Debra Lefebvre

I am an award-winning nurse professional, health-care leader, mental health specialist and trauma-informed practitioner who shares my knowledge and expertise to empower others to become effective team members and connected people. My practice is based on strong ethical values and client-centred thinking. My career began as a staff nurse at a community hospital in 1988. I subsequently held various senior level executive positions providing clinical and administrative oversight to health-care organizations aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable populations at home and around the world. I have spearheaded two of Canada’s first nurse-led agencies in pursuit of health equity and social justice. Since then, I have also earned the reputation as a mental health specialist and trauma-informed practitioner focusing on mental wellbeing and psychological safety through facilitation, education and consulting services in the community and the workplace. I hold a master in public administration and am pursuing doctoral studies in mental health sciences.

My strong ethical values are grounded in the principles of fairness, equity and client-centred care. Empathy, compassion, collaboration, co-operation and excellence are at the core of my leadership style and practice. To support excellence, I believe that nurse professionals should have a place at the table to influence and inform public policy, practice and workplace environments.

I find comfort and joy in spending time with my husband and four adult children, as well as serving the community through participation on various boards and committees.