Karen Ellis-Scharfenberg, RN, BScN, MBA
Associate Director
Ms. Ellis-Scharfenberg is the Associate Director of the RNAO’s Centre for Professional Nursing Excellence. Karen has taken on this role with extensive expertise in a variety of health care settings including acute care, nursing regulation and public health at both the staff and management levels. Prior to joining the RNAO Centre Karen fulfilled the role of Quality Assurance Coordinator at the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) as well as Practice Consultant for the College. Karen has also worked as a consultant for the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Karen’s broad based experiences have enabled her to be become an expert in the interpretation and application of RNAO’s Healthy Work Environment Best Practice Guidelines as well as the College of Nurses’ Standards of Practice. Within her consulting role at the RNAO Centre, Karen has completed critical assessments of nursing work environments and developed extensive reports and recommendations focused to improving and changing nursing professional practice at the unit and organizational level. Karen is considered an expert facilitator inserting knowledge of nursing, healthcare realities and humour into all presentations. Karen graduated from the University of Windsor with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and holds a Master of Business (MBA).

kellis@RNAO.org
416-599-1925 / 1-800-268-7199 ext. 258

Through close to 15 years of progressive experience in healthcare working in acute care, research, academic, and regulatory settings, Leigh has developed strong skills in facilitation and communication. She brings her experience in curriculum design and delivery from teaching in the baccalaureate program at McMaster University to her work with a variety of healthcare organizations that engage the services of the RNAO Centre. Leigh previously worked at the College of Nurses of Ontario as the Education Consultant where she was responsible for developing, leading, disseminating, and evaluating programs related to nursing education and regulation. Leigh has also had manuscripts published in the International Nursing Review and Canadian Journal of Nursing Leadership and has presented at conferences in Canada, Ireland and China. Leigh has expertise in program development; project management; curriculum design, development, and delivery; and facilitation. Leigh holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Anthropology, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Clinical Health Science in Nursing.

Leigh is currently on Maternity Leave.

Veron started her journey in the nursing profession after graduating with a Nursing Diploma in 1988. She later completed her BScN degree and Masters of Science in Nursing (MScN) degree in London, Ontario; and is continuing towards her educational goal by completing PhD studies online. Veron worked in a variety of clinical areas – Medical-Surgical, Pediatrics, Pediatric Emergency/Critical Care, and Community Health before settled into the adult intensive care environment for the past eighteen years. She also worked in other areas of nursing including medical sales, as well as teaching in academic and clinical settings in the RPN diploma and BScN collaborative nursing degree programs. Veron enjoyed working in her past leadership roles as a clinical nurse educator, clinical nurse specialist, and most recently, manager of the intensive care unit. She is a strong advocate for nurses, and still has a torrid passion for nursing after all these years. Veron is an avid volunteer within the homeless and marginalized/underserved communities’ downtown Toronto which has led to local and national conference presentations. She has a zeal for working with newly graduated nurses and nurses seeking renewed career opportunities in other areas of nursing.

Victoria van Veen, BA(Hons)
Conference Planning and Marketing Coordinator
Victoria van Veen joined the RNAO Centre for Professional Nursing Excellence in February 2008. Victoria has a varied background in event and conference planning which includes various fundraising events and national and international conferences.  Victoria holds a Combined Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies/Development Studies and International Relations from Queens University and Carleton University respectively.

vanveen@RNAO.org
416-599-1925 / 1-800-268-7199 ext. 227

Jessica Bowes, BA(Hons)
Conference Planning and Marketing Coordinator
Jessica joined the RNAO Centre for Professional Excellence in September 2009. Jessica has a Bachelor of Arts Honors in Communications and English from York University, in addition to post-graduate certificate in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Fanshawe College. Jessica has a background in event planning and communications for not-for-profit organizations, fundraisers, and arts festivals. Jessica is thrilled to join the RNAO in planning professional development opportunities for RNs in Ontario.

jbowes@RNAO.org
416-599-1925 / 1-800-268-7199 ext. 265

Carrie Scott
Recruitment & Retention Program Assistant
Carrie has worked in many capacities within RNAO throughout her time at RNAO, and now holds the title of Recruitment and Retention Assistant. She is an invaluable team player and serves as a tremendous resource to her colleagues. Over the years with her involvement in the Champions Program, she connected with thousands of nurses across the province.  This has served her well in the recruitment of members to our Nurse Ambassador Program, in which she plays an important role.  Carrie has strong organizational skills and is responsible for organizing and representing RNAO at Career Fairs throughout the year.  Her passion for her work and the profession is contagious, and she inspires students and nurses of all ages.

cscott@RNAO.org
416-599-1925 / 1-800-268-7199 ext. 256