Meet Our Team
Our Team
EQUIP@Action is composed of a diverse group of faculty members, researchers, healthcare professionals, and students who share a commitment to advancing health equity. Our team includes experts in nursing, public health, social sciences, and policy advocacy.
Dr. Ide Costa
Dr. Ide Costa is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing and Associate Director of Lakehead University’s Centre for Education and Research on Aging and Health (CERAH). She is the founder and director of EQUIP@Action, where she leads SSHRC-funded, community-engaged research focused on health equity, digital storytelling, and person-centered care. Dr. Costa is co-founder of Our Voices, Our Stories, a national initiative that hosted Canada’s first patient engagement conference and produced digital narratives to amplify the voices of patients and care partners. She is also co-editor of Supporting Older Persons on Their Aging Journey: An Emancipatory Approach to Nursing Practice, and has published widely in national and international journals. At EQUIP@Action, she mentors students, builds national and international partnerships, and fosters knowledge mobilization for systemic change. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, hiking, photography, prayer, and spending time with family.
Dr. Pilar Camargo-Plazas
Dr. Pilar Camargo-Plazas, PhD, RN, is an Associate Professor at Queen’s University School of Nursing and a Colombian-Canadian researcher dedicated to advancing health and social equity. Grounded in a social justice paradigm, her research centers the voices of equity-deserving populations and integrates the social determinants of health, intersectionality, and nursing practice. Pilar’s program of research draws on interpretive and participatory methodologies to explore how intersecting social systems influence the health and well-being of older adults, immigrants, and individuals living with chronic conditions. At EQUIP@Action, she contributes critical insight into structural inequities and supports community-engaged, transformative research. Her work bridges local and global contexts to inform equitable care models and policy change. Outside of academia, Pilar finds joy in connecting with her Colombian roots, spending time in nature, and engaging in the arts.
Dr. Cathy Schoales
Cathy Schoales (RN, BEd, IIWCC, PhD) is an Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing at Lakehead University and President of the Northwest Chapter of the Gerontological Nurses Association of Ontario. With a clinical background in burns and critical care, her research explores how social identity, professional culture, and social norms shape nurses’ decisions to remain in the profession. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives from the social sciences and humanities—including sociology, psychology, and narrative inquiry—she examines how belonging, power dynamics, and ethical practice influence workplace culture and workforce sustainability. Her work aligns with EQUIP@Action’s mission to advance equity, relational care, and system-level transformation. When she’s not working, Cathy enjoys spending time with her family and two cats.
Dr. Cathy Philips
Dr. Cathy Phillips is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at Lakehead University, with over 12 years of clinical experience in emergency and trauma medicine. Before joining Lakehead, she was a Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Plymouth in England. Her research explores lived experiences of health and illness through arts-based and ethnographic methods. Widely published in international peer-reviewed journals, Cathy has led several community-engaged action research projects aimed at addressing health inequities. At EQUIP@Action, she contributes critical expertise in qualitative methodologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and social justice-informed inquiry. Outside of academia, Cathy enjoys hiking and biking the extensive trail systems of Simcoe County with her partner and children.
International Researchers
Soraia Assad Nasbine Rabeh - RN, PhD
Dr. Soraia Rabeh is an Associate Professor in the Department of General and Specialized Nursing at the Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo (EERP-USP), Brazil. She leads the Patient Safety Research Group (GEPSP) and is a researcher with the Neurorehabilitation Research and Care Group (NEUROREHAB), both affiliated with Brazil’s National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). A certified enterostomal therapist, her expertise includes hard-to-heal wounds (e.g., pressure injuries, neuropathic and venous ulcers), spinal cord injury, nursing rehabilitation, patient safety, and the integration of health technologies into education and practice. At EQUIP@Action, Dr. Rabeh contributes her leadership in wound care, safety science, and equity-oriented education to support interdisciplinary collaboration and capacity building. Her work aligns with the hub’s mission to advance inclusive, person-centered care through innovative and community-engaged research. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys cinema, walking, prayer, and cooking for family and friends.
Dr. Juliana B. Reis Girondi - RN, PhD
Dr. Juliana B. Reis Girondi is an Adjunct Professor at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (Brazil) and a certified enterostomal therapist. Her career is grounded in a deep commitment to relational, person-centered care, particularly in the fields of stomatherapy (wounds, stomas, and incontinence), medical-surgical nursing, gerontology, and public health. Juliana’s teaching, research, and community engagement activities reflect a strong focus on equity in care for older adults and individuals living with chronic conditions. At EQUIP@Action, she contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives that promote health equity through inclusive, collaborative approaches. Outside of her academic work, Juliana enjoys spending time with her family and staying active through physical exercise.
Dr. Manuela Coelho - RN, PhD, CWOCN
Dr. Manuela Coelho is a Professor at the Federal University of Ceará (Brazil) where she develops teaching, research, and community outreach activities focused on stomatherapy, particularly in the care of individuals with wounds, urinary incontinence, and stomas. Certified enterostomal therapist. Her academic and professional journey reflects a continuous commitment to promoting equity in health care. In addition to investigating care technologies, Dr. Manuela is also involved in projects aimed at developing and applying clinical simulation in nursing education. Her core values include social justice, solidarity, and relational care, which inspire her enthusiastic participation in the EQUIP@Action Research Hub. Being part of this initiative represents a meaningful opportunity to expand international dialogue and strengthen collaborative efforts toward more just and inclusive health systems. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets.
Dr. Viviane Martins da Silva - RN, PhD, FNI
Dr. Viviane Silva is an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Ceará (Brazil), where she leads teaching, research, and community outreach focused on equitable care for children and individuals with chronic conditions, including congenital heart disease and asthma. Her research also explores the expression of nursing diagnoses across diverse populations to support more personalized and effective care. Dr. Silva is deeply committed to advancing relational, equity-oriented nursing and brings this lens to her collaboration with EQUIP@Action. She has a strong interest in innovative health education strategies and participatory research methodologies that foster inclusive, patient-centered approaches. In her free time, she enjoys travelling with her family.
Livia M. Barros - RN, PhD
Dr. Lívia Moreira Barros is a professor in the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs at the University for International Integration of the Afro-Brazilian Lusophony (UNILAB). She leads the Adult Health Nursing Care Research Group (GECESA/UNILAB) and conducts research on developing and validating educational technologies to improve health outcomes among socially vulnerable populations with cardiometabolic diseases. Her work spans methodological and experimental studies in areas such as patient safety, quality of life, bariatric surgery, critical care, and health education. Dr. Barros has created a range of innovative tools, including booklets, guides, infographics, podcasts, mobile apps, and chatbots. At EQUIP@Action, she brings a strong commitment to health equity and innovation in professional education. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, son Lucca, and their dog Vina, and finds joy in travelling and making family memories.
Thiago M. de Araujo - RN, PhD
Dr. Thiago Araújo is an Associate Professor at the University for International Integration of the Afro-Brazilian Lusophony (UNILAB, Brazil), where he teaches in undergraduate and graduate health programs. His research focuses on health technologies, wound care, chronic disease management, and health education, with particular attention to expanding access to interventions such as laser therapy for individuals with wounds. He has also advanced the use of simulation in health and wound care training. Dr. Araújo holds certifications in enterostomal therapy and dermatology, and collaborates with Portuguese-speaking countries through South-South higher education partnerships. At EQUIP@Action, he brings extensive experience and a strong commitment to equity in training health professionals. Outside academia, he enjoys cooking, spending time in nature, reconnecting with friends, and making memories with his two children.
Research Assistants
Samantha Santorelli - RN, MSc, PhD(c) Research Coordinator
Samantha is the Research Hub Coordinator for EQUIP@Action and a contract lecturer at Lakehead University’s School of Nursing. In her role, she supports a variety of faculty-led, equity-focused projects aimed at advancing person-centered care. Her research interests center on the impacts of isolation and quarantine on pregnant and postpartum women, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Samantha has shared the team’s work at national and international conferences, including Wounds Canada, Diabetes Canada, and the European Wound Management Association. At EQUIP@Action, she contributes coordination, knowledge mobilization, and mentorship to ensure research has real-world impact. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, caring for her dogs, and pursuing her newfound passion for horseback riding.
Robert Strachan - HBASc, HBSc, BScN(c) Research Assistant
Robert is a nursing student at Lakehead University with a multidisciplinary academic background in biology, anthropology, psychology, and archaeological sciences. My passion lies in interdisciplinary research, with a particular focus on wound care and health equity for marginalized populations—including Northern, rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. At EQUIP@Action, I contribute to knowledge translation initiatives by integrating clinical training with research skills to promote evidence-informed, person-centered care. I am also a proud member of the Canadian Armed Forces (Primary Reserves) and actively serve my community as a volunteer firefighter with Conmee Fire and Rescue. Through these roles, I bring a unique perspective on health, resilience, and community service to the lab’s mission of advancing equity in healthcare.
Hunter Polonoski - BScN(c)
Research Assistant
Dr. Girlane Brandão holds a PhD in Sciences from the Fundamental Nursing Program at the University of São Paulo, with a research exchange at Lakehead University. She is a specialist in enterostomal therapy, focusing on the care of individuals with wounds and chronic health conditions. Her work integrates health technologies, evidence-based practice, and nursing education to strengthen comprehensive, person-centered care. As a collaborator with EQUIP@Action, Dr. Brandão contributes expertise in wound care research, systematic and scoping reviews and training to advance health equity across diverse care settings
Maria Girlane S. A. Brandao - RN, MSc, PhD, Research Assistant
Hunter is a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at Lakehead University with a growing interest in health research focused on nursing retention and healthcare delivery in Northern Ontario. He is passionate about improving access to care in rural and remote communities and contributes to EQUIP@Action by supporting data-informed research that promotes sustainable, equitable healthcare systems. Outside of his academic work, Hunter is an active member of the skiing community and volunteers with the Canadian Ski Patrol, combining his commitment to safety and service with a love for outdoor activity.
Sydney Maylen - BSHSc. (c) Research Assistant
Sydney is a fourth-year Bachelor of Health Sciences student at Queen’s University, originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario. She is passionate about advancing health equity for marginalized populations in Northwestern Ontario and is committed to contributing to research that informs inclusive, community-driven healthcare practices. At EQUIP@Action, Sydney brings a deep interest in regional health disparities and aims to support participatory projects that center local voices and improve outcomes for underserved groups. Outside of academics, she enjoys hiking, trail running, and horseback riding—a lifelong passion that keeps her grounded and connected to nature.
Kristen Anderson - BEd., MEd.
Research Assistant
Kristen Anderson holds a Master of Education from Memorial University and a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University. She has extensive experience as a secondary educator and postsecondary professor, with a focus on culturally responsive teaching, curriculum development, and equity in education. Kristen brings strong collaborative leadership, excellent communication, and a passion for social justice and inclusion. At EQUIP@Action, she contributes her expertise in educational outreach and knowledge translation to support equity-focused initiatives. She is a self-directed critical thinker with advanced proficiency in digital tools, including Google Suite, Microsoft, Adobe, and Canva. Her work aligns with the hub’s mission to foster inclusive, evidence-based approaches in health and education. Outside of her professional roles, Kristen enjoys the arts, nature, and time with family.
