Lisa Bell, Alberta Health Services
It is with great honor and heartfelt admiration that we nominate Lisa Bell, RN, Clinical Nurse Educator for the Calgary Sexual Assault Response Team (CSART), as a Nurse Hero. Lisa is not only the backbone of CSART—she is the heart, soul, and driving force behind a program that has transformed sexual assault care in Calgary. Her unwavering dedication, clinical excellence, and profound compassion make her not only an exceptional nurse but a true changemaker in our healthcare system.
Lisa has played a central role in shaping CSART into the trauma-informed, inclusive, and compassionate program it is today. Operating out of the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre and extending outreach to all five Calgary hospitals and the Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, CSART is a lifeline for countless survivors of sexual assault. What sets it apart—and what Lisa has helped build—is a system rooted in dignity, respect, and healing.
Since joining CSART in 2012, Lisa has worked tirelessly alongside Dr. Kirsten Head to develop and continuously refine the program. Before CSART, survivors were often cared for in crowded emergency rooms by physicians already stretched thin, many without the specialized training necessary for this deeply sensitive work. Through Lisa’s leadership, CSART has become a gold standard for trauma-informed care—providing forensic support, medical treatment, and compassionate advocacy in a holistic, patient-centered environment.
Lisa’s title may be Clinical Nurse Educator, but her role extends far beyond the expected. She is a clinical expert, a systems thinker, a passionate educator, and a fierce advocate for both patients and staff. She has led the development of training programs for nurses and physicians across Calgary, including those in rural and urban emergency departments, ensuring that all healthcare providers who may encounter a survivor are equipped to deliver trauma-informed care. She has built lasting partnerships with agencies throughout the community, fostering collaboration that strengthens patient support far beyond the hospital walls.
Her colleagues describe her as the steady voice of reason in the face of clinical complexity or emotional turmoil. “I’ve got a bit of an odd one” is a common way conversations start with Lisa—and no matter how complex the situation, she is there, calmly offering wisdom, guidance, and support. Whether she’s debriefing with a nurse after a tough case, advising on forensic protocols, or answering a late-night call during a software rollout, Lisa shows up—without hesitation and always with empathy.
One of Lisa’s most impactful innovations was spearheading a pilot project to streamline how patients are admitted to CSART services. By creating a direct-admit pathway, she helped reduce the number of times a survivor must recount their experience—an act that both honors the patient’s emotional well-being and enhances the quality of care. She was also instrumental during the Connect Care launch, making herself available 24/7 to help staff navigate new systems and reduce stress during an already intense transition.
Lisa’s leadership is not top-down; it’s lived. She leads by example—working extra shifts, covering for colleagues, and always being available to those who need her. She has built a culture of mutual support, trust, and accountability within CSART that has made a lasting impression on the entire team. Staff turnover is remarkably low, not only because people feel valued and heard, but because Lisa fosters professional development with care, respect, and a deep belief in every nurse’s potential. Many current leaders within the team credit Lisa for mentoring them with patience and encouragement during their formative years.
Perhaps the most telling testament to Lisa’s impact is the confidence her colleagues have in her. Time and again, they say: “I would trust Lisa to care for my own family.” That trust, that deep-rooted belief in her integrity, skill, and compassion, speaks louder than any metric or award.
Lisa Bell has created a legacy that will continue to uplift and empower survivors of sexual assault for years to come. Her relentless advocacy has reshaped how healthcare is delivered to one of society’s most vulnerable populations. She has changed lives—not just through the care she’s delivered personally, but through the systems she’s built, the professionals she’s educated, and the hope she’s restored.
In a world where nursing heroes often go unrecognized, Lisa’s work deserves the spotlight. She exemplifies what it means to lead with heart, to serve with purpose, and to never stop striving for excellence. Without her, CSART simply wouldn’t be what it is today.
We are beyond proud to nominate Lisa Bell as a true Nurse Hero. Her legacy is one of healing, humanity, and unwavering dedication.
