Laurie loves the collaborative approach to healthcare and enjoys working with different clinicians to learn from each other and share resources. She is motivated by prevention and works hard with her clients to enable positive lifestyle change so that they may avoid disease or treat it early when it is most effective. Laurie takes the time to get to know her clients. Through collaboration, she can empower them to make their own healthy choices and reach their optimal health on their own terms. It’s in those moments that she feels the greatest satisfaction.
Laurie trained as a Registered Nurse at the University of New Brunswick, graduating in 2000. Her primary expertise is in heart disease and cardiac medicine. She completed additional training at the Brunswick Heart Centre before moving to Calgary to practice at Foothills CICU from 2002-2005. She followed this with almost 18 years in cardiac rehabilitation at Total Cardiology. She is passionate about prevention and risk factor management, and has many years’ experience in educating patients on the importance of lifestyle modifications. She has taught stress management, good sleep hygiene, and smoking cessation, firmly believing that by developing these skills in her patients, they will be able to help themselves lead healthier lifestyles.
Additionally, Laurie has training in occupational health and safety, and experience working on committees to improve training and safety in the workplace. She was also once a yoga therapist and meditation teacher, using these skills now through nursing to support her clients.
Laurie’s compassion shines beyond Harrison’s walls as she has fostered five rescued dogs through Pawsitive Match until she found “the one” and kept him! She spends her free time walking her dog and enjoys riding her bike or getting the most out of a yoga class.
- The Silent Threat: High Blood Pressure Management
About one in five Canadians have high blood pressure, or hypertension. Managing it is vital for longevity and maintaining a high quality of life. With regular monitoring, and thoughtful nutrition and exercise plans, it can be done.
