Debbie Lamb belairdirect NP scholarship: For more than 16 years, Debbie Lamb has dedicated her career to caring for Albertans through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. As this year's Belairdirect Scholarship recipient, Debbie's commitment to excellence in nursing, leadership, and patient advocacy continues to make a lasting impact across the healthcare system. Debbie graduated from Mount Royal University as a member of its very first Bachelor of Nursing graduating class. She began her career providing bedside nursing care, where she developed a strong foundation in patient-centered practice and compassionate care. Her passion for building meaningful relationships with patients eventually led her into oncology nursing, where she found fulfillment in supporting individuals throughout their cancer journeys and witnessing the outcomes of their treatment and care. As her career progressed, Debbie pursued a Master of Public Health through the University of Victoria. She subsequently moved into an administrative and palliative care role, broadening her understanding of healthcare systems and strengthening her ability to improve patient experiences on a larger scale. Today, Debbie works at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre as an Endocrine Coordinator. In this highly specialized role, she provides care coordination, assessment and support for patients with neuroendocrine and thyroid cancer and has become an integral member of the team developing care pathways for individuals facing some of the most aggressive forms of thyroid cancer. One of Debbie's most significant contributions has been her work with patients diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer, a rare and aggressive cancer for which many patients face a prognosis of less than six months. Recognizing the urgency of these diagnoses, Debbie has played a key role in developing streamlined care pathways designed to reduce treatment delays and ensure patients receive life-saving interventions as quickly as possible. Many of the patients she serves are diagnosed at Stage IV, making timely access to care critically important. Upon completing her Master of Nursing degree this year, Debbie she looks forward to continuing her practice in endocrine oncology care with a greater scope of practice. When she is not balancing her demanding nursing career and graduate studies, Debbie enjoys spending time with her family. She is also an avid horseback rider and horse owner, finding joy and balance through her lifelong passion for horses. Debbie's dedication, innovation, and compassion exemplify the very best of nursing. Alberta is fortunate to have healthcare professionals like Debbie leading the way in improving cancer care and advocating for better outcomes for patients and families across the province.

Lee Malcolm belairdirect NP Scholarship: For Lee Malcolm, nursing has always been about making a difference when patients need it most. After graduating from nursing school in Ontario, Lee began her career in the Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit (CSICU), securing a position as a new graduate and spending seven years caring for critically ill patients. She quickly discovered a passion for critical care nursing and loved knowing that her work was making a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and their families. When Lee moved to Calgary in 2015, her career took a new direction as she joined the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). It was there that she developed a deep appreciation for caring for the smallest and most vulnerable patients. Over the years, she also gained valuable experience working in both the Calgary and Vancouver Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU), further expanding her expertise in pediatric critical care. Today, Lee has made Edmonton her home and works at the renowned Stollery Children's Hospital in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. In her role, she cares for some of the sickest children in the province, providing expert, compassionate care during some of the most challenging moments of their young lives. Her goal is simple but profound: to help give as many children as possible the opportunity to heal, thrive, and return home to their families. As Lee she works toward completing her Master of Nurse Practitioner degree, she hopes to continue serving patients at the Stollery while expanding her ability to provide care. She is also interested in exploring opportunities in primary care, recognizing that the possibilities for improving patient outcomes are endless. Those who work alongside Lee describe her as a skilled, compassionate, and highly respected nurse. Her commitment to her patients and their families is evident in everything she does. Children and families across Alberta are fortunate to have someone like Lee advocating for them during their most difficult moments. When she is not balancing the demands of nursing and graduate studies, Lee enjoys spending time on the ski slopes and cherishes her role as the proud auntie of two energetic nieces, ages nine and six. Lee's dedication, expertise, and compassion exemplify the very best of nursing. Alberta is fortunate to have healthcare professionals like her working every day to ensure that every child has the chance to go home and live a healthy, fulfilling life.

Winston Bui belairdirect NP Scholarship: Before becoming a nurse, Winston worked at the Royal Alexandra Hospital pharmacy in Edmonton for six years. During that time, he had the opportunity to work alongside and shadow nurses, gaining firsthand insight into the impact they had on patients and families every day. Inspired by their knowledge and ability to make a difference during some of life's most challenging moments, Winston decided to pursue a career in nursing. As a mature student, he enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at MacEwan University. During his studies, Winston became highly involved in student life and leadership roles. Participating in peer support initiatives and student networks that helped foster connection and success among his fellow nursing students. As a student, he organized a twice-a-year nursing event with the City of Edmonton that was recognized by the Canadian Nurse publication. His commitment to supporting others was evident even then, and it remains a defining characteristic of his career today. Winston graduated from MacEwan University just one month before the COVID-19 pandemic began - unable to walk across the graduation stage, it was a unique and challenging time to enter the profession. Despite the uncertainty facing healthcare systems around the world, he embraced the opportunity. His nursing career began in public health and the emergency room, where he developed valuable skills in rapid learning, communication, and advocacy. He later transitioned to critical care and currently works in the combined Intensive Care and Coronary Care Unit at Grey Nuns Community Hospital. Known for his professionalism, clinical expertise, and dedication to patient care, Winston is highly regarded by both his colleagues and leadership team. His experiences as a clinical research nurse have taken him across borders, presenting as an invited speaker to key researchers across North America. He is a valued member of the team and makes a positive impact on patients and families daily. One of the most rewarding aspects of Winston's career has been maintaining connections with MacEwan University nursing students. Since 2021, he has been a guest speaker to every graduating class of MacEwan University’s Faculty of Nursing and enjoys seeing many of them eventually join the profession. In fact, several students he once mentored or encouraged have now become his colleagues, working alongside him in healthcare settings across Alberta. As Winston grew more confident and experienced in his nursing practice, he began looking for new ways to challenge himself professionally. This desire for continued growth led him to pursue a Nurse Practitioner designation through the University of Alberta. For Winston, becoming a Nurse Practitioner was a great next step for him. He is passionate about developing knowledge, leadership skills, and clinical expertise. He wants to be prepared to lead, support patients through complex situations, and contribute to improving healthcare outcomes on a broader scale. One of Winston's primary goals as a future Nurse Practitioner is to focus on preventative care. Growing up in low-income social housing, Winston observed firsthand the profound impact that limited access to healthcare and preventive services can have on individuals, families, and communities. He recognizes the importance of early intervention and proactive healthcare, and he hopes to help people access the care and resources they need before their conditions become severe. Whether he remains in critical care or explores other practice areas in the future, Winston's commitment to improving patient outcomes and strengthening Alberta's healthcare system will continue to guide his work. Winston's journey - from pharmacy to ICU nurse and future Nurse Practitioner - is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and dedication. As he continues to grow as a healthcare professional, there is no doubt that he will remain a strong advocate for patients and a leader within the nursing profession. We are proud to celebrate Winston's accomplishments and look forward to seeing the positive impact he will continue to make in healthcare for years to come.

Ridge Karmody: Diane Davidson Memorial Scholarship: Ridge’s academic and professional journey reflects a unique blend of scientific curiosity, physical discipline, and a deep commitment to improving mental health outcomes in complex care environments. He initially began his post-secondary studies in chemistry, driven by a strong interest in the sciences and an early aspiration to pursue a PhD in the field. Alongside his academic work, Ridge remained deeply involved in competitive sports, particularly Muay Thai kickboxing. This discipline became more than just a physical pursuit—it played an important role in maintaining his mental health, structure, and resilience during demanding academic years. Over time, Ridge expanded his involvement in the sport by becoming a gym owner. This experience further shaped his understanding of the connection between physical activity, routine, and mental wellbeing. He came to view the gym as a therapeutic space—one that supports not only physical strength but also emotional regulation and mental clarity. Twelve years ago, Ridge made a significant career shift into nursing, a decision that has since defined his professional life. He has been practicing ever since, currently working at the Edmonton Remand Centre, where the clinical environment can be challenging and unpredictable. In this setting, he is often faced with complex mental health needs and high-acuity situations that require both clinical skill and emotional steadiness. Edmonton Remand Centre Drawing on his background in Muay Thai and his experience in gym leadership, Ridge actively incorporates a more holistic lens into his nursing practice. He recognizes the value of movement, discipline, and structured physical training as complementary approaches to traditional treatment methods. His perspective allows him to support patients not only through medical care, but also by considering lifestyle and behavioral elements that can contribute to stability and recovery. Ridge is now pursuing a Nurse Practitioner designation, with the long-term goal of extending continuity of care for individuals involved in the correctional system. He is particularly passionate about supporting patients after their release, recognizing that the transition back into the community is often a critical and underserved period. He hopes that more consistent, follow-up care will improve long-term outcomes and reduce cycles of re-entry into the system. He is also motivated by a desire to address gaps in available resources, especially for individuals with complex mental health and social needs. Through advanced practice, he hopes to contribute to more accessible, continuous, and effective care models that better support vulnerable populations. Outside of his professional commitments and academic pursuits, Ridge values time spent with his family and friends. He is also an avid chess player, appreciating the strategic thinking and patience the game requires—qualities that mirror his approach to both nursing and life. Combined with his ongoing dedication to Muay Thai kickboxing, these interests reflect a well-rounded individual committed to discipline, reflection, and continuous growth. Ridge’s journey illustrates a consistent theme: the integration of mind, body, and science in service of others. He remains focused on making a meaningful difference in the lives of the patients he serves, particularly within mental health and correctional care settings, while continuing to grow as both a practitioner and a leader in his field.

Marisa Smallboy: Adroit Wealth Indigenous Scholarship: As the recipient of the Adroit Wealth Indigenous Scholarship, Marisa Smallboy represents the next generation of nursing leaders dedicated to improving health outcomes for Indigenous communities. Her passion for research, community health, and culturally meaningful care is already making a lasting impact. Marisa graduated from the University of Alberta's Registered Nursing program in 2023 and began her career at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton. After six months of gaining valuable clinical experience, she followed her passion for Indigenous health by joining the Maskwacîs Health Centre, where she has found both purpose and inspiration in serving her community. Since joining the health centre, Marisa has become involved in several innovative initiatives. She has worked on a pilot project focused on diagnosing hip dysplasia in both adults and children, while also assisting fellow researchers with a variety of community-based research programs. Through this work, she quickly recognized the limited amount of research available on Indigenous populations. Rather than accepting this gap, she chose to become part of the solution. Today, Marisa is pursuing her Master of Science in Research, where her goal is to contribute meaningful Indigenous-focused research that helps improve healthcare outcomes for First Nations communities. She believes that research should reflect the unique experiences and needs of Indigenous peoples and hopes her work will help shape more equitable healthcare in the future. Beyond research, Marisa is deeply committed to preventative care and building trust within the community. One of her greatest passions is providing immunizations for school-aged children, using every interaction as an opportunity to create positive relationships with young people. She hopes that by building trust early in life, children will feel comfortable seeking healthcare, advice, and support throughout their lives. She is equally passionate about improving access to early diagnoses for children with conditions such as autism and ADHD. Marisa recognizes that these conditions are often underdiagnosed in Indigenous communities due to limited resources and access to specialized services. She believes that early identification and support can make a significant difference in a child's future and is determined to advocate for better access to these essential services. At the heart of everything she does is a simple but powerful goal: to keep her community healthy, safe, and supported while strengthening relationships between healthcare providers and the people they serve. When she isn't nursing, conducting research, or working toward her master's degree, Marisa enjoys baking, crafting, and spending time with her daughter, Chokecherry, who inspires her every day to lead with kindness, determination, and compassion. Wise beyond her years, Marisa is already demonstrating the qualities of an exceptional nurse, researcher, and community leader. Her dedication to advancing Indigenous health, advocating for future generations, and creating meaningful change makes her an incredibly deserving recipient of the Adroit Wealth Indigenous Scholarship. There is no doubt that her work will continue to benefit Indigenous communities for many years to come.

Jillian Lawton: Lynda Margaret Day Memorial Scholarship: For Jillian, nursing has never simply been a career—it has been a calling rooted in compassion, community, and a genuine desire to make a difference in people's lives. Although Jillian didn't begin her post-secondary education in nursing, healthcare was always close to home. Inspired in part by her mother, who was a Registered Nurse, Jillian chose to pursue an after-degree in nursing, graduating in 2005. Looking back after more than 21 years in healthcare, she knows it was exactly where she was meant to be. Her nursing journey has taken her across Alberta, beginning on Royal Alexandra Hospital in GI medicine. Later she entered the world of palliative care at Red Deer Regional Hospital, where she spent five years discovering a passion that would shape the rest of her career. Eventually, Jillian and her family settled in Rocky Mountain House, where she has continued to care for her community while raising her two children. It is here that she has built strong, lasting relationships with patients and families, becoming a trusted and familiar face within the community she now proudly calls home. She started with home care in 2013, a role she is deeply passionate about because it allows her to make a meaningful difference in the lives of her patients. One of her proudest accomplishments has been her involvement with the Compassionate Care Hospice Society over the past 10 years. As both a volunteer and board member, she has helped establish a hospice suite in her community and support the development of a variety of grief and bereavement programs for individuals and families. Palliative care has remained at the heart of Jillian's nursing practice. She is deeply passionate about ensuring patients and families receive compassionate, dignified care during some of life's most difficult moments. Through her years of experience, she has also witnessed firsthand the growing challenges rural communities face when trying to access timely primary healthcare. That experience inspired Jillian to take the next step in her career. A year ago, she began pursuing her Nurse Practitioner degree with the goal of helping address the shortage of primary care providers in her community. Her motivation is simple—to improve access to care for the people who need it most. In fact, even before graduating, members of the community have already expressed interest in becoming her patients, a testament to the trust and respect she has earned throughout her career. Jillian is excited to help fill an important gap in healthcare, combining her years of nursing experience with advanced practice to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care close to home. Outside of nursing, Jillian enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, now 20 and 18 years old. She also has a unique passion that keeps her grounded and energized—sled dog mushing. Caring for and training her team of dogs, along with participating in races, provides both adventure and balance in her busy life. She credits the sport with helping her maintain her mental wellness, giving her time to recharge so she can continue giving her best to her patients and community. Jillian's story is one of lifelong learning, resilience, and service. Her commitment to improving healthcare in rural Alberta, combined with her passion for palliative care and dedication to her community, embodies the very spirit of this scholarship. There is no doubt that as a future Nurse Practitioner, Jillian will continue making a lasting difference in the lives of countless patients and families for years to come.

Eliza Kraus: Gayle Hissett Memorial Scholarship: For Eliza Kraus, nursing has always been about making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families. Since graduating in 2017, she has dedicated her career to providing exceptional care while continually striving to improve the healthcare system for Alberta's youngest patients. Eliza began her nursing career in pediatric critical care at the Stollery Children's Hospital where she discovered her passion for Pediatrics. today. She works in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), caring for some of the province's most critically ill children. Every shift brings new challenges, but it also reinforces why she chose nursing—to provide compassionate, family-centered care during some of life's most difficult moments. Throughout her career, Eliza has been committed not only to caring for patients at the bedside but also to improving how care is delivered. She has been actively involved in initiatives at the Stollery Children's Hospital to streamline policies and improve clinical practices, helping ensure that every child and family receives a consistent, high-quality experience regardless of where they receive care. Wanting to create an even greater impact, Eliza enrolled in the Master of Nursing Leadership program in 2023. Her thesis focuses on examining the healthcare utilization of  hospitalized pediatric patients with respiratory illnesses in Alberta after discharge, comparing children admitted to a critical care unit in the province and those who were not. Through her research, she hopes to address the gap between pediatric research and clinical practice. By generating new evidence and advancing pediatric healthcare knowledge, Eliza hopes to help improve outcomes for children across the province. One area especially close to her heart is supporting children and families experiencing Post-Intensive Care Syndrome in Pediatrics (PICS-p). She recognizes that the effects of critical illness extend well beyond a hospital stay and is passionate about finding ways to better support children and their families throughout their recovery journey. Eliza believes that research, leadership, and compassionate clinical care all go hand in hand. Her goal is to help shape the future of pediatric healthcare so that children not only receive the best possible care today but also have better opportunities to survive and thrive tomorrow. When she isn't caring for patients or working on her master's degree, Eliza enjoys spending time outdoors on long walks, exploring local coffee shops in search of the perfect cup of coffee, and expressing her creativity through arts and crafts. ANET is proud to support passionate nurses like Eliza who are dedicated to advancing pediatric healthcare through research, leadership, and compassionate care.

Jenny Gwynn: Diane Davidson Memorial Scholarship: Jenny Gwynn's journey into nursing is proof that it's never too late to pursue a new passion. Originally from the United States, she spent many years successfully owning and operating her own business before realizing she wanted a career that would allow her to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. In her early forties, Jenny made the life-changing decision to return to school to pursue nursing. She finished her program in 2017, and from the moment she entered the profession, she knew she had found where she was meant to be. Driven by a passion for learning and helping others, Jenny continued her education immediately after completing her nursing degree by enrolling in a Master's program. Her studies focused on caring for populations living with addictions, where she discovered a deep interest in egosyntonic disorders and the complex relationship between addiction and mental health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jenny also worked in street nursing, an experience that opened her eyes to the significant gaps in mental health services and the many challenges faced by vulnerable members of her community. The experience strengthened her commitment to improving access to compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. After completing her Master's degree in 2022, Jenny worked as a counsellor supporting individuals experiencing significant life challenges and mental health concerns. While providing care, she recognized that there was still more she could do to improve the system. In January 2025, she began pursuing a Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy degree, where she is researching the cognitive mechanisms underlying anorexia nervosa, continuing her commitment to expanding her knowledge and strengthening the care available to Albertans. Today, Jenny works in Lethbridge and is passionate about advocating for individuals living with mental health challenges. She hopes to improve education and training for healthcare providers and others who care for people with mental health needs, ensuring they have the knowledge, confidence, and support required to provide compassionate, high-quality care to current and future populations. Her vision is to help create a stronger, more responsive mental health system for her community. Outside of her professional and academic life, Jenny is a proud mother of three and a grandmother who treasures time with her family and friends. Known for her positive outlook, generous spirit, and caring nature, she brings compassion into every aspect of her life. Jenny's dedication to lifelong learning, advocacy, and improving mental health care is making a meaningful difference in Alberta. We are proud to support her educational journey and look forward to the lasting impact she will continue to have on her community.

Nathan Dekker Karen Polowick Scholarship: For Nathan Dekker, growing up in a small Alberta town, it was a conversation with a Registered Nurse that sparked a calling he now believes he was born to pursue. The nurse spoke about caring for people and making a meaningful difference in their lives—values that resonated deeply with Nathan and have guided his career ever since. Now, after 15 years as a Registered Nurse, Nathan says nursing is exactly where he was meant to be. His career began in oncology, where he spent 11 years caring for patients at the Cross Cancer Institute. During that time, he became a passionate advocate for his patients, ensuring they received not only exceptional clinical care but also the compassion, dignity, and support they deserved throughout their cancer journey. Nathan later expanded his experience by working in home care as a Registered Nurse, Case Manager, and in outpatient care. It was in these roles that he witnessed firsthand the growing challenges many Albertans face in accessing primary care. Those experiences inspired him to take the next step in his career by becoming a Nurse Practitioner. His goal is simple but profound—to improve access to primary care for patients who might otherwise fall through the cracks and ensure they receive timely, compassionate, and comprehensive healthcare. Nathan's passion for learning has been a driving force throughout his career. He loves education and embraces every opportunity to expand his knowledge and skills, believing that lifelong learning allows him to provide the best possible care for his patients. Another area especially close to Nathan's heart is hospice and palliative care. Supporting patients and families during some of life's most difficult moments is work he considers both an honour and a privilege. He hopes to continue improving access to compassionate, patient-centred care for those facing serious illness and at the end of life. While pursuing advanced education and maintaining a busy nursing career, Nathan also balances another important role—that of husband and father. Together with his wife, three children, and their energetic dog, he enjoys spending as much time outdoors as possible. Whether camping, exploring Alberta's beautiful landscapes, or simply enjoying time together as a family, these moments help keep him grounded and remind him why his work matters. Nathan's journey reflects what nursing is truly about—compassion, advocacy, lifelong learning, and a commitment to improving the lives of others. His dedication to expanding access to primary care and supporting patients across every stage of life will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the communities he serves.

Janna Klyne Chris Lambert Memorial Scholarship: Janna Klyne knew from a young age that nursing was the career she wanted to pursue. At just 17 years old, she entered nursing school, graduating in 2001 and beginning a career dedicated to improving the lives of patients across Alberta. She started as a surgical float nurse at the Royal Alexandra Hospital as a recovery room nurse at a private surgical clinic before moving into the General Systems and Vascular Surgery program at the Grey Nuns, where she spent the next eight years caring for patients. In 2015 she moved to Home Parenteral Therapy teaching patients to administer intravenous medications at home. While she valued the hands-on clinical work, Janna also recognized opportunities to improve the systems that support patient care. She wanted to help create meaningful change that would benefit not only individual patients but healthcare teams across the province. That passion led her to the National Surgery Quality Improvement Program and Patient Safety Consultant work, where she discovered an unexpected interest in data, quality improvement, and finding better ways to deliver care. As her responsibilities grew, she became involved in initiatives focused on reducing urinary tract infections, developing an outpatient screening tool assessing postoperative risk for blood clots, and improving patient safety throughout the surgical program. Through these projects, she saw firsthand how barriers within the healthcare system can affect patient outcomes and became determined to help address them. To build the knowledge and skills needed to create lasting change, Janna is pursuing her master's degree. Her goal is to use what she learns to solve complex healthcare challenges, strengthen quality improvement initiatives, and help streamline surgical care resources across Alberta so patients receive safer, more efficient care. Away from work and school, Janna enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband have been married for 25 years and are raising four children who share a love of football. Their home is also filled with a variety of pets, and whenever possible, the family enjoys relaxing together at their lake lot. Janna's dedication to improving healthcare extends far beyond the bedside. By combining years of clinical experience with a commitment to quality improvement, she is helping build a stronger healthcare system for patients throughout Alberta.

Shane Campbell William Godfrey Scholarship: Born in Nova Scotia, Shane Campbell has always been driven by a desire to serve others. He spent the majority of his younger, years and  academic career in New Brunswick. His journey into healthcare began long before nursing school through volunteer work with the IWK at the Moncton Hospital, providing support for families with sick children, where he discovered the impact compassionate care can have on patients and families. After completing a Bachelor of Science degree, Shane decided to pursue nursing at the University of New Brunswick, graduating in 2014. Shortly after earning his nursing degree, he moved to northern Alberta, where he has built both his career and his family in a rural community. Working in rural healthcare has provided Shane with an incredibly diverse skill set. Rural nurses must be ready to transition quickly between many different areas of practice, and throughout his career he has cared for patients in trauma, emergency, pediatrics, geriatrics, and many other settings. Every shift brings new challenges, requiring adaptability, critical thinking, and a commitment to continuous learning. Through his experience, Shane has seen firsthand the ongoing challenges rural communities face, including staffing shortages, recruitment difficulties, and limited access to healthcare services. Rather than accepting these barriers, he was inspired to become part of the solution by pursuing his Nurse Practitioner designation. His goal is to provide comprehensive healthcare closer to home, helping ensure rural residents can access the care they need without unnecessary barriers. After graduating, Shane hopes to continue serving his community in a clinic, emergency department, family practice, or hospital setting—wherever the need is greatest. His focus has always been on filling healthcare gaps and strengthening the communities he serves. Outside of nursing and his studies, Shane is a devoted husband and father of three. His family enjoys spending time outdoors dirt biking, fishing, and swimming. He also plays guitar and serves his community as a volunteer firefighter. Shane's dedication to rural healthcare, his commitment to lifelong learning, and his passion for serving others make him an exceptional asset to Alberta's healthcare system. We are proud to support his educational journey and look forward to seeing the lasting impact he will make as a Nurse Practitioner in his rural community.