Education

• Bachelor of Social Work; York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Bachelor of Arts, Linguistics & Psychology; York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• TESOL Certificate; York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Danger Assessment Certification – The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine – Oak Island, Nova Scotia
• An Interprofessional Comprehensive Course on Treating Tobacco Use Disorder – CAMH
• Motivational Interviewing – Foundational
• Motivational Interviewing – Addictions

Practice

Coach Donna is the Graduate Success Coach at Southwestern Adventist University, where she supports master’s-level nursing students through academic advising, case management, and holistic coaching. With a background in social work, psychology, and education, she brings over 20 years of experience in student success, mentorship programming, and client support. Trained in Motivational Interviewing, Coach Donna integrates evidence-based strategies to foster resilience, empower students, and create a supportive environment for academic and professional growth.

Areas of Interest

• Academic Coaching and Student Success in Graduate Nursing Education
• Mentorship and Professional Development Programs
• Holistic Student Support and Well-Being
• Research on Learning Strategies, Motivation, and Retention
• Death, Dying, and End-of-Life Education

Scholarship & Creative Works

• Curator, Editor & Publisher: Nuggets From My Journey: A Collection of Stories by the Members of the Malton Seventh-day Adventist Church 55+ Seniors Club (The BARN Press & Curl, 2024). Collected and curated personal narratives from seniors, guiding contributors in shaping their stories and giving voice to their lived experiences. Oversaw editing, layout, and publication of the community-based storytelling project, which was supported by the Government of Canada’s New Horizon for Seniors Program.
• Founder: Embracing Daisies — providing education, workshops, and holistic support around death, dying, and end-of-life planning, with emphasis on emotional, spiritual, and family care.
• Professional Presentations (2024) – as a Nicotine Addiction Treatment Specialist with Nova Scotia Health Authority, covering the entire southwestern region of Nova Scotia, facilitated workshops that encouraged lifestyle change, integrated the Eight Laws of Health, and connected participants with treatment aids and funding support to overcome barriers to care.