Nursing SIG
The CFAS Nursing Special Interest Group (NSIG) was established in November 2004 at the CFAS Annual Meeting in Jasper, Alberta. The current NSIG membership consists of over 100 members.
The overall mandate of the CFAS Nursing Special Interest Group (NSIG) is to promote and foster the vision, mission and values of the CFAS within the practice of Canadian Fertility Nursing as well as ensuring that Fertility Nursing is actively represented within the CFAS’ actions. The NSIG’s objectives are to: encourage fertility nurses across Canada to engage within CFAS; offer and promote ongoing professional development opportunities; provide a forum for networking, support, collaboration and exchange of information related to nursing within and between Canadian fertility centres; and help ensure consistency in the delivery of high quality patient care within reproductive medicine.
Alison Gilmour, RN, BScN, MN, PNC(C)
Co-Chair
Alison earned her nursing certificate in 1989 and has continuously expanded her education and experience since that time. She earned a BScN in 2002, a MN in 2004 and throughout her career, Alison has focused on Women’s Health including Obstetrics and Infertility. Alison was in the first group to obtain the Perinatal Nursing Certification in Canada (PNC(C)) with the Canadian Nurses Association. In 2017 Alison was part of the committee to update the PNC(C) exam and has been asked to return in 2019.
Since 2005, Alison has served a variety of leadership roles at Manager and Director levels, acquiring significant experience in handling Human Resources, Project Management and Quality Management. Alison has led Accreditation Canada and the Out of Hospital Program for CPSO teams for Fertility Clinics. She currently oversees clinical operations and regulatory compliance for Integramed Canadian Fertility Practices in Ontario
Zeinab Makki, RN, BScN, OB Certificate
Co-chair
Zeinab Makki earned her BScN from the University of Windsor in 2017. Her interest in women's health led her to complete a Certificate in Obstetric Nursing from Humber College in 2019. Before finding her passion in the field of fertility, she worked in Bariatrics and Complex Continuing Care in the Greater Toronto Area.
She began her career in fertility at Markham Fertility Centre as a Nurse Coordinator, and later transitioned into Perioperative Nursing at the CCRM Surgical Centre at Hannam Fertility Centre. She hopes to contribute to the field of fertility by furthering her learning and experiences as a passionate fertility nurse.
Stefanie McGlynn RN, BScN
Secretary/Treasurer
Stefanie is a dedicated Registered Nurse who currently spearheads the Donor and Surrogacy Program at the Markham Fertility Centre (MFC). She holds a degree in nursing from Trent University, Peterborough, and brings with her over a decade of widespread nursing experience from across Canada.
Embarking on her journey in the fertility sector in 2020, Stefanie swiftly ascended to the role of Lead Donor and Surrogacy Coordinator. In this capacity, she has been pivotal in guiding the clinic through the labyrinth of new regulations. She has proficiently established policies and refined processes, aiming to provide a seamless experience for patients seeking to expand their families via third-party reproduction.
Danielle Dubois, BScN, BA, RN, MHS
Executive Member
Danielle completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Queen’s University, receiving the AJ Baumgart Outstanding Achievement Award. She is now completing her Masters of Health Studies through Athabasca University and maintains professional affiliations with CFAS, CNO, RNAO with special interest groups in Nursing Research and the Nursing Leadership Network of Ontario. Danielle began her nursing career in Edmonton, working at the University Hospital, the Birth Control Centre and the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). While with SART, she received the Alberta Health Regional Reach Award in Teamwork. Danielle has worked within the world of fertility and endocrinology since 2005. She was an integral part of developing the IVF Program at the Edmonton Fertility and Women’s Endocrine Clinic, receiving the advanced practice SMART ART X Community Outreach Award for her achievements in the success of Edmonton’s IVF program.
As the Clinical Manager at the Ottawa Fertility Centre, Danielle oversees the nursing, phlebotomy and ultrasound department team members, as well as participates in quality control and clinical improvement measures. She is active in the centre’s research program, currently working with the research team on a Phase 3 Clinical trial. Danielle has developed poster presentations at the 2012 & 2013 CFAS conferences, participates in the OFC Community Outreach events, and has contributed her extracurricular time towards two independent fertility related projects.
Nicole Lee RN, BScN
Executive Member
Nicole Lee is the Nurse Manager at Hannam Fertility Centre, and previously managed the CCRM Toronto Surgery Centre. She obtained her BScN from York University in 2010 and started her career in family practice. Nicole’s introduction to fertility began at Procrea Fertility Centre as a Nurse Coordinator in 2011.
Nicole has worked in other areas of nursing - travel medicine, cosmetic surgery, and oral surgery but made her way back to fertility when she joined Hannam Fertility Centre/CCRM Toronto in 2014. She has a passion for learning and quality improvement initiatives for patient care.
Nicole looks forward to contributing to the CFAS Nursing SIG by being part of initiating opportunities that strengthen ART Nursing Practice.
Bonnie Johnson
Past-Chair
Bonnie started her nursing career in 1998. After graduating from nursing, she worked in community health care and cosmetic surgery. In 2011, she joined the team at the Montreal Fertility Center. Bonnie has been a member of the NSIG executive since 2016. In 2019, she successfully completed the Certificate in Leadership of Assisted Reproduction in Clinical Setting course, and plans to put what she has learned into positive practice.
Bonnie is passionate about helping each patient through the ART process with both the proper technical and emotional support. She has worked closely with the psychologist at the clinic to ensure that each patient is properly cared for throughout their fertility journey.
Bonnie looks forward to working with the members of the NSIG to promote educate and assist all the nurses of the CFAS.