Jo-Anne has been working in the Northwest Territories for more than 35 years. Originally from Nova Scotia, a graduate of St Francis Xavier University, Jo-Anne came to the NWT as a Community Health Nurse and soon found herself loving the north not only for what it offers professionally but also for its people, rich culture, and lifestyle.
She has held a number of senior leadership positions within the Department of Health and Social Services and the Health and Social Services Authorities. She has also spent a few years as the Executive Director of the Registered Nurses Association of the NWT and Nunavut.
Jo-Anne holds a Master of Nursing from Athabasca University and her broad-ranging work experience also includes many years in small NWT communities. She has a passion for clinical practice and continues to hold an active practice as a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner. Jo-Anne enjoys the balance of her roles in senior leadership as well as clinical practice and feels this unique experience is a mutual benefit to her work in both domains.
In her spare time, Jo-Anne can be found enjoying quality time with family and friends, especially if there is an opportunity to travel or spark her quilting creativity.