Tell us a bit about your career background?
I began my healthcare journey at 16 as a nurse’s aide (HCA), where I dedicated 10 years to HCA/home care work. In 1996, as a single mom, I returned to school and earned my Bachelor of Nursing degree in 2001. I started my nursing career working in high-risk obstetrics in Calgary, then moved to Texas for five years, before landing in Manitoba working at Selkirk General Hospital. There, I gained experience across various units and eventually saw an ad that changed my career path — I became the Regional Obstetrical Educator for Southern Health-Santé Sud in 2013.

In that role, I standardized obstetrical practices, wrote policies, developed regional and provincial education modules, and launched MoreOB — it truly was my dream job. Encouraged by supportive leadership, I pursued management and became the manager at Carman Memorial Hospital, where I grew alongside an amazing team of physicians and healthcare staff that were very forgiving as I developed a new set of skills in my leadership role.

I continued my leadership journey by applying for the Director role at Boundary Trails Health Centre (BTHC) where I had the pleasure once again to work with a strong team of healthcare providers. I recognize that many of the most prominent leadership skills acquired during this time were enabled by continued support of other regional leaders, the Chief Nursing Officer and that amazing teams of staff I had the pleasure of working with each and every day. I am thankful to everyone who made themselves available to answer my many questions with patience and grace.

In 2022, I stepped into the role I hold today – Vice President-Acute Care and Chief Nursing Officer — a humbling opportunity. It’s been an incredible journey, and I feel truly fortunate to be part of Southern Health-Santé Sud leadership team.

Are you from Manitoba? What do you like most about living in Manitoba?
I grew up right next to where I live now, in Interlake-Eastern. When we decided to move back to Canada, my parents offered to carve off 70 acres of their homestead for my family and I. My husband had always been an urban person, so living rural was a bit of a shock and adjustment to him. For me, I have always enjoyed rural life – having the peace and quiet, less noise and light pollution…I was excited for our children to grow up in a rural setting.

What do you do for fun? (hobbies, interests etc.)
I love camping, hiking, kayaking, downhill skiing (although I am somewhat accident prone and this sport does not serve me well) and reading. One day I would like to take up yoga and aspire to learn to knit or crochet.

What is a piece of advice you would give someone considering a career in nursing?
Nursing is an incredible field with more paths than you can imagine. From bedside nursing (extremely rewarding) to research (cutting edge) to education (molding minds) to leadership and beyond. I have done many different jobs within nursing, all with so many different rewarding aspects to them. I have always been fulfilled in my positions. It is not always easy – hours are long and sore feet abound, but it has always been worth it. I have learned so many valuable lessons in nursing. It’s funny how even on some of my worst days, a kind word from a patient or their family could lift my heart and reassure me that I am following the right career path.

What matters to you as a Chief Nursing Officer?
Supporting and advocating for our front line staff. Much of my time is dedicated to working with our leadership team, Shared Health and government partners to develop system efficiencies and address staffing challenges being felt across the health system. Progress is never fast with this type of work, but I have seen some positive changes and will continue to push the staffing agenda every chance I can.

As the CNO for Southern-Health Santé Sud, what is one thing you wish to say to all staff in our region?
My door is open and I want to hear from you – good and bad. Sometimes it is hard to understand why something happens a certain way and having a conversation can bring clarity. So please, reach out with your comments and concerns and I will do my best to respond.