NSWOCC Celebrates CEO Cathy Harley, Academic Chair Kimberly LeBlanc, Past President Marcia Leard and Atlantic Regional Director Denise Nicholson on King Charles III Coronation Medal

Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is proud to congratulate our CEO, Cathy Harley, Academic Chair, Kimberly LeBlanc, Past President Marcia Leard, and Atlantic Regional Director, Denise Nicholson on being awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal. This national honour recognizes their extraordinary dedication and countless hours of volunteerism in service to nursing and health care in Canada and beyond.

Presented by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), the Coronation Medal celebrates individuals who have made a meaningful and lasting impact through leadership, service, and a commitment to values shared by His Majesty King Charles III and Canadians — including community service, equity, environmental stewardship, and inclusion.

Cathy Harley

For more than two decades, Cathy has quietly and tirelessly advanced the field of wound, ostomy, and continence care — always working behind the scenes and never seeking the spotlight. Her leadership has profoundly shaped the direction of NSWOCC, strengthened nursing in Canada, and inspired health professionals across the globe. Her impact is immeasurable — not only within NSWOCC, but throughout the Canadian and global health care communities.

Last year, at our 43rd National Conference in Calgary, we celebrated Cathy’s 20 years of dedicated service to NSWOCC. Today, we are honoured to see her commitment recognized on a national stage.

Kimberly LeBlanc

Dr. Kimberly LeBlanc is a trailblazer in nursing whose leadership has left an indelible mark on wound, ostomy, and continence care — both in Canada and around the world. A globally respected educator, researcher, and clinician, Kim has dedicated her career to advancing knowledge, practice, and innovation in health care.

As the current Academic Chair of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute and President of the Canadian Nurses Association, Kim continues to shape the future of nursing with passion and purpose. Her influence extends across academic institutions, professional organizations, and global networks, where her voice is recognized as one of clarity, expertise, and vision.

Marcia Leard

Marcia Leard is a native of Prince Edward Island and was an NSWOC at the Prince County Hospital in Summerside, PE since 2003. She graduated from the A J McMaster School of Nursing in Moncton NB in 1989 and completed her Bachelors Degree in Nursing Science at Brandon University in 1995. Marcia has experienced a diverse career including positions in emergency, obstetrics, med- surg, peds and nursing station relief in northwestern Ontario, but was thrilled to return home in 2001 and work in her home town.

Marcia awarded the prestigious King Charles III Commemorative Medal for her remarkable contributions to nursing in Prince Edward Island. Marcia was recognized alongside Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island Dr. Wassim Salamoun.

About Denise

Denise Nicholson’s journey into wound, ostomy, and continence care has been shaped by deep personal experience, professional dedication, and an unwavering commitment to improving lives. From her early days on a surgical unit in Fredericton to her current role as Atlantic Regional Director for NSWOCC, Denise’s passion has only grown stronger with time.

Since graduating as an ET in 2016, Denise has been a driving force for change in New Brunswick and beyond. Her volunteerism, including with the Ostomy Youth Camp and local support groups, reflects a heartfelt commitment to community, compassion, and care.

We extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Cathy, Kim, and Denise on this well-deserved recognition. Your legacies of service continues to inspire us all.