SWAN® Week 2026 is officially underway! On Monday, September 14, SWANs, students, educators and members of the wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) community from across Canada joined us for our “Discover the SWAN Program” webinar, officially kicking off a week dedicated to celebrating Skin Wellness Associate Nurses and the important impact they are making across the healthcare system. This year’s theme, “Quality Improvement SOARS with SWANs!”, recognizes the leadership, competency and day-to-day contributions of SWANs across care settings — and the important role they play in advancing quality improvement and supporting better care for patients, residents, clients and families. NSWOCC President Bev Smith, RN, BScN, NSWOC shares a warm welcome to SWAN Week 2026: From a New Idea to More Than 600 SWANs Across Canada The kickoff webinar provided an opportunity to look back at how far the SWAN Program has come and where it is headed next. Vida Johnston, SWAN Co-Lead Academic Advisor with the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute, shared the history and evolution of the program, which began development in 2018–2019 in response to the need for greater access to specialized WOC education for RPNs and LPNs. The first SWAN cohort launched in 2020, and the program has continued to grow significantly since then. Today, there are 623 SWANs across Canada, with another 103 students currently enrolled. Approximately 45% of SWANs work in long-term care, with SWANs also making an impact in community care, acute care, clinics, industry and other settings. The 5.5-month, competency-based online program prepares nurses to provide evidence-informed care for stable and uncomplicated wound, ostomy and continence concerns while recognizing when more complex needs require consultation and collaboration with a NSWOC®. The webinar also provided a look at another exciting step forward for the profession: work toward SWAN certification through the Canadian Nurses Association, anticipated for 2027. The proposed certification will be portfolio-based, recognizing continuing education, professional activities and the work nurses are undertaking within their SWAN roles. Giving SWANs a Voice and Building a National Community Sharon Hunter, SWAN Director on the NSWOCC Board of Directors, spoke about her role in representing the perspectives of SWANs and advocating for their continued growth and recognition. She also reflected on how SWANs contribute to quality improvement at the point of care — working directly with patients, residents and clients, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, educating and supporting colleagues, and helping ensure that care reflects the needs and goals of the individual. Annemarie Larocque, SWAN Community of Practice Lead, also highlighted the important role of the SWAN Community of Practice in connecting SWANs from across the country. Through regular meetings, the Community of Practice provides opportunities for SWANs to share experiences, seek guidance and mentorship, discuss clinical topics and products, problem-solve together and explore how the SWAN role is developing across long-term care, community, acute care and other settings. Meet Alanna Howse: One SWAN’s Journey One of the highlights of our kickoff was hearing from Alanna Howse, who shared her personal journey through the SWAN Program and what becoming a SWAN has meant for her nursing practice. Alanna described completing the program as one of the most challenging and rewarding accomplishments of her nursing career. During the approximately six months she spent completing the program, Alanna was also working full-time, supporting her son through a busy soccer schedule five to six days a week and moving homes — all while managing a significant academic workload. Finding the time required determination. She studied after night shifts, worked on assignments late into the night and even turned the time spent waiting during her son’s soccer practices into opportunities to read and complete coursework. There were moments when balancing everything was difficult, but Alanna remained committed to finishing what she had started. And today, she is seeing the impact of that commitment in her everyday practice. Since completing the program, Alanna has been able to share her wound care knowledge with her nursing colleagues, helping them better understand wound assessment and management, why wounds develop, factors that may delay healing and interventions that can contribute to improved outcomes. She is also using that knowledge directly with her patients — helping them better understand their wounds, why they may have developed, what is happening throughout the healing process and what they can do to support their own healing. For Alanna, becoming a SWAN has strengthened her confidence, supported her professional growth and deepened her passion for wound care. Her journey is also a powerful example of what we mean when we say “Quality Improvement SOARS with SWANs!” When a SWAN develops greater knowledge and confidence, that impact does not stop with one nurse. It can extend to colleagues through education and mentorship, to patients through greater understanding and engagement in their care, and ultimately to the broader healthcare team through stronger, evidence-informed WOC care. Watch the Full SWAN Week Kickoff Thank you to everyone who joined us from communities across Canada and helped make our kickoff such a great start to SWAN Week 2026. If you weren’t able to join us live — or would like to watch the presentations again — watch the full “Discover the SWAN Program” webinar here: And we’re only getting started! Throughout SWAN Week, we’ll continue sharing stories, photos and messages recognizing the incredible work of SWANs and SWAN–NSWOC teams across the country. We encourage SWANs to share how they’re celebrating, submit a photo proudly wearing their SWAN lab coat or merchandise, or recognize a SWAN or SWAN–NSWOC team making a difference in their organization or community. Learn more and follow everything happening throughout SWAN Week 2026 at: https://www.nswoc.ca/swan-week-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” SWAN Week 2026, September 14–18, celebrates the impact of Skin Wellness Associate Nurses (SWANs) in advancing wound, ostomy, and continence (WOC) care across Canada. This year’s theme highlights the leadership, competency, and day-to-day contributions of SWANs in every care setting — and the important role they play in advancing quality improvement throughout our health care system. ​ With 500+ active SWANs and SWAN students participating in our growing SWAN Community of Practice, this week recognizes the nurses who champion evidence-based practice, mentor and educate colleagues, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and improve patient outcomes alongside Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOCs). This week, join us in celebrating SWANs, who make a difference in wound, ostomy and continence care every day. Show Your SWAN Pride! Are you a SWAN? Send us a photo of yourself in your SWAN lab coat, SWAN merchandise, or showing your SWAN pride! ​ Throughout SWAN Week, we want to feature members of our growing SWAN community from across the country. ​ Whether you're at work, with your colleagues, or simply showing off your SWAN gear, submit a photo that we can share through our SWAN Week communications and social media. Recognize a SWAN or SWAN–NSWOC Team Know a SWAN who's doing incredible work? Is there a SWAN–NSWOC team making a difference in your organization or community? We want to hear about them! ​ Submit a message of recognition, a story, a case example, or simply a few words of thanks celebrating the contributions of one or more SWANs. Recognition can be big or small — we want to highlight the everyday leadership, collaboration, quality improvement, and patient impact happening across the country. ​ Selected stories and messages will be shared throughout SWAN Week 2026, including in our special SWAN Week newsletter and other communications, helping us recognize and celebrate the outstanding work of SWANs from coast to coast. Upcoming meetings & events during SWAN Week Development of a New Evidence-Based Skin Tear Assessment and Classification Toolkit for Indigenous Skin Tones Tuesday, September 15 3:00pm ET (12:00pm PT) The Science of Slough - Understanding its impact and optimal treatment Thursday, September 17 6pm ET (3pm PT) More events to be announced soon About the 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 Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Program is the only program in Canada 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. ​ 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. Impact in Practice - The SWAN® Difference: “Our SWAN has been indispensable in strengthening wound care on our unit. One shift each week is dedicated to a skin project overseen by an NSWOC, and they lead reviews of our most clinically complex wounds. On other shifts, they act as a go-to resource for treatment plans and coaching. Since introducing the role, we’ve seen a marked reduction in wounds, including a heel ulcer once considered non-healable that is now nearly closed. They also worked with nursing and pharmacy to secure the right ostomy supplies for a resident with a high-output ileostomy, resulting in significant improvement in peristomal skin.”

NSWOCC is proud to be an educational partner of WoundWISE and share these upcoming educational opportunities on behalf of their organization with our members and the wider wound, ostomy and continence community: We're excited to announce two new WoundWISE® events coming to Southern Ontario this September, with many more coming soon across Canada this Fall. Each event is a full-day, hands-on clinical education workshop where you'll rotate through interactive skills education stations led by NSWOCs and wound care experts, supported by innovations from leading industry partners. Each station focuses on the application of innovations in wound care to the real-world challenges clinicians face every day, typically ranging from wound cleansing and dressing selection to continuity of care between settings, and more. Plus, since WoundWISE® is proudly partnered with Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®) to bring you these events, all participants will receive an NSWOCC®-issued certificate of attendance. We'll be sharing more details in the coming days, including the full education agenda and topics, learning objectives, and the lineup of educating industry partners for each event. Stay tuned. Spots are limited, and the event is coming fast. Don't delay in securing your seat! About WoundWISE Established in 2025, WoundWISE® is a Canadian event series for health care professionals caring for individuals experiencing skin and wound related challenges. Our nationwide events offer wound care skill development with with a focus on best practice recommendations, and is a rare opportunity to get hands-on training and best practice education with some of the latest innovations in advanced wound care. WoundWISE® is brought to you by industry partners in proud partnership with Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC).

It is with profound sadness that NSWOCC and the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute share the passing of one our NSWOCC family members, Norena Gonzales, RN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), on August 16, 2026, following a courageous journey with cancer. Many within our NSWOCC family will remember Norena—from studying alongside her, teaching and supporting her through the NSWOC Program, working with her as a colleague, or meeting her at our National Conference and other NSWOCC activities. Those who knew Norena remember her extraordinary perseverance, her compassion, her enthusiasm for learning and, perhaps most of all, the tremendous joy and pride she found in being an NSWOC. Norena's path to becoming an NSWOC was one of remarkable determination. She continued through the NSWOC Program while undergoing treatment for advanced cancer, ultimately completing her studies, preceptorship and the CNA WOCC(C) certification exam despite tremendous challenges along the way. At the 2023 NSWOCC National Conference in Ottawa, Ontario, Norena proudly received her NSWOC Diploma, realizing what she described as her greatest passion and dream. During the graduation ceremony, she was also presented with the Vancouver United Ostomy Association Chapter NSWOC Award, a $1,000 award recognizing a British Columbia NSWOC student or recent graduate who has demonstrated a high degree of volunteerism with, and in support of, people living with an ostomy. That recognition reflected a commitment to people living with an ostomy that Norena carried with her throughout her practice and her illness. She continued working as an NSWOC for as long as she was able, and when her health eventually prevented her from continuing to work, she continued giving back by volunteering her time to support people living with an ostomy. Even while facing tremendous challenges of her own, her desire to help others remained at the heart of who she was as a nurse and as an NSWOC. Her Academic Advisors remember a deeply grateful and determined learner who embraced feedback, constantly sought to improve, and worked tirelessly to deepen her knowledge. Her colleagues saw that same dedication in practice and remember the joy she showed when talking about wound, ostomy and continence care. Norena's dedication continued throughout her illness. She worked as an NSWOC for as long as she was able, and when her health no longer allowed her to continue working, she volunteered her time to support people living with an ostomy. Norena also deeply valued being part of the broader NSWOC community and the connections she made along the way. In 2025, she shared that a particular highlight for her had been getting her picture taken with one of her heroes, Dr. R. Gary Sibbald—a moment of pure joy that we are honoured to share as part of this tribute, pictured here. During NSWOC Week 2024, we were privileged to share Norena's remarkable story of resilience, perseverance and triumph with our community. Today, that story gives us an opportunity to remember Norena in her own words and to reflect on the extraordinary journey she undertook to become a WOCC(C)-certified NSWOC. Read Norena's NSWOC Week 2024 story “Being a patient and certified NSWOC, I believe that having experiences, expertise and advanced knowledge and skills in wound, ostomy and continence care can improve patients’ quality of life, provide the highest quality of care, and reduce the healthcare cost by providing education and teaching to patients, families and other healthcare and nursing staff.”— Norena Gonzales, RN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) On behalf of NSWOCC and the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute, we extend our deepest condolences to Norena's family, friends, colleagues and everyone whose life she touched. We also hold close the many members of our NSWOCC family who had the privilege of learning alongside her, teaching her, supporting her and working with her. Norena worked extraordinarily hard to become an NSWOC. But more importantly, she showed all of us what it meant to be one. Her passion, perseverance, compassion and joy will remain an inspiration to our community. With our deepest sympathies, Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute

On June 21, NSWOCC joins people across Canada in recognizing National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, languages, knowledge systems, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. As we mark this important day, NSWOCC reaffirms its commitment to advancing Truth and Reconciliation and supporting equitable access to culturally safe wound, ostomy, and continence care for Indigenous Peoples across Canada. Advancing Indigenous Health Equity through the Indigenous Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Health Core Program Through the Indigenous Wound, Ostomy and Continence Health Core Program, NSWOCC continues to work alongside Indigenous leaders, healthcare professionals, and community members to promote culturally responsive care and improve health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples. A key focus of the program is the integration of cultural safety into the NSWOCC National Standards of Practice. This important initiative seeks to ensure the standards reflect and respect Indigenous knowledge, traditions, experiences, and ways of knowing, while promoting more equitable and culturally responsive care. By embedding cultural safety principles into the standards, the program aims to help address systemic barriers and foster a more inclusive approach to wound, ostomy, and continence health across Canada. Launching the New Evidence-Based Skin Tear Assessment and Classification Toolkit for Indigenous Skin Tones This year, we are also pleased to highlight the launch of the new Evidence-Based Skin Tear Assessment and Classification Toolkit for Indigenous Skin Tones, developed in partnership with members of the NSWOCC Indigenous Wound, Ostomy and Continence Health Core Program. Officially launched during ISTAP World Without Skin Tears Day 2026 on April 9, 2026 through the presentation Adapting the Skin Tear Classification Tool to Support Indigenous Cultural Safety by Michelle Buffalo, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), Bev Smith, BScN, RN, NSWOC, and Dr. Kevin Woo, PhD, RN, FAPWCA, NSWOC, WOCC(C), FNSWOC, the toolkit was created to support culturally safe, equitable, and person-centred skin tear assessment and management for Indigenous Peoples across Canada. The toolkit includes three complementary resources: ISTAP™ Indigenous Skin Tear Decision Algorithm ISTAP™ Skin Tear Risk Assessment Pathway for Indigenous People ISTAP™ Assessment and Treatment Pathway for Indigenous People with Skin Tears The presentation recording is available on demand through the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP), linked below. As we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, we recognize that reconciliation is an ongoing journey that requires listening, learning, relationship-building, and meaningful action. NSWOCC remains committed to supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, advancing culturally safe care, and fostering equitable health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples across Canada.

Ottawa, Ontario – June 19, 2026 – Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) announces that Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Axelle Pellerin will be taking a scheduled leave of absence as part of her maternity leave beginning Monday, June 22, 2026. On behalf of the NSWOCC Board of Directors and staff team, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Axelle and her family. We are excited for her as she takes this special time to welcome and care for her newest family member, and we wish her a wonderful and well-deserved maternity leave. To ensure continuity of leadership and operations during this period, Troy Curtis, Chief Operating Officer of NSWOCC, has been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer for the duration of Axelle's leave. In this role, Troy will continue working closely with the Board of Directors, staff team, volunteers, industry partners, and stakeholders to advance the organization's strategic priorities and support its ongoing activities. NSWOCC remains committed to delivering its full range of programs and services throughout this transition. Educational offerings, member services, events, advocacy initiatives, and organizational operations will continue without interruption. Questions related to the Office of the CEO may be directed to office@nswoc.ca, Attention: Troy Curtis, Interim CEO. Questions related to the WOC Institute may continue to be directed to Dr. Kimberly LeBlanc, Academic Chair, at chair@wocinstitute.ca. Thank you for your continued support of NSWOCC and for joining us in wishing Axelle and her family all the very best during this exciting time.

Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®), in collaboration with the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP™), is pleased to announce the launch of a new Evidence-Based Skin Tear Assessment and Classification Toolkit for Indigenous Skin Tones, developed to support culturally safe, equitable, and person-centred skin tear assessment and management for Indigenous Peoples across Canada. The toolkit consists of three complementary resources: ISTAP™ Indigenous Skin Tear Decision Algorithm ISTAP™ Skin Tear Risk Assessment Pathway for Indigenous People ISTAP™ Assessment and Treatment Pathway for Indigenous People with Skin Tears These resources are now freely available through the ISTAP website at: https://www.skintears.org/resources The new toolkit was officially launched during ISTAP World Without Skin Tears Day 2026 on April 9, 2026, through the presentation "Adapting the Skin Tear Classification Tool to Support Indigenous Cultural Safety." The presentation featured: Michelle Buffalo, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) (Canada) Bev Smith, BScN, RN, NSWOC (Canada) Dr. Kevin Woo, PhD, RN, FAPWCA, NSWOC, WOCC(C), FNSWOC (Canada) The presentation recording is available on demand at: https://www.skintears.org/wwstd2026#on-demand The project was led by NSWOCC and ISTAP with support from Indigenous Services Canada and brought together an expert panel of Indigenous nurses and wound, ostomy, and continence specialists working closely with Indigenous communities. The panel included: Michelle Buffalo, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) – Alberta Bev Smith, BScN, RN, NSWOC – Alberta Amanda Sowiak, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) – Alberta Tina Beckerton, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) – British Columbia Denise Lalonde-Niccoli, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) – British Columbia Jer Caul, MClinSc-WH, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) – Ontario Jocelyne Bergen, RN, BScN – Yukon The project focused on culturally adapting existing ISTAP resources to better reflect the language, culture, lived experiences, and health care realities of Indigenous Peoples. Cultural adaptation involves validating and modifying knowledge tools within the cultural context in which they will be used. Through expert review, consultation, and validation, the panel identified opportunities to strengthen cultural safety, acknowledge traditional knowledge and medicines, address social determinants of health, and promote health equity within skin tear prevention and management pathways. The resulting toolkit incorporates considerations such as traditional healing practices, cultural safety, trust in the health care system, environmental health, transportation barriers, access to resources, and other social determinants of health that may influence skin health and wound healing. NSWOCC and ISTAP extend their sincere gratitude to the expert panel members, validation participants, Indigenous Services Canada, and all those who contributed their expertise and lived experiences to this important initiative. Together, we continue to advance culturally safe wound care practices and work toward a world without skin tears.

The International Skin Tear Advisory Panel and Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada are proud to co-announce that 2026 marks 10 years of partnership and collaboration. In 2016, ISTAP officially became an interest group of NSWOCC, beginning a decade-long partnership dedicated to advancing awareness, prevention, assessment, and treatment of skin tears around the world. Over the past 10 years, this collaboration has continued to grow into a global platform, network, advocacy movement, and community of healthcare professionals committed to working toward ISTAP’s vision of a world without skin tears. The History of ISTAP While ISTAP became an Official Interest Group of NSWOCC in 2016, ISTAP itself was founded in 2011 by Co-Chairs Dr. Kimberly LeBlanc (Canada) and Sharon Baranoski (USA), alongside panel members: Dr. Karen Campbell (Canada) Dr. Kerlyn Carville (Australia) Dawn Christensen (Canada) Karen Edwards (USA) Mary Gloeckner (USA) Samantha Holloway (United Kingdom) Dr. Diane Langemo (USA) Alicia Madore (USA) Mary Ann Sammon (USA) Ann Williams (USA) Dr. Mary Regan (USA) Together, these international leaders established the foundation for what has become a truly global organization dedicated to skin tear awareness, prevention, assessment, and management. Today, ISTAP raises global awareness of skin tear prediction, assessment, prevention, and management through a multidisciplinary panel of healthcare professionals representing Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and North America. Through education, research, and advocacy, ISTAP continues to work toward improving outcomes for individuals at risk of or experiencing skin tears — all aimed at achieving the vision of “a world without skin tears.” ISTAP has now grown to more than 6,000 members worldwide, with free online membership available to healthcare professionals and supporters around the globe. As we celebrate this important milestone, we recognize and thank the founders, volunteers, members, partners, and supporters who have helped shape ISTAP and strengthen the partnership between ISTAP and NSWOCC over the last decade. We invite you to join us in celebrating these 10 years of partnership as we look ahead to another decade of growth, global collaboration, community building, and continued advocacy for the awareness, prevention, and treatment of skin tears. Read the full history of ISTAP here: https://www.skintears.org/history Learn more about the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel at www.skintears.org. Become an ISTAP member for free at: https://www.skintears.org/join-istap Learn more about Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada at www.nswoc.ca.

Celebrating leadership, excellence, and lasting contributions to the tri-specialty of wound, ostomy and continence care May 2026 – Vancouver, British Columbia During the WCET®-NSWOCC® Joint Congress Gala and Banquet held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®) proudly inducted the 2026 class of NSWOCC Fellows. The NSWOCC Fellowship Program represents the highest honour bestowed by NSWOCC and recognizes individuals who have made exceptional and sustained contributions to the advancement of wound, ostomy and continence nursing through leadership, clinical excellence, education, mentorship, research, advocacy, and policy development. Launched in May 2024, the Fellowship Program reflects NSWOCC’s commitment to recognizing leaders whose work has shaped and strengthened the profession across Canada and internationally. Fellows serve as role models, mentors, innovators, and advocates whose impact continues to influence the future of specialized nursing care and improve outcomes for patients and families. NSWOCC is honoured to recognize the following individuals as the 2026 NSWOCC Fellows: Britney Butt, MClSc-WH, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), CWOCN Britney Butt currently serves as the Wound & Ostomy Care Coordinator at Keck Medicine of USC and has built a distinguished career grounded in advanced clinical practice, education, policy development, and research-informed leadership. Previously serving as the Clinical Nurse Specialist for Wound, Ostomy and Continence at North York General Hospital from 2015–2024, Britney led numerous initiatives focused on clinical consultation, interdisciplinary education, quality improvement, and program development. Throughout her career, she has implemented multiple national wound, ostomy and continence programs and has demonstrated a strong commitment to evidence-based practice, pressure injury prevention, and quality assurance. Britney holds a Master of Clinical Science in Wound Healing from Western University and is dual-certified in both Canada and the United States. Her leadership and dedication continue to influence practice standards and specialized nursing care internationally. Shannon Handfield, RN, BSN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Shannon Handfield has dedicated more than two decades to advancing wound, ostomy and continence nursing practice in British Columbia and across Canada. Beginning her specialized practice at Vancouver Hospital in 2000 with a focus on spinal cord injury care, Shannon went on to lead major provincial and regional initiatives, including serving as Vancouver Coastal Health’s Clinical Lead for the Pixalere Electronic Wound Management System and later as the Professional Practice Initiatives Lead for Wound, Ostomy and Continence. Shannon’s leadership helped support regional and provincial committees dedicated to advancing wound and ostomy practice. In 2018, she transitioned into the role of Lead for the British Columbia Provincial Professional Practice Stream – Wound Ostomy Continence, helping expand the initiative to seven committees province-wide. Although retired as of October 2025, Shannon continues to support the professional practice stream and remains a respected leader and mentor within the specialty. Anna Tumchewics, BScN, RN, NSWOC Anna Tumchewics has devoted her career to advancing nursing excellence, particularly within rural, remote, and northern communities across Canada. A graduate of the University of Toronto’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and the Dalhousie University Outpost Nursing Program, Anna completed the Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy Nursing Education Program in 2006. Her work across acute care, community care, primary care, and remote nursing settings throughout the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, northern British Columbia, and Ontario has had a profound impact on patient care and nursing practice. Anna has volunteered extensively with nursing associations for more than 40 years and has contributed significantly to nursing legislation and professional advancement. She currently serves as an academic advisor with the SWAN Program and continues to mentor and support future generations of nurses. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, Anna was awarded the Canadian Nurses Association Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2014 and was recognized as an Honourary Nurse Practitioner by Aurora College in 2004. Karen E. Campbell, RN, MScN, PhD, WOCC(C) Karen Campbell is widely recognized as one of Canada’s most influential leaders in wound care education, research, and professional practice. Currently serving as Adjunct Faculty for the Master’s of Advanced Health Care Practice in Wound Healing at Western University, Karen has contributed extensively to the growth and advancement of specialized wound, ostomy and continence nursing nationally and internationally. Karen was a founding board member and served in numerous leadership roles with NSWOCC, the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel, and the Canadian Association of Wound Care. She also helped develop and teach within the RNAO Wound Care Institute and Wisdom in Wound Care programs. A prolific contributor to wound care scholarship, Karen has authored one book, six book chapters, and more than 50 peer-reviewed publications. Her expertise and leadership in pressure injury prevention and skin health continue to shape best practice guidelines and influence care internationally. Debra Johnston, MN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Debra Johnston has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing evidence-informed wound and ostomy care throughout her distinguished career. As a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Wound and Ostomy at University Health Network – Toronto General Hospital for more than 19 years, Debra has contributed extensively to clinical practice, quality improvement, policy development, staff education, and mentorship. Although unable to attend the Gala and Banquet in person, Debra’s Fellowship was accepted on her behalf by NSWOCC President-Elect Joshua Moralejo. Her leadership has been instrumental in the development of national standards, position statements, and best practice recommendations through NSWOCC and other organizations including Wounds Canada and the RNAO. Debra currently serves on the task force reviewing the revised international pressure injury guideline for the EPUAP, NPIAP and PPPIA. Debra has also made an extraordinary impact through mentorship and education, serving as a preceptor and mentor to NSWOCC students for more than 18 years. In 2021, she was recognized with the NSWOCC President’s Award. Honourary NSWOCC Fellow – Cathy Harley In recognition of her more than two decades of leadership and service to NSWOCC and the broader nursing community, recently retired NSWOCC CEO Cathy Harley was named an Honourary NSWOCC Fellow during the Gala and Banquet ceremonies. Cathy’s leadership helped guide the tremendous growth and national impact of NSWOCC, strengthening education, advocacy, certification, professional development, and international collaboration within the wound, ostomy and continence specialty. Her legacy continues to shape the organization and profession for future generations. About the NSWOCC Fellowship Program The NSWOCC Fellowship Program recognizes select individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the tri-specialty of wound, ostomy and continence care. Fellowship is reserved for Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOCs) whose careers reflect sustained excellence and meaningful impact in clinical practice, education, research, leadership, policy development, mentorship, and advocacy. As the Fellowship Program continues to grow, Fellows will play an important role in supporting the next generation of specialized nurses while continuing to advance patient-centred, evidence-informed care across Canada and internationally. Learn more about the Fellowship Program: NSWOCC Fellowship Program Learn about the inaugural Fellows inducted in 2025:2025 NSWOCC Fellows

We are pleased to share our Executive Board and Board Directors for the upcoming term! Congratulations to those who have been elected. Meet our Executive Board NEW President: Bev Smith, RN, BScN, NSWOC Bev Smith was born and raised in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia where her Indigenous Ancestors from the Miꞌkmaq First Nations of Potlotek, Cape Breton settled in the early 1900’s. Bev completed her BScN at the University of Alberta. After working in acute care for several years, an opportunity to work alongside the hospital’s only NSWOC presented itself and Bev was excited to take on the new challenge. Bev enrolled in the then CAET wound, ostomy and continence education program and graduated as a NSWOC in 2008. NEW President-Elect: Joshua Moralejo, MScCH: WPC, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), IIWCC Joshua is a Registered Nurse who has developed a passion for wound and ostomy care. He completed the CAWC Levels 1-3 Series (2011), the IIWCC (2014), Advanced Ostomy Care and Management (2016) and the Master of Science in Community Health – Wound Prevention and Care (2020) at the University of Toronto, and the NSWOC Program at the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute (2023). In 2023, he received the Canadian Nurses Association Certification in Wound, Ostomy & Continence. Secretary: Rebecca Dyck, MClSc-WH, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Rebecca Dyck has been nursing for fifteen years, and is a strong advocate for justice and equity in health care. She has spent a number of years learning how systemic racism and intersectionality affect the health of individuals and communities. After earning a Master of Clinical Science in Wound Healing at Western University ten years ago, Rebecca has been working with patients virtually and at the bedside to solve the puzzle that each wound presents. Rebecca also tutors students in the research course of the master’s program. More recently, Rebecca became a Nurse Specialized in Wound Ostomy and Continence and earned her national certification. Treasurer: Misty Stephens RN, MClSc(WH), BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Misty Stephens started her career as an ICU trauma nurse and then transitioned into being an NSWOC in 2013. Since then she has been working in acute care as the certified NSWOC. She is the chair of BC provincial skin and wound committee and value analysis teams. Misty is the regional NSWOC BC / Yukon director. IMMEDIATE Past President: PhD, MScCH, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), FNSWOC 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. Chief Executive Officer: Axelle Pellerin, MBA, BA Axelle is an accomplished healthcare executive with more than 20 years of experience in complex health environments. Axelle has held senior leadership roles across leading healthcare organizations, including the University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine, Unity Health Toronto (St. Joseph’s Health Centre Toronto), and the Ottawa Hospital. She Chaired the Board of the Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre, one of only two midwifery led out of hospital independent Health Facilities. Axelle has recently completed her executive MBA from the Quantic School of Business and Technology. Meet our Board Directors BC & Yukon: Tina Beckerton Tina Beckerton initially became an LPN in 1994 in Ontario. After moving to British Columbia, her colleagues encouraged and inspired her to return to university to earn her degree in nursing. Perusing her dream, Tina went on and graduated from University of Northern British Columbia with a bachelor of science in nursing in 2011. In 2017 Tina embarked on her second passion which is wound care and graduated from the CAET Program in 2017. In 2020 Tina became certified as an NSWOC with the Canadian Nurses Association. Tina has worked in numerous areas of nursing over the years in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia while never losing her love for the nursing profession and wound and ostomy care. Tina is currently working as a Clinical Practice Consultant – WOC at Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake, BC and serves vast region that extends 350km south, and 400km west of Williams Lake. Prairies, NWT and Nunavut: Angela Koziak RN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Angela Koziak graduated from the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta in 2004. During her studies, she worked in long-term care before going on to gain clinical experience in medicine and the ICU. After the birth of her son, she transitioned into a Case Manager role in Supportive Living. It was during this time that she met Bev Smith, whose mentorship sparked Angela’s interest in wound care and encouraged her to join the direct nursing team and pursue the NSWOC program. NEW Ontario: Catherine Summers, RN, BN, MN, NSWOCC, WOCC(C) Cathy Summers is a Registered Nurse (RN) and dedicated nursing leader with expertise in wound, ostomy, and continence care based in Ontario, Canada. Holding a Bachelor of Nursing (BN) and Master of Nursing (MN), she is a certified nurse (WOCC(C)) and member of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC), currently working with VON Canada. NEW Quebec: Jessica Jones, RN, BN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Jessica has dedicated the past decade of her professional career to advancing excellence in wound and ostomy care. Since graduating from the NSWOC program in 2022, she has remained committed to strengthening the standards, visibility, and impact of the specialty across Québec. Over the past two years, Jessica has served on the executive committee of her provincial NSWOC organization, currently holding the role of Treasurer. Through this work, she has developed strong professional and collegial relationships with NSWOCs across Québec. NEW Atlantic: Michele Langille, RN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Michele Langille is a Registered Nurse, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC), and holds a WOCC(C) designation. She is an expert in wound, ostomy, and continence care, known for presenting on topics like Oxygen Therapy and contributing to clinical best practices. SWAN: Sharon Hunter, RPN, IIWCC, SWAN Sharon Hunter is am experienced Nursing Advocate and RPN Nurse Manager, Educator and Speaker. She holds a General Arts and Science Diploma and a Practical Nursing Diploma from St. Lawrence College. In 2019, Sharon completed an International Interprofessional Wound Care Course at the University of Toronto and in 2021 she graduated from the CNA-accredited Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN™) program.

From May 11–17, 2026, NSWOCC joins the CNA to celebrate National Nursing Week—a time to recognize the extraordinary contributions of nurses and the essential role they play in transforming health care across the country. This year’s theme, “The Power of Nurses to Transform Health,” speaks directly to the impact nurses have every day: advancing patient outcomes, leading innovation, and shaping the future of care through expertise, compassion, and leadership. Celebrating NSWOCs and SWANs Across Canada Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is proud to represent over 600 specialized nurses and a growing community of more than 1,600 Members and Associates dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living with wound, ostomy, and continence challenges. This year’s theme strongly aligns with NSWOCC’s direction: Mission: Leading excellence is our passion. Enhancing lives is our inspiration. Innovation is our commitment. Vision: Every person deserves specialized wound, ostomy and continence care. Values: Nursing specialty excellence, leadership, and collaborative partnerships Featured National Nursing Week Webinar As part of this year’s celebrations, we are proud to highlight an upcoming webinar led by Dr. Kim LeBlanc (WOC Institute Academic Chair and CNA President) and Dr. Corey Heerschap, immediate past president of NSWOCC: The Power and Impact of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy & Continence Care 📅 Thursday, May 14, 2026 🕛 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET This session will showcase the vital role of nurses specialized in wound, ostomy and continence care in improving patient outcomes and transforming health-care systems. Through advanced clinical expertise, leadership, education, and research, these nurses: Address complex care needs Empower patients and families Support interprofessional teams Drive evidence-informed practice Participants will also explore how specialized nursing: Prevents complications Accelerates healing Enhances quality of life Reduces health-care costs Join the Celebration We encourage all NSWOCC Members and the broader nursing community to take part in National Nursing Week: Access and share resources from the Canadian Nurses Association: https://www.cna-aiic.ca/en/news-events/national-nursing-week/resources Celebrate your colleagues and teams Share your stories and impact using #NationalNursingWeek Reflect on the vital role nurses play in transforming health for all Canadians You can also view a special message from Canada’s Chief Nursing Officer, Dr. Leigh Chapman: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/health-canada_national- To all nurses—and especially to NSWOCs, SWANs, and specialized nurses across Canada—thank you for your leadership, your expertise, and your unwavering commitment to excellence. Your work continues to shape healthier futures for individuals, families, and communities. Happy National Nursing Week 2026!

Restoring Sheep's Wool to Clinical Practice: An Evidence-Based Opportunity to Reduce Preventable Wounds. Pressure injuries, chronic wounds, and skin breakdown continue to cause avoidable suffering across acute care, long‑term care, and home‑care settings. Despite decades of innovation, many frontline clinicians still struggle with the same challenges: moisture, friction, shear, and compromised skin integrity. Yet emerging peer‑reviewed research, alongside historical clinical use, is pointing back to a natural, renewable material with remarkable properties: medical‑grade sheep's wool. What the Evidence Shows Recent peer‑reviewed studies have demonstrated that wool can: • Reduce friction and shear forces • Support micro‑circulation • Regulate moisture and temperature • Improve patient comfort and compliance • Reduce the incidence of pressure injuries in at‑risk populations These findings echo the long history of wool's use in hospitals, military medicine, and wound‑care wards before synthetic materials replaced natural fibres. Why Wool Matters Now Today's wound‑care landscape is calling for solutions that are: • Clinically effective • Cost‑efficient= • Sustainable • Comfortable for patients • Easy for staff to implement Wool meets all five criteria and yet it remains under‑examined in modern clinical research. A Call for Collaboration Soul Comfort Medical is seeking partnerships with: • NSWOCs and SWANs • Wound‑care researchers • Universities and clinical research teams • Long‑term care and acute‑care facilities Our goal is to co‑design and support new clinical trials that explore wool's role in: • Pressure injury prevention • Skin protection for immobile or high‑risk patients • Moisture and microclimate management • Comfort‑focused wound‑care interventions We believe wool has the potential to significantly reduce preventable wounds, but advancing this work requires collaboration with the clinicians and researchers who understand the realities of patient care. Let's Move This Forward Together If you are interested in participating in a study, partnering on research design, or exploring wool's clinical applications, we would be honoured to connect. Have you seen our new testimonial video about diabetic heel ulcers healing in record time? (Click the button below to watch our videos located at the bottom of the page.)