Why did I become a professor?
I was born and raised within the district of Thunder Bay. I grew up in my home community of Fort William First Nation. As both a settler and an Indigenous person, I have a passion for delivering and fostering a teaching philosophy enriched in a holistic manner. Although my teaching pedagogy shifts in approach depending on the course curriculum, I firmly believe students are the leaders in their learning. I continuously support students’ unique learning processes while supporting their critical thinking development and knowledge application. I continue to practice at the beside in acute care to remain current with practice. I thoroughly enjoy bringing relevant practice experience to the theoretical classroom setting to ease application of curriculums and ensure students are prepared for practice upon graduation.
My Educational Background & Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing Collaborative Program - Confederation College & Lakehead University (2012) with a certificate in Palliative Care.
- Masters of Nursing (with a Teaching Focus) - Athabasca University (2020).
- PhD in Nursing (with an Education Focus) – Walden University (in progress)
My Relevant Experience in the Field
Since 2012, I continue to actively practice in acute care as an Registered Nurse. I have taught in variety of roles of a Professor, Lab instructor, and Clinical Instructor for the Personal Support Worker Program, Practical Nursing Program, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program.
My academia journey through my Masters of Nursing and future PhD in Nursing focuses on integrating Indigenous Cultural Competence into Nursing curriculums to prepare graduates to deliver appropriate care to Indigenous peoples in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.