Perioperative Nursing Program

Maria joined the Learning Institute working with the Perioperative Nursing Program in March 2025. She graduated from St Francis Xavier University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and began her career as a perioperative nurse working at the Halifax Infirmary in the Cardiac OR. After gaining several years of clinical experience and developing a keen interest in nursing education and leadership, she took on the role of Clinical Nurse Educator, providing support to the Perioperative and Perianesthesia departments at Dartmouth General Hospital.  Her passion for perioperative nursing and continued education for nurses led her to complete a Master of Nursing from Athabasca University and CNA certification in Perioperative Nursing. 

Maria is committed to fostering encouraging and collaborative learning environments and looks forward to supporting learners as they begin their perioperative nursing practice. 

Outside of work, Maria enjoys spending time with her husband and their Springer Spaniel, Florence, a good meal shared with family and friends, and travelling to new destinations.  

902-499-1819 | Maria.Brennan@nshealth.ca

Niki joined the Learning Institute as a Nursing Instructor with the Perioperative Nursing Program in the fall of 2022. Niki has her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alberta, Perioperative Nursing certificate from the British Columbia Institute of Technology, and has completed a course in Adult Education.

Niki is very passionate about operating room nursing, continuing education, and is looking forward teaching the perioperative nurses of the future.

When not at work, Niki enjoys camping, biking, and travelling with her husband and two children.

902-717-3920 | Niki.Deneault@nshealth.ca

Brittany joined the Learning Institute working with the Perioperative Nursing Program in January 2023. She graduated from Dalhousie University with a BScN in 2012. Currently, Brittany is enrolled in the Adult Education Certificate Program at Dalhousie University. Her career started in acute care on Cardiac Surgery at the Halifax Infirmary. Additionally, she spent some time working in long term care. Her operating room experience began in 2015 at the Dartmouth General Hospital, where she spent most of her time working as a team lead in orthopedics. Her experience leading in this service has shaped her love for teaching, implementing new technologies, and empowering other leaders. Brittany is passionate about perioperative nursing and looks forward to guiding learners in their progression to perioperative practice.

When Brittany is not at work, she loves to run, listen to music, read, travel, and spend time with her husband, family, and friends.

902-399-6262 | Brittany.Clancey@nshealth.ca

Chelsea joined the Learning Institute working with the Perioperative Nursing Program in January 2024. She graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with a BScN in 2013. Her career started in subacute care at the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre where she took on many roles over the span of 5 years. After seeking a new adventure, she began her operating room experience in 2017 at the Halifax Infirmary where she specialized in vascular, general, and plastics surgery. She found enjoyment in teaching and creating learning tools to help new learners and fellow colleagues. Chelsea understands the value in a safe and supportive learning environment and is excited to share her knowledge and experience with learners as they begin their perioperative practice.

When not at work, Chelsea enjoys trips to the beach year-round, travelling, a night in with great food, any adventure with her partner and their dog Tucker, and spending quality time with friends and family.

902-476-6097 | Chelsea.Fraser@nshealth.ca

Allyson joined the Learning Institute with the Perioperative Nursing Program in April 2024. She graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, in 2013. Her career started in Neurosurgery at the Halifax Infirmary. After a few years, she accepted a position in the OR at the Victoria General Hospital on 11A where she gained experience in General, Thoracic, ENT, Gyne and HPB surgeries.

Allyson progressed to the role of Charge Nurse and precepted many OR students. While precepting, she found her passion as an educator. Allyson is excited to share the knowledge she has gained over the past 9 years in the operating room and support the new perioperative learners by giving them a safe and nurturing space to help them grow.

When not at work, you can find Allyson spending time with her husband and two young children. She also enjoys music, being outdoors, good food, and travelling to new places with family and friends.

902-717-7969 | Allyson1.Burke@nshealth.ca

Dhrumi Kansara joined Nova Scotia Health in 2022. She has a Medical Administrative Specialist diploma. Known for her leadership skills, positive outlook, and joyful attitude, Dhrumi brings a proactive and collaborative approach to every workplace. Her ability to stay organized, lead with confidence, and foster a supportive environment makes her valuable asset to any team. Dhrumi joined the Learning Institute in April 2025.

Dhrumi has built solid foundation in managing program operations, providing efficient assistance, and supporting team success with her experience.

Outside of work, Dhrumi enjoys singing and listening to music and loves to spend quality time with family.

902-943-2037 | Dhrumi.Kansara@nshealth.ca