Dr Colin Reid – Co-Principal Investigator

Dr Tracy Christianson – Principal Investigator

Dr. Christianson is an associate professor in the School of Nursing at Thompson Rivers University. She has nearly 30 years of nursing practice and teaching experience. Her research focus is nursing education, gerontology, and rural health issues. Dr. Christianson has completed many research projects with the intent to help make changes in healthcare delivery for optimal patient care

Amna Qazi – Research Assistant

Hello! My name is Amna Qazi and I am a second year nursing student and intercultural storyteller at Thompson Rivers University. I am enthusiastic about research and exploring nursing phenomenon. During my long term care placement, I was struck by the effects that pandemic restrictions have had on family. I was able to see first hand how much residents valued the precious little family time they had and I strived to help uplift spirits. I look forward to exploring how we can work to keep people safe while still preserving family interactions.

Evans Appiah-Kusi – Research Assistant

Hello! I am Evans Appiah-Kusi. I am a final year Master of Nursing student at the Thompson Rivers University. I am an international student originally from Ghana, West Africa. As an international student, I can relate to the stress and heartaches of not having the opportunity to be there for your family and loved ones particularly during these challenging times brought upon by COVID-19. This is why it gives me joy to be part of an excellent team, committed to understanding the impact COVID-19 restrictions have had and how families perceive existing strategies to help families stay connected.

Jordan Bremner – Research Assistant


Hello! My name is Jordan Bremner. I was born and raised in Kamloops, B.C. and I am now in my second year in the Bachelor of Arts Program at Thompson Rivers University. My interest in both sociology and the health care field has led me to this wonderful research team where I am working as a student research assistant. I am looking forward to connecting with people and understanding how COVID-19 restrictions in care settings have impacted their ability to visit with and care for their family members.