures. Together, we can continue to create a community where every child has the opportunity to thrive.