2026 Award Winners

Nancy Chouinard studied sonography at Seattle University under the guidance of Joan Baker.  She received her clinical training in Sydney, Australia and Vancouver.  Her career began in a clinical role at Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver, followed by a decade as an Applications Specialist before moving into education at the BC Institute of Technology as an instructor, Clinical Coordinator and Program Head. Throughout this time, she has been involved in several aspects of the sonography profession in Canada including:

• 3 terms on the CSDMS Board 
• 2 terms on each of the  CMA’s Committee on Conjoint Accreditation and the Committee on Program Accreditation
• participation in 4 Accreditation surveys, 1 as Chair 
• participation in the creation of the original  CSDMS NCPs
• Member of the NEAC until 2017
• CSDMS Planning Committee for 2 conferences 
• BC Ultrasound Society President
• BCUS 2-time Teresa Allen Mem. Service Award winner
• Presentations at BCUS and CSDMS conferences

She has also been involved with the SDMS board as:

• International director (3 terms)
• SDMS Foundation member
• Vice President
• SDMS Fellow
• 2 publications in the JDMS

Lenny graduated from the Health Sciences Centre School of Ultrasound in 1988 and dedicated 27 years to the sonography profession. For 24 of those years, Lenny served as a Clinical Instructor at the Health Sciences Centre School of Ultrasound, playing an instrumental role in educating and mentoring future generations of sonographers.

Throughout a distinguished career, Lenny has remained a steadfast advocate for student education, the advancement of Canadian sonography, and the continued growth and success of the profession. Lenny’s unwavering support of the sonography community and professional organizations has left a lasting impact on colleagues, students, and the profession as a whole.

Olivia is a dual-certified general and cardiac sonographer currently practicing at Royal Inland Hospital with Interior Health in BC. She completed her Bachelor of Science at the University of British Columbia before graduating from the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology and has since expanded her skillset to include pediatric echocardiography. Earlier this year, Olivia published a peer-reviewed case study on heterotopic pregnancy in the Canadian Journal of Medical Sonography and is excited to present her work at SonoCon 2026.

Sanya Duggal is a registered diagnostic medical sonographer and clinical education leader at McMaster Children’s Hospital, specializing in pediatric and obstetric ultrasound. She also serves as a faculty member at Mohawk College, contributing to the Accelerated General Sonography Program and demonstrating a strong commitment to education, mentorship, and advancing excellence in sonography.

Sanya mentors students, new graduates, residents, fellows, and sonographers, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment that emphasizes compassion, professional growth, and clinical excellence. She is recognized for effectively bridging theory and practice, helping learners build confidence, strengthen critical-thinking abilities, and develop advanced clinical skills.

Committed to advancing the profession, Sanya actively contributes to mentorship, quality improvement initiatives, research, and educational innovation. Her dedication extends internationally through hands-on sonography training and educational outreach in Guyana, supporting the development of ultrasound education and clinical practice in diverse healthcare settings.

A sonographer from the North Okanagan of British Columbia, who has been working in the field of echocardiography across Canada for over twenty years. A graduate from Mohawk college, who likes learning and applying new technologies in the clinical setting, keeping current with new standards for best practice, and most of all doing something productive that can have a positive impact on patients’ lives. Also has enjoyed volunteering with Sonography Canada for over fifteen years as a presenter at conferences, exams development and committee chairperson, and helping to update the National Competency Profile (NCP).

Ceana McKee is a practicum student in Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Red River College Polytechnic in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Throughout her time in the program, she has developed a strong passion for the field and the opportunities it presents to help others. In addition to her studies, she serves as the current student representative for the Sonography Canada Board of Directors.

Carlos is a fetal, pediatric, and adult cardiac sonographer with 24 years of experience. He has worked in Qatar, Calgary, California and at several hospitals and clinics in Ontario as an Educator, Lead, Manager, Accreditation Specialist, Clinical Supervisor, Instructor and Sonographer. He obtained a Masters Degree in Medical Ultrasound and he is currently on his second year of a three year program of the Doctor of Education and Research Degree. 

My name is Yakeen Bloul, and I’m a third-year Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound student at Dalhousie University. Throughout my program, I’ve enjoyed getting involved with my community through volunteering and leadership opportunities while continuing to build my skills during clinical placements. I am committed to lifelong learning and look forward to continuing to grow as a sonographer while providing quality patient care throughout my career

Sandra graduated from the McMaster Mohawk Bachelor of Medical Radiation Sciences program and began her career at Stratford General Hospital. She then worked at Grand River Hospital and St. Michaels Hospital before transitioning to pediatric sonography at SickKids Hospital in Toronto. 

Sandra excels in using distraction techniques to support children during ultrasounds. As a dedicated preceptor, she is passionate about clinical education and helping learners reach their potential. She is pursuing a Masters in Medical Science in Medical Education from Harvard Medical School, focusing on interprofessional variability and responses to uncertainty.  

Sandra has spoken at Sonography Canada and CAMRT conferences and taught ultrasound for Hemophilia patients in Bangkok. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and volunteering with the Toronto International Film Festival.

Areeba Anam is a pediatric sonographer at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). A graduate of the Mohawk-McMaster Medical Radiation Sciences program, she entered clinical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic, experiencing a healthcare system overwhelmed. In 2024, she took her practice to Calgary, developing pediatric ultrasound resources for Alberta’s leading radiology provider, Canada Diagnostic Centres. This year, she rejoined the SickKids Ultrasound Team and began a Master of Health Informatics through the University of Toronto. Areeba hopes to bridge her clinical knowledge and educational endeavours towards digital health transformation, enhancing healthcare efficiency for clinicians and patients. She is grateful to be the 2026 recipient of the Sonographer Peter McLardie Bursary.

I am a recently graduated sonographer who has recently starting working in Vancouver, BC. I am passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-centered imaging and committed to compassionate care in clinical practice. I have a strong interest in advancing equitable access to ultrasound services, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations. I am honoured to receive the Student Peter McLardie Bursary and grateful to Sonography Canada for their support as I continue growing in my professional career.

Jena is a recent graduate of the Mohawk/McMaster Medical Radiation Sciences Sonography Program, where she developed a strong appreciation for the technical skill, attention to detail, and compassion involved in sonography. Through her academic learning and clinical placements, she has valued opportunities to learn from sonographers, instructors, and peers, while also supporting patients from diverse backgrounds through clear and thoughtful communication. Jena is honoured to receive the Student Peter McLardie Bursary and looks forward to beginning her career as a sonographer with curiosity, integrity, and a continued commitment to patient-centred care.