Who Are We?

My name is Kara Rimmer and I have served our community as an Registered Nurse for over 20 years. I spent the majority of those years working in the Emergency Room, but also have Operating Room, acute care, and stroke/education experience. I have a HUGE passion for understanding the connection of spiritual and emotional health as it relates to disease, as well as the role that nutrition plays in our health and wellness. Throughout the years I have obtained numerous certifications related to natural and holistic healthcare including a diploma as a a Natural Health Practioner. "Never stop learning" and "Never stop loving" are two mottos I strive to live by!

Hi, I'm Hailee! I am a proud wife, nurse, and mom of two beautiful little girls. I have been in healthcare for over 8 years and am truly proud to be a community caregiver. I have been lucky enough to be inspired by all four of my grandparents that are all still living independently, and they are a big part of my motivation to offer individuals premium care at home or while in facility.  There are many gaps in our healthcare that need extra support to be filled so I knew creating this service for our community was of upmost importance.  With people feeling more isolated and disconnected than ever, I commit to using my knowledge, education, and healthcare experience to heal and care for others in the best ways I know how. I would give anything to make sure my loved ones get the care, and respect they deserve as their state transitions. I love my community, I love my family, and I'm ready to serve. 

 Hi! My name is Sandra and I am excited for this new adventure. I have for many years worked in the field of youth care, disabilities, addictions and continue my education in different avenues of holistic health. I wish to continue to grow my knowledge so that I may be of service to others and my community. My wish is to help those in need in whatever capacity I can provide.

"Be the reason someone believes in the goodness of people. "
-Shihori Obama  

“Hello everyone!  My name is Fern and not only am I a LPN, but a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend and caregiver.  Most of my nursing career has been within the clinical setting, where I was able to nuture relationships with not only the patients, but with their families as well.  Only my heart/passion was leading me to end of life care; where I can build deeper relationships with patients/families.  Hopefully enriching not only their lives, but enriching my life… making me a better LPN , daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, friend and caregiver.  Have a great day and I’m looking to working with all the new people that come into my life and I’m going to leave you with the following quote…”

“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.” ~ Unknown

 Anitta has been a support person in one capacity or another for many years. She has always been drawn to the ‘helper’ role, and her work is heartfelt. She helped with her own grandparents in their final years, visiting regularly, offering companionship, light house duties and shopping for their groceries and other needs. This evolved into being a companion care worker for many over the years. Her kindness and patience offers a nurturing environment to all those she works with.
As Anitta’s journey evolved, she found so much peace and healing within when Meditation and Reiki entered her life. As a practicing Meditation and Reiki teacher, she is able to connect with people on a deep level, and practices an organic healing approach whenever possible. Offering guidance or simply holding space where needed, is a beautiful addition to the services she offers. In 2017 she took her postpartum doula training and for the next 4 years, the bulk of her time was spent helping families adjust to the life of a new baby(ies) in there home. Family’s needs vary, and Anitta is happy to help in a variety of ways. Guidance with feeding, emotional support, meal prep, light houskeeping, and keeping up with day to day tasks. She understands that no two families are the same and she is flexible in her offerings to best support each families needs.
 

Hi! My name is Kirsty Byers. I live in Athabasca, and I am an LPN whose career has continually focused on patient care and advocacy. I also work as a Disabilty Manager.

I grew up in the Westlock county and never thought of being a nurse. I was a farm girl! That was until my daughter was born prematurely. It was inspiring to see such love and care for those babies and families provided by nurses in Neonatal Intensive Care. It made me want to be a part of it.
Fast forward 19 years later, I have experienced many inspiring things in my career, and also situations that I could make better for the patients and families I cared for. My experience is in a variety of patient care, including acute, stroke rehabilitation, emergency, palliative, and immunotherapy.

I enjoy helping others. I take pride in work well done, and how my care makes others feel. It is a privilege to be a part of my patients journeys during some of the hardest experiences of their lives.

I am a mom of 3 children, a 19 year old daughter, and two sons, 14 and 10 years old. They have been with me every step of the way in my career, from finishing College, continuing a degree, having them be my First Aid helpers in the classes I teach, and learning to be kind and compassionate to others. I am an ongoing learner and hope my continued education inspires them to reach for the stars.
I am so pleased to join Healing Hearts, and I look forward to being a part of such a great team of caring providers.”

"I feel there is nothing more truly artistic  than to love people" - Vincent Van Gogh.
 

 My name is Alexis Boulerice.  I am a mother, a wife, and beginner homesteader. Whether its my family or my farm animals, caregiving has always been a passion of mine. I started working in healthcare almost 7 years ago, at first serving people with disabilities, and eventually branching into facility work with the elderly. I particularly enjoy working with the elderly. I find it truly a blessing to give back to previous generations. While the last 7 years have taught me so much, at times I’ve struggled to feel that my small part in an individual or patients day is making a big enough difference. Having to conform to the rushed pace of facility work, feeling as though the people I serve aren’t getting the care and time they need and deserve. Through Healing Hearts Ive been given an opportunity to continue working in a profession I absolutely love and feel as though I am making a difference, getting to spend individualized and quality time with clients.

I look so very forward to serving this community and neighbouring ones with the kindness, compassion, and professionalism that each and every person deserves.
 

 "I’m Sherrilyn Lavoie,  and I have been working with these wonderful group of individuals for the past few months.

A little about me. Nursing is my second career but I can’t believe how these past 20 years have flown by! (I must have been having fun!). I am married and have two teenage children who are both living with special needs. Over my years of nursing, I have become a huge advocate for people living with disabilities as well as our aging population. I personally feel that our seniors are our most neglected groups of individuals in our present population. Many of their concerns, illnesses or complaints are often overlooked as their voices do not seem to be valued or heard. We need to be able to honour each person, as well as to allow them to be able to age in the place of their choice with their wishes honoured and respected.

Over the past five years I have specialized in my discipline to focus on geriatric and dementia care. I have multiple certificates in dementia care as well
as well as a Canadian Geriatric Nurse designation.

I am so proud to be a part of this wonderful group of people who value the importance of nursing from the heart and being present for their clients and the heir families. This is why I became a nurse and continue to advocate for those who are underrepresented.”
 

 Hi, I’m Michelle. I’m an LPN from Athabasca. I have been nursing for the past 19 years. During this time I’ve been able to gain a variety of experience in different patient care areas. I have always had a passion for end of life care. I joined Healing Hearts last spring and have never met a more dedicated and compassionate team of healthcare providers. There is nothing more fulfilling than being able to provide holistic patient centered care for our clients. I am proud to be part of this team.”

 

 “Hi! My name is Angie Hampshire I’m a wife, mom of 4 and a lover of people. As a mental health/suicide awareness advocate, crisis responder and a grief counsellor with decades of experience, I believe I bring some of the uncomfortable topics of discussion to the forefront in hopes of raising awareness and ending stigmas attached to mental health and self worth, AND I am reteaching what we know about grief and mourning!!

As a grief counsellor, I have been with those who are in there worst moments and it is a privilege to share that space with you. It is also something I don’t take lightly. Sometimes as we face loss, no matter how prepared (or not), we feel we are - our grief journey may require a little bit more support and I am both honoured and prepared to walk beside you and navigate that.

I look forward to being a part of this amazing, well rounded team and assisting you when needed.”

“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.”
-Helen Keller-
 

 “Hello, I'm Lee. Register Massage Therapist (RMT) graduated from the Canadian Collage of Massage and Wellness with 2200 hr diploma. Experience in therapeutic, relaxation, prenatal, myofacial cupping, and trigger point release techniques. More recently, I have taken Rapid Release Course and Oncology Massage. Oncology massage is a client-specific, customized massage session designed to meet the unique and changing needs of someone in treatment for cancer or with a history of cancer treatment.

I grew up on a farm between Westlock & Clyde, and will always be a country girl at heart.  I have 2 girls, 29 & 12 and am soon to be a grandmother… a very exciting time for our family! Looking forward to having a baby in the house again to spoil and send back to my daughter!

I'm looking forward to being part of a wonderful team of caring and supportive providers.”