Simulation Learning Team

After completing a Bachelor of Science (Biology) from Acadia University, Lacey graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2008. She has spent the majority of her career working in the areas of emergency nursing, emergency nursing specialty education, and simulation education in British Columbia before joining the Learning Institute in 2021.

Lacey is CNA certified in Emergency Nursing and completed a Master of Science in Nursing (Education focus) from the University of British Columbia in 2017. The focus of her master’s work was on support and mentorship required for new clinical instructors.

Lacey is a certified BLS instructor trainer, ACLS instructor trainer, and PALS instructor with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Lacey is also certified as a sexual assault nurse examiner in both adult/adolescent and pediatrics from the International Association of Forensic Nurses.

In her spare time, Lacey enjoys travelling, exploring the outdoors with her dog, gardening, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

902-456-3296 | Lacey.Tiscornia@nshealth.ca

Bria was introduced to the concept of simulation learning as a trainer on the Carleton University campus emergency response team while completing a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Mental Health (Honours). She was drawn to the fast-paced nature of critical care, which compelled her to complete a Fast-Track Diploma in Respiratory Therapy at Thompson Rivers University. She has worked in adult acute care for the past 5 years at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver and the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax. She discovered her passion for teaching through preceptorship at these high-volume teaching hospitals. This led her to supplement her clinical work with a term as an adjunct lecturer of Respiratory Therapy at the Dalhousie University School of Health Sciences.

Bria’s main professional interests include mechanical ventilation, clinical preceptorship, and simulation learning. She is looking forward to enhancing the interprofessional teaching and learning capacity of the Learning Institute.

Outside of work, Bria spends many hours between the hot yoga studio and the curling club. She can regularly be found yelling at the TV over fantasy football while snuggling her dog, Delilah.

902-456-6579 | Bria.Macdonald@nshealth.ca

Emma earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Public Health from Kenya. She has spent most of her career working in nursing education. After more than ten years of her nursing career in Kenya, Emma moved to Nova Scotia where she graduated from the Learning Institute’s RN Bridging/Re-Entry Program.

Emma previously worked with the Nova Scotia Community College where her teaching roles included facilitation in the practical nursing program, continuing care assistant program, skills lab and clinical instruction. She is happy to join the Learning Institute where she continues to live her passion for simulation in nursing education and dedication to support competency-based education.

Outside of work, Emma enjoys walking, gardening, travelling, and spending time with family and friends.

902-719-7046 | Emma.Muindi@nshealth.ca

Dylan has been with the Learning Institute since December 2019. He takes care of the lab spaces, supplies/equipment, simulators, and their technology.

902-717-0349 | Dylan.Gallagher@nshealth.ca

Aidan joined Nova Scotia Health shortly after graduating from Bishop’s University, where he completed a Bachelor of Science. As a Simulation Specialist, Aidan supports the needs of the different programs at the Learning Institute and attends to the simulation equipment, supplies, technology, and spaces.

In his spare time, Aidan enjoys camping, skiing, playing sports, and spending time with family and friends.

782-641-7039 | Aidan1.MacDonald@nshealth.ca

Scott joined the Learning Institute’s Simulation Team in March of 2024. He is affiliated with the RN Bridging/Re-entry Program in the Northern Zone as a Simulation Specialist.

With nearly 25 years of experience as a paramedic in various roles, including ambulance, emergency department and air ambulance, Scott has extensive experience in precepting students and mentoring new employees and peers.

782-440-5068 | Scott.MacDonald2@nshealth.ca

Rob MacSween was born in Charlottetown, PEI, and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He raised 3 children as a single parent over the past 20 years and is now a grandfather to 2 grandsons.

Rob is an advanced care paramedic, and he trained at the Maritime School of Paramedicine. His career as a paramedic has spanned almost 20 years and has involved multiple roles, including advanced life support on ground ambulance, Clinical Support Paramedic for the province of Nova Scotia, and Advanced Care Paramedic in the QE2 emergency department. He joined the Learning Institute in 2024. Rob is a certified ALCS, PALS, BLS, and ITLS instructor with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

In his spare time, Rob enjoys the outdoors, camping, and gardening, and spending time with family.

902-719-6851 | Rob.MacSween@nshealth.ca

Sogra has always been passionate about healthcare technology. After completing a Master of Computer Science from Dalhousie University in 2019, she gained valuable experience in Toronto and Montreal, where her interest in healthcare technology deepened. Throughout her career, she has worked in diverse industries – including education and healthcare – developing, managing, and analyzing advanced technological systems.

Sogra was first introduced to the concept of simulation and the application of healthcare technology in teaching while working at the Centre for Collaborative Clinical Learning and Research (C3LR) at Dalhousie University. As a support staff member and simulated patient, she assisted healthcare professionals, educators, and administrators. Her responsibilities included managing ultrasound equipment, setting up exam scenarios, and supporting examiners, examinees, and staff. This experience solidified her passion for simulation and showcased her strong leadership and teamwork skills.

Sogra is First Aid certified and is preparing to complete Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. She joined the Learning Institute Simulation team in August 2024 as the Simulation Specialist for the Eastern Zone.

In her spare time, Sogra enjoys cooking for her family and exploring the outdoors with her husband and one-year-old daughter.

Sogra.Mermon@nshealth.ca

Originally from Ontario, Robin joined the Learning Institute in March 2024 supporting the Simulation Learning team as a Program Admin Officer. She graduated from the University of New Brunswick in 2011 and has been working in a wide variety of healthcare settings, both in the public and private sectors, ever since. Robin is currently working on her Healthcare Information Management diploma through McMaster University Continuing Education.

Outside of work, Robin and her fiancé just purchased their first home with many home renovation projects in their future!

902-717-1478 | Robin.Cairns@nshealth.ca