The FSJ Hospital Foundation would like to congratulate the 2024 recipients of The FSJ Hospital Foundation’s Educational Grants, these grants have been instrumental in supporting the continuing education of local healthcare workers since 1997. The goal is to ease the financial burden of education costs and encourage healthcare professionals to meet the growing needs of our community. It is through awarding these grants, the FSJ Hospital Foundation is not only investing in the professional growth of these individuals but also in the improvement of healthcare services in our community. This year $19,800 was distributed to the following 8 recipients, I invite you to read their stories and share in their passion to make a difference.

Joanne Culling first started with Northern Health as a volunteer during high school and then as a practical nursing student. She has worked at Peace Villa for the past 7 years and still has enthusiasm for working with the long-term care residents. She looks forward to the new opportunities that will be available once she completes her nursing degree and aspires to improve support to hospice and palliative care, as the services are much needed in the community.

Michael Gabriel began his career with Northern Health in 2013 as a Licensed Practical Nurse. This was the start of his fulfilling journey in human healthcare. From a young age, Michael had been captivated by the healthcare field, inspired by the dedicated professionals he encountered during hospital visits. This early fascination fueled his determination to pursue a career dedicated to medicine and patient care, ultimately finding his true calling with Northern Health. Today, Michael continues to build on his diverse background and experience, committed to making a positive impact in psychiatric nursing and contributing to the well-being of our community. Michael plans to continue serving as a behaviour specialist at Peace Villa, where he can develop and implement effective treatment plans that address the unique needs of residents with behavioural and mental health challenges.

Faith Getaruelas started with Northern Health in 2016 as an LPN and is currently pursing her education in Psychiatric Nursing. Faith is keen on furthering her education and training to expand her skills and knowledge to effect positive change in the lives of individuals who often face marginalization due to stigma and constrained access to resources.  Individuals facing mental health challenges have always held a special place in Faith’s heart. She is eager to get to know her clients, gaining insights from their experiences, and exploring what brings them comfort. “By creating avenues for individuals to access services that demonstrate empathy and cultural sensitivity, we can improve their quality of life.” Faith Getaruelas

Lynette Hewitt was born and raised in FSJ, completing her Bachelor of Science in nursing in 2002. She has spent the last 22 years working for Northern Health in a range of positions from acute care nurse, to home care nurses and many in-betweens, Lynette’s ties to health care in our community spans several decades and facilities. When she took a position in home care nursing in 2015 she felt she had found her niche in nursing. With shift towards the primary care model Lynette felt this was the right time to expand her skills in wound care. Having completed her WOCS course she is now a NSWOC (nurse specializing in wound and ostomy care) and as such she continues to work in the north east supporting community health.

Kizzy Luquini relocated to Fort St John in 2020 to work for Northern Health at Peace Villa as Heath Care Assistant. Her desire for development and building a career, encouraged her to pursue the New Access to Practical Nurse Program. This training will give her a wide opportunity to serve the community in different healthcare fields and provide quality care to our community.

Danielle Quiring Has been working for Northern Health since 2005, upon graduating from Okanagan University College. Drawn to the north, both by friends and the student loan forgiveness program, Danielle has now made FSJ home and is raising her family here. She has continued her education throughout her career, first completing the BCIT perinatal specialty in 2010. In 2021 she began teaching with the rural northern baccalaureate nursing program as a sessional instructor, this inspired her to further her education to become an instructor with the nursing program. Obtaining her Masters of Nursing degree will open opportunities for her to pursue teaching in the undergraduate nursing program as well as potential for growth within Northern Health as an educator or in management.

Ashley Sarver has a back ground working as a Medical Office Assistant for many years. Once covid had hit she was in need of a job and applied to Northern Health on a whim. She was hired just a few days later. Upon moving up here she first worked at the Health Unit, latter applying to the FSJ Hospital lab as a clerk. She has always had an interest in the medical field and truly enjoy what she does. Prompted by need she decided to upgrade and take the MLA (Medical Lab Assistant) program. She is looking forward to taking on a role as a MLA and is excited about the opportunities this education will allow her to access.

Leah Tjepkema, was born and raised in Fort St. John. Choosing to enter the field of nursing because of the relational nature of the practice and the diversity of employment positions that could be achieved through the profession. After completing her undergraduate degree at Mount Royal University in Calgary Leah returned to FSJ. When hired as a new RN, she immediately enjoyed the diversity that rural practice offers and the sense of belonging to a community. The Fort St. John hospital offers many employment opportunities and she was able to sample different specialties until she found her niche in labour and delivery. Acquiring her Masters in Nursing is going to allow her to be a more effect leader, mentor and policy advocate. She hopes to be able to create positive change within our health care system and effectively mitigate challenges utilizing best practice and policies. With this graduate education, she would like to be able to work in an education roll that benefits her home community of Fort St. John.