2024-2025 HALTON executive

Penelope is a passionate Registered Nurse with 25 years of experience in multiple roles within the nursing profession. She has provided care in various settings from Complex Continuing Care in the northern region of Thunder Bay, Ontario to Long Term Care, Rehabilitation and Retirement in Toronto, Ontario. Her expertise has focused in Gerontological Nursing specializing in working with those with Alzheimer’s and related dementias and seniors’ mental health. She has worked in many roles within clinical practice which includes staff nurse, clinical nurse specialist/coach, management, professional practice, quality assurance and education.

Her desire to make a difference in the lives of others was the driving force that led her to the profession. Penelope is a values-based integral leader, grounded by both a patient-centered and holistic approach to care for individuals and their families. She is dedicated to being a strong advocate for both patients, their family and the nurses which they provide care. Penelope earned her Bachelors of Science in Nursing Degree with an Interdisciplinary Minor in Gerontology from Lakehead University followed by a Master of Nursing from the University of Toronto. As a lifelong learner, she continues to strive to advance her skill sets to provide the best practices and quality of care to those she serves. She is most recently completing her certification as a Holistic Nurse, Nurse Coach and Consultant from the Canadian Institute of Integrative Nursing Development and Education (CIINDE).

As President of the RNAO Halton Chapter Executive, she welcomes this leadership opportunity to collaborate with the membership to enhance the voice of nurses and advocate for patients they care for in the region. It is with great enthusiasm, Penelope strives to create a strong network for nurses in Halton, which to drive both a sense of community, knowledge translation, and the ability to advocate and influence healthcare policy.

Margarita is a dedicated Registered Nurse with over two years of clinical experience. Her work on the medical-surgical unit at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital has been shaped by her passion for holistic patient-centered care, critical thinking, and strong leadership. With a deep understanding of both the physical and emotional needs of patients, Margarita excels in building trust and delivering compassionate care across diverse patient populations.

As an Executive Officer for the RNAO Halton Chapter’s Policies and Political Action Network, Margarita is driven by a core belief in advocacy and justice. She is committed to being a voice for those who are often unheard, ensuring that the concerns of front-line nurses and patients are addressed at the policy level. Margarita views advocacy as a privilege and a calling, aligning with her values of integrity and doing the right thing, especially when no one is watching.

Margarita’s journey in healthcare has been marked by a continuous pursuit of learning and professional growth. Since discovering her interest in ostomy care, she has actively engaged in specialized groups and attended national conferences and workshops to gain advanced knowledge. She is a proud active member of the Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC)and International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP).

Her problem-solving approach focuses on finding solutions and uniting diverse perspectives to collaborate effectively. Margarita is dedicated to addressing individual patient concerns as well as broader systemic challenges, with the goal of improving the healthcare system and bedside nursing practices. Her ability to drive positive change makes her a strong advocate for healthcare improvement in the Halton region.

Margarita is honored to serve the community, using her expertise and advocacy to create a lasting impact on healthcare policy and patient care.

Tabby is a dedicated registered nurse with over 20 years of diverse experience in healthcare. She has provided primary care in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and community settings. Additionally, Tabby has nearly a decade of case management experience with the LHIN network. Throughout her career, she has consistently delivered compassionate care and has been committed to teaching others to become better, more empathetic caregivers. Tabby enjoys connecting with people and learning from their life stories and experiences.

Tabby earned her Nursing degree from the University of New Brunswick/Humber College and is currently pursuing an MBA with Federation University. She has served as an Administrator of a Long-Term Care facility and is presently supporting precariously housed clients with acute needs from hospitals. Tabby has also completed numerous training courses and certifications to enhance her skills in healthcare and management, she was the liaison for RNAO best practice spotlight organization during her tenure as the Administrator. She enjoys decorating, discovering new destinations, and spending time with her children.