Breagh graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cape Breton University in 2009. She spent her career in various clinical areas and roles in the Central Zone, such as orthopedic surgery, hemodialysis, Quality and Patient Safety Leader, post anesthetic care unit, cardiovascular intensive care unit, cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology lab, and Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE) for orthopedics, IMCU, medicine unit, and COVID-19 inpatients.

Breagh obtained her Master of Nursing from Dalhousie University in 2014 and focused her policy practicum on the implementation of a shower policy for dialysis patients with vascular access. In 2015, she completed the Critical Care Nursing Program with the Learning Institute, previously known as the RNPDC, and worked in various critical care settings. While working as a CNE, she completed her orthopedic CNA certification. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she she obtained her Infection Prevention and Control Certificate from Queens University and became a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee Award. 

In 2021, Breagh worked in a family practice in Windsor and completed the Family Practice Nursing Education Program with the Learning Institute. In 2022, she moved home to the Eastern Zone and continued to work in primary care. In 2023, she became the CNE for Orientation Support in the Eastern Zone. She then became the Eastern Zone Nurse Educator for the RN Bridging/Re-Entry Program. She is pleased to be joining such an elite team at the Learning Institute. Breagh has experience being a patient in our stressed health care system and strives for person-centred, safe, and ethical care for all. When not at work, you can find her hiking many trails in Cape Breton with her husband and two border collies.

902-574-0716 | Breagh.Weatherbee@nshealth.ca

Darlene joined the RN Bridging/Re-Entry program in September 2023, bringing over 28 years of nursing experience. She graduated from the Victoria General Hospital School of Nursing, then worked for a short time before relocating to Tampa, Florida. She spent most of her career there in critical care and cardiovascular intensive care. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Tampa and is AACN certified in Adult Critical Care.

Darlene later relocated to Columbia, South Carolina, where she accepted her first clinical educator position in CVICU. She transitioned to new program start-ups with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and left ventricular assist devices (LVAD).

Recently returning home to Nova Scotia, Darlene is delighted to be part of the Learning Institute, where she can combine her nursing experience and love of teaching to new learners. In her spare time, she likes to spend time at her cabin with family and friends.

902-574-4069 | Darlene.Andrea@nshealth.ca

Victoria joined the Learning Institute in 2024 as an instructor with the RN Bridging/Re-Entry Program. In 2016, she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cape Breton University. She spent her career focused on critical care nursing, working in both the emergency department and coronary care unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Victoria has also held a casual position working in a long-term care facility focused on adults living with mental illness and varying developmental disabilities.

Victoria completed the Emergency Nursing Program through the Learning Institute (formerly RNPDC) in 2017. She is currently enrolled in a Master of Nursing through Athabasca University with an education focus. Victoria is confident that her position with the Learning Institute will be able to lead her journey in teaching and educating nurses within the Nova Scotia Health Authority. She has always welcomed the opportunity to provide mentoring and leadership to her peers.

When she is not at work, Victoria enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. Her hobbies include reading, yoga, travel and sailing.

902-574-1985 | Victoria.Eavis@nshealth.ca

Kelsey joined the Learning institute in 2023. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Cape Breton University in 2013, then pursued her nursing degree via the accelerated nursing program through StFX.

Kelsey worked in the Emergency Department and completed the Emergency Nursing Program (ENP) through the Learning Institute (RNPDC at the time). She also worked in Coronary Care (CCU), with cardiac care being one of her passions. She has held many different positions, including within Mental Health and Addictions where she worked with Recovery support programs and the development of the EZ Mental Health Day Hospital. She continues her education by working towards her Master’s in Nursing through Athabasca University.

Kelsey lives in Cape Breton with her husband and two small children.

902-574-6442 | Kelsey.Burke@nshealth.ca

Neha joined the Learning Institute in March 2024. Having completed a Bachelor of Science with a focus in Psychology in 2009 from Cape Breton University, she went on to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Cape Breton University in 2015. She has spent her career focused on Emergency Nursing and Critical Care Nursing, as she worked as a staff nurse as well as the Clinical Nurse Leader at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Emergency Department for many years. In these roles, Neha developed a vast knowledge base in nursing assessments and advanced skills to provide comprehensive care to a wide array of client populations. She has always found herself taking courses to advance her own knowledge base, as well as being involved in precepting, orientating and mentoring staff and students.

Neha completed the Emergency Nursing Program through the Learning Institute (called RNPDC at the time) in 2016 and quickly achieved her National Certificate in Emergency Nursing from the Canadian Nurses Association in 2017. She is an advocate for nursing and education, and she has found herself in many leadership and supportive roles within the nursing profession. Neha loves facilitating education and providing staff with the critical care skills and development to better their nursing practice. She is hoping to begin her Master’s in Education through St. FX University in the near future to continue aligning her goals of nursing and education.

Neha is currently a Nursing Instructor for the RN Bridging/Re-Entry Program. This role truly hits close to home as both of her parents immigrated to Nova Scotia more than 40 years ago. Neha was born and raised in the small town of Glace Bay, which she calls home. Growing up, both education and having a background in healthcare were staples in her household. When not working, you can find Neha spending time with her husband, Eddy, family, and friends.

902-574-4642 | Neha.Chaturvedi@nshealth.ca

Melissa joined the Learning Institute in December 2023 as a Program Administrative Officer. She has worked with Nova Scotia Health since 2014 in many different roles in the perioperative area at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital and with the COVID-19 Response team since 2019. During her time with Nova Scotia Health she has developed and mastered many new skills.

Melissa has completed a 2-year diploma at NSCC in Human Services and many courses towards her Bachelor of Social Work from St. Thomas University and the University of Manitoba. She loves challenges and strives to always learn new things.

Outside of work you can find her cheering at the rink as her son plays hockey or at the horse barn or dance studio supporting her daughter in her love of both. Melissa also has a passion for travelling and loves planning family trips. Nothing means more to Melissa than her family, so any spare time she might have is always spent with them and their beautiful sheepadoodle, Maggie!

Melissa.MacGillivary-Bonnell@nshealth.ca