For Bonnie, the heart has always been a source of fascination. Drawn to fitness and inspired by the incredible complexity of the human heart the way its four chambers, valves, and electrical and mechanical systems work together to give life she knew cardiovascular nursing was the path for her.
Throughout her career, one lesson has stayed with her above all: respect the lived experience and knowledge that patients bring to the table. “Listen to them,” she reminds us. “It’s about the whole person, not just the physical aspect.”
Bonnie is not only HeartLife Foundation’s Nursing Champion she is also a fierce advocate for patients and caregivers. As a caregiver herself to her father, who lived with heart failure, Bonnie has experienced both sides of the healthcare system. She brings that perspective to her work, blending professional expertise with compassion and lived experience.
You can often find Bonnie joining HeartLife’s weekly Zoom hangouts, where she happily answers questions from members. And while she generously shares her knowledge, she always makes sure to remind everyone to check in with their doctors for medical guidance.
