Learning Institute Leadership

Carla graduated from STFX University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She has spent the majority of her career working in aspects of Adult Critical Care, including Flight nursing on Nova Scotia’s Provincial Helicopter LifeFlight, as faculty of Critical Care with the Learning Institute and most recently as interim Director for the Learning Institute.

In 2011, Carla obtained her Master's of Teaching with Nursing focus from Athabasca and is CNA certified in Critical Care. Carla’s love of nursing and passion for quality patient care is evident in any project she is leading. A passionate learner and never afraid to challenge the status quo, Carla has had the opportunity to see the many facets of health care through her career.

At home, Carla is a proud mom to Abby and Ryan and can often be found at a rink, baseball field or basketball court with her kids. Carla feels immense honour to lead the team at the Learning Institute, as she feels each team member is striving every day to achieve excellence in the work they do.

902-759-4106 | Carla.MacDonald@nshealth.ca

Treena has a passion for lifelong learning that embodies a learner-centred approach to education. Treena became an RN in 1995, graduating as part of the final class from the Victoria General Hospital School of Nursing. After practicing for several years in medical/surgical acute care and critical care, including some time in Mississippi, Treena returned to school to obtain her BScN from StFX (2010) with an excitement to explore a career in nursing education.

In 2013, Treena joined the Learning Institute team and spent six years as faculty in the RN Bridging Re-Entry Program. During that time, she obtained her Master's of Education with a Healthcare focus through StFX (2017). In 2019, Treena transitioned to her current role as the Learning Institute Manager. Treena has also attained a BA in Sociology (MSVU) and a Canadian Certified Simulation Nurse Educator certificate from Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) and sits on the Nova Scotia College of Nursing Education Program Approval Committee.

One of Treena’s proudest accomplishment is having the privilege to support the Learning Institute team who are enthusiastic champions of fostering safe, positive, and motivating learning environments for leaners to do their best. Providing educational opportunities for learners who will positively impact future patient care and strengthen our health care system is exciting!

In her free time, Treena enjoys spending time with friends and family, especially her nieces and nephews. She also likes hiking, travelling, belongs to more than one book club (likes reading but also very social!), and loves being anywhere near the ocean.

902-473-7389 | Treena.Campbell@nshealth.ca

Jeff graduated from Dalhousie University in 2004 with a BScN. Following graduation, Jeff packed up and moved to Texas where he spent 3 years working on an acute stroke unit. He returned home to Nova Scotia in 2007 to begin his career as an ICU nurse at the Dartmouth General Hospital, achieving certification in Critical Care Nursing from the CNA in 2011. During his career at the bedside Jeff frequently preceptored and mentored students and new staff members. From 2012–2015 Jeff was a Clinical Nurse Educator covering a variety of clinical areas including ICU, cardiology, family medicine and transitional care.

In August 2015 Jeff brought his clinical and educator experience to the Learning Institute while working with the Critical Care and Emergency programs. Jeff became Program Lead for the Critical Care Nursing Program in 2020, and then Program Lead for the RN Bridging Program in April 2021. In December 2021 Jeff assumed the position of Manager: Learning and Education Resources at the Learning Institute.

Entering the nursing profession later in life, Jeff also holds a BSc from Saint Mary’s University. A firm believer in lifelong learning, he completed the Master of Adult Education program at ST. F.X. in May 2022. He lives in Fall River, Nova Scotia, with his wife and three children.

902-456-5873  | James.Hawley@nshealth.ca

Louanna earned a BA and a BSc from Dalhousie University before she became a Registered Respiratory Therapist in 1997. As a respiratory therapist, Louanna has been fortunate to work in all areas of acute care, with her passion being critical care, quality, and patient safety. She worked as a clinical RRT until 2010 when she developed the role of Resource Respiratory Therapist at Nova Scotia Health. In 2017, she made the move to Dalhousie University where she taught in the School of Health Science Respiratory Therapy program before joining the Learning Institute as a manager in 2023.

Louanna has been an avid learner throughout her life. Her motto is “I may not know the answer, but I will find the answer.” In 2019, she completed her Master’s in Health Management from McMaster University with a focus on quality and patient safety.

When not chauffeuring her two active kids to activities, Louanna can be found running, travelling, or just hanging out with her family and pets.

902-717-9386 | Louanna.Bethune@nshealth.ca