School of Nursing and Midwifery

The Nursing and Midwifery Department Advisory Committees play an important role in advancing the quality and relevance of our programs. Drawing on their expertise in healthcare practice, education, and community engagement, committee members provide informed advice that helps guide program development and respond to the evolving needs of the healthcare sector. Their support strengthens connections with clinical and community partners, enhances student learning opportunities, and helps prepare compassionate, skilled graduates who are ready to provide exceptional care in diverse settings.

Bachelor of Nursing Advisory Committee

Bridge to Canadian Nursing Advisory Committee

Dixie Cole

Dixie Cole, RN.,MN. Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mount Royal University. I am a SoNM faculty member and have been teaching at MRU for 15 years. I am interested in working with nurses returning to practice to reclaim their professional RN identity.

Andrea Locke

Andrea Locke, RN, MA, PMP, is a healthcare consulting leader and Mount Royal University nursing alumna with over 15 years of experience in healthcare delivery, transformation, and digital health. She is passionate about improving patient care through innovation, collaboration, and technology, and enjoys supporting the development of future healthcare leaders. Andrea is honoured to contribute her experience and perspective to the School of Nursing and Midwifery Advisory Committee.

Lydia Wright

Lydia Wright (Retired RN). Currently working as Internationally Educated Nurse Navigator with Alberta Association of Nurses. Strong Multi decade background in both clinical and leadership roles. Remains passionate about nursing, a culture of empowerment, and what is possible moving forward.

Midwifery Advisory Committee

Alyssa Wiens

Alyssa Wiens (she/her) is a proud Métis registered midwife in the province of Alberta. She lives and works in the Edmonton area, where her clinical practice is grounded in advocacy-oriented, trauma-informed, and harm-reduction approaches to care. She focuses her work on serving Indigenous, newcomer, and rural communities, as well as individuals and families affected by substance use. She is deeply committed to anti-racist practice in midwifery and to advocating for and advancing culturally safe, equitable, and respectful midwifery care.

Marita Obst, BA (Hons), B. Mid., RM.

Marita Obst is a Registered Midwife working at Edmonton Community Midwives where she specializes in caring for 2SLGBTQ+ communities. She has served as President of the Alberta Association of Midwives since September 2022, and was named President Designate of the Canadian Association of Midwives in November 2025. She participated in the accreditation process for MRU's Bachelor of Midwifery, and Chairs the Provincial Midwifery Advisory Committee.

Joy Maxwell

Chair- College of Midwives of Alberta

I bring a strong passion for safe, evidence-based, culturally responsive midwifery care and collaborative leadership to support the advisory team.