Simmie Kalan, (she/her)
RN, MN, CNCC(C)
Director, Learning & Development (Nursing and Allied Health)
PHSA
A seasoned leader in critical care nursing, education, and health system transformation. With over two decades of clinical and leadership experience, she currently serves as Director Learning & Development at the Provincial Health Services Authority in British Columbia (BC), providing strategic direction across diverse healthcare environments. Her passion for education and the development of healthcare professionals drives her commitment to advancing healthcare education through inclusive leadership, evidence-informed practice, and meaningful policy change.
Fairouz Devji, (she/her)
RN, CHE, BA, BScN, MHLP-CE
Education Consultant, Learning & Development (Nursing and Allied Health)
PHSA
Fairouz Devji is a Clinical Educator Consultant with PHSA, dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments. Originally from Kenya, Fairouz honors the unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples where she lives and works, mindful of her role as an uninvited guest on these lands.
Her nursing career spans emergency care and clinical practice, where she developed strong skills in patient-centered care, critical thinking, and teamwork. These experiences deeply inform her current role, where she helps shape education strategy, promotes interprofessional collaboration, and fosters psychological safety across healthcare teams.
Fairouz believes that continuous learning and shared knowledge are essential to improving patient outcomes and strengthening healthcare teams. Through mentorship and thoughtful leadership, she supports others to grow through critical resilience, curiosity, and confidence in an ever-changing healthcare environment.
Vikki Lalarii, (she/her)
MSc, RD
Allied Health Interprofessional Educator, Learning & Development (Nursing and Allied Health)
PHSA
Vikki brings over 30 years of experience from BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital, where she has served in roles including Clinical Dietitian in the NICU and Neonatal Follow-up Clinic, Professional Practice Leader, and most recently, Nutrition Educator. With a Master of Science in Human Nutrition and a strong background in teaching, mentoring, and interprofessional collaboration, Vikki is passionate about supporting allied health teams to provide safe, high-quality care. She is especially committed to creating environments that nurture professional growth, shared learning, and a culture of curiosity and compassion.
Lisa Jang, (she/her/they)
RN, MHLP-CE
Nurse Educator, Learning & Development (Nursing and Allied Health)
PHSA
Lisa Jang brings a unique blend of marketing and perioperative nursing experience to her work in healthcare, with a deep commitment to collaboration, patient safety, and continuous learning. She believes the best care happens in environments where people feel safe to speak up, learn together, and support one another, and she is continually exploring new ways to strengthen team education and development.
Living and working on the stolen and unceded lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, Lisa continues to reflect on her responsibilities in advancing truth, reconciliation, and cultural humility in healthcare. She recognizes the ongoing impacts of colonialism and is committed to listening, re-learning, and honouring Indigenous voices and ways of knowing in her practice.
Lisa is grateful to have shared her experiences at the 2025 Health Quality Forum, to be recognized as a Nursing the Future New Graduate Champion, and to be featured by UBC Alumni. Her approach is grounded in humility, relationship building, and a shared commitment to improving care together.
After more than twenty years of national leadership in supporting nursing students and newly graduated nurses through professional role transition, Nursing the Future (NTF) is concluding its current operational chapter.
Since 2004, NTF has served as a vital bridge for new nurses, educators, and leaders navigating the vulnerable early months of practice. Through evidence-based programming, national partnerships, and a commitment to building a safe “cul-de-sac” for early-career nurses, NTF has supported thousands across Canada in cultivating connection, confidence, and professional identity.
We extend deep gratitude to our partners, including the Canadian Nurses Foundation, the Canadian Nurses Association, the Canadian Nursing Students Association, provincial ministries, healthcare institutions, and countless contributors whose belief in transition-to-practice support made this work possible.
While formal operations conclude, the scholarship, curriculum, intellectual property, and program infrastructure developed over two decades remain intact and available for strategic partnership and collaboration. For further dialogue on potential collaborations, please contact Dr. Duchscher directly: newgraduates@nursingthefuture.ca
We welcome conversations with ministries, health regions, academic institutions, and professional associations interested in advancing initiatives such as:
The mission of healthy and supported professional role transition remains urgent. The work continues, sustained through scholarship, partnership, and shared commitment to the future of Canadian nursing.
With enduring gratitude,
Dr. Judy Duchscher - Founder & CEO, Nursing the Future
Kathryn Corneau - Program Director, Nursing the Future
For our FULL letter of Gratitude CLICK HERE
