Dr. Lisa Kyle is the new Director of the Northern Pathways to Health Care Bursary (NP2H) Program, taking over the role from Dr. Natasha de Sousa. Lisa is a Registered Clinical Social Worker and an Assistant Professor with the School of Social Work at UNBC. 

Established by the Northern Medical Programs Trust, the bursary aims to help socioeconomically disadvantaged students from northern B.C. who are studying at UNBC and intend to pursue a career in health care. In addition to financial aid, recipients also join the NP2H Bursary Program which includes enrichment, mentorship, and academic support throughout their undergraduate degree.

“I really enjoy working with students to support their success,” says Lisa. “I love learning about student interests, whether it be in research or practice terms and helping them explore their options.”

“In many ways, this program is very similar to the work I have done at the School of Social Work as the BSW Coordinator and Field Education Director for the past four years. But this program is situated very differently so something new for me to learn and explore with students and colleagues.” 

The goals of the NP2H program are a close fit with Lisa’s background and passion for helping others.

“Social justice is at the heart of all the work I do, be it students or clients in the community. I think this program is rooted in social justice and with that comes opportunity for new ways of thinking and challenging established ways of understanding.”

Raised on Vancouver Island, Lisa first started working at UNBC’s Prince George campus in 2011 and followed a unique personal path to her current academic roles. 

“I started as administrative support for the School of Social Work, then went into the Office of the Registrar and worked there while I completed my Master’s in Social Work. I had my first two kids during this time and moved to a casual position when I started my PhD, during which time my third child arrived. Near the end of my PhD, I became a Social Work sessional instructor and now as an assistant professor, things have really come full circle!”

With her children now aged nine, seven and five years respectively, Lisa continues to stay busy and is now in her second year as tenure track faculty.