Four New Nurse Practitioners Strengthen Primary Care Capacity at GHC
Grow Your Own Nurse Practitioner (GYONP) program graduates will help GHC follow through on its commitment to connect 6,000 Access Care Clinic patients with ongoing primary care.
September 22, 2026
Group Health Centre (GHC) is strengthening its primary care capacity with the graduation of four nurses from its Grow Your Own Nurse Practitioner (GYONP) program. Emilie Iacoe, Lee-Anne Jarrett, Brandon Miller and Kelsey West will join GHC’s primary care team and support the organization’s commitment to connect 6,000 Access Care Clinic patients with ongoing care.
Launched in 2024, with support from the Ministry of Health, the GYONP Program was designed to address the shortage of primary care providers by creating a pathway for Registered Nurses to become Nurse Practitioners. Through full-time employment, mentorship, and educational flexibility, the program supports nurses as they advance their clinical education to serve patients in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma District.
“The Grow Your Own Nurse Practitioner program gave me the opportunity to complete my education in three years, sooner than expected, while also gaining valuable clinical experience at Group Health Centre,” said Kelsey West, NP. “Being able to learn alongside experienced providers and build relationships with colleagues who will continue to support and mentor me as I begin my practice has been incredibly valuable. I’m excited to now meet my own patients, build meaningful relationships with them, and work together to support their health and well-being.”
With four new Nurse Practitioners joining Kylie Connolly, NP, who graduated from the program last year, and another nurse expected to graduate later this year, GHC is following through on its commitment to connect 6,000 Access Care Clinic patients with ongoing primary care by mid-2027.
“We are incredibly proud to welcome Nurse Practitioners Emilie, Lee-Anne, Brandon, and Kelsey to our primary care team,” said Lil Silvano, CEO of Group Health Centre. “These graduates represent the impact of investing in local nurses and creating opportunities for them to grow their careers close to home. By supporting their journey to becoming Nurse Practitioners, we are strengthening our primary care team and ensuring access to primary care for thousands of patients across our community.”
The GYONP program is part of GHC’s broader strategy to expand primary care capacity, recruit and retain healthcare professionals, and create sustainable pathways for local talent to build careers in the community.
By investing in local nurses and supporting their transition to Nurse Practitioner roles, GHC is helping create a stronger primary care system while increasing access to primary care providers.
GHC thanks the Ministry of Health for supporting this important program and helping us improve access to primary care in our community.
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About Group Health Centre
Group Health Centre (GHC) is a not‑for‑profit, health care organization in Sault Ste. Marie. GHC provides team‑based primary and specialty care and supports patients and families through a range of health services. We work with community partners to improve access to care and support better health outcomes.