Caring comes full circle

“Our family had some challenging experiences with the healthcare system when we were younger. As a result, I think I listen to patients better. Empathy and perspective are so important. You never know where someone is in their life, and what brought them there.”

Lesia Michno (IHMS ’05) attended IHMS, then St. Mary’s Academy, and began studying to be a nurse in 2014. She worked at Holy Family Home in reception and scheduling, and completed her LPN at Assiniboine Community College in Portage La Prairie, working as a nurse in the Medicine and Surgery programs at Selkirk Regional Hospital.

Following maternity leave, Lesia decided to continue her education and is completing her Bachelor of Nursing at RRC Polytechnic. She also continues to work as a nurse in Selkirk and in the Home Care program in Winnipeg.

“My favourite part of nursing is talking to the patients, learning who they are, where they come from and what’s important to them. And making them feel seen as a person.”

Lesia credits empathy to a strong upbringing at home and to the nurturing environment she experienced at IHMS.

“I liked the atmosphere, that everyone knew each other, that teachers remembered your siblings.” She loved participating in concerts and intramural sports. “Even if you weren’t good, you still got to play and be on the B team,” she laughs.

And now, her family is back in the IHMS fold. Lesia’s daughter, Laryssa, attends Immaculate Heart of Mary Lubov Nursery School (Sadochok) at St. Anne Parish in North Kildonan.

IHM Lubov Sadochok is a “learning through play” experience for children aged two to five. The program provides a warm, safe, Christian environment, where children develop socially, emotionally, and intellectually at their own ability and rate. Sadochok also includes an introduction to Ukrainian language, culture, and customs and – like IHMS – welcomes families of any faith and culture.

“We really liked that IHMS has this sister program. Either my mom or I accompanied Laryssa in Time for Twos. Having the parents there that first year really helps the kids get comfortable.” Now in her second year, Laryssa goes by herself and enjoys the routine and structure, from washing hands to morning prayers, to singing, to playing and cleaning up.

“Laryssa LOVES Sadochok and comes home with new songs every day,” says Lesia. Lesia and her husband, Kyle, plan to send Laryssa to IHMS for kindergarten. “It was such a good community and I feel like I was raised well there.” Being in a Ukrainian environment is also important.

Asked what advice she would give to current students at IHMS? “Don’t stress out too much about what people think about you. Be yourself.”

Wise words!

To learn more about IHM Lubov Sadochok, visit https://lubovnurseryschool.com/ or call Pani Julia at (204) 669-1023.

Catch up with other alumni in the latest issue of From the Heart.