LEADERSHIP POSITIONS FOR 2027 Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®) is seeking passionate leaders to join our Board of Directors. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of wound, ostomy, and continence care in Canada while representing the voice of our members. Read below for the open positions and how to apply online at https://www.nswoc.ca/call-for-nominations. Open Positions: Executive Board Treasurer Serves a two year term with an option to stand for re-election for a second term. Requires an average time commitment of 5-6 hours weekly, varying based on Association activities, assignments and projects. View the full role description online at https://www.nswoc.ca/call-for-nominations Board Directors NSWOCC is organized into five regions to ensure strong communication and local representation across the country. Each Regional Director is elected at the Annual Members Meeting and serves as both a voice for their region and a voting Board member. There is also a SWAN Director position, representing the voice of SWANs and SWAN Students, on the Board as a voting member. Term: 2 years, with the opportunity to run for an additional 2 years Regional Directors: Provide regional perspectives to national decision-making Host two regional meetings each year (in-person or virtual) Strengthen communication and connection between members and the national organization View the full role description online at https://www.nswoc.ca/call-for-nominations Open Positions: British Columbia & Yukon Prairies, Northwest Territories & Nunavut SWAN Director NOMINATIONS DEADLINE: JANUARY 10, 2027 Qualifications: Must be a Member of the NSWOCC for a minimum of two (2) years as a member in good standing; Must be a Registered Nurse who has successfully completed a Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Education Program that is recognized by WCET OR a non-registered nurse who completed a recognized Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Education Program prior to 1976, except the Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Director, who shall be a Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Associate of the Association; Not an employee or representative of a company whose primary business involves the development, manufacture and sole distribution of products in the field of wound, ostomy, and/or continence care; and The individual cannot be a contractor of the NSWOCC. For further information regarding these open positions please contact the NSWOCC Chief Executive Officer Catherine Harley at office@nswoc.ca. Required Nomination Forms If you are interesting in nominating someone to the NSWOCC Board of Directors, you must complete the Nomination Form on our website at https://www.nswoc.ca/call-for-nominations, which will be reviewed by the NSWOCC Nominating Committee Chair. Once a nomination is received and reviewed by the Nominating Committee Chair, the candidate will be notified of their nomination and will be asked to complete the Nominations Acceptance and Consent to Serve Form online at https://www.nswoc.ca/call-for-nominations. If you have been nominated for an Officer or Board Director Position, please complete the Nominations Acceptance and Consent to Serve Form online at https://www.nswoc.ca/call-for-nominations to complete the nomination process.​ Please note that both forms must be completed by January 10, 2027 in order for a candidate to be an eligible nominee for election.​​ For any questions or inquires please contact office@nswoc.ca

On Friday, September 25, 2026, NSWOCC hosted an Atlantic Regional Education Day at the Red Shores Racetrack & Casino in Charlottetown, P.E.I., which was open to all healthcare professionals. The in-person event featured eight engaging education sessions and drew over 150 attendees, who joined interactive discussions and networking breaks with industry partners. The day began with a presentation on Pediatric Wound, Ostomy and Continence Care, lead by Emily Woodgate, BScN, RN-AP, NSWOC, WOCC(C). A session on Malignant Wound Assessment and Management, presented by Nancy Schuttenbeld, MN, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) followed. The morning continued with Keri Coulson, RN, BN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), sharing Advances in Incontinence Assessment and Management, and Cheryl Ramsay, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), who presented a Clinical Practice Update in Ostomy Care. To begin the afternoon, attendees were fortunate enough to hear from Steve Brousseau, who discussed his own personal experience of living with a pressure injury. Hemat Elgendy, BScN, RN, spoke on Pressure Injury Prevention and Management afterward. During the last block of the day Lynne Faubert, BSc, RD shared a dietician's perspective on Nutrition and Wound Healing. The final presentation came from Marci White, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) and Michele Langille, MCISc-WH, RN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), who discussed Innovation, Research and Future Directions in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Care. On day 2, Saturday, September 26, 2026, NSWOCC Members were invited to return for an Members-only Regional Meeting. This meeting drew approximately 30 people between in-person and virtual attendance, where members had the opportunity to discuss regional priorities, share updates, and connect with fellow NSWOCC Members. Together, the two days offered an ideal combination of professional development and community building NSWOCC would like to extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to our industry partners. We recognize that the support of our partners was essential to make the event possible, and exceed expectations. View the full list of attending industry partners here: https://www.nswoc.ca/atlantic-education-day-2026#sponsor Check out photos from the event below!

Ottawa, Ontario — October 13, 2026 — The Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®) Board of Directors announced today that Troy Curtis, currently serving as Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed as Interim Executive Director, effective immediately. The Board is currently initiating a formal search process for a permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO). "As we begin the search for a new CEO, the Board welcomes  Troy Curtis in this interim role. His extensive knowledge of NSWOCC's operations and proven leadership will provide continuity as we move through this transition,” said NSWOCC President Bev Smith RN, BScN, NSWOC. Troy Curtis brings over seven years of experience with NSWOCC, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer. "NSWOCC has a talented team, a strong foundation, and a clear strategic direction," said Troy Curtis. "I am honoured to step into this interim role and continue working alongside our Board of Directors, leadership team, and dedicated volunteers to maintain our momentum, serve our Members, and drive long-term value." NSWOCC remains committed to delivering exceptional Member value, advancing the profession of wound, ostomy and continence nursing and wound, ostomy and continence care across Canada, and is dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition. About NSWOCC Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®) is a registered Canadian charity representing over 600 nurses specialized in the care of patients with wound, ostomy and continence challenges, with a broader membership of over 1,600 Members and Associates nationwide. NSWOCC acts in the public interest by providing national leadership in wound, ostomy and continence nursing, promoting high standards for specialized nursing practice, education, research, and administration to advance the quality of patient care NSWOCC provides a strong national association through which Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOCs) can connect, collaborate, support one another, and advocate with a unified voice. The organization continues to strengthen its role in health policy and advocacy, working to influence healthcare decisions that impact specialized nursing professionals and the patients they serve. Every person deserves specialized wound, ostomy and continence care.

Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is a registered charity and membership-based association for over 500 nurses specialized in the nursing care of patients with challenges in wound, ostomy and continence and over 700 members overall. SWAN Week 2026: September 14-18, 2026 The NSWOCC Board of Directors and the Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN®) Community of Practice are proud to announce SWAN Week 2026: “Quality improvement SOARS with SWANs” Learn more > NSWOCC News 1 2 3 4 5 Upcoming Events 2 days to the event Venous Leg Ulcers – Guidance on the Implementation of the geko® Wound Therapy Device Oct 19, 2026, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. EDT Webinar More info Register Now 11 days to the event Diabetic Foot Ulcers – Prevention, VIPs & Guidance on the Implementation of the geko® Wound Therapy Device Oct 28, 2026, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. EDT Webinar More info Register Now 18 days to the event Principles of Treating Infection in Leg Ulcers and the Potential Role of the geko® Wound Therapy Device in Preventing... Nov 04, 2026, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. EST Webinar More info Register Now 25 days to the event Evolving Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) Solutions: Optimizing the Wound Environment for Better Healing Nov 11, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST Webinar More info Register Now Multiple Dates 33 days to the event NSWOCC Members Journal Club Nov 19, 2026, 8:00 p.m. EST – Nov 20, 2026, 9:00 p.m. EST Zoom More info Register Now 44 days to the event The Evidence for Implementing the geko® Wound Therapy Device to Improve Pain and Edema in Leg Ulcers Nov 30, 2026, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. EST Webinar More info Register Now 53 days to the event Peripheral Artery Disease – Audible Handheld Doppler & Guidance on the Implementation of the geko® Wound Therapy Device Dec 09, 2026, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. EST Webinar More info Register Now About NSWOCC Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®) is a registered charity and membership-based association for over 600 nurses specialized in the care of patients with challenges in wound, ostomy and continence and over 1,600 members overall. NSWOCC acts in the public interest for Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC®) to give national leadership in wound, ostomy and continence promoting high standards for NSWOC practice, education, research and administration to achieve quality specialized nursing care. NSWOCC speaks for NSWOCs and gives them a strong national association through which they can support each other and speak with a powerful, unified voice. NSWOCC is working towards taking an active role in legislative policy which could influence the health care decisions that affect NSWOC professionals every day. Read the NSWOCC Position Statement Who are NSWOC®s? A Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC®) is a registered nurse with advanced and specialized knowledge and clinical skills in wound, ostomy and continence care who has graduated from a World Council of Enterostomal Therapists (WCET®) recognized education program. Recognized as Nurses who have specialized training in wound, ostomy and continence by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence are the ONLY nursing specialty with CNA certification in wound, ostomy and continence care (WOCC(C)). From acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics, community, long term care and in independent practice, an NSWOC® provides specialized holistic assessment and management as an interprofessional team member to meet the needs of individuals/families with ostomies, acute and chronic wounds and urinary and fecal continence problems. Learn more The Power of 3 Resources for NSWOCs Job Postings Re-Certification Position Statements Best Practice Recommendations Become an NSWOC The Wound, Ostomy and Continence (WOC) Institute’s flagship program is our Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) Program. The NSWOC Program is a state of the art, paced, 12-month, online program which prepares applicants with a BN/BScN and/or Nurse Practitioners (NPs) for the role of a Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC). The final exam for the program is the Canadian Nurses Associate (CNA) certification exam, which, upon achievement, enables the NSWOC to use the credential WOCC(C). The NSWOC Program is a competency and standards of practice guided, rigorous program, aimed at insuring the high quality of its graduates. Through the CANMeds styled, competency-based preceptorship component of the program, the NSWOC Program strives to mentor and grow tomorrows nurse leaders. NSWOCs graduates are among the nursing elite. They demonstrate an advanced level of critical thinking, clinical skill and leadership qualities. The advantage of NSWOCs’ tri- specialization is especially clear when patients have needs that require more than one area of specialty. Learn more CNA Certification Exam Join NSWOCC Join over 600 nurses specialized in the care of patients with challenges in wound, ostomy and continence, and a total membership of over 1,100 healthcare professionals, industry members, students, and international associates all dedicated to wound, ostomy and continence education & care. Join NSWOCC Membership Benefits Membership Types Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN™) Program For practical nurses and diploma RNs who aspire to become respected nurse leaders and integral members of their organization’s wound, ostomy, and continence leadership team, the CNA-accredited SWAN program is the only program that offers: competency and evidence-informed advanced knowledge in wound, ostomy and continence management; confidence to transfer that knowledge into practice; recognition and respect for your competencies through the nationally recognized SWAN designation; and continuous learning and lifelong support through mentorship and collaboration in a SWAN-Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) team. The SWAN program is accredited by the Canadian Nurses Association. SWANs are uniquely recognized for their advanced knowledge and their contributions as wound, ostomy and continence nurse champions in their workplaces and communities across Canada. Skilled nurses provide optimal patient care. The goal of the SWAN™ Program is to educate and prepare more skilled wound, ostomy and continence nurses across the spectrum of care (e.g. acute care, long-term care and home care). Graduates will have an enhanced ability to provide optimal care for individuals with wound, ostomy and continence issues as members of a collaborative NSWOC team. The program is designed to provide non-specialty nurses the ability to provide optimal wound, ostomy and continence care under the direction of the NSWOC, Clinical Nurse Specialist (Wound, Ostomy or Continence) or Physician and to be integral members of the WOC team. Learn more! Official Interest Groups

Past President < Back Corey Heerschap (he/him) PhD, MScCH, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), FNSWOC Past President Corey Heerschap is the Clinical Nurse Specialist for Wound and Ostomy at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie, Ontario. Corey has been working in the wound care field since he graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Laurentian University in 2012. Starting as a community health nurse he worked as a Wound Care Resource Nurse, supporting and educating his peers in implementing evidence based practice. Corey completed his Master of Science in Community Health specializing in Wound Prevention and Care and the International Interdisciplinary Wound Care Course from the University of Toronto in 2015. He has also completed the Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy (now known as Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy & Continence Canada) Enterostomal Therapy Nurse Education Program and is certified in Wound, Ostomy & Continence Nursing through the Canadian Nurses Association. He has also completed the second cohort of the CAET Building Leadership for Enterostomal Therapy Nursing Excellence Program. In his current role he works alongside the interdisciplinary team to ensure best practice wound care is being utilized throughout the health center through education, consultation, program creation and policy development. He is the past Treasurer for NSWOCC. He is a expert panel member for the second edition of the Ostomy Care and Management guideline developed by the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario and has assisted in the development of the Canadian Nurses Association Wound, Ostomy and Continence Certification Exam. In addition to his work in the wound care field Corey has also taught in both the Registered Practical Nursing and Personal Support Worker Programs. He has also conducted and published research in the field of wound management, ostomy care, and nursing education, with a focus on clinical education. Corey recently completed a PhD in nursing focusing on wound care education and knowledge translation.

NSWOCC Leadership Anne-Marie Blais Treasurer Read More Colin Mackenzie Communications & Operations Manager Read More Britney Butt SWAN Community of Practice Read More Maude Pothier-Cyr Communauté de pratique francophone Read More Debra Johnston Professional Development Read More Rodney Blair NSWOCC Industry Advisory Committee (NIAC) Co-Chair Read More Allison Lachaine Professional Development Read More Christine Murphy Past President Read More Marianne MacMillan-Stacey NSWOCC Industry Advisory Committee (NIAC) Co-Chair Read More Jennifer Bilbie Community Engagement Read More Mary Hill (she/her) National Conference Planning Read More Lorryjade Bellerose Communauté de pratique française / French Community of Practice Read More Kira Stewart Membership Read More Kevin Woo Research and Practice Co-Chair Read More Misty Stephens Harm Reduction Community of Practice Read More Erin Rajhathy Community Engagement Read More Laureen Sommerey Nominating Committee Chair Read More Amanda Sowiak Harm Reduction Community of Practice Read More Sharon Hunter SWAN Director Read More Karen Campbell Research and Practice Read More