Region 1: Blanche Durocher, RPN
Director of Personal Support Care
Blanche Durocher is SE Health’s organizational Director of Personal Support Care, and she is a proud member of the Professional Practice Leadership Team.
While studying Psychology and Sociology at the University of Windsor, Blanche’s grandmother became seriously ill. Blanche was her main caregiver and quickly realized that nursing was her calling. Blanche earned her bachelor’s degree while simultaneously taking nursing at St. Clair College, caring for her ailing grandmother, and working as an attendant care worker/health care aid.
After graduating, Blanche practiced nursing in the acute care sector, in rehab case management, and in long term care prior to falling in love with community nursing. Blanche joined SE Health over 20 years ago. The first decade, she practiced as a visiting RPN in the west-end and downtown Windsor area. During this time, Blanche took as many additional courses as possible to continue to learn and grow, including bridging to diploma. The Regional Director at the time recognized Blanche’s leadership potential and asked her to apply for a supervisory position. Blanche accepted the challenge and began leading a wonderful team of PSWs for several years, many of which she remains connected with to this day.
With the support of her husband and 2 daughters, Blanche earned a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Management from Athabasca University, while working full-time as a PSW Supervisor and continuing her volunteer work. This prepared her for the opportunity to take on an interim Regional Director role and then accept her position as the organization’s Director of Personal Support Care. Blanche considers herself a life-long learner and has returned to Athabasca University and is working towards a Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies degree with a focus on Leadership and Equity.
Blanche has been a guest lecturer at Collège Boréal; she has participated in the PSW Education Advisory Council with St. Clair College and SECCH; and she is the president of the board of directors and program advisor for The House Youth Centre in Amherstburg. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting and sending gifs to her friends and colleagues.
Region 3: Jessica Lavis, RPN
Registered Practical Nurse & Infection Control Professional
Jessica Lavis is a dedicated healthcare professional with nearly a decade of nursing experience across both community and acute care settings. After graduating with distinction from the Practical Nursing program at Conestoga College in 2016, she began her career as a Telemedicine Nurse, quickly advancing to a leadership role managing 10 telemedicine clinics across Ontario.
In 2018, Jessica transitioned into acute care at the Brant Community Healthcare System, serving as a Centralized Resource Nurse and gaining broad clinical experience across a variety of units including medical, surgical, emergency, palliative, rehabilitative, mental health, and stroke care. Her passion for quality improvement and patient safety led her to the field of Infection Prevention and Control in 2022. She recently completed her certification exam in Infection Control in 2025, further demonstrating her commitment to advancing healthcare standards and safety.
Jessica has been a committed member of WeRPN since 2014 and is currently a Mentor through the WeRPN Mentorship Program. Although Jessica’s nursing career has moved away from direct patient care, she is passionate about enhancing the quality of nursing care and staff/patient safety. She is also actively involved in hospital redevelopment and the Nursing Quality Council at her facility.
Region 5: Sharon Hunter, RPN, IIWCC, SWAN
Board Member
Sharon Hunter is a dedicated Registered Practical Nurse with 18 years of experience across diverse healthcare settings, including long-term care, retirement homes, home care, and specialized wound and foot care clinics. She is currently serving her second term on the WeRPN Board of Directors, representing Region 5, and is passionate about continuing her advocacy and leadership within the nursing profession.
Sharon holds advanced certifications, including the Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) designation through WOC Institute, the International Interprofessional Wound Care Course (IIWCC) from the University of Toronto, and an Advanced Foot Care Certificate. She is the SWAN Director on the NSWOC Canada board and has participated in development of guidelines and recommendations for care of patients experiencing lower leg wounds, diabetic foot complications and pressure injuries.
In her current role in community, she works as a RPN within an interdisciplinary team as part of a health neighborhood model of care. She has also taught Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and mentored many practical nursing students and colleagues.
A strong advocate for equity, collaboration, and innovation in healthcare, Sharon is deeply committed to creating meaningful change and improvements for patients, RPNs and others in our healthcare systems. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring the outdoors and waterways, and expanding her knowledge through audiobooks and self-development pursuits.
