Valerie Kalmykov, recipient of the RPNF 3rd Year Undergraduate Scholarship, is a third-year student in the BScPN Program at Douglas College, BC. She has made it a priority to educate others about psychiatric nursing and its contributions to population wellbeing. Valerie values volunteering with the Community Outreach Project at Douglas College, which provides opportunities to support individuals experiencing interpersonal stressors, homelessness, and mental health and addictions challenges. Her volunteer experience in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside further strengthened her interest in understanding the lived experiences of people who are unhoused and navigating substance use. Valerie’s goals include deepening her learning about Indigenous peoples’ experiences and the impacts of the mental health system across individual and intergenerational contexts. She is also committed to acknowledging and addressing stigma related to substance use disorders and brings forward a guiding belief that small acts of care can have meaningful impact.

Rhianna Nelson, recipient of the RPNF 4th Year Undergraduate Scholarship, is graduating from the BScPN Program at Brandon University, MB. Her academic and clinical learning has been enriched through diverse employment and volunteer experiences, including work as a Mental Health Proctor; with the Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) Team; as an Undergraduate Nurse Employee at Tri Lake Health Centre in Killarney, MB; as a Research Assistant II with Brandon University’s Faculty of Health Studies; and as a Summer Student Integration Facilitator at COR Enterprises Inc. in Brandon, MB. Rhianna has also volunteered in the Peer Mentorship Program (supporting first- and second-year psychiatric nursing students), contributed to Pre-Psychiatric Nursing Information Sessions, and currently serves on this year’s graduation committee. She completed her senior practicum with Westman Crisis Services and hopes to continue building experience in crisis intervention and potentially, in-patient practice. Long term plans include pursuing a master’s degree after gaining additional clinical experience.

Sophia Cho, recipient of the RPNF 4th Year Undergraduate Scholarship, is graduating from the BScPN Program at Douglas College, BC. Over the past five years, her academic, professional, and community experiences have focused on mental health care, advocacy, and equity. She has worked as a Community Mental Health Worker with Coastal Mental Health and as a Health Unit Worker with Vancouver Coastal Health. As an Undergraduate Research Assistant, she received the Science Undergraduate Research Experience Award and was second author on a peer-reviewed publication. Sophia has also volunteered with the Crisis Centre of BC, Canadian Blood Services, and the Residences for Independent Living Society, and spearheaded a fundraiser supporting Black and Indigenous lives. Her goal is to work in psychiatric in-patient settings and build clinical skills in crisis stabilization, medication support, trauma-informed care, and recovery-oriented practice. In the long term, she hopes to grow into leadership roles within in-patient care.

Randi Ziorio Dunlop, recipient of the RPNF Graduate Scholarship, is a doctoral student at the University of Alberta. Her research seeks to generate knowledge about the assumptions and practices enacted through trauma- and violence-informed approaches (TVIA) in nursing education, as well as their effects. This work will support deeper understanding of organizational policy in nursing education and identify key considerations for the safe implementation of TVIA. Drawing on the philosophical work of the late French philosopher Michel Foucault, Randi examines TVIA to assess whether it is achieving its intended purpose and to explore the power relations it may perpetuate. Randi notes that the use of critical methods as a psychiatric nurse is important, advancing the capacity for RPNs to challenge assumptions we may take for granted about ourselves and the people we serve. She also hopes that her completion of this research encourages fellow RPNs to pursue advanced psychiatric nursing research at a doctoral level.

Jennifer Adair of Winnipeg, Manitoba is recipient of the RPNF Marlene Fitzsimmons Grant for her January, 2026 presentation at the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association (CNSA) Conference in Saskatoon, SK. The session, “From Harm to Healing: Addressing Microaggressions and Restoring Relationships,” equipped students with practical strategies to navigate microaggressions in professional settings and repair relationships in support of safe, competent care. Guided by the Microaggressions Triangle Model, participants learned how to recognize microaggressions; respond when they are the target; intervene as bystanders; and reflect on their own role when they are the source. The workshop also explored the consequences of avoiding conflict and supported students in building confidence to manage these junctures in ways that align with personal values and the ethical standards of the nursing profession – reducing stress and burnout and potentially decreasing early attrition from the profession.

Kirston Blom of Regina, Saskatchewan is recipient of the RPNF Marlene Fitzsimmons Grant for presenting at the Custody and Caring Conference 2025 in Saskatoon. Drawing on her ongoing research, her presentation examined how systemic inequities, intergenerational trauma, and determinants of health—such as poverty, housing insecurity, mistrust within the healthcare system, limited transitional community support post-release, and lack of culturally safe care—contribute to the overrepresentation of Indigenous women in the justice system and to persistent health disparities following incarceration. Her work encourages psychiatric nurses to recognize and address the colonial foundations that continue to shape health inequities, supporting evidence-informed, compassionate, and equitable care within forensic contexts. Through this lens, psychiatric nursing becomes not only a clinical profession, but also an ally for reconciliation, an advocate for cultural revitalization, and a driver of systemic change. Kirstin notes that this work is deeply personal as an Indigenous nurse with First Nations and Métis roots who has witnessed significant gaps in mental health and addictions services. By framing care within an Indigenous wellness paradigm that values balance, her work calls for a shift from punitive to healing-centred approaches and invites psychiatric nursing to stand in solidarity with Indigenous women, uphold culturally safe practice, and bridge clinical care with traditional knowledge.

Kelsey Marie Vandenberghe of Brandon Manitoba was recipient of the RPNF Bursary in 2025. The RPNF provides a bursary through Brandon University Foundation which is awarded to an individual who has completed their 3rd year, and is entering their 4th year of the Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing Program, Brandon University.

Megan Cuvelier, of Killarney Manitoba was nominated by Lora Murdy and Jaret Box in recognition of her exceptional leadership, clinical experience, and commitment to resident-centred care. She played a key role in leading her facility’s participation in “Health Excellence Canada’s Sparking Change: Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics” initiative, guiding the team toward a resident-directed model focused on quality of life and reduced reliance on medication.

Through her leadership, the facility earned two awards that supported meaningful, resident-focused improvements. Megan is widely respected for her knowledge of behavioural health, medication, and person-centred practice, and for her collaborative work with interdisciplinary partners. Known for her empathy, approachability, and dedication, she consistently builds strong connections with residents, families, and staff. Megan’s leadership has created lasting, positive change within her facility.

Jessica Neufeld, Clinical Resource Nurse from Winkler, Manitoba was nominated by Michael Friesen and Jenny Lynn Ferrer for her exceptional leadership and mentorship within inpatient psychiatric unit services. She provides consistent guidance, real-time clinical support, and education to nursing staff, fostering confidence, competence, and high standards of care, while providing mentorship and coaching to nurses at all stages of their professional development, ensuring they are well equipped to manage the complex, unpredictable, and often high-acuity challenges of inpatient psychiatric care. Jessica plays a critical role in helping nurses build confidence, competence, and sound clinical judgment, contributing to both staff retention and high-quality patient care.

Jessica leads practice improvement initiatives, supports change management, and translates evidence-based standards into practical guidance for frontline staff. Her approachable leadership style promotes psychological safety, collaboration, and a strong culture of learning. She is widely regarded as a trusted resource and role model in psychiatric nursing leadership.

Jessica Isidro Trudel, Transition Community Mental Health Coordinator with Access Winnipeg West was nominated by John Keith Simba and Gina Staples for her work providing complex transition planning and short-term case management for vulnerable individuals. Her work includes crisis intervention, system navigation, and collaboration with families and community partners to ensure continuity of care. Jessica excels at creating innovative solutions to the often-complex challenges faced by individuals with mental and physical health difficulties.

Jessica has developed and delivered barrier-free community mental health education and wellness initiatives, including targeted workshops and community events. An example of Jessica’s ingenuity is her recent initiation of a care package drive, providing personal and hygiene products for individuals with limited resources who are entering hospital. She also demonstrates leadership through volunteer work, mentorship, and advocacy to reduce stigma and promote mental well-being. Her innovation, dedication, and community impact exemplify excellence in psychiatric nursing leadership.

Candice Waddell-Henowitch of Brandon, Manitoba was nominated for excellence in psychiatric nursing education by Rachel Reath and other third year students for her innovative teaching approach, mentorship, and leadership at Brandon University. She inspires students through dynamic teaching methods, real-world clinical examples, and inclusive learning environments that support diverse learning needs. Candice welcomes students to her classroom with sincere engagement, and students benefit from her knowledge and experience, commitment to their learning, and personal investment in their development as future psychiatric nurses.

Candice actively contributes beyond the classroom through involvement in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives, guest speaking engagements, community education, and international presentations. She is deeply committed to advancing education on sensitive topics, including sexual violence, and has published a graphic novella to raise awareness and promote survivor voices. Candice’s passion, dedication, and support leave a lasting impact on students and the broader community.

Jennifer (Jen) Howarth from Brandon, Manitoba was nominated for her outstanding contribution as a clinical instructor in the BScPN program at Brandon University by Willow Boyachek and Emily Anderson. She consistently demonstrates professionalism, approachability, and a strong commitment to student learning and development.

Jen fosters a supportive and psychologically safe learning environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and evidence-informed practice. Jen maintains a high level of professionalism while remaining genuinely personable and approachable. She models lifelong learning, ethical decision-making, and strong clinical judgement while providing constructive feedback that supports student growth. Students feel respected and seen as future colleagues, thereby supporting formation of professional identity.

Her dedication to education and psychiatric nursing practice has had a significant and lasting impact on her students.

Jessica Breadner of Headingley, Manitoba was nominated by Cara Nohavicka and Melody Smith for her work as a correctional psychiatric nurse at the Women’s Correctional Centre. Jessica has worked in the centre for over six years and brings extensive clinical experience and strong advocacy skills to her role. She supports clients with complex mental health needs, particularly during release planning, ensuring continuity of care through safe housing, follow-up appointments, and medication management. Jessica works tirelessly with community stakeholders to devise release plans for individuals who have come from diminished community supports.

Jessica is highly respected by psychiatrists, physicians, peers and management, and demonstrates exceptional commitment to both clients and colleagues. She is consistently available to support staff, problem-solve complex issues, and mentor nursing students. Her strong work ethic, accountability, and client-centred approach make her highly deserving of recognition for clinical excellence.

Evelyn Thompson of Cranberry Portage, Manitoba was nominated by Deborah McDowell and Angela Gagnon-Nikolychuk as the sole RPN at The Pas Correctional Centre over the past nine years, providing comprehensive mental health care to a complex and underserved population. She completes mental health assessments, manages ongoing care, supports suicide risk management, and collaborates closely with correctional staff and external agencies. In her day-to-day work with individuals, Evelyn is particularly adept at providing empathic mental health support to inmates immersed in the stressful experience of custody, family related stress and grief, as well as identifying barriers and gaps that are critical to address.

Evelyn is highly committed, resourceful, and self-directed, consistently advocating for continuity of care for individuals returning to remote northern communities. She also plays a key role in educating and supporting correctional staff. Her professionalism, assessment skills, and dedication make her an invaluable asset to the correctional health team.

National Scholarships

• Gina Zentner, MB: RPNF Undergraduate Scholarship (3rd Year)
• Valerie Kalmykov, BC: RPNF Undergraduate Scholarship (3rd Year)
• Rhianna Nelson, MB: RPNF Undergraduate Scholarship (4th Year)
• Sophia Yejin Cho, BC: RPNF Undergraduate Scholarship (4th Year)
• Randi Ziorio Dunlop, AB: RPNF Graduate Scholarship

National Grants

• Jennifer Adair, MB:  RPNF Marlene Fitzsimmons Grant
• Kirston Blom, SK:  RPNF Marlene Fitzsimmons Grant

RPNF Bursary

• Kelsey Marie Vandenberghe, MB

Manitoba Awards of Excellence

• Clinical – Jessica Breadner, Headingley, MB
• Clinical – Evelyn Thompson, Cranberry Portage, MB
• Education – Jennifer Howarth, Brandon, MB
• Education – Dr. Candice Waddell-Henowitch, Brandon, MB
• Leadership – Megan Cuvelier, Killarney, MB
• Leadership – Jessica Isidro-Trudel, Winnipeg, MB
• Leadership – Jessica Neufeld, Winkler, MB