Meet the Executive Team

  • 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.

  • Erin Guyette (Boyd)

    Local 115 Vice President
    Communications Committee Chair
    PRC Committee Co-Chair

    I started my nursing career at the University of Calgary in 2010, upon graduation I began my first nursing job at FMC within Cardiac Sciences department. I still immensely enjoy working with this patient population, and the amazing friends and colleagues that I have had the pleasure to know. During my early nursing career, I always had immense respect for UNA and the guidance and support that they provide their membership. However, it was during the arrival of Covid-19 in Alberta, and the attacks on our Collective Agreement, that I felt I could no longer idly stand by without advocating for both myself and my colleagues.

    My involvement with UNA began with the PRC Committee and grew to becoming the PRC Committee Co-Chair and the acclaimed Vice President for Local 115. I am incredibly thankful for this team and the knowledge and support they bring. The journey has not been easy, but being able to support our membership is something I am truly passionate about every single day.

  • Nicole Thrasher

    Local 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.

  • Wanda Deadman

    Wanda Deadman

    Local 115 Treasurer

    Wanda started wondering the halls of University of Calgary as a professional student in 1989 in Engineering with extensive involvement on campus in Students Union and faculty associations. After graduating with double degrees in Anthropology and Zoology, she worked as a Social Anthropology research assistant. After working in the academic world, she decided to enter Nursing as a profession. She finished her Baccalaureate degree in Nursing from University of Calgary in 2001. Wanda worked alongside Kevin Champagne in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at FMC prior to transferring to her current home unit CVICU. Kevin recruited Wanda as a ward rep in 2008. Her first election to an executive position was during a trial project: Portfolio Reps in 2013. In 2015 Local 115's Treasurer Cam Westhead was elected as an MLA for his riding, leaving a opportunity in the Treasurer role. She was elected to serve the remainder of his term and re-elected for a second term. After the completion of her second term, Wanda chose to take a hiatus from UNA to refocus. When the local approached her to return to the Treasurer's role in 2019 it was the leadership, loyalty and dedication of the executive team that drew her back. It is her belief that advocacy, commitment and support are the back bone of UNA and that we as a union family provide that for our members and to each other. This is how UNA will remain a strong and effective union through the challenges we are facing. When not at work - Wanda likes to dabble in cosmetics, knitting and food. Mostly food.

Communications Committee

  • Erin Guyette (Boyd)

    Local 115 Vice President
    Communications Committee Chair
    PRC Committee Co-Chair

    I started my nursing career at the University of Calgary in 2010, upon graduation I began my first nursing job at FMC within Cardiac Sciences department. I still immensely enjoy working with this patient population, and the amazing friends and colleagues that I have had the pleasure to know. During my early nursing career, I always had immense respect for UNA and the guidance and support that they provide their membership. However, it was during the arrival of Covid-19 in Alberta, and the attacks on our Collective Agreement, that I felt I could no longer idly stand by without advocating for both myself and my colleagues.

    My involvement with UNA began with the PRC Committee and grew to becoming the PRC Committee Co-Chair and the acclaimed Vice President for Local 115. I am incredibly thankful for this team and the knowledge and support they bring. The journey has not been easy, but being able to support our membership is something I am truly passionate about every single day.

  • Rebecca Brown

    Day Medicine
    Communications Committee

    I’m Rebecca Brown and I have been an RN for many years. I trained in the UK, graduating in 1992. I worked in many different hospital units and clinics before coming to Calgary in 2008. I started at FMC on Unit 102 and moved to my current unit, Day Medicine, in 2010.

    I have been part of the OHS committee for the last 2 years. Outside of work, I’m one of the “Calgary Raging Grannies”, for whom I write many of the songs and play piano/keyboards in our recordings. Im also part of the “Mountains not Mines” action group. In the summer you will find me camping as much as I can. I look forward to bringing my passion for advocacy to the communications committee.

  • Heather Haberli

    Unit 92, Short Stay Cardiology
    Communications Committee

    My name is Heather. The current state of healthcare has enticed me to explore the labor movement, seeking opportunities and optimism.

    I was raised by a left wing horticulturalist Dad and coastal Californian Mom who modelled loving kindness. I grew up on the back of a horse in rural Alberta, along the saskatoon berry clad banks of the Bow, just upstream of Siksika Nation (Blackfoot Confederacy). I was transplanted between horticulture and the rural Alberta heartland of feedlot cowfolks. The unique lens that I view Alberta and its people is sculpted from the vantage afforded to me from the back of this tall Appaloosa, who taught me to trust my instincts and be prepared for what I can’t anticipate. I make a mean borscht that may have been the fuel of labor in the roots of my family tree.

    I look forward to advocating for the support and resources that Nurses and more broadly, Albertans deserve. Ya know, it was unions that brought us the weekend…

    I’m an elder millennial (but younger than Scarlett Johansson) who is not tech savvy unless you consider a sphygmomanometer tech. I have impostor's syndrome when it comes to Connect Care. I speak various Latino dialects of Spanish, that don‘t suffice for translating critical information with a patient but build a therapeutic relationship rapidisimo. My main love is cardiac sciences, but I’ve dabbled in the NICU and world of research. I’ve lived abroad, Nursed on an island, yet always come home to the expansive prairie sunset and family, of which I also consider one of my finest adult achievements (although my husband deserves credit here too). When I’m not toiling away at FMC, I might be found documenting wild flora of AB/BC, sleeping in a tent, riding a bike, or building vast lego complexes with my kids. One last thing, if you’ve made it this far, please, always, vote.

  • Tony Huynh

    Apheresis
    Communications 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!

  • Al Perreault

    Clinical Nurse Liaison, AKC
    Communications Committee

    Hello! My name is Al Perreault, and I have been involved with nursing unions for most of my nursing career. I was an active BCNU member with the Royal Colombian Hospital Local before moving to Alberta, where I reignited my union involvement with UNA Local 115 since 2001. I have been a ward rep, attended local and provincial AGM’s and DMS, and participated in many union activities. I’m currently on the UNA Local 115 Communications Committee.My background is in Electronics/Computer Technology/Informatics before changing careers to Nursing (Yes, a nerdy nurse!). When not working, I enjoy family time, playing guitar, hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, landscape photography and going for walks with my cocker spaniels.

  • Stephanie Richards

    Stephanie Richards
    Operation Room/Surgical Suite
    Communications Committee

    Fresh out of high school I was 1 of 12 to graduate from the Medicine Hat Colleges collaborative degree program. In 1998, I began my career in all things surgical and now after 27 years, 24 has been in the OR/PACU. I hold a 1.0 FTE.

    My family and I moved from the Hat to Calgary in 2019 and other than the Covid years, we have loved every second. I knew FMC is where I wanted to work because of its acute and complex specialties for surgery.

    United Nurses…what a beautiful thing. I just love our profession. Nurses are the pillar of healthcare, we are the patients voice. UNA was founded in 1977 and have petitioned, advocated and continued to strive for fair contracts for nurses. We ask for appropriate compensation and most importantly, the ability to provide the highest quality of safe patient care.

    I have acted as a ward rep but wanted to become more informed and involved. I am thrilled to have been elected into the Communication Committee and look forward to engaging with as many local 115 members as possible. I love to talk but I also love to listen! Knowledge is power and I am happy to be a part of a committee that will bring important information on all platforms.

    A little bit more about me! I am a wife and mother of two (16/18). Love to travel, gym addict, concert goer, love to entertain/plan events and look forward to every break chat!

OH&S Committee

  • Kevin Champagne

    Local 115 President
    OH&S 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.

  • Charity Locker

    FMC Cardiovascular ICU
    OH&S 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.

  • Nicole Takeda

    Nicole Takeda

    Unit 61 Pulmonary Thoracic Medical Surgery
    OH&S Committee

    I went back to school after taking 8 years off to pursue a career in nursing. It took me two years to get into the program and I graduated from Mount Royal University in 2019. What really draws me to bedside nursing is being able to advocate and empower individuals to take control of their health trajectory. Before becoming a member of our union, I had NO clue of all the resources and support available for nurses. Now as a member of the OH&S committee it has allowed me to support my peers, hear their stories, and advocate in a whole new way. This position pushes me everyday to bring my best to the table, it has given so much more weight to the words that I say and the impact that they have.

    Since graduating I have primarily worked on U61 Pulmonary Thoracic Medical Surgery at Foothills. I am also on U47 the Surge unit. During the beginning phases of COVID I worked at health link. I have additionally worked on units 81/82 Cardiac at FMC and did some travel nursing in the Yukon where I was placed on General/Surgical units.

    I have two amazing step kids, and we welcomed our son in May 2023. As a family of 5 we are always go, go, go! When I am not a taxi driver to sport events or, being a scheduling master, we are camping in the mountains or spending time with family and friends here

  • Brenna Thiessen

    FMC Ambulatory ECT Clinic
    OH&S 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

    Local 115 Secretary
    OH&S 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.

PRC Committee

  • Erin Guyette (Boyd)

    Local 115 Vice President
    Communications Committee Chair
    PRC Committee Co-Chair

    I started my nursing career at the University of Calgary in 2010, upon graduation I began my first nursing job at FMC within Cardiac Sciences department. I still immensely enjoy working with this patient population, and the amazing friends and colleagues that I have had the pleasure to know. During my early nursing career, I always had immense respect for UNA and the guidance and support that they provide their membership. However, it was during the arrival of Covid-19 in Alberta, and the attacks on our Collective Agreement, that I felt I could no longer idly stand by without advocating for both myself and my colleagues.

    My involvement with UNA began with the PRC Committee and grew to becoming the PRC Committee Co-Chair and the acclaimed Vice President for Local 115. I am incredibly thankful for this team and the knowledge and support they bring. The journey has not been easy, but being able to support our membership is something I am truly passionate about every single day.

  • Sarah Blayney

    FMC Unit 36 Medical
    PRC Committee

    I graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing in 2021 from Mount Royal University. I stared my career off working in Cardiac Sciences at South Health Campus and on the Medical Teaching Unit (Unit 36) at Foothills Medical Center. I now solely work on unit 36. I have always had an interest in improving patient outcomes and being involved in committees that allow me to connect with the broader group. These passions are what prompted co-member Anna to encourage me to join the PRC committee in fall of 2022. This position allows me to work with an amazing team, in a capacity that allows for advocacy of patients and fellow RN’s. In addition to my bedside nurse and UNA duties, I am involved in various research projects.

    Outside of work and PRC responsibilities, I enjoy travelling, spending time with friends and family, and trying new activities.

  • Simone Foster

    FMC Emergency Department
    PRC Committee

    I graduated from MRU in 2015 and started my career in Psychiatry at RGH where I still work casually! I also started working in rural Alberta where I fell in love with Emergency Nursing. From there, I worked on an MTU unit, did my ACCN and worked at PLC ER. I moved to FMC ER in June of 2022! I have sat on the PRC committee for a few years now and am just joining the OH and S committee. I love the opportunity to connect with fellow nurses and work towards solutions for improved patient care and workforce safety. Compassionate and competent care is something I am passionate about and I see it exemplified every day by the nurses that I work with and encounter both in the ER and in my roles in the UNA. I am so proud to stand in solidarity with fellow nurses.

    In my spare time, you can find me hiking, rock climbing, playing baseball, snowboarding, riding my motorcycle, reading or trying something new. In 2020, I started this thing where I try one new thing a month that I’ve never done before or that intimidates me. So far, I have tried many new things (including pottery/hip hop dance class/boxing), some of which I liked, some of which I didn’t but grateful for the experience! I encourage everyone to try it. Next up, sky diving!

    If you ever get an email or phone call from me, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me! Keep rocking on Nurses!

  • Anna Hu

    FMC Unit 36 Medical
    PRC Committee

    I started my nursing career in late 2017 after completing my Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Calgary. Prior to pursing nursing, I completed a Bachelor of Health Science degree in Biomedical Sciences. Since graduating, I have worked on the Medical Teaching Unit at Foothills, as well as Canadian Blood Services.

    My union journey began when I attended my first meeting for Local 411 (Canadian Blood Services) and walked out as the treasurer of our Local - I was really just there for the snacks! From there my interest in UNA grew, and I continuously looked for more opportunities to participate in union work. I am passionate about workplace safety and patient outcomes. The PRC committee allows me to work with my fellow RNs and advocate for change through the PRC process.

    I am a strong believer in work-life balance; in my free time, I enjoy travelling, eating good food, and spending time with family and friends.

  • Lien Krupity

    FMC Unit 51 Maternity Care
    PRC Committee

    I am from Vietnam. My background is in Dentistry but I only completed 4.5 years in a 6 years DDS program when I joined my family to come to Canada. Then I studied nursing at the University of Calgary and graduated with a BScN degree in 1995. I have been working in the Maternity Care Centre, Unit 51, at the FMC since.

    I joined the Local 115 PRC Committee in December 2020 to ensure patient safety is the priority from all units and how to improve working conditions to all staff. I am happy to see the changes and improvements so far as the results of the PRC reports and resolutions!

  • Brenna Mccarthy

    FMC Emergency Department
    PRC Committee