New Brunswick PhD Nursing Scholarship Mary Lou Batty I am grateful to receive CNF Funding! Although I did not anticipate waiting until now, doctoral studies have been a dream of mine since I was a new graduate in 1988! I have always enjoyed working with families, teaching, and relationship building. Therefore, I have worked as a staff nurse in post-partum or labour and delivery units in Lahr, Germany, Halifax, N.S, Moncton and Fredericton, N.B. I became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in 1997, completed my MN in 1999, taught prenatal classes and peppered this with university teaching contracts. I have also worked with VON as staff

nurse and Manager. This reinforced the importance of community nursing and prevention. It also broadened my understanding of workplace wellness, travel and immunization, and health across the lifespan. Becoming a school nurse in Fort Knox, Kentucky ignited the spark that led to my current studies. Entitled Investigating the Roles of Nurses in School-based Positive Mental Health Initiatives in New Brunswick, my dissertation will focus on strength-based approaches to health promotion. I believe that nurses can be leaders in the creation of healthy learning environments for children and school staff. Once again, I am so grateful for this CNF Scholarship! It will enable me to study an area that I hope will not only help children, but also contribute to the profession of nursing.