NL Executive Committee

Mary Beatrice Sarah Feltham

Co-chair

I am a casual RN and a full-time advocate. I began working as a neurosurgery RN at the HSC after graduating with my B.Sc. in psychology and B.Sc. in nursing at MUN. Since then, I have been motivated to pursue my masters in Social Justice to become a better nurse and leader. I am passionate about advocating for institutional and governmental policy changes that adequately reflect the needs of all community members, especially those within the health-care industry. I have been involved in politics through the student movement serving as the chairperson at both the provincial (NL) and national levels for the Canadian Federation of Students.

Peggy Ann Rauman

Co-chair

Peggy graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) in May 2002 from the Centre for Nursing Studies (CNS). She worked in the acute-care medical surgical setting and critical care. She achieved a Master of Nursing Program from Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) (2010) and worked for over 9 years with the CNS as a nurse educator, with the last 4 years as the Coordinator for Continuing Nursing Studies. In this role she instructed in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program and the Practical Nursing Program. As the Coordinator of Continuing Nursing Studies, Peggy worked closely with the College of Registered Nurses of NL (CRNNL), and Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs). She earned her Doctoral of Philosophy – Faculty of Medicine, Division of Community Health, and Humanities from MUN in 2020. She achieved a “passed with distinction” and was awarded the title “Fellow of the School of Graduate Studies.” Her PhD dissertation findings are published in the Canadian Journal of Nursing Research.

Kandice Collins

Secretary

I am a Registered Nurse currently working as a Clinical Nurse Educator within Primary Care and Family Care Teams in the Western Zone of NL Health Services. In this role, I support nursing practice through education, mentorship, and quality improvement initiatives, and I work closely with interdisciplinary teams to strengthen primary health-care delivery across a variety of community and clinic settings. My clinical background includes experience in both primary care and emergency department environments, most recently in St. John’s. Working across these settings has given me a strong foundation in clinical decision-making, patient-centred care, and systems thinking, as well as an appreciation for the diverse roles nurses play across the continuum of care. I am currently completing a Master of Science in Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) program on a part-time basis with Memorial University. My academic work has deepened my interest in advanced nursing practice, leadership, and evidence-informed care, and continues to shape how I approach education and professional development within my current role.

Laura Roberts

Treasurer

I am a Nurse Educator at the Western Regional School of Nursing with a strong commitment to teaching excellence, simulation-based education, and student success across the undergraduate nursing curriculum. Since joining WRSON in 2019, I have contributed to curriculum delivery, program development, and simulation leadership, supporting students from first through fourth year in both theory and practice settings. My teaching philosophy is grounded in student-centred learning, experiential education, and the development of therapeutic relationships that prepare graduates for safe, compassionate, and competent nursing practice. I am particularly passionate about the use of simulation and innovative teaching strategies to enhance clinical reasoning, communication skills, and readiness for complex practice environments.

Cheryl Dyke

Member-at-large

As a lifelong learner, Cheryl Dyke, MN, BN, RN, PSIC, has built her career around providing and supporting high quality nursing care and health education. As Dean of the School of Health Sciences at College of the North Atlantic, she leads health programs with a strong commitment to collaboration, student success, and transparency. She works closely with faculty, staff, and external partners to ensure programs remain current, responsive, and aligned with provincial workforce needs.

Before stepping into academic leadership, Cheryl taught in the Practical Nursing program and spent several years in clinical roles that continue to influence her priorities and perspectives. She practised in both urban and rural settings, gaining valuable experience in community health, primary health care, and long term care. Her work spanned public health, chronic disease management, palliative care, front line clinical services, and case management. These experiences provided meaningful insight into the challenges faced by diverse client populations and the nursing workforce — particularly in areas with limited access to health services and interdisciplinary teams.

Cheryl is deeply passionate about strengthening the nursing profession in Newfoundland and Labrador. She is a founding member of the Nurses Association of NL Working Group and co chaired the Steering Committee dedicated to establishing the province’s first chapter of the Canadian Nurses Association. This work reflects her ongoing commitment to nursing leadership, advocacy, and professional identity.

Cheryl lives in the Conception Bay North area with her family and remains actively involved in her children’s sports and local community initiatives, especially those that support youth development.

Crystal Freake

Member-at-large

I completed my Nursing degree in 2007 at Memorial University, Fast track Program. Shortly afterward, I started employment with Central Health, NL Health Services. My first Public Health position started in 2008, and I have worked in this role to present. I have had an opportunity to work in various rural communities including Carmanville, Gander Bay, New World Island, Twillingate and most recently Lewisporte. I completed my first CNA Certification in 2019 and recertification in 2024. Previously, I have been involved in committee work with my local town council and Family Resource Centre committee.

Beverly M. Griffiths

Member-at-large

In 1985 I graduated from Memorial University’s School of Nursing, and I have been involved with the Newfoundland and Labrador health system for almost 40 years at local, regional, provincial, and national levels. I held progressive management and senior executive positions for more than 25 of these years. In 2018, I retired from the Department of Health and Community Services after the last six years as Chief Nurse for the province, a position which provided leadership, strategic advice, and nursing expertise on a wide range of complex policy, planning and delivery issues for nursing within the overall health-care system. After retirement, I worked part-time as a resident care manager in long-term care, manager of vaccine clinics in St. John’s and surrounding areas during the pandemic and provided consulting services to a private health care agency. Fully retired, I now volunteer as a Board Trustee with Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, I volunteer with The Rooms, (NL’s Museum, Archives and Art Gallery), and this past summer, I was a volunteer supervisor with the NL Canada Summer Games 2025. I also participate in various fundraising charities for children and persons with cancer.

Nicole Lewis

Member-at-large

I graduated from the Western Regional School of Nursing in 2012 and went on to complete a Master of Nursing with a focus on teaching through Athabasca University in 2020. I am a Canadian Certified Nurse Educator and hold Canadian Nurses Association certification in Gerontology. My clinical background includes experience in medical, surgical, and hemodialysis nursing. Since 2020, I have worked as a nurse educator at the Western Regional School of Nursing, teaching and supporting the development of future nurses.

Beverly Wayson

Member-at-large

My name is Beverly Wayson, and I am currently a Registered Nurse Practitioner in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. I currently work as an NP with the Corner Brook/Bay of Islands Family Care Team providing primary care to my own roster of patients. I also work as an NP with Fonemed North America as both an episodic care nurse practitioner and a team leader. Prior to becoming an NP, I worked for three years as an RN in General Surgery at the DECH in Fredericton, NB, for three years, before moving back to Newfoundland where I worked as a psychiatric registered nurse for 8 years. I finished my RN career in the Emergency department at the old Western Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner Brook. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my extended family, reading, and expanding my nursing knowledge.