Cathy McCumber, RN, BScN, MN

APN in Chronic Disease Management

cmccumber@qch.on.ca

As the Advanced Practice Nurse in Chronic Disease Management, Cathy leads and manages the Heart Function, Stroke Prevention, Diabetes, and Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease Programs. Cathy provides clinic expertise in management of patients with chronic conditions. Cathy's role supports an interprofessional team by leading program planning, evaluation, quality improvement projects, and clinical care to foster a practice environment to meet the complex care needs of patients and their families living with chronic health conditions. With over 30 years of nursing experience, Cathy has a broad and diverse clinical and leadership background including chronic care, medicine, ICU, geriatrics, rehabilitation, education, management, and nursing practice. Cathy is proud to be part of the dedicated and passionate chronic care team at Queensway Carleton Hospital. Cathy is committed to providing excellence in patient and family care and to maximize quality of life through exceptional service and compassion.

Education:

• Masters of Nursing, University of Toronto, 2000
• Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing, University of Ottawa, 1994
• Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Leadership Program, Telfer School of Management, 2019
  

Certifications:

• LEAN Greenbelt Certification, Algonquin College, 2017
• Wound Care for Health Professionals, University of Victoria, 2017
• Canadian Fall Prevention Curriculum, University of Victoria, 2018
• Critical Care Certificate, George Brown College, 1998

Melissa Laroche, RN, BScN, MN

APN in Geriatrics

mlaroche@qch.on.ca 

Manages the inpatient geriatrics nursing team, the behavior support clinical team, and the Geriatric Emergency Management (GEM) nursing team in the QCH Emergency Department. Has diverse clinical experience in medicine, cardiac surgery and cardiology, advanced wound care, respiratory/ventilator-dependent care, adult education, and nursing professional practice. Develops innovative programs and improvement initiatives, and mentors and supports interprofessional care teams. Is fluent in both French and English.

Education:

• Masters in Nursing, Charles Sturt University, 2010
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Ottawa, 2007
• Bachelor of Business Administration with Concentration in HR, Bishop’s University, 2003
• Telfer Executive Program: Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Leadership Certificate Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa, 2019

Certifications:

• LEAP (Learning Essential Approaches to Palliative Care) PALLIUM Canada
• LEAN Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology
• PROSCI Certified Change Practitioner
• International Interprofessional Wound Care Certification, IIWCC, University of Toronto
• Gerontological Nurse Certified in Canada , GNC(C), Canadian Nursing Association
• Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA), GPA COACH Certification, AGE.INC

Kristine Desjardine, RN, MN

APN in Orthopaedics and Regional Project Manager MSK Central Intake

kdesjardine@qch.on.ca

Manager and assessor at the Total Joint Assessment Clinic for hip/knee replacement patients; Manager Foot and Ankle Assessment and Triage Clinic; Regional Manager for the Musculoskeletal (MSK) central intake for shoulder, foot and ankle, knee arthroscopy and spine; working on orthopaedic initiatives at QCH including length of stay, weight management research project, hip/knee replacement booklets and education.

Education:

• Diploma Nursing (RN), Saint Lawrence College, Brockville campus, 1994
• Bachelor of Nursing Science, University of Ottawa, 1997
• Master of Nursing, University of Southern Queensland, 2013

• PeriAnaesthesia Nurse Certified by Canadian Nurses Association, 2019
• Certification in Infection Control, 2010
  

Roya Alikhani, RN, BScN, MHA

CNS in Acute Pain Services

ralikhani@qch.on.ca

Roya is a clinical expert in managing post-operative acute pain. She supports patient-specific plans, optimizes pain management within the acute care setting, and provides education to patients and their families to support timely discharge. Roya supports policy development, increasing the number of pain treatment modalities available, and enhancing pain-related education at QCH.

Education:

• Master of Health Administration, University of Regina
• Health Informatics, McMaster University

Joanna Steele, RN, BScN, MN

CNS in Chronic Disease Prevention and Management

jsteele@qch.on.ca 

Joanna is a clinical nurse specialist at the Heart Failure and Stroke Prevention outpatient clinics. Her role is to educate patients and their families about their heart/vascular condition, and manage their risk and symptoms to achieve and maintain health. She is the primary contact for heart failure patients, families/caregivers, and physicians, helping to identify and prevent worsening conditions.

Education:

• Master of Nursing, Charles Sturt University, 2015
• Bachelor of Science, University of Ottawa, 1992

Certifications:

• MOCA Certification
• Motivational Interviewing Certification
• Hypertension Management Certification
• Registered Nurse - Critical Care Certification
• Clinical Research - Site Certification

Kim Finch, RN, BN, CDE

CNS in Diabetes

kfinch@qch.on.ca 

Kim supports patient management, education, program development and delivery for QCH outpatient diabetes clinics (Type 1, Type 2, GDM, Insulin Pump Therapy). Kim is also the lead for the Inpatient Diabetes Program development and delivery.

Education:

• Master of Nursing, Athabasca University (In Progress)
• Post-Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education, The Michener Institute, 2012
• Bachelor of Nursing, University of Calgary, 2009
• Master of Science, Michigan Technological University, 2004
• Bachelor of Arts, Wilfrid Laurier University, 2002

Certifications:

• Certified Diabetes Educator, 2015 - present

Juliana Cheung-Ha, RN, MScN, GNC(C)

CNS in Geriatrics

jha@qch.on.ca

Juliana assesses and analyzes the health concerns of older adult patients, addresses challenges in their care needs, and provides patients and families/caregivers with education and support. Juliana collaborates with allied health teams, nurse managers and nurse educators. She is a member of the Behavior Emergency Response Team, assisting with deescalating responsive behavior in older patients. Juliana also supports the development, implication, and evaluation of policies related to geriatric care, including the Corporate Delirium Policy.

Education:

• Master of Science in Nursing, University of Ottawa, Canada, 2015
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Ottawa, Canada, 2011
• Diploma in Registered Nurse, Hong Kong Nursing Board, Hong Kong, 1985

Certifications:

• Gerontology Nursing Certificate (GNC), Canadian Nurses Association
• Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) Coach Certification, Advanced Gerontological Education Inc.
• Geriatric Resource Nurse (GRN) designation, NICHE program

Cathy Comerford, RN, BScN, MN, CON(c), CHPCN(c)

CNS in Palliative Care

ccomerford@qch.on.ca

Cathy has specialized in palliative care nursing for over 12 years. She has experience in other various nursing positions, including the ICU, community, disability management, and oncology nursing. Cathy has extensive knowledge in pain and symptom management, as well as end-of-life care. She has a passion for providing care to individuals with a life limiting illness, while incorporating a person’s values and wishes into their goals of care. Her role includes supporting and educating families, nursing and allied health staff.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Ottawa University, 1987
• Masters in Nursing, Athabasca University

Certifications:

• CNA certification in oncology nursing, hospice and palliative care nursing.

Lauren Chadha, RN, MSN

CNS in Surgery

lchadha@qch.on.ca

Lauren is the Clinical Nurse Specialist for the Surgical Program. The program includes the Pre-Operative Assessment Clinic, Day Surgery Unit, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit as well as Inpatient Surgery. Lauren translates evidence-based guidelines into bedside care of the patient at all stages of their surgical journey. She identifies areas of opportunities in nursing practice and program processes to facilitate positive patient outcomes.

Education:

• Master of Science in Nursing, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA 2015
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA 2010
• Associate in Applied Science in Nursing, St. Joseph’s College of Nursing, Syracuse, NY, USA 2008

Andrea Trainor, MSc(A)N, BScN, RN, IIWCC, NSWOC, WOCC(C)

CNS in Skin, Wound and Ostomy Care

atrainor@qch.on.ca

Andrea has clinical expertise in preventing pressure injuries and dealing with acute and chronic wounds and ostomies. She collaborates with patients and other hospital teams to optimize patient care. Andrea assists in the development of policies, patient handouts, and standards of care. She provides education related to her specialty and has co-authored publications related to wound care.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University), 1993
• Master of Science (Applied) Nursing, McGill University, 1998

Certifications:

• Wound, Ostomy, Continence Certified (Canada) (WOCC(C))
• Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, Continence (NSWOC)
• International Interprofession Wound Care Course (IIWCC)
  

Julissa Edgar, MN-NP(PHC)

NP in Geriatrics

julissaedgar@qch.on.ca

Julissa’s nursing career began in 2013 in QCH’s ICU. In 2021, she became the first Nurse Practitioner (NP) to join QCH’s Department of Geriatrics. During the pandemic, Julissa supported ALC patients at the temporary Fairfield Inn site. Now, she continues caring for ALC patients at our offsite inpatient unit at Park Place. Julissa also supervises NP students completing clinical placements and teaches the NP program at the University of Ottawa. Julissa played a significant role in developing the Nurse Practitioner-Most Responsible Provider role at QCH.

Education:

• NP training, University of Toronto, 2019

Raquel Farrar

NP in Geriatrics

rfarrar@qch.on.ca

Raquel Farrar brings 19 years of nursing experience to her role at QCH. She began as an ER RN for 10 years before transitioning to a nurse practitioner for nine years. Originally from Brazil, she migrated to Canada shortly after completing her nursing degree. During her time as an ER RN, she worked in various settings across British Columbia, including rural hospitals, remote Indigenous communities, and VGH, the largest tertiary center in BC. She also volunteered with Doctors Without Borders in Colombia. After earning her Masters from the University of Northern British Columbia, she spent 5 years in the Yukon, where she played a key role in establishing the NP profession and providing primary care for patients with mental health and addictions. In addition, she founded Yukon Cares, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting refugees in resettling in the Yukon. Prior to joining QCH, she worked in primary care in Ontario. Raquel has been the Nurse Practitioner-Most Responsible Provider at Park Place since the fall of 2023.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Brasilia, Brazil, 2003
• Critical care combined with emergency advanced specialty certificate (with Distinction), British Columbia Institute of Technology, Burnaby, BC, 2008
• Master of Science in Nursing: Family Practitioner Program, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, 2014

Awards:

• Excellency award for the 2014 class - Family Practitioner Program, UNBC, 2014
• Commissioner's award for public volunteer service, Yukon, 2016