About Next Step Residential Services

Deanne grew up in a small place named Chance Cove in Newfoundland (NL). 1985 I moved from NL- Manitoba, 1988 to Nova Scotia (where I obtained a nursing diploma) then in 1999 to Calgary. I started a nursing career in 1988, working for 13 years with individuals with physical and mental disabilities from which I advanced into different positions in Health Care management. Also, I taught nursing for over 14 years in total (2 years in Nova Scotia at NSCC and then in Calgary at Bow Valley College, taught Mental Health to the criminal Justice Department at MHC) and became an interim chair at a college for 1 year. Life has always been about continuous learning, which led me to obtaining a Master of Education from the University of Calgary in June 2020. Throughout my career, I have obtained many different achievements, Kimberly Ann Furgeson Memorial Award’ for Nursing (Scholarship award), Paul Ruthford award and scholarship’ (Leadership and management award), Infection Control Nurse with the Calgary Health region, now AHS, obtain ‘First Peoples award.’ I am humbled by the many achievements, there are far too many to mention. I have acquired and continue to advocate for individuals in care, which, is my true passion that I continue to enjoy. I have two grown sons, that have families of their own now, that gave me three beautiful grand babies. I love the outside, whether it is going for motorcycle ride, walking my three pets, 2 dogs and my cats. Life is valuable let’s enjoy.