about us

 SHELLY PHILIP LAFOREST, RN, BN, MN, CVAA(C), PhD(c)

 "I have been a Registered Nurse since 1999 and I started my career in paediatrics.  I have worked on Surgery, Otolaryngology, Orthopaedics, Operating Room, Burns and Plastics and Vascular Access teams. Over the past decade, I have held a variety of educational and leadership roles at various post-secondary institutions along with being engaged with several community agencies. I truly enjoy lifelong learning and supporting new learners in school and at the bedside" 

  ACKEISHA HAMILTON, RPN, RN, BN, MscHq      

"Ackeisha has been a nurse for 17 years. She began her nursing career in addictions medicine and acute care. She also worked in community, long-term care and  agency nursing. Ackeisha transitioned from "bedside" nursing to working in a non-traditional nursing role with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). While at the CNO, she continued her nursing education, completing her Bachelor of Nursing to become a Registered Nurse and her Master of Science in Healthcare Quality. During her 11-years with the CNO, she worked in various nursing roles, including as an investigator and Advanced Practice Consultant. She is dedicated to mentoring and supporting future nurse leaders."

LORI ZOZZOLOTTO, RN, NSWOC

"I have been a nurse since 2008 when I began my career as Registered Practical Nurse, then attained my Registered Nursing Degree in 2012, and my designation as a Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) in 2018. I have held positions in the ER, clinics, schools and community nursing. I currently work as the Clinical Specialist for a medical devices company where I am able to use my nursing skills, as well as my background in Journalism to create webinars and educate clinicians, patients and new nurses. I am also dedicated to promoting diversity in my workplace and in my nursing organization through the volunteer roles that I hold there"

 NIEMA DURI, RN, BScN

"I have been a nurse for over 15 years and I specialize in breastfeeding, infant feeding, and pediatric care. I have provided nursing education in both classroom and clinical practice settings, with expertise in infection prevention, respiratory medicine, general medicine, and infectious diseases.  My experience includes delivering educational and training sessions to diverse audiences, and I possess excellent interpersonal skills that enable me to establish and maintain strong public relations"

 MILLY LYVIA ITEKA

"I am finishing up my second year of nursing in the collaborative program at Trent University. I am the first in my family to follow the nursing career path, but what drives my pursuit is the contributions I can make in healthcare as a future nurse. These contributions include maintaining a position of advocacy for black clients and other black healthcare professionals, for their fundamental needs and rights; and working collaboratively to bring awareness of the barriers that affect black excellence.  I am excited to join OBNN as the objectives align with my professional goals as a future nurse, as well as being a part of a community that encourages unity and support" 

 ALYSIA FORDE-KLUMB 

"I am currently in my second year of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Trent University. Along with a certificate in pre-health science, I also hold a diploma in early childhood education. After completing my degree, my aim is to work within the mental health sector and help reduce the disparities and inequities faced by those with mental health challenges. It Is a privilege for me to be one of OBNN's student ambassadors and I am eager to provide assistance to others in any way possible."

JANELLE LAMBERT, RN 

As the Director of Education & Training for the Ontario Black Nurses Network, Janelle brings a wealth of experience spanning in acute care, primary care, mental health, nursing regulation, and nursing education. Her nursing journey began as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), advancing through a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) and culminating in a Master of Nursing in Leadership. Driven by a commitment to uplift and empower, she is passionate about guiding and educating the next generation of nurses, fostering a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and resilience in healthcare.

 PETROIYA PATERSON, DNP-NI, MN, RN 

 "I started my nursing career caring for patients in the Multi-Organ Transplant unit. After deciding to do my Masters in nursing, I changed my focus to educating nurses. I obtained my Masters of Nursing from Ryerson University in 2010 and have had numerous education and leadership roles since then. I am now working as a Clinical Informatics Practice Leader, which I love, and have a Doctorate of Nursing Practice focusing on Nursing Informatics"

  CRYSTAL COX-RICHARDS, RN, BScN, MN  

 "I am a Registered Nurse who earned my Nursing Diploma from Humber College in 2002.  I then attained a Nursing Degree from Ryerson University in 2007 and then a Masters in Nursing from Athabasca University in 2018.  I began my nursing career as a surgical nurse but have delved into correctional nursing as well as other educational and leadership roles and positions.  My current position as an Afterhours Manager allows me to not only support the healthcare organization but also support the healthcare personnel including nurses on a regular basis"