UNA Local 115 OHS Committee
Kevin Champagne
Local 115 President
OHS Committee Co-Chair
Kevin completed his Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Manitoba in 2000. Upon arrival to his first job on 7A south at the St. Boniface hospital, he was volunteered to become the unit’s Ward Representative. Moving to Calgary in May of 2001, Kevin accepted a position at the Foothills Medical Centre (FMC) in general surgery on unit 102. Within a year of arriving to Calgary his activism within the union was in full swing, once again becoming a Ward Representative. He became a Professional Responsibility Concern Committee member which ignited his passion for social justice. His career transitioned to various areas developing his experience as a Registered Nurse and growing within the United Nurses of Alberta (UNA). Over the next 5 years, Kevin worked in various areas including research and rural medicine in Claresholm, before finding his niche in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at FMC. He has previously completed one term as a provincial counsellor for the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta and has represented the South Central District of UNA on the provincial Joint Committee. As the running President of Local 115 for the last twelve years, Kevin has represented nurses tirelessly through grievances and patient and individual safety concerns, with a mandate of always being at your side.
ChunTing (Ting) Chuang
FMC Unit 37 Nephrology and Transplant
OHS Committee
I got my first BA degrees in English Literature and Political Science back home in Taiwan in 2007. I have been interested in human rights, social justice, and empowering people. I decided to go back to school for Nursing because I realized I have always been passionate about helping people and fascinated to learn how human body works and how diseases or injuries can be treated. I graduated from University of Calgary Nursing accelerated program in 2020. Then I started working at Unit 37 Nephrology and Transplant ever since. As one of the many "covid nurses" graduated during pandemic, I understand the new challenges that nurses are facing.
Luckily, I had the opportunity to attend one of the UNA's board meetings as an observer. After that, I was motivated to attend more workshops and to learn more about what UNA does for nurses. I was inspired by the leaders and nurses I've met along my nursing journey. I believe that UNA can not only advocate for us nurses, but also improve the quality of patient care, and advocate for patient safety. Therefore, when one of the executives of our local asked me if I would like to volunteer as a ward representative, without hesitation I said "yes!" I am very honoured and thankful for the opportunity to be on the OH&S committee and advocate for the well-being of nurses!
When I have free time, I enjoying traveling, hiking, running, cooking, and spending time with loved ones.
Tony Huynh
FMC Unit 47 Med/Palliative
Communications Committee
OHS Committee
Hi everyone, my name is Tony!
After studying a few years of invertebrate zoology at the University of Calgary, I transferred to the Bachelor of Nursing program and graduated in 2014.
My primary interest has always been end of life and palliative care. I started my nursing career working as a community hospice nurse, before transitioning to inpatient palliative care. My adventures have also brought me working in outpatient pediatrics, in the CVICU briefly, and as a secondary RN in the main ICU during the (many) waves of COVID.
I was originally introduced to union activism and to Local 115 as a ward rep for my unit. Nurses are one of the greatest advocates for patient care. I am a firm believer in the advocacy work that UNA does for us (as nurses), so that we can and have what we need to be able to properly advocate for our patients! It’s UNA’s legacy if advocacy for nurses that has brought me as a member of both Local 115’s OH&S committee and Communications committee. How thankful I am for all the wonderful people I’ve met so far on my nursing and union journey, and likewise, how grateful I am to be able to serve you, the membership!
In my free time outside of work, you’ll find me a variety of different activities – long distance running, experimenting with growing odd and fascinating plants, sock knitting, bread baking, playing with clay, sitting in meditation, or just enjoying a cup of tea and a new book!
Charity Locker
FMC Cardiovascular ICU
OHS Committee
I studied at Grant MacEwan University and the University of Alberta Bachelor of Science in Nursing collaborative program, graduating in 2008. As an Undergraduate Nurse Employee, I started my career at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and soon moved into the medical float pool. I then moved over to the University of Alberta Hospital into the Cardiac OR, where I have taken the perioperative program. After being in the OR for several years, I returned to the medical float pool. I got hired with the Cardiovascular ICU in Mazankowski and have completed the critical care program. I have since entered the Cardiovascular ICU at the Foothills Medical Center.
I am currently studying through Grant MacEwan University for my occupational health in nursing. I have a strong passion for the health, safety, and well-being of nurses and other staff that help keep our healthcare system going. This passion also extends beyond nurses and spills into my friends and family.
When I am not at work, you can find me hiking, snowboarding, trail running, camping, teaching yoga and personal training for friends and enjoying the great outdoors.
Brenna Thiessen
FMC Ambulatory ECT Clinic
OHS Committee
I started my mental health nursing career in 2018 where I graduated from Kwantlen Polytechnic University in B.C. When I moved to Calgary in 2019 I first worked at Rockyview Hospital in inpatient psychiatry however over the last couple of years I began to gain more experience in other areas of mental health such as working at the Crisis Stabilization Unit, group nurse and now I work in an outpatient clinic at Foothills Hospital.
I recently joined OH&S because I wanted to continue creating and advocating for safer working environments.
In my free time you can catch me running with friends, reading self help books, trying out new recipes or checking out local coffee shops/ restaurants.
Nicole Thraser
115 Secretary
OHS Committee
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lakehead University in 2008. Upon graduation, I moved to Calgary where I obtained my very first nursing job at the Foothills Hospital. Over the past 13 years I have worked surgical oncology (unit 102), day surgery/ surgical short stay and urology surgery at the Rockyview General Hospital. I like to wear many hats. I currently hold a 0.42 FTE in Apheresis and a casual position in the Emergency Department at RGH, both of which I’ve worked for almost a decade. I have been an active member of Local 115 and held a position on the PRC Committee from 2015 until my maternity leave in May of 2019. After my maternity leave, I began instructing 1st and 2nd year nursing students at Mount Royal University and joined the OH&S committee. I am a strong advocate for safe and competent nursing care and care deeply about the health and wellbeing of my nursing colleagues.