Health-Care Leadership Training Canada
Who We Are
Empowering Health-Care Teams
A Unique Approach to Wellness
ThriveAbility was founded by Jenn and Deb, two experienced registered nurses who witnessed the immense strain health-care professionals faced, particularly during the pandemic. They created ThriveAbility to provide trauma-informed, self-compassionate strategies to help leaders and teams thrive in the unique challenges of health-care. At the heart of our approach is the ORCHID Method—a framework built on Optimism, Respect, Connection, Harmony, Inclusivity, and Development. This research-based model equips health-care leaders with the tools to foster a healthy perception of stress, improve team dynamics, and create supportive workplace cultures. With ThriveAbility, health-care professionals learn tools to foster their ability to thrive in their roles, transforming their workplaces into environments of growth and well-being.
ThriveAbility Foundation
Self Compassion
Belonging
Trauma
Push & Pull
Connection
Meet the Team Helping You Thrive
Jenn Waite – Founder, Registered Nurse, Transformative Health-care Leader
With over 20 years of leadership experience across high-performance environments—from health-care systems to community mentorship—Jenn Waite, a master’s-level registered nurse, has consistently shaped cultures of growth, emotional safety, and human-centered connection.
Her strong clinical foundation in acute and intensive care revealed a difficult truth: the culture of care too often neglects the wellbeing of those delivering it. This realization sparked her unwavering commitment to redefining leadership through the lens of compassion, curiosity, and trauma-informed awareness.
Jenn’s academic research explored self-compassion as a protective factor for stress, emotional regulation, and sustainable nursing practice. As a published author, her findings highlighted self-compassion as a vital tool for balanced empathy and thriving amid adversity—positioning it as a lever for meaningful change within healthcare systems.
At ThriveAbility, Jenn integrates clinical expertise, research-based strategies, and a deep belief in the power of story to create transformative learning experiences. She views storytelling as a bridge—translating complex ideas like trauma into accessible, relatable insights that invite empathy, reflection, and action.
Jenn believes thriving isn’t a personal luxury—it’s a strategic imperative for the future of health-care. When we champion the wellbeing of those who care for others, we don’t just retain people—we reimagine what care can be.
Debra Lefebvre- Founder & Registered Nurse, Psychotherapist
Debra Lefebvre is a multi-award-winning, trauma-informed registered nurse, psychotherapist, educator, and healthcare leader with more than 30 years of experience championing mental health equity. A passionate advocate for trauma-informed leadership, Debra brings a lens of compassion, safety, and empowerment to every level of care, policy, and system change. Her approach prioritizes understanding the impact of trauma while fostering environments rooted in dignity, trust, and collaboration.
Debra has led transformative work both nationally and globally, including the establishment of two groundbreaking initiatives focused on maternal and child health in remote fly-in Indigenous communities in Canada and developing nations. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to health justice and culturally responsive care.
Recognized for her expertise, Debra is a sought-after speaker, and serves as a recommended resource for Parents for Children’s Mental Health through Children’s Mental Health Ontario. She is also a published author, with her most recent contribution featured in the book Breaking Canadians, where she shares powerful insights into trauma, healing, and resilience.
Debra is a firm believer in the power of partnerships, authentic engagement, and human connection as the foundation for healing-centered leadership.
Facilitating Healthy, Thriving Teams
Guiding Values for Growth
Our Vision
To transform and restore individual and team strength with a trauma-informed, self-compassionate, connected approach.
Our Mission
To help people and organizations transform and restore strength through an awareness that we all have history and a story that is deserving of self-compassion to build connections, better mental health, satisfaction, and productivity
Our Values
- All people deserve kindness.
- All people deserve to work in a trauma-informed environment that is safe and worthy of trust.
- Self-compassion, connection, and a sense of belonging are crucial to effective coping.
A Trusted Advocate for Health-care Teams across Canada
ThriveAbility is trusted by health-care leaders for its trauma-informed, research-backed approach to fostering psychologically safe, high-performing teams.
Health-Care Leadership Training
Our programs equip health-care leaders with skills to foster thriving, resilient teams and manage workplace challenges effectively
Trauma-Informed Self Compassionate Approach
We equip professionals with tools to manage stress and improve well-being, helping them excel both personally and professionally.
Transformative Educational Experience
Step Into an educational experience that inspires change. Our seminars provide hands-on learning to address trauma, enhance teamwork, and promote workplace harmony.
Tailored Educational Experience
We customize programs to meet the specific needs of health-care organizations, ensuring relevance and impact.
Contact Us to Learn More!
Partner with ThriveAbility to bring the ORCHID Method and trauma-informed strategies to your team. Let us help your health-care organization thrive with evidence-based tools and self-compassion techniques.
