2025 Kerston Award: Melody, Tyrone & Lyndon Brown Honoured at UBC Health Awards Reception

At the UBC Health Awards reception on May 11th, Melody, Tyrone and Lyndon Brown were presented with the 2025 R. Paul Kerston Community Educator Award for their many contributions to student learning at UBC. For over a decade they have mentored students in the Health Mentors program. They use creative ways to share their experiences through poetry and presentations set to music which are now part of a learning resource database where students can learn more about rare conditions and disabilities such as dyspraxia.

Melody has also supported student learning as a facilitator of workshops about caregiver experiences, collaborative decision making, and student-led initiatives. Their work with students at UBC has led to invitations to present to students at Kwantlen University, University of the Fraser Valley, and Trinity Western University.

“There are few people that I know that have the lived experience, the desire to educate, and the skills to do so in such a unique combination as Melody Brown. Thank you for the opportunity to write a letter on her behalf as well as the chance to reminisce on the lessons I learned from her and her family.” Jesse Whitehead, RN.

Congratulations Melody, Tyrone and Lyndon on this well-deserved recognition of your outstanding contributions to student learning!

Stay tuned for the next call for nominations in the Fall!