Melissa Jardine-Ridley, BScN, RN, CCHNC as a full time Parish Nurse with the designation of Lay Minister with the United Church of Canada (UCC).

UCC Parish nurses are qualified as Registered Nurses and spiritual caregivers. Melissa is a Registered Nurse as well as a Holistic Nurse and Nurse coach trained in using a holistic approach to care which includes spirituality as one of the main pillars of wellbeing. As a former military Senior Medical Technician (Sergeant), Volunteer Firefighter and Paramedic she has gained a wide lens on the healthcare system. Melissa is joining the UOVPNI coming from the Public Health unit where she worked on addressing social determinants of health. She is trained in complementary modalities such as healing touch/Reiki/aroma therapy and Heart Math. Her spiritual background includes the United Church of Canada and Roman Catholic faith traditions. Melissa and her partner operate a local horse therapy program.

The Health Council’s goal is to expand this parish nurse healthcare ministry to include more UCC churches, ecumenical and interfaith partners, funding partners, and community agencies in the Upper Ottawa Valley that share the fundamental values of equity, inclusion and diversity.

Melissa will provide nursing care to the congregations and the broader community with a holistic approach focusing on body, mind and spiritual wellness. She will also provide health education to the public through local health agency partnerships.

The UOVPNI has been created by St. Andrew’s United Church in Chalk River, Wesley United and Calvin United Churches in Pembroke to support the health and wellness needs of the congregations and the broader community. The Parish Nurse initiative will bolster the healthcare resources currently available to residents in the Upper Ottawa Valley while also augmenting those services within the participating faith communities.