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Community Stories, In the Spotlight

Finding community and wellness with theatre and medicine

At first glance, theatre and medicine may seem worlds apart. But not for Dr. Lisa Habermehl and a few like-minded colleagues in Kenora who came together to create a new theatre company—So I Guess We’re Doing This?   

The theatre company aims to foster creativity by blending the worlds of performing arts and medicine. While they may serve different functions, both medicine and theatre rely on collaboration, empathy and human connection, while coming together to achieve a common goal.  

Dr. Habermehl, Assistant Professor at NOSM University, has practised family medicine for more than two decades and contributes to medical policy. She says theatre allows physicians to express themselves and take on new roles. “Having an outlet for creativity and art can be helpful for physicians who often work in high stakes environments. While medicine is often about urgent decisions and high stakes, theatre is really building something, growing a foundation, and creating together with a community,” she says.  

The first original production by the company, “Finding Richard Close,” explores complicated family relationships and the tensions between loved ones. The play tells the story of two estranged siblings who are brought together to manage the final affairs of their dying mother. They find a document written by their mother with clues about their family. The document sends the siblings on a journey to find Richard Close and the secrets he might be holding.  

“Finding Richard Close” is the first play written by Dr. Habermehl.  

The cast includes Dr. Jonny Grek (an Assistant Professor at NOSM University), Derek Favreau, and Dylan Shumka-White, fellow Kenora actors and community members. The theatre company will be performing at The Winnipeg Fringe Festival, which runs from July 16 – 27. There will also be performances in Kenora from August 21-23. 

Dr. Habermehl encourages other physicians to tap into their artistic and creative sides. Founding So I Guess We’re Doing This? has given her a new outlook on life. “It has been the most invigorating and lovely thing I have done in my adult life.” 

She notes that participating in arts can support physicians’ wellness and reduce burnout. “Particularly in Northern Ontario where many deeply creative people work in our medical community.”  

In the Spotlight

Breaking ice and barriers: Shannon Kenrick-Rochon joins final Antarctic leadership expedition

As an Assistant Professor committed to equity and inclusion in STEMM, Shannon Kenrick-Rochon brings both academic expertise and personal passion to her role at NOSM University. Her selection for the final Antarctic expedition of the global leadership initiative Homeward Bound is a testament to her individual accomplishments and the values of the University—supporting women and non-binary leaders in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine.

Despite increasing dialogue and sector-wide efforts to provide equitable opportunities to women and non-binary people, systemic change in STEMM disciplines has been slow to start—women and non-binary individuals continue to be underrepresented in the field, especially in positions of leadership. That is why in 2015, leadership activist Fabian Dattner, along with Antarctic conservation biologist Dr. Justine Shaw, Antarctic Marine Biologist Professor Mary-Anne Lea, and Antarctic Marine Scientist Jess-Melbourne Thomas, set out to create Homeward Bound: an organization with the focus of creating leadership, networking, and development opportunities for women and non-binary people with STEMM backgrounds. They have been organizing Antarctic Expeditions since 2016, providing ten cohorts the opportunity to partake in their transformational leadership program.

Bringing together 100 women in STEMM from across the world, Shannon was encouraged by local expedition alumnae to apply to Homeward Bound. After sending off her application, Shannon put it out of her mind. Months later an unexpected email let her know that she had been accepted into the year-long leadership and theory program. When it was confirmed that Shannon would also be part of the Antarctic voyage, it brought a whole new level of anticipation and gratitude.

“It honestly didn’t feel real until I was boarding the plane after a year of planning to make it happen,” says Shannon.

The voyage itself was an unforgettable experience—a combination of challenge and wonder. From crossing the Drake Passage, to visiting the Palmer Science Station, to daily landings surrounded by Antarctic wildlife, Shannon says it was like stepping into a nature documentary. “And yes, we even did a polar plunge,” she shared. “Nothing quite bonds a group of women like jumping into icy Antarctic waters together—it was cold, ridiculous, and absolutely unforgettable.”

Among the many lessons the expedition brought, the most profound for Shannon was the importance of being fully present, “with no distractions, and surrounded by awe-inspiring beauty, I was reminded of just how short life really is.”

The experience has also given Shannon a deeper understanding of the challenges facing women globally, as she heard firsthand the different obstacles that those in her cohort experienced coming from different parts of the world, underscoring how we must go beyond encouraging women to dream, we also have a duty to protect the right for women to try—and to fail.

“If you’re not failing sometimes, you’re probably not pushing hard enough. The real loss isn’t getting it wrong—it’s in never having the chance to try.”

It’s lessons such as this that Shannon says now fuels her continued commitment to empowering women and girls through both her practice, and in her personal life. An advocate for sport and physical activity, Shannon intends to use what she learned during her time at Homeward Bound to empower young women to participate in sports, not just to build physical health, but to build confidence, leadership skills, and resilience. “Healthy women build healthy communities,” Shannon emphasizes, “and when women thrive, everyone benefits.”

Beyond the stunning landscapes and endless learning experiences, Shannon left the Antarctic with lifelong friendships. “There’s something incredibly bonding about sharing such an intense experience with women from around the world. These friendships have become a global network I trust, admire, and continue to learn from.”

Reflecting on her journey, Shannon was left with two overwhelming lessons. First, despite its fragile ecosystem, Antarctica itself is proof that international cooperation can succeed–a message she will carry forward with her. Second, a lesson she wants to share with young women looking to pursue STEMM: “You belong here. Your voice matters. Stay curious, lean into discomfort, and don’t let fear of failure hold you back. Find your people. Keep moving—physically, emotionally, intellectually. The world needs you.”

Although there has been progress, she acknowledges that barriers remain for women and non-binary individuals in STEMM—from lack of representation to systemic biases. While progress has been made, Shannon knows that gains in equity are not guaranteed.

“Maintaining momentum is just as important as pushing for change. Initiatives like Homeward Bound help by building community, strengthening leadership skills, and reminding us that we’re stronger together. Programs like this equip us to lead, to defend, and to expand opportunities for those who come next.”

As she looks to the future, her younger self would surely be proud: an adventurer, a changemaker, and a leader charting a new frontier—not just to the ends of the earth in her expedition to Antarctica, but in health care, in her community, and beyond.

Rehab Testimonials

Delaney Ringer (McMaster University, OT)

My name is Delaney Ringer, and I am a first-year Occupational Therapy student at McMaster University. I completed my placement in the Outpatient Neurology Rehabilitation Day Program at St. Joseph’s Care Group in Thunder Bay from March 17th to May 9th, 2025.

Growing up in a small town has given me a passion for addressing health care gaps experienced by remote, rural, and underserved communities. Therefore, I decided to do a placement through NOSM U to gain the hands-on experience and knowledge to address these gaps in my future practice. I also felt learning more about how to deliver culturally safe care was crucial to becoming the kind of healthcare practitioner I aspire to be in the future and a placement in the North would allow me to learn not only from practitioners who have experience working with diverse communities but also patients who belong to these communities. I gained these things and so much more during my placement.

One of my favourite parts of completing a NOSM U placement was just how integrated the care was in the North. While I have worked on interprofessional teams in the past, I found care was often siloed and there wasn’t always communication between different specialties outside of dedicated times such as rounds and family conferences. However, in my placement, all the specialities worked in very close proximity to one another and were consistently collaborating on how best to serve the client’s needs and deliver care in an integrated fashion.

This was especially important here, as we often encountered challenges that came along with delivering care in the North, such as arranging transportation for clients from remote surrounding areas or providing culturally safe care to Indigenous clients that benefit from multiple perspectives at the table. Units were also closely connected in the hospital, which allowed me to shadow so many other specialties and gain hands-on experience in other areas, such as making splints and orthotics. The whole team at my placement truly welcomed and embraced me in a way that I have never experienced before, and it truly felt like a family.

Outside of placement, I also enjoyed getting to explore a new community. The nature in the North is truly breathtaking, and there are so many fun trails, parks, and waterfronts to explore, such as Finger Point and Kakabeka Falls Provincial Parks. There were also so many unique local shops, restaurants, cafes, and markets with homemade goods to check out, such as Goods and Co, The Thunder Bay Country Market, The Growing Season, and Calico Coffeehouse. Additionally, there was always a community event going on to attend, from plays at the Magnus Theatre to Indigenous Hide Camps to Craft Revival to the Filipino Food Fest. Everyone here was incredibly welcoming, and there were so many opportunities to get involved. It was also great connecting and exploring the city with other students completing placements in the North.

I am so glad I decided to complete a placement through NOSM U, as it has allowed me to gain skills, knowledge, and experience that I know will make me a better OT in the future. I have also gained so many memories I will truly cherish for a lifetime. Everyone involved in my placement experience, from the NOSM U staff to my Preceptor to my Clinical Site Contact, were so accommodating and considerate throughout my entire placement experience. They went above and beyond to ensure I felt prepared for my placement and had all my needs met. They even checked in on me to ensure I was adjusting to my new environment and answered all my questions in a very detailed and understanding manner. I cannot thank them enough for all their hard work and everything they did for me throughout my placement.

I would recommend that every student complete a placement through NOSM U, as it is truly a once in a lifetime experience and you won’t regret it!

NOSM University