My name is Sasha-Lee Allen, I am currently practicing as an Occupational Health Nurse. I attended the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (Ontario Tech University) where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Hons.) degree in 2018. While working in both the public and private sectors promoting employee wellness has been one of my top priorities. As a visiting nurse, I also support a variety of clients within the community. I am very passionate about mentorship, and my positions as a Lab Tester for the Collaborative BScN program and PSW instructor have enabled me to support others. I enjoy interacting with nurses from various backgrounds as this allows me advocate for issues which are prevalent in different areas of nursing.
I have been a nurse for over 20 years, with a passion for working with children, youth and their families. I started as a registered nurse in the acute care setting and have transitioned to the community setting as a nurse practitioner working in child and adolescent mental health. I have always been an advocate for the nursing profession and the vital role we play in healthcare, health equity, social justice, health promotion and disease prevention in population health. I am looking forward to becoming more involved in promoting nursing excellence as an RNAO member and meeting fellow nurses with similar interests and goals.
Roya Haghiri-Vijeh (She/Her/Hers) is an assistant professor and researcher in the School of Nursing on the treaty lands and the territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. As a first-generation settler and an uninvited guest on this land, Roya is grateful for the opportunity to live and work here. Her scholarship, underpinned by Gadamerian Hermeneutics, interpretive phenomenology, and mixed methodologies is focused on underserved populations and individuals who identify at the intersection of identities. In particular, her focus is to enhance and advance the health and social care needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ migrants, youths, and older adults. Roya collaborates and volunteers with various organizations and she is the Policy and Politics ENO for RNAO's Durham Chapter and Rainbow Nursing Interest Group.
Julie Le is a Public Health Nurse currently working in the immunization program at the Durham Region Health Department. She graduated in 2019 with a Bachelors of Science in Collaborative Nursing from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson). Her nursing career began in medicine and surgery, where she developed a strong clinical foundation before transitioning into public health. Passionate about advocacy, she is committed to supporting nurses and raising awareness through the strategic use of technology and innovation.
I am a proud Registered Nurse and dedicated full-time faculty member in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Ontario Tech University and Durham College. My clinical background spans diverse specialties including cardiology, palliative care, critical care, and tertiary mental health. I’m deeply committed to mentoring and supporting emerging nurses as they transition into professional practice.
As an educator, I integrate simulation-based learning to foster psychologically safe environments that promote growth and confidence. I’m passionate about evidence-based practice and advancing quality assurance in healthcare. In my role as a workplace liaison, I’m excited to champion the RNAO within our local organizations and actively contribute to the vibrant Durham executive team.
Sherry Nesbitt advocates for the health of women, rural communities, and older adults. Currently in Public Health, she drives community-based, evidence-informed programming to help older adults thrive independently and stay connected.
Sherry’s work is rooted in a diverse clinical background spanning surgical nursing and community health. She holds a MSc. in Global Health from McMaster University, grounding her work in health equity, policy development, and system-level improvements for vulnerable populations.
A firm believer in the capacity and leadership of nurses, Sherry advocates for the vital that nurses play in building healthier communities.
Above all, Sherry is motivated by the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to live a healthy, engaged, and meaningful life.
A dedicated and compassionate fourth-year Registered Nursing student with a passion for delivering exceptional patient care. As the former Vice President of the Nursing Club, I have demonstrated strong leadership and teamwork by fostering nursing excellence and community engagement. Through my experience as a nursing mentor, I have supported and guided peers in both academic and clinical settings, promoting growth and collaboration. With a strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to the nursing profession, I am eager to contribute my skills and knowledge to the RNAO and continuing to push for more advocacy. Promoting its mission to my fellow nursing students so they can be involved with this amazing community.
I am a first year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honours) student at Ontario Tech University. I am passionate about community health, pediatrics, and mental health, and I care deeply about supporting unhoused individuals. As an RNAO Student ENO, I look forward to connecting with other nurses and students who are committed to advocating for health equity and compassionate care for all.