Wound Care Leadership Initiative

Our leaders will find support, new opportunities and lasting connections through this initiative. Our integrated approach ensures that each leader has the tools and support needed to grow their leadership abilities. 

Wound care leaders come from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. We invite individuals with professional and personal experiences in wound care and leadership to apply. Many of our leaders have been involved in recognized wound care programs or advocacy initiatives, including patient advocacy, wound awareness campaigns, professional wound care specializations and research. 

The 2021 - 2022 cohort included leaders from across Canada with various backgrounds including personal experiences, caregivers and families, educators, researchers, nurses, physicians, surgeons, respiratory therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, chiropodists, podiatrists and more.

Interested individuals need to submit: 

• A resume that highlights the individual’s relevant employment and extracurricular experiences with wound care and leadership. 
• One letter of interest highlighting their wound care experience, leadership experience, relevant achievements and reason for applying. The letter should be no longer than two double-spaced pages. 
• The contact information for two references who can speak to the individual’s wound care and leadership experiences. 

Applications for the upcoming 2024 cohort will open in winter 2024. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to ensure that all documents are received in time.

Darren Levine Ed.D. is a leadership educator and coach. He teaches at the post-secondary level and has worked in non-profit, government, academic and social innovation contexts.

Cathy Burrows RN BScN is an experienced leader in wound care. She has worked in a wide range of settings including clinical, industry and non-profit.

Joel Alleyne is a researcher, consultant, entrepreneur and educator. He has a vast array of experience in the public and private sectors across the Americas and Europe.

Sunita Coelho is a wound care nurse with more than 25 years of experience in health care. She has preceptored nursing students and contributed her wealth of knowledge to Wounds Canada.

Pat Coutts is a registered nurse with more than 30 years of experience in wound care. She has served on several non-profit boards which aim to serve the skin and wound care needs of Canadians.

Janet Kuhnke is a professor in the nursing department at Cape Breton University. She has also contributed to many wound care initiatives in the non-profit sector.

Andrew Springer is a chiropodist and business owner. He has extensive knowledge about wound care from working in health care and with non-profits.

Marlene Varga is a clinical nurse specialist in the area of pressure injuries. She has tutored students studying wound care and has experience leading teams of wound care experts.