Research Chairs

Dr. Melissa Dykhuizen holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Nursing, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing) from the University of Saskatchewan. Since 2014, she has been a faculty member in the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN) program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Leslie and Irene Dubé School of Nursing. Her clinical nursing background includes oncology, maternal/child, and community health.

Research/Scholarship

As a research chair at the Centre for Health Research Innovation and Scholarship (CHRIS), Melissa leads initiatives that integrate equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation into patient-oriented curricula. Her research embraces a holistic perspective on health, aiming to advance the wellness of transgender and Two Spirit individuals and communities in Saskatchewan. Melissa has a strong interest in art-based qualitative methods, such as visual arts and storytelling, to promote the wellness of equity-deserving populations.

1. Dykhuizen, M. (Principal Investigator), Hanson, D., Hyde, A., & Marshall, K. (2025). Integrating diverse voices into nursing education: Advancing equity and patient-oriented curriculum in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF). $9,998.
2. Dykhuizen, M. (Principal Investigator), Pavloff, M., Marshall, K., &  Fayant-McLeod, T. (2025). Pictures of health: Exploring wellness among 2STNBGN people in rural and remote Saskatchewan through photovoice. Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF). $10,000.
3. Dykhuizen, M. (Principal Investigator), Loewen-Walker, R., & Fayant-McCleod, T. (2025). Sharing Witaya: Building transnational Two-Spirit and IndigiQueer communities. Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF), Truth and Action Fund. $9,452.48.
4. Burns, M., Drake, P., Lloyd, S., Fusca, L., Pauzé, J., Inman, A., & Dykhuizen, M. (Collaborator). (2024). The experiences of Islanders seeking and accessing gender-affirming care. Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Partnership Engage Grant. $24,959.
5. Dykhuizen, M. (Principal Investigator), Loewen-Walker, R., & Saddleback, J. (2020). Two-Spirit community and research gathering. Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) Indigenous Gender and Wellness Development Grants. $64,235.
6. Dykhuizen, M. (Recipient). (2019). Travel grant for Idea Fair and Learning Circle: Indigenous Gender and Wellness, held in Montreal, QC & Kahnawake FN. Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR). $3,973.

Select Presentations

1. Burns, M., Fusca, L., Drake, P., Dykhuizen, M., Bakker, V., Morrell, A., & The Gender Affirming Care Research Team. (2025, June 9–13). The experiences of individuals seeking and accessing gender affirming care on Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island, Canada). E-poster presentation at the 30th International Council of Nurses Congress, Helsinki, Finland.
2. Ahenakew, S., Graham, H., Mishak, B., Kristoff, T., Rope, R., Bear, A., Bigknife, K., Bonnell, D., Daigneault, A., Dykhuizen, M., Eikel, L., Harper, J., Mirasty, J., McKay, K., & Widdifield, C. (2023, May 29–30). kā-wīci-pimohtēmāt (a person who walks with others in their journey), a Professional Practice Group (PPG) within the College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan. CASN 2023 Nursing Education Conference.
3. Dykhuizen, M., Hodson, A., & Laczko, D. (2023, January 5–8). Building capacity of undergraduate nursing faculty and nursing students through mentored research projects during the early months of COVID-19. The IAFOR International Conference on Education in Hawaii (IICE).
4. Laczko, D., Hodson, A., Dykhuizen, M., Knipple, K., Norman, K., & Hand-Cortes, P. (2022, June 22–24). Mental wellness among nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A phenomenological study. 38th Annual Qualitative Analysis Conference and Couch-Stone Symposium.
5. Laczko, D., Hodson, A., & Dykhuizen, M. (2021, November). A phenomenological study exploring mental health & wellness among nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Scholarship Series, Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
6. Norman, K., Hodson, A., Dykhuizen, M., Laczko, D., Knipple, K., & Hand-Cortes, P. (2021, June). Using Giorgi’s method for phenomenological interviewing. 37th Annual Qualitative Analysis Conference.
7. Dykhuizen, M., Holtslander, L., & Anonson, J. (2019, May). Narrative inquiry: A proposed methodology for exploring transgender men’s experiences with cervical cancer screening. 36th Annual Qualitative Analysis Conference.
8. Dykhuizen, M. (2018, June). Transgender men’s experiences with cervical cancer screening in Saskatchewan. 2018 Canadian Doctoral Nursing Network Conference, University of Regina, Regina, SK.
9. Dykhuizen, M., Anonson, J., Hunt, S., & Kobusson, R. (2017, February). Leadership, mentorship, and kinship: Lessons learned in Nanchong, China. WNRCASN Conference, Victoria, BC.

Select Publications

1. Dykhuizen, M., Marshall, K., Loewen Walker, R., & Saddleback, J. (2022). Holistic health of Two Spirit people in Canada: A call for nursing action. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 40(4), 356–368. https://doi.org/10.1177/08980101211072645
2. Laczko, D., Hodson, A., Dykhuizen, M., Knipple, K., Norman, K., & Hand-Cortes, P. (2022). Nursing students’ experiences of mental wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic: A phenomenological study. Teaching and Learning in Nursing, 17(3), 392–397. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.teln.2022.03.002

Profile

Dr. Sarah Kostiuk is a faculty member of the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Leslie and Irene Dubé School of Nursing, and a Research Chair for Community Health. She has been nursing for over 15 years and has been teaching in various undergraduate nursing programs for the past 10 years. Sarah obtained a master’s in nursing with a focus on education and in 2014 obtained her Doctorate in Higher and Post-secondary Education. Her work focuses on community-applied research, addressing health challenges faced by vulnerable populations, including seniors, newcomers, and those in rural communities. Her research aims to improve access to care and health outcomes through evidence-based practices and community engagement strategies.

Research/Scholarship

Dr. Sarah Kostiuk’s applied research focuses on community-applied research, addressing health challenges faced by vulnerable populations, including seniors, newcomers, and those in rural communities. Sarah’s research aims to improve access to care and health outcomes through evidence-based practices and community engagement strategies. Her academic background and commitment to advancing public health make her a leader in healthcare education and applied research.

Selected Grants

1. Kostiuk, S., Saskatchewan Centre for Patient Oriented Research, $62,500 per year, 2022-23– 2023-24 2024-25.
2. PI: Chartrand, B., Co I’s: Kostiuk, S., Donald, D., Ljunggren, K., Smith, R., Weiseth, B.,Wiig, S., Arcand, M., O’Neill, B., ( 2024, Aug) Agricultural Impacts on land and Human Health: Enhancing Resilience and Relationships within a First Nations Land Code Framework. College and Community Social innovation Fund (CCSIF) $359,387.
3. PI: Kostiuk. S., Co I’s: Woldeyesus, G., Senevonghachack, O., Hussain, M., Bzdel, L., Schweiger, C., Wedhorn, R., Obafemi, W., Ocallaghan, S., Pavloff, M., (2024, July) Promoting Healthy Aging with Older Adult Immigrants and Refugees in Saskatchewan. Seed Applied Research Project grant (SARP), Office of Applied Research and Innovation, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, $6000.
4. Co-PI’s: Wedhorn, R., Pavloff,M., Kostiuk, S. (2024, October) Party Line Revival-To address Loneliness in Rural Senior Populations in Saskatchewan. New Horizons-Pan Canadian Grant. $1,200,000
5. Co PI’s: Kostiuk, S., MacFadden, M., Pruden, T., McLaughlin, L., Co-I’s: Cameron, A., Winkler, L., Dalidowicz, D., Dr. Farthing, P., Obafemi, W. (2024-2025) Creating Successful Patient Partnerships in Healthcare Education. Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) Align Grant, $10,000.
6. Co PIs: Yee, S. and Dr. Kostiuk, S., (2023, July) How is the Bridge City Bicycle Cooperative (BCBC) servicing the community? Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Health Sciences Internal Grant (SOHS), $2500.
7. Kostiuk, S., (PI) Mantesso, J., Horbach, J., Winkler, L, Obafemi, W., Obidi, O. (2022, July) Towards Integrating Patients as Co-Designers, Implementers, and Evaluators of Patient-Oriented Health Care Training Curricula in Saskatchewan, SCBScN Collaborative Grant, Funder: Saskatchewan Polytechnic and University of Regina. Amount $5000
8. Kostiuk, S., (PI) Mantesso, J., Horbach, J., Winkler, L, Obafemi, W., Obidi, O. (2022, July) Towards Integrating Patients as Co-Designers, Implementers, and Evaluators of Patient-Oriented Health Care Training Curricula in Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Nursing Internal Grant. Funder: Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Amount $2500
9. Kostiuk, S., (PI) Mantesso, J., Horbach, J., Winkler, L, Obafemi, W., Obidi, O. (2022, July) Towards Integrating Patients as Co-Designers, Implementers, and Evaluators of Patient-Oriented Health Care Training Curricula in Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Polytechnic Office of Applied Research Seed Applied Research Project Grant. Amount: $6000.
10. Kostiuk, S., (2022, July) Sharing Stories to Inspire and Innovate Patient-Oriented Care and Health Care Curricula in Saskatchewan. Funder: SHRF Research Connections Grant. Amount: $2000.
11. Kostiuk, S., (PI) Naylen Horbach, (Co I) (2021, July) Accessing and navigating the Saskatchewan healthcare system: Exploring International students experience Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Nursing internal Grant, $2500 
12. Kostiuk, S., (2018, July) Understanding cultural awareness, cultural competence, and culturally safe care: A preliminary study of Registered Nurses in Saskatchewan Funder: Saskatchewan Polytechnic SARP Grant. Amount: $6000 
13. Kostiuk, S., (Co-PI) (2018, April). Exploring New Refugees in Saskatchewan Experiences Maintaining and Creating Social Connections. Funder: Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Nursing. Amount $20,000 

Selected Publications

1. Yu, S., Teixeira, C., and Kostiuk, S. (2024). What do community bike shops mean to the community? Exploring the patrons' perspective. Journal of Transportation and Health. 39 (1) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214140524001725?dgcid=author
2. Kostiuk, S. (2024, April). Building Capacity Through Applied Research for Promoting Inclusion, Health, and Wellbeing in Patient-Orientated Care. Age-Friendly Regina Newsletter.
3. Kostiuk, S., Belcourt, T., Anderson, J., & Delisle, J. (2024). Enhancing Culturally Appropriate Care: The Role of Nurse Leaders. Nursing leadership (Toronto, Ont.), 37(1), 21–28. https://doi.org/10.12927/cjnl.2024.27358
4. Kostiuk,S., Winkler, L., Ha, C., Dalidowicz, M., Naylen Hobach,J., Obafemi, W., Cameron, A., Press,M. (2023). Creating Successful Patient Partnerships in Healthcare Education to Potentially Improve Students' Understanding of Patient-Centered Care. Journal of Professional Nursing. 49.pp 40-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2023.08.005.
5. Teame, D., Nakajima, A., and Kostiuk, S. (in press). Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Simulation. Clinical Simulation in Nursing.
6. Kostiuk, S. (2019). The Potentials of Actively Engaging Refugees in Creating Canadian Healthcare Policies aimed at Improving their Mental Health. Issues in Mental Health Nursing. DOI:10.1080/01612840.2019.1585498
7. Kostiuk, S. and Arvidson, S. (2019). Balancing Rest & Activity. In Gregory, D., Raymond-Seniuk, C., and Patrick, L. (Eds.). Fundamentals: Perspectives on the Art and Science of Canadian Nursing. Second Edition. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer/ Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
8. Kostiuk, S. and Naylen Horbach, J. (2018). Anticipating and Addressing Challenges Utilizing Patient Oriented Research. Journal of Nursing and HealthCare, 3(1). ISSN 2475-529X

Selected Presentations

1. Kostiuk, S. (2024, Aug). Learning from stories about patient-oriented care (Oral). SIGMA 35th International Nursing Research Congress. Aug 6, 2024. Virtual Conference.
2. Delisle, J. and Kostiuk, S. (Oct 2023). Centre for Health Research Innovation and Scholarship: Examining the Meaning of the Bridge City Bicycle Cooperative (BCBC) to the Community. (Oral) Office of Applied Research and Innovation Meet and Greet. Saskatchewan Polytechnic (Oct 31, 2023).
3. Kostiuk, S. (Sept 2023). Exploring Saskatchewan Patients Perceptions of Patient Centered Care. (Oral) CHRIS Lunch and Learn (Sept 19th, 2023).
4. Kostiuk, S. (2023). Introduction to Research in Action. Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Oct 5, 2023.
5. Kostiuk, S.; Naylen Horbach, J.; Winkler, L.; Dalidowicz, M.; Obefami, W.; Ha, C.; MacFadden, M.; Cameron, A.; & Mantesso, J. (April 2023). Transformational change in healthcare begins with healthcare education: Improving experiences and outcomes by fostering inclusive, diverse, equitable, and safe learning experiences in undergraduate nursing education through partnerships with patients (Oral and Poster). Sustainability Day. Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Canada (April 21, 2023).
6. Kostiuk, S.; Naylen Horbach, J.; Winkler, L.; Dalidowicz, M.; Obefami, W.; Ha, C.; MacFadden, M.; Cameron, A.; & Mantesso, J. (May 2023). Transformational change in healthcare begins with healthcare education: Improving experiences and outcomes by fostering inclusive, diverse, equitable, and safe learning experiences in undergraduate nursing education through partnerships with patients. (Oral). CASN’s 2023 Canadian Nursing Education Conference (May 29- 30, 2023).
7. Kostiuk, S. (April 2023). Incorporating equity, diversity, and inclusion into virtual simulation. Collaborative Virtual Retreat (Oral) Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Canada (April 24, 2023).
8. Kostiuk, S.; Naylen Horbach, J.; Winkler, L.; Dalidowicz, M.; Obefami, W.; Ha, C.; MacFadden, M.; Cameron, A.; & Mantesso, J. (April 2023). Sharing Stories to inspire and innovate patient-oriented care and healthcare curricula in Saskatchewan. (Organized). Virtual Symposium (April 12, 2023).
9. Kostiuk, S. and Naylen Horbach, J. (Oct 2022). Gaining Perspectives on Access and Equity to Health Care in Rural Saskatchewan for Postsecondary International Students. (Oral). Saskatchewan Polytech Speaker Series (Oct 24, 2022).
10. Teame, D., Nakajima, A., and Kostiuk, S. (Accepted). Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Simulation. (Oral presentation). INACSL22 Virtual Conference. July 27th, 2022 (Milwaukie, Michigan, USA).
11. Kostiuk, S. and Naylen Horbach, J. (2022, June). Gaining Perspectives on Access and Equity to Health Care in Rural Saskatchewan for Postsecondary International Students. (Oral presentation). CHNC Virtual Conference. June 8-10th 2022.
12. Kostiuk, S. (Dec 3rd, 2018). The importance of language and connection in addressing refugees’ mental health and wellbeing. (Oral presentation). University of Alberta QualWorld Interactive Virtual Conference. December 3rd and 4th (Americas, Europe, & Africa). 
13. Kostiuk, S., & Naylen Horbach, J. (2018, February). Experiential Education with Refugees & Immigrants: fostering Cultural Competencies and Cultural Safety in 4th year undergraduate Nursing Students. (Lightening talk presentation). WNRCASN: Reimaging Nursing Education: Innovations for the Future, Calgary, Alberta.

Profile

Lindsey practiced as an advanced care paramedic (ACP) in urban, rural, and northern settings for more than a decade prior to becoming an educator. She began with the Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Health Sciences in 2015 as a Paramedic programs faculty member, transitioning into the role of Program Head in 2017. Lindsey obtained her Master of Arts- Leadership from Royal Roads University in 2019 and is currently a PhD candidate in the Interdisciplinary Studies program at the University of Saskatchewan.

Research/Scholarship

Lindsey's research focuses on harnessing virtual reality (VR) technology to enhance mental health and well-being. VR-based interventions offer a safe, innovative, and non-judgmental way to access care and resources that might otherwise be inaccessible. By reducing stigma, improving accessibility, and addressing individual needs in a culturally responsive manner, VR has the potential to revolutionize mental health support systems.

Lindsey serves as the principal investigator (PI) for the Virtual Interventions and Community Connections for Indigenous Youth (VICCIY) Initiative, which utilizes virtual reality (VR) to support the mental health and well-being of Indigenous youth in rural and remote communities. She is also the PI for the Transforming Health Realities through Interactive Virtual Engagement (THRIVE) project, which addresses the urgent need for proactive mental health support for Public Safety Personnel (PSP). Through innovative VR applications, THRIVE focuses on tackling the unique challenges faced by first responders, providing tools to build resilience and promote overall wellness.

Selected Grants

1. The Virtual Interventions and Community Connections for Indigenous Youth (VICCIY) Initiative (Principal Investigator). Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) Virtual Care Pilot Program. $25,000 (2024)
2. Boechler, L., Saskatchewan Centre for Patient Oriented Research (SCPOR) $62,500 per year, 2020-2025
3. Breaking the Bad: Capturing Voices from the Bedside to Understand Why Nurses Stay (Principal Investigator). Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) Mobilize funding. $10,000 (2024)
4. Connecting Communities: Sharing the potential of using virtual reality technology to support the mental health and wellness of Indigenous youth living in rural and remote Saskatchewan (Principal Investigator). Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF), Truth and Action Fund. $10,000 (2022). Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) Mobilize funding. $10,000 (2024)
5. Transforming health realities through interactive virtual engagement (THRIVE): Examining the impact of proactive virtual wellness programming for frontline public safety personnel (Principal Investigator). College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). $360,000 (2024)
6. Musculoskeletal and Psychological Injury Reduction for a Safer Saskatchewan (Co-Applicant). Saskatchewan Workers Compensation Board (SWCB). $150,000 (2024)
7. The Road to Miyo-Pimahtisiwin: A Journey of Healing (Co-Principal Applicant). Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) Mobilize funding. $10,000 (2024)
8. Wellness summit for Indigenous youth living in rural and remote Saskatchewan communities (Principal Investigator). Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) Align Grant- Child and Youth Health funding. $10,000 (2023)
9. Pathways to safer communities: Co-creating a crisis preparedness framework for Indigenous communities (Co-Principal Applicant).  Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) Align funding. $10,000 (2023)
10. Barriers to accessing children’s audiology services in northern Saskatchewan: A community-driven approach (Principal Applicant). Mobilize Capacity-Building Applied Research Project Funding (CBAR), Saskatchewan Polytechnic. $20,000 (2023)
11. Connecting Communities: Sharing the potential of using virtual reality technology to support the mental health and wellness of Indigenous youth living in rural and remote Saskatchewan (Principal Investigator). Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF), Truth and Action Fund. $10,000 (2022).
12. Meditative Policing: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Value of Virtual Wellness Practices for Law Enforcement (Principal Investigator). Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Seed Applied Research Program (SARP).  $6,000 (2021).
13. Assessing the mental health support needs for Indigenous adolescents residing in rural and remote Sask: A mixed methods study exploring the potential of virtual reality technology (Principal Investigator). Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF). $360,000 (2021).
14. Assessing the mental health support needs for Indigenous adolescents residing in northern Saskatchewan: A community based participatory action research study exploring the potential use of virtual reality technology to promote mental health and wellbeing (Principal investigator). Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF), Research Innovation funding. $50,000 (2021).
15. Exploring the use of virtual reality technology to promote mental health and well-being of Indigenous adolescents and young adults in rural and remote Saskatchewan (Principal Investigator). Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Provost’s NSERC Research Fund. $8,000 (2021).

16. The experience of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan: The knowledge translation plan (Co-Investigator). Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF), Research Connections COVID-19 Rapid Response funding. $10,000 (2020).

Selected Dissemination

1. Boechler, L. (2022, December). Community wellness connections for Indigenous youth across Canada. Aspen Films. Available from https://vimeo.com/783047907/9da3a0a6ae 
2. Hatch, A., Boechler, L., Morin, M., Roth-Howat, K., Lemaigre, K., Herman, D., Piche, B., & Gailey, L. (2022, November). Community of La Loche and Sask Polytech co-create wellness initiative with virtual reality [Video file]. Aspen Films. Available from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-54XF4fz9PQ 
3. Boechler, L., Ford-Jones, P., Smith, C., Suthers, P., & Cameron, C. (2022). Challenges, changes, and implications of COVID-19: Canadian paramedics’ experiences. International Paramedic Practice, 12 (3).  https://doi.org/10.12968/ippr.2022.12.3.45 
4. Boechler, L., Renwick, S., Alabi, A., de la Torre, H., Kumar, S., Singh, H., Xavier, R., Hector, D., McTaggart, L., & Shrubsole, J. (2021). Beyond the role of participant: a firsthand account of the experiences of a patient-oriented research team. Research Involvement and Engagement. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40900-021-00323-9 
5. Boechler, L., Cameron, C., Smith, J.C., Ford-Jones, P. & Suthers, P. (2021). Impactful approaches to leadership on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic: Lived experiences of Canadian paramedics. Healthcare Quarterly, 24(3), 42-47. https://doi.org/10.12927/hcq.2021.26620    

Selected Presentations

1. Boechler, L. (2024, May). Exploring a metaverse of opportunities: Virtual wellness connections for Indigenous youth, invited oral presentation for Transforming Practices: Breaking Silence, Building Safety conference hosted by Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre and Red Deer Polytechnic, Alberta, Canada.
2. Cameron, A., Apesis, D., Raouf, A., & Boehcler, L. (2024, May). Cultivating connections: Navigating cultural sensitivity in Indigenous research relationships, invited panel member for College Research EDI Community of Practice, Ontario, Canada.
3. Apesis, D., Boechler, L., & Raouf, A. (2023, November). Equity, diversity, inclusion and indigeneity: The importance of understanding experiences and needs when partnering with Indigenous communities for research, invited virtual lunch and learn series for the Office of Applied Research and Innovation, Saskatchewan, Canada.
4. Boechler, L. (2023, October). Virtual interventions and community connections for health Indigenous youth (VICCHIY): Preliminary findings from an inaugural provincial youth wellness summit, poster presentation for the National Summit on Indigenous Mental Wellness, Indigenous Services Canada, Ontario, Canada.
5. Boechler, L. (2023, May). Community wellness connections, invited oral presentation for the Council for Innovation and Commercialization Meeting, Conference Board of Canada, Manitoba, Canada.
6. Boechler, L. (2023, May). Community wellness connections for Indigenous youth across Canada, invited oral presentation for Polytechnics Canada conference, Alberta, Canada.
7. Boechler, L. (2023, April). Research showcase: Community wellness connections for Indigenous youth across Canada, chair of the event and presenter for in-person showcase, Wanuskewin, Saskatchewan, Canada.
8. Boechler, L. (2022, March). Exploring the potential of using VR to enhance the well-being of Indigenous youth across Canada, virtual oral presentation for the Virtual Reality/ Augmented Reality Association (VRARA) Universities and Colleges Committee Meeting.
9. Boechler, L. & Herman, R. (2022, October). Sekwe’ha: A community-based research approach to virtual mental health supports for Indigenous youth [Oral presentation]. 3rd Edition of Global Conference on Addiction Medicine, Behavioral Health and Psychiatry, Florida, USA.
10. Boechler, L. & Herman, R. (2022, September). Sekwe’ha: Exploring the use of virtual reality technology to support the mental health of Indigenous youth [Oral presentation]. National Summit on Indigenous Mental Wellness, Indigenous Services Canada, Ontario, Canada.
11. Boechler, L., Hussain, A., Cameron, C. & Suthers, P. (2022, September). Lessons from COVID-19: A case for an ethical framework for paramedic decision-making [Oral presentation]. Paramedics Across Canada Expo (PACE), Saskatchewan, Canada.
12. Boechler, L., Peirce, R., Holah, J., & Charlton, K. (2021, November). Where is the patient’s voice? Involving community engagement (patient and public) in EMS research [Virtual invited panel presentation]. International Paramedic Research Conference 2021: Global Developments in Paramedic Research in partnership between London, UK, Sydney Australia, and New York, US.
13. Boechler, L. (2021, November). Addressing the Mental Health Support Needs of Indigenous Adolescents Residing in Rural and Remote Communities [Virtual presentation as a Launchpad Finalist]. Alberta Health Services i4 conference, Alberta, Canada.

Selected Awards

2022                       Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)

2022                      Paramedic Association of Canada, Award of Excellence for Research and Innovation

2021                       Saskatchewan Health Research Showcase Award, Poster Presentation People’s Choice Award

2010                       Stars of Life Award presented by the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan

Profile

Linda is the program head for the Sask Polytech Therapeutic Recreation program and serves as a research chair with a focus on school-based recreation therapy for the Centre for Health Research, Innovation and Scholarship (CHRIS). Prior to this Linda worked at the University of Saskatchewan, College of Kinesiology as the director of an evidence-based childhood obesity prevention program and the Saskatoon Health Region as the director and professional leader for Therapeutic Recreation Services and the health promotion strategy in motion.

Scholarship

Linda has been working with Saskatoon’s school divisions to implement recreation therapy services in school-based programs to support children with various mental health, physical, developmental and/or learning disabilities in specialized school programs. She is the principal investigator for school-based recreation therapy and a co-investigator and partner with a University of British Columbia (UBC) research team working on a project enhancing the participation and inclusion of children with neurodevelopmental and intellectual disorders in community-based physical activity programs.

Selected Grants

1. Assessing the Need for Recreation Therapy Services for Students with High and Complex Needs within the School System, Principle Investigator, SHRF Align Grant, 2024, $10,000;
2. Assessing the Need for Recreation Therapy Services for Students with High and Complex Needs within the School System, Faculty of Nursing, Health Sciences and Community Services Internal Grant - $2500
3. School Based Recreation Therapy for Students with Mental Health, Physical, Developmental and/or Learning Disabilities, Principle Investigator, 2022-2023, SARP (Seed Applied Research Program) and SIF (Sustainability Initiative Funds) - $6,000;
4. School Based Recreation Therapy for Students with Mental Health, Physical, Developmental and/or Learning Disabilities School of Health Sciences Internal Grant - $2,500

1. Martin, L. June 12-14, 2024.An Interprofessional Education International Abroad Event involving Therapeutic Recreation Students, Kenya Africa. Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA) conference.
2. Martin, L., & Schaffer, D. April 25, 2024.Therapeutic Recreation in Schools for Students with Various Mental Health, Physical, Developmental and/or Learning Disabilities.Sustainability Day, Applied Research Lighting Talk, Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
3. Martin, L., & Lang, R. March 28, 2024.Therapeutic Recreation in Schools for Students with Various Mental Health, Physical, Developmental and/or Learning Disabilities. Southeast Recreational therapy Symposium (SRTS), Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
4. Martin, L., & Lang, R. March 13, 2024.Therapeutic Recreation in Schools for Students with Various Mental Health, Physical, Developmental and/or Learning Disabilities. Research and Scholarship Speaker Series, Hosted by the Centre for Health Research, Innovation and Scholarship, Saskatchewan Polytechnic. 
5. Martin, L. May 20, 2022.Therapeutic Recreation in Schools for Students with Various Mental Health, Physical, Developmental and/or Learning Disabilities.Private Practice, Community of Practice, Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO).
6. Martin, L. October 3, 2022.Therapeutic Recreation in the School Systems: Therapeutic Recreation in Schools for Students with Various Mental Health, Physical, Developmental and/or Learning Disabilities. Niagara College of Canada.
7. Martin, L., Beaudin, G., Onusko, J., Ehrmantraut, K., & Hedley, E. Sept. 12, 2019.Recreation as an Intervention in Schools for Students with Various Mental Health, Physical, Developmental and/or Learning Disabilities.Sask Association of Recreation Professionals (SARP) Professional Development Day.
8. Martin, L., Onusko, J. June 19, 2019. An update on pilot project series, therapeutic recreation in schools for students with mental health, physical, developmental and/or learning disabilities. 23rd Annual CTRA Conference, Québec City, Québec.
9. Martin, L., & Pickering, S. April 4, 2019.Therapeutic Recreation in Schools for Students with Various Mental Health, Physical, Developmental and/or Learning Disabilities - A Pilot Project Series.Gulf Shores Recreational Therapy Symposium, Gulf Shores, Alabama.
10. Martin, L., & Pickering, S. June 14, 2018.Therapeutic Recreation in Schools for Students with Various Mental Health, Physical, Developmental and/or Learning Disabilities - A Pilot Project Series.22nd Annual CTRA Conference, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
11. Martin, L., & Pickering. S. October 4, 2018.Jooay: Inclusive Leisure Opportunities for Children and Youth with Disabilities.Innovations Conference, Regina, Saskatchewan.
    
    

1. Waters, S., Applied Research Release Time Stipend (ARRTS), Saskatchewan Polytechnic, $50,000. July 2025-June 30, 2026. 
2. Waters, S.,Building Research Relationships with Willow Cree Health Center Seed Applied Research Program (SARP) $6000. July 2025-June 30, 2026.
3. Waters, S., Peet, J.,Clinical Practice Hours in Nursing Related Programs: Aligning Student Learning Needs with Industry Capacity. Faculty of Nursing, Health Sciences and Community Services Collaborative Grant. $5000, July 2025-June 30 2027.
4. Waters, S., White, S. Exploring the Relationship Between Objective Standardized Clinical Exams (OSCEs) and Anxiety in Undergraduate Nursing Students Faculty of Nursing, Health Sciences and Community Services Internal Grant, $2500. July 2025-June 30, 2026. 
5. Waters, S., Applied Research Release Time Stipend (ARRTS), Saskatchewan Polytechnic, $50,000. July 2024-June 30, 2025. 
6. Waters, S., Identifying Bereavement Support Gaps for People Who Have Lost a Loved One in a Saskatoon Intensive Care Unit. Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) Align Grant, $9926. Sept 2024-Dec 2024.

1. Waters, S., Brons, C., Glessman, J., McIlduff, C., Chen, A., Hagel, M., O’Brien, J., & Valiani, S. Improving Continuity of Bereavement Support after the Loss of a Loved One in an Urban Intensive Care Unit: Development of an Interactive Online Map [Poster/oral presentation] 17th World Congress of Intensive and Critical Care. September 16-19, 2025; Vancouver, BC, Canada.
2. Waters, S., & Heit, L. Universal Design for Learning: Building Capacity in Interactive Learning Strategies for Blended Lecture [Conference workshop 90mins] WNRCASN Conference UBC Okanagan campus. Kelowna, BC. May, 2025.
3. Waters, S., & Heit, L. Universal Design for Learning: Building Capacity in Interactive Learning Strategies for Blended Lecture [Conference workshop 90 mins] Innovate 2025: Advancing Nursing Practice through Research and Education University of Alberta Faculty of Nursing, Keyano College, Northwestern Polytechnic, and Red Deer Polytechnic. April, 2025.

1. Recipient of the Provost's Faculty Awards for Excellence: Teaching [Innovations in Teaching Award] Spring 2025

Eileen Zaba has built a distinguished career with Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences, where she is committed to advancing applied research with a particular focus on Indigenous health and safety. With over 44 years of experience in psychiatric nursing, she brings extensive expertise and a longstanding commitment to enhancing mental health care. In addition to her clinical and research contributions, she has guided psychiatric nursing students and faculty in developing their research skills. 

Eileen’s research journey at Saskatchewan Polytechnic began with a supporting role in the Virtual Interventions and Community Connections with Youth project. She has since progressed to leading major initiatives, establishing herself as a respected applied researcher. Her current projects include Resilient Indigenous Communities: A Crisis Response Framework; The Talking Quilt, Improving Mental Health Clients’ Independence and Quality of Life through Innovative Technology and Strategic Partnerships; and a new initiative addressing food security in Saskatchewan. 

Dean Lefebvre is a Registered Dental Hygienist, holds a Masters in Adult Education, Bachelor of Science and a Certificate in Adult Education and Training. Dean has worked in private practice for over 30 years as a dental hygienist and continues to work in the summer when he is not teaching. Since 1997, Dean has worked at SIAST and Saskatchewan Polytechnic teaching in a variety of courses and served as Program Head of the Dental Programs from 2019-2024. He helped create and deliver curriculum for the collaborative Dental Therapy Program with the University of Saskatchewan, Northlands College and Saskatchewan Polytechnic. In 2018, Dean was awarded the Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching at Saskatchewan Polytechnic and in 2022 the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association Award of Merit. 

Dean is president of the Dental Hygiene Alliance of Saskatchewan, Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada Board member and surveyor. He has initiated several community oral health outreach events within Regina and Northern Saskatchewan most notably, Dental Day and Health and Wellness Day where free health services are provided to people who experience multiple barriers in accessing care. 

Currently, Dean is instructing in the Dental Hygiene Program and project lead of an Oral Health Access Fund that focuses on developing oral health education and training that will improve the health of Saskatchewan residents.