Four Nursing Scholarships Awarded During Nursing Week 2025

Perley Health announced a record four recipients for its two annual nursing scholarships during Nursing Week 2025, a tribute to the quality of applications received this year. Two generous donors, Claude Chapdelaine and Susan Davies, attended the kick-off of an education training session to greet and reward the winners with certificates for their accomplishments. Ms. Chapdelaine and Ms. Davies shared their remarks and generous contributions in support of the four nurses who will receive support with their education fees offset as they advance their nursing careers.

Rachel de Kemp, Director, Nursing, welcomed everyone and highlighted the significance of the donations in advancing the education and training of nurses at Perley Health, on full display during the May Nursing Week.

Claude Chapdelaine, whose late husband was a Perley Health resident, said she was impressed by the quality of care provided, prompting her generous support. Beyond scholarships, Ms. Chapdelaine has also funded essential equipment. Faced with an abundance of excellent applicants for the scholarship, Ms. Chapdelaine opted to award $12,000 each to two candidates pursuing their Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) qualifications. The winners are Piper Sonnichsen and Musonda Mushiki.

Piper Sonnichsen joined Perley Health in 2023 and began her studies at Algonquin College in May of this year. Ms. de Kemp remarked on the quality of Piper's application that described nursing as "more of a vocation and a profession." Musonda Mushiki, a full-time Personal Support Worker (PSW) in the Specialized Behavioural Support Unit (SBSU) since 2021, is also enrolled in Algonquin College's RPN program. Mushiki holds a Bachelor's in Education from Zambia and is a Best Practice Champion with a national certificate in palliative care, having started at Perley Health as a student before employment in October 2021.

"My husband, as a Veteran, was a resident here for a number of years, and this is what I saw firsthand, the work that is involved in caring for frail people," Ms. Chapdelaine stated, explaining her motivation to provide opportunities for PSWs to advance their nursing education and skills.

Susan Davies, a retired nurse with 42 years' experience and an educator, also expanded her scholarship to reward two recipients, each receiving $5,000. Ms. Davis, whose brother was a Perley Health resident, said she was impressed by the quality of care. She continues her strong links to Perley Health by volunteering in support of the Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™ and advising on the establishment of a new Early Learning and Care Centre at Perley Health. The recipients of her scholarship are Kamal Koirala and a fourth winner who wishes to remain anonymous.

Kamal Koirala, a full-time RPN, was recognized for his unwavering commitment to best practices and adherence to standards, having received the RNAO Preceptorship Award.

"It warms my heart and brings a lump to my throat that someone else is giving scholarships," Ms. Davies remarked, emphasizing Perley Health's commitment to staff development. A former nursing teacher, head nurse, and nursing director in long-term care, Ms. Davis underscored the critical importance of this career. "You are taking care of people who lived full lives, and it's so therapeutic to talk to them about their successes in life."

Claude Chapdelaine (centre), awarded Piper Sonnichsen (left) and Musonda Mushiki (right) with a scholarship to help them to pursue their Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) qualifications.