⚲ CALGARY
Hi, I’m Deborah
B.Sc.N., M.N., CPMH, RN
Hi, my name is Deborah and I am so excited you have found Vivara.
My career as a Registered Nurse began 25 years ago at the University of Alberta. My practice is based in Alberta, but I have travelled to many countries around the globe providing primary care and community health projects. My practice has varied from Critical Care, Community Care, and Palliative Care. After a few years of practice, I worked with many new parents and babies and noticed the gaps in mainstream healthcare for postpartum support and beyond and witnessed many families ’suffering increase because of the absence of wraparound approaches.
My passion for working with families, from a triad perspective to community health began during my undergrad when studying family nursing & community health and this passion continues to this day. Due to this passion, I began the journey of completing my Master’s degree as Family Therapist for the past 23 years. I find both degrees dovetail beautifully when working with families. I also spent 8 years as an Assistant Professor in undergrad nursing at the University in Calgary which broadened my knowledge and experience in research, evidence-based practice and the teaching and learning space. I really enjoy sharing my toolbox in all interactions in my nursing practice.
A couple of years ago, I completed my certification in Perinatal Mental Health & Addictions out of Ontario and have an amazing community of practice base within their team of experts. I began to look for a niche for this area of interest since that time and stumbled upon Vivara recently. I was so excited to learn about the ethos for postpartum and newborn care that I had to join. It’s a dream come true to work within this area of practice. My dream to work solely in this practice space is informed through the experience I had with PMAD after the birth of my daughter who is now 22 years old. I had a very difficult maternal health history and experienced grief and loss of miscarriages and stillborn pregnancies.
Through my personal and professional experience, I have developed an approach in my practice which is strength-based, trauma informed, compassion and empathetic. I strive to provides a safe and transparent space for grief & loss, change and transition, parenting-life balance, prenatal and postpartum health and well-being, mental health and personal growth in your new role. I endeavour to co-create a space for clients to feel affirmed and heard utilizing creativity in sessions. In every session, I bring my passion and vision for birthing parents (and siblings) to live their best lives without limitations. Limitless living is a concept I bring to every family visit, and I have witnessed many find healing, peace and limitless living in the day-to-day, relationships, health, beliefs and spirituality.
It is an honour to introduce myself to you.