About Us
We are a dynamic collective of dedicated volunteers, representing a rich tapestry of diverse ethnic backgrounds. United by a shared purpose, we are committed to empowering internationally educated nurses (IENs) on their journey towards becoming licensed health professionals in Alberta. At IENAA, our doors are open wide, welcoming not only active practitioners but also esteemed retirees. Together, we form a vibrant community, fostering growth and success for IENs across our province.

Our Story
IENAA (Internationally Educated Nurses’ Association of Alberta) began as an idea in 2016, led by five former members of the Board of Directors of the Filipino Nurses Association of Alberta (FNAA): Josette Salgado, Letty Tria, Cecille Ira, Donna Perez-Aguirre, and Adam Mella. The idea emerged following the passing of the late Tessie Oliva—the founder of FNAA—and the subsequent dissolution of the organization.
FNAA had played a meaningful role in supporting internationally educated nurses in Alberta. In partnership with Capital Health in 2007, FNAA helped with the billeting and accommodation, settlement, and community integration of more than 450 Filipino internationally educated nurses (IENs) across the province. As a stakeholder of CARNA and CLPNA, FNAA also contributed to research initiatives exploring the lived experiences of IENs, including the barriers and challenges they faced in their journey to becoming healthcare professionals in Alberta.
In March 2023, the founding group revisited the possibility of reviving FNAA. However, due to restrictive bylaw provisions related to membership, they decided not to move forward. Instead, they built something broader and more inclusive.
Today, IENAA carries forward the same mission and vision—to support internationally educated nurses in Alberta—while expanding membership to IENs from all countries, not limited to one community. With the support of our partner, Changing Together – A Centre for Immigrant Women Association, IENAA finalized its by-laws, officially launched on August 26, 2023, and is now registered as a non-profit organization in Edmonton, Alberta.
Meet the Team

Josette Salgado
Josette holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Central Philippine University, plus certificates in Critical Care (New Jersey) and Clinical Geriatrics (Northern Alberta Geriatrics Program). Her international nursing career spans the Philippines, Zambia, and the United States before she immigrated to Canada in 1989. At the University of Alberta Hospital, she served as a Pulmonary Nurse and later held advanced roles including Clinic Nurse, Nurse Coordinator, and Research Nurse Coordinator in Pediatric and Adult Cystic Fibrosis, as well as a teaching nurse in Pulmonary Hypertension. Josette received the CARNA Nursing Excellence in Clinical Practice Award (2012) and Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s Outstanding Healthcare Provider for Western Canada & Prairie Region (2018). She retired in June 2019 after a career marked by leadership, expertise, and award-winning patient care.

Dr. Adam Mella
Adam is a Registered Nurse and nurse educator who ranked 2nd in the 2006 Philippine Nursing Board Exam and moved to Canada in 2007. He became a Canadian RN in 2009 and developed clinical expertise in Neuroscience at the University of Alberta Hospital. In 2015, he transitioned into academia and has served as a nurse educator at MacEwan University. Adam holds a Master’s in Nursing (Education) from the University of Alberta and a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration from Virginia, USA. He is a Canadian Certified Nurse Educator and CGFNS-certified Global Nurse Consultant, committed to community-based education and advancing health equity through relational, student-centred leadership.

Milly Kandathil
Milly is IENAA’s Treasurer and holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from India, with ICU experience. She began her nursing career in Alberta in 2000 at Good Samaritan Southgate Long Term Care. Since 2005, she has been a dedicated member of the Pulmonary Unit at the University of Alberta Hospital. Milly brings long-standing frontline experience and deep knowledge of patient care in Edmonton’s health system. She supports IENAA with steady leadership and a strong commitment to the nursing community.

Julie Mendoza
Julie moved to Edmonton as an internationally educated nurse in 2008 and was welcomed by a Filipino host family as she settled into Canada. She completed LPN skills orientation at NorQuest College and worked in Urology at the University of Alberta Hospital for three years. Determined to become an RN, she returned to school to meet CARNA requirements and qualify for the licensing exam. Julie earned her Canadian nursing license in 2011 and gained additional experience on the Pulmonary Medicine unit. Since 2012, she has worked full-time in General Surgery at the University of Alberta Hospital.

Letty Tria
Letty embarked on her nursing journey with pre-nursing studies at St. Louis University, Baguio City, Philippines. After immigrating to Canada, she continued her nursing education at the University of Alberta Hospital. Letty's professional trajectory led her to the General Nursing Hospital, where she specialized in Medical Surgery, before transitioning to a remarkable 33-year tenure in the cardiology department of UAH/Mazankowski Heart Institute. Alongside this, she dedicated her time to part-time work in geriatric nursing. In 2019, Letty marked the conclusion of her illustrious career in the cardiology department, leaving behind a legacy of invaluable contributions to healthcare.

Marry Jossy
Mary graduated from Lourdes College of Nursing in Kerala, India (2005) and worked as a Charge Nurse in a Medical-Surgical ICU from 2005–2008. After moving to Canada in 2008, she began at the Royal Alexandra Hospital as a graduate nurse and passed the CRNE in 2009. She built extensive bedside experience across rehabilitation at Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital and Internal Medicine at the University of Alberta Hospital over the next decade. In 2019–2020, she supported staff development as a credential trainer. Since June 2020, Mary has worked as a Clinical Nurse Educator in the Medicine program at the University of Alberta Hospital.

Xerses Gie Magallanes
Xerxes earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Santo Tomas (2005) and worked as a Cardiovascular ICU nurse in the Philippines. After moving to Canada, he started at the University of Alberta Hospital as an LPN while completing an RN bridging program in 2008. He became an Alberta RN in 2009 and joined the Neuro ICU at the University of Alberta Hospital. Xerxes stepped into leadership in 2015 and later moved into education. Since 2022, he has been a Clinical Nurse Educator in the Medicine Program at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, committed to supporting internationally educated nurses.

Donna Perez-Aguirre
Donna earned her BScN from Saint Louis University in Baguio City, Philippines, and moved to Edmonton in 2008 as an internationally educated nurse through Capital Health (now AHS). She brings 10+ years of nursing experience across Emergency, Pulmonary, GI/Hepatology, and Research. Donna’s key strength is leadership and management, including 8 years as a Unit Manager at the University of Alberta Hospital. She currently serves as an Advisor with the Government of Alberta. Inspired by the support she received through FNAA, Donna volunteers with IENAA to mentor and help other IENs succeed in Alberta.

Jude Oraa
Jude is a BSN graduate from Bicol University and is a registered midwife and nurse in the Philippines. After moving to Canada in 2008, he began as an LPN at the University of Alberta Hospital, earned his RN license in 2011, and gained experience in Medical/Surgical nursing before returning to Edmonton in 2013. He has worked extensively in Neuroscience and Nephrology, and completed a Nephrology Certificate Program. Jude has served in Home Peritoneal Dialysis and currently works in the Hemodialysis Unit at Grey Nuns Hospital. He also volunteers through his church’s parish nursing initiatives, reflecting his commitment to community care.

Jeffrey dela Piedra
Jeff holds a Bachelor’s in Nursing from Dr. Yanga’s Colleges in the Philippines (1995). He began his career as a Medical ICU and Recovery Room nurse, building a strong critical-care foundation. In 2008, he came to Alberta as an Internationally Educated Nurse through Capital Health, supported by FNAA. Since then, Jeff has worked as an LPN in General Internal Medicine at the University of Alberta Hospital. He is recognized for steady clinical excellence and a strong commitment to patient care.

Josie Pallard
Josie is an educator and community advocate who immigrated to Edmonton in 1967 during a period of political instability that made it unsafe to remain in her home country. She earned a Bachelor of Education and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching English as a Second Language from the University of Alberta, a Master’s in Education from San Francisco State University, and an Honorary Doctor of Sacred Letters from St. Stephen’s College (University of Alberta). She holds Permanent Teacher Certification from Alberta Education and has dedicated her career to supporting newcomers through language learning and settlement. Josie was one of the four founding members of Changing Together: A Centre for Immigrant Women (1984) and continues to teach ESL and IELTS. Her lifelong service has been recognized with major honours, including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum and Golden Jubilee awards and the Governor General’s Persons Case Award.

Noreen Berkes
Noreen is the volunteer Executive Director of Changing Together – A Centre for Immigrant Women (2016–present). She previously served 26 years with the Government of Alberta, retiring from Employment Standards, Alberta Ministry of Labour (1989–2015). Her background includes legal leadership as a Prosecutor with the Philippine Department of Justice (1975–1978) and membership in the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. Noreen holds a Master in Comparative Law from Georgetown University Law Center as a Rotary International Foundation Fellow (1980), and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of San Carlos (1974). She also completed a BSc in Preparatory Medicine (University of San Carlos, 1969) and has research experience at the University of Alberta (1978–1979).
