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NNPBC NP Council Bio

Alison Chesters

I've been a NP since 2013 and I have worked for FHA in several roles including cardiac services, primary care, and frail seniors. I recently was the local department head in White Rock South Surrey (WRSS) and I enjoyed working with a growing and skilled group of NP's. I have been the co chair for the education committee with the FHA NP department for the last 2 years developing educational and engagement opportunities for NP's. Furthermore, I have also participated in the WRSS Primary Care Network steering committee to help develop sustainable and accessible healthcare. More recently, my NP journey has led me to the BCCA where I will be joining their NP team in Systemic Therapy.

My passion for NP's in BC is to have full recognition of the capacity, value and dynamic care NPs play within our healthcare system. NP's are an integral part of BC’s healthcare system providing complex, evolving, and invaluable services.

As a NP Councillor at Large I will continue to bring forward the NP voice to help our profession progress forward.

NNPBC NP Council Bio

Sara Eftekhar

Sara Eftekhar's nursing career has spanned across research, women's health, and global health. As an uninvited settler from Iran residing on unceded and stolen lands of the Coast Salish peoples, she has been deeply moved by the injustices experienced by her patients, inspiring her to become a passionate advocate for health equity.

She has actively volunteered with AccessBC, advocating for free prescription contraception, helped implement Canada’s first ever youth policies, published a policy report and advocated for paid leave for survivors of Gender Based Violence (GBV), created public service announcements on the radio about the barriers of health care and represented Canada at the United Nations as the first ever youth delegate. Furthermore, she has served as a Lead Advisor with Hollyburn Community Services, focusing on improving GBV services for BIPOC+ women, and as a consultant with New Westminster School District, working to revitalize their teen dating violence and sexual health curriculum. She is also an active member of the North Shore Coordinating Committee to End Violence Against Women, spearheading the implementation of forensic nursing services at Lions Gate Hospital.

Her advocacy work has garnered significant attention, leading her to make appearances on prominent media outlets such as CBC and CTV news. She has also been invited to speak at various events, including Women Deliver. She has been honored with prestigious awards such as the YWCA Young Woman of Distinction Award, RBC's, Top 25 Immigrants of Canada, and the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal.

She holds a nursing degree from UBC (2013) and pursued a Master of Arts in Peace, Conflict and Development as a Rotary Peace Fellow on a full scholarship. She recently obtained a Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner) from Athabasca University in 2023. Currently, she serves as an Honorary Governors Council at the Vancouver Foundation and holds a position as a Board Member of North Shore Community Resources.

Looking ahead, she is enthusiastic about utilizing her advocacy experience to champion the cause of Nurse Practitioners across the province, aiming to create meaningful change in the healthcare system.

NNPBC NP Council Bio

Michael Gartner

I received my BSN from BCIT in 2011 and worked in the CCU at VGH before completing my Masters in 2016 through UBC. I worked in Vancouver's Inner City with an amazing interdisciplinary team, providing essential primary care in the context of mental health and addiction. Due to personal interests in chronic pain, and the obvious need for more accessible treatment modalities, I completed the myoActivation® training through the Anatomic Medicine Foundation.

Last year, we were blessed with a constellation of events that led to our move to beautiful Victoria. I currently work in primary care with a focus in Lifestyle Medicine.

I maintain an Adjunct Professor role at UBC and have a passion for teaching, mentorship, and networking. Moreover, I currently have the privilege to pursue my PhD studies through UBC. As a father of two and husband to a fellow NP, I also understand the importance of balancing personal and professional responsibilities.

If elected, I am committed to bringing together NPs on the Island and working collaboratively to advocate for our profession's interests.

NNPBC NP Council Bio

Ashley Gueret

Hello, my name is Ashley Gueret. I am a family nurse practitioner living in Prince George. I graduated from Malaspina University College in Nanaimo in 2007 and started my nursing career in pediatrics at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital where I worked for 10 years in many aspects of pediatric care with children and youth of all ages. I obtained my Masters of Science in Nursing - Nurse Practitioner degree from UNBC in 2017 and moved to Prince George in 2018. Since living in Prince George, I have worked in nearly every NP clinic in Prince George, including many of the outreach clinics, and established two of my own outreach clinics, while continuing to focus on children and youth mental health with a special interest in ADHD and women's health. I have recent experience acting as interim leadership for Northern Health and maintain an active role as clinical faculty for both UNBC in the department of nurse practitioners, and UBC in the department of family medicine, where I regularly participate in the mentorship and preceptorship of new NPs, as well as student NPs and MDs. I look forward to being an active participant in the NNPBC council and encourage all of my Northern colleagues to reach out to me with any questions or concerns they may have.

NNPBC NP Council Bio

Cheryl Dussault

Hello, my name is Cheryl Dussault. I have been working in health care in many different capacities for over thirty years. I am a 2015 graduate of the UNBC MScN Nurse Practitioner Program. My practice has been in post-secondary health care clinics providing primary health care to students, staff and faculty. I also provide relief coverage at an industrial medical clinic providing primary and preventative health care.

I have had the opportunity to practice and live in several rural and remote communities in northern British Columbia throughout my nursing career. I have experienced first-hand the benefits, as well as the unique challenges of living and providing care in these communities. I am committed to representing the perspectives and needs of rural nurse practitioners.

NNPBC NP Council Bio

Hope Schreiber

I started my nursing career at McMaster University in 1993 and worked for several years in maternal-newborn care. So many families were dealing with unintended pregnancies, which inspired me to become a NP so that I could be in a better position for health promotion and early intervention. I completed my family NP in 2000 at the University of Texas Health Science Centre at San Antonio, and obtained a Women's Health Care NP post-Master's certificate from Planned Parenthood of Minnesota/South Dakota in 2003. Working with clients facing multiple barriers to health and health services has always been challenging and rewarding and I feel privileged to work with these communities. My career has taken me from substance use treatment research, to Planned Parenthood, to primary care for clients with HIV/AIDS, and then to an 11-year practice serving socially complex women, transgender people, and families. Since 2021 I've been the full-time locum for Island Health-employed primary care NPs in the South Island, and recently became a MAiD provider. I'm also a UVic OSCE examiner, member of the BCCNM OSCE content group, and health and safety representative for the Victoria Volleyball Association. In my non-working life, I'm the proud mother of a university-bound son and enjoy exploring this beautiful island with my dog Rosie.

I look forward to representing the NPs of Vancouver Island on the NNPBC NP Council and advancing the issues of locum coverage and low-threshold access to primary care services.

NNPBC NP Council Bio

Jane Narayan

Jane Narayan received her Bachelor of Science- Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 2007. She went on to obtain her Bachelor of Nursing at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in 2010. As a Registered Nurse, she worked on acute medicine, cardiac surgery and cardiac ICU at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH).

Subsequently, she went on to complete the Masters of Nursing- Nurse Practitioner (NP) in 2017 at UBC. Since becoming an NP, she has practiced in various cardiac subspecialities including: Heart Failure, Cardio-Oncology, Cardiac Amyloidosis and Atrial Fibrillation. In 2018, she became a part of the planning and implementation of Axis Primary Care Clinic (PCC) located in Cloverdale, Surrey. This clinic opened in September 2020, is part of the Primary Care Network (PCN) and has increased access to quality primary care for British Columbians in keeping with the Ministry of Health's vision for primary care. Jane currently practices at the Cardiac Clinic at Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH) and Axis PCC.

Jane currently sits on the Board of Directors at Axis PCC and is an executive member of the Canadian Council of Cardiovascular Nursing (BC-Yukon Division). Additionally, she became an Adjunct Professor at the UBC School of Nursing in 2021. She is keen in knowledge translation and providing quality education to students and mentors.

As an NP, Jane is committed to clinical excellence, education, and leadership. She is committed to address NP concerns with integrity and transparency. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve on NNPBC Council and is looking forward to working collaboratively to move the NP profession forward.

NNPBC NP Council Bio

Sara Ruiz

Greetings! My name is Sara Ruiz, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as a student councillor with NNPBC.

My educational journey began at BCIT, where I graduated with distinction in 2011, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and the professionalism award from CRNBC. I am currently pursuing the Nurse Practitioner (NP) program at the University of Victoria. Throughout my career, I have gained diverse experiences in the healthcare field. As a travel nurse, I had the privilege of working in various intensive care units across the province and even ventured to the Northwest Territories. Additionally, I helped to coordinate the Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) program at a medium-security prison, learning from and working with those struggling with addiction. Most recently, I had the opportunity to play a role in the development of the RN in Practice position at the Mission Primary Care Network (PCN). Currently, I am employed as a casual nurse at the Abbotsford Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC).

In December 2022, I became a member of the NNPBC student committee, and this involvement has been a transformative experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my knowledge with my classmates and actively contribute to the initiatives of the organization. It has ignited my passion for improving the NP student experience and fostering collaboration among students around the province. Together, I believe we can create an inclusive learning environment that promotes growth and success.

I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as your student councillor and look forward to working alongside you to create a vibrant and supportive NP community.

NNPBC NP Council Bio

Jodie Steer

Greetings, my name is Jodie Steer. Since starting my nursing career in 1997, I have had the privilege to practice in a variety of acute and community care settings including Critical Care and Public Health. Originally from Vancouver, I moved to Nelson in 2007 and graduated as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2014. Initially working in private practice alongside a physician group, I then transitioned over to a Health Authority role specializing in mental health and substance use. This past summer I joined the NP led Waneta Primary Care clinic, a group practice that values shared care through collaboration with an outstanding group of PCN allied health care professionals.

I am excited to join as a new NNPBC NP Council member and for the opportunity to collaborate with Nurses and Nurse Practitioners from around the Province. I hope to bring a balanced rural perspective on current NP issues and am a passionate advocate for team based care and health equity.

In my personal life I enjoy nature and as a lifelong lover of learning, I enjoy trying new skills and sports that provide me with both exercise and often a good laugh.

NNPBC NP Council Bio

Karen Sims

Writing this bio allowed me to reflect on my NP career of 15 1/2 years. In 2006 I registered with the college as one of the few NPs within the NP(Adult) designation. I initially worked in acute care then purposely made some changes to increase my depth of experience. While change can be daunting, I have been rewarded by working in acute care (6 years), primary care (5 years) and for the last four years in specialty care. My current role with the provincial Adult Bleeding Disorder Program at St. Paul's Hospital challenges all my skills with dynamic hospital based care, ambulatory care, chronic disease management, health promotion, and collaboration during transition of care.

My involvement in NP Association work began with BCNPA in 2005 while still a student. I was inspired by other NPs who stepped forward to lead. Over the years I held a potpourri of positions including chair for the membership committee (2008/2009), Secretary (2009-2012), in charge of the conference budget, treasurer (2015-2017) to name a few. I have witnessed the NP profession grow and felt proud as together NPs navigated challenges and opportunities; celebrated highs and brushed off lows.

My other committee work includes the Ministry NP4BC working group (2012-2014), CRNBC Standards committee (2008-2014), CRNBC peer assessor (2015-2017), OSCE standards committee (2014- current), and chair of the NP department Quality Committee both within Fraser Health and now Providence Health Care.

There is no doubt that challenges and opportunities will be ongoing as our profession continues to grow. However, if the history of NPs in British Columbia has proven anything it is that as a united profession challenges and opportunities are manageable. I am committed to the NP profession, listening and learning from the collective wisdom of the over 700 NPs in British Columbia, and ensuring that voice is heard and represented.

NNPBC NP Council Bio

Marjan Vizcaino

Marjan is a board-certified Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) and joined the Thoracic Surgical team at Kelowna General Hospital in 2012. She has been in the healthcare field for more than 25 years and completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Washington in Seattle. In 2006, she returned to the University of Washington and earned a Master of Science and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner degree.

She has dedicated most of her clinical career to surgical and medical oncology. She has worked in leadership roles and clinical positions within surgical and medical teams.

Marjan has returned to school to complete a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, with a dual emphasis on preventing, screening, and treating psychosocial health needs of patients with cancer and healthcare-system leadership. She is passionate about quality care and change that is patient-centered, innovative, culturally safe, efficient, and enhances health outcomes.

Marjan is a Clinical Instructor for the University of British Columbia Division of Thoracic Surgery and a member of Sigma Theta International Honor Society of Nursing.

This is an exciting time for NPs and I look forward to contributing to our professions progress.

NNPBC NP Council Bio

Rebecca Irving

Hello, my name is Rebecca Irving (she/her/hers). I graduated from UNBC in 2018 as a Family Nurse Practitioner. For the last three years, I have worked in Prince George as an FNP with primarily Indigenous and underserved populations. I am passionate about providing quality primary health care to all levels of socioeconomic status and working to break down social barriers to health care services. I hope to bring a Northern perspective to NNPBC and provide insight into some of the physical, social, and political barriers experienced in the North. I look forward to learning some of the behind-the-scenes of NNPBC as I have admired the council's work thus far in promoting independent work opportunities for nurse practitioners. I grew up in Prince George and have found no reason to leave! I love the community and the easy access to the outdoors. In my free time, I like to bike, hike, run and ski. I recently did a therapy-dog-training course with my two-year-old lab, in hopes of one day bringing her to work with me, though her current energy levels have me thinking we are a few years away from that!

NNPBC NP Council Bio

Sukhwant Jassar

Sukhwant (Sukhi) Jassar obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2011 from the University of Victoria and her Advanced Specialty Certificate from BCIT. She worked as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department. She went on to complete the Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner program from the University of Northern British Columbia in 2016.

Sukhi has multiple interests and holds multiple NP roles. She currently works with the VCH Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) team where she assesses and provides patients with assisted dying as an end-of-life option and dying with dignity. She recently joined the FH MAiD team. Previously, Sukhi worked at the Raven Song Community Health Centre and Youth Detox in Vancouver where she provided primary care for patients with complex mental health conditions, substance-use disorders, and gender dysphoria. She translates this knowledge into her Primary Care Network (PCN) position while increasing access for vulnerable populations.

Sukhi is keen on knowledge translation. She actively mentors NP students in her family practice. She is an OSCE examiner and participates on the NNPBC conference planning committee. Sukhi will complete her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in July 2022 with a focus on enhancing knowledge and attitudes surrounding substance use disorders in the community.

Sukhi hears and understands concerns raised by both health authority and privately contracted NPs. She advocates for NPs equally and collectively. Sukhi's priorities are to assure NPs have a regular platform to discuss concerns, raise issues with our negotiating team and ministry, and promote transparency between the NNPBC council and all NPs.

NNPBC NP Council Bio

Sydney Richardson-Carr

I am a Family Nurse Practitioner (NP) currently employed at the Kelowna and Vernon Urgent and Primary Care Centres (UPCCs) as a contracted NP. I was born and raised in beautiful Prince Edward Island but made my way west, completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree with Distinction at the University of Alberta in 2012. After working as a nurse in cardiovascular intensive care, I wanted to shift into primary care, in order to focus on the other end of the health spectrum - health promotion and disease prevention. I moved to Kelowna in 2016 and went on to complete the Masters of Nursing, NP Program at the University of Victoria, graduating in 2018. I am currently returning from my first maternity leave and reprising my role as the NP-lead at the Vernon UPCC. I am excited to continue furthering the role of NPs in BC and supporting colleagues in practice. In my spare time, I enjoys hiking with my family, skiing, playing music, reading and generally enjoying the beautiful Okanagan.

NNPBC NP Council Bio

Parveen Sangha

Parveen Sangha completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BScN) from the University of Fraser Valley in 2008. She subsequently worked as a Critical Care Registered Nurse in the Vancouver General Hospital Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) and Cardiac Investigation Unit. In 2016, she obtained her Master of Science in Nursing (MScN) and completed the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program at the University of Northern British Columbia.

From 2017 until 2019, she worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner as part of the Survivorship and Primary Care team at the BC Cancer Agency. She provided survivorship and primary care to a population of patients with a wide range of cancer diagnoses including breast cancer and lymphoma. Within this role, she gained exposure to all aspects of cancer care including palliative care, pain and symptom management, and monitoring for recurrences. From January 2020 until February 2023, she worked as an independent Primary Care Clinician at Seymour Health Centre. She provided full scope primary care to a diverse panel of patients and collaborated daily with her primary care peers and specialist colleagues.

In February 2023, Parveen took on the role as the Co-Medical Director (Administrative Lead) for the VCH Regional Medical Assisted Dying Program. She has worked with the MAiD team for over 5 years and is passionate about assessing and providing timely and appropriate medically assisted death. Parveen holds multiple leadership roles and serves on a variety of committees. She is the chair of the Regional MAiD Credentials Committee and VCH MAiD Provider Committee. Parveen thrives to provide medical leadership and strategic direction to ensure high quality and effective delivery of medical services needed to support program/service delivery within the acute care, community care and primary health care networks.

NNPBC NP Council Bio

Harvinder Sihota

Irapyvices.

NNPBC NP Council Bio

Kim Law

I am a Family Practice Nurse Practitioner coming to you from the traditional and unceded territory of Nak'azdli Whut'en, colonially known as Fort St James. I was born and raised in Lheidli T'enneh Territory (Prince George). I am a Metis woman of Ojibway and mixed European descent, and am on a journey to reclaim my heritage from all of my ancestors.

I graduated with my BSN from UNBC in 2009, and practiced in many areas of nursing in and out of hospital. Travel nursing opened my eyes to pervasive health inequity across the country, but also to the resilience of our patients and the strength and advocacy of the nursing profession.

Although I live in town, I have what my father calls a "Funny Farm", with various animals and ongoing gardening “experiments”. I love being on the land, fishing, hunting, and berry picking (there's always just ONE more berry to pick). I have always been an avid reader but lately turn to audiobooks to rest my eyes; I predominantly enjoy sci-fi and fantasy.

I primarily work out of the Fort St James Medical Clinic, but also regularly practice at the Nak'azdli Health Centre, Tl'azt'ten Health Centre, and Binche Health Centre. I provided full spectrum family practice with areas of special interest in addictions, mental health and women’s health. My approach to care is influenced by the Humanbecoming Model and the Indigenous Wellness Framework. My practice focuses on supporting my patient’s to achieve their wellness goals. While there is plenty of data and information regarding the trauma’s and increased rates of illness in Indigenous people, I work hard to approach care from a strength based perspective. This is also what I bring to the Indigenous Counsellor role. Indigenous and Nursing perspectives are powerful, our profession is strong, and I know we have an important role to play in changing our healthcare system.

Maarsii/Thank you

NNPBC NP Council Bio

Sarah Adair

My name is Sarah Adair, and I am one of the Island Councillors and I have been working in health care for 10 years. I started my journey as an RN on the surgical float team and continued my education through BCIT to become an emergency RN. I saw firsthand the need for primary care providers while working in the ED and decided to pursue ongoing education at UVic where I completed by Master’s in Nursing, graduating as a Nurse Practitioner.

I have always enjoyed continuing education, including learning about healthcare systems and politics. I was one of the first NPs to sign on to a PCN contract on Vancouver Island and assisted NNPBC in developing supports for PCN contracted NPs. I currently work at St. Anthony's Primary Care Clinic in Westshore, Victoria. Our clinic is NP lead and has afforded me the opportunity to take on leadership positions within our community. I am enthusiastic about NP advocacy and sit on the PCN operations committee, the NP council and I am currently the chair for the NNPBC conference committee who are planning the 2023 NP Conference which will take place in June 2023. My vision as an NP is to ignite the fire in other NPs so that we can collectively promote the development of our roles while bringing a patient-focused lens to primary care in hopes to better the health of our growing communities. On a personal note, you can catch my family of four (Connor, Coen and Cedar) skiing during the winter months or seeking out new adventures. I am grateful that Hope Schreiber joined the council this year, and it has been pleasure working with her on the island.

NNPBC NP Council Bio

Hope Schreiber

My name is Hope Schreiber and I am one of the Councillors for Vancouver Island. I grew up in Ontario and did my undergrad at McMaster. After working in labour and delivery for several years, I completed my family NP in 2000 at the University of Texas.

Continuing my commitment to women’s health, I did a Women’s Health Care NP post-Master’s certificate in 2003. My career has taken me from substance use treatment research, to Planned Parenthood, to primary care for clients with HIV/AIDS, and then to an 11-year practice serving socially complex women, transgender people, and families. Since 2021 I’ve been a full-time locum for Island Health-employed primary care NPs, and recently became a MAiD provider. In my non-working life, I enjoy exploring the incredible beauty that is Vancouver Island with my dog Rosie. I am very happy to be joining Sarah Adair to represent Island NPs on the NP Council!