April 7-11, 2025 is Canadian Public Health Week, a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our overall health and wellbeing. As part of this initiative, the NTHSSA will be spotlighting public health workers who are making a difference in NWT communities. For today’s spotlight, we are proud to feature both Kristin Richardson and Marisa McArthur, who serve residents of Yellowknife!

Kristin Richardson, Territorial Public Health Nurse Practitioner, Yellowknife 

Kristin was born and raised in Yellowknife and is of mixed Gwich'in and Slavic descent. After completing her BscN in Saskatchewan, Kristin started her career as a Registered Nurse at Saskatoon Sexual Health, before returning to Yellowknife to complete her Masters of Nursing at Aurora College (Dalhousie University) to become a Nurse Practitioner. She has since worked as a NP in a community health centre, primary care, and public health, and now fills the position of Territorial Public Health Nurse Practitioner.

In her new position, Kristin is able to leverage her experience and provide guidance and support through strategic planning and clinical leadership for the provision of public health services and programs.

Kristin believes public health provides great value to communities beyond vaccinations and well baby checks. It is also considers the prevention of illness, injury, and disease, and is an area that considers the social determinants of health. She is passionate about including social justice into her practice as a NP and working with her team to develop, update, and implement public health strategies that provide care for residents of her home territory.

The NWT is Kristin’s home. She loves living within nature – close to lakes, rivers, and wildlife – and working in a field that allows her to support fellow Northerners. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, painting, beading, sewing clothes, travelling, cooking, and being active.

Marisa McArthur, Registered Nurse, Yellowknife Public Health 

Marisa is a Registered Nurse at Yellowknife Public Health and the Maternal-Child team lead and program lead for Centering Pregnancy. Growing up between Yellowknife and Fort Smith, Marisa earned her nursing degree right here in the North, graduating from Aurora College’s BSN program.

As a member of the Public Health Maternal-Child team, Marisa is focused on supporting infants, children, and families through assessment and screening, education, and disease prevention. Connecting with and advocating for her community has always been extremely important to her.

After starting her nursing career in Obstetrics/Labour & Delivery, Marisa made the natural transition to her current position – an opportunity that she says has been very fulfilling. Marisa loves getting to know clients and families that visit Public Health and believes that the integration of her work and her community make her work more meaningful.

Outside of work, Marisa enjoys spending time with family and friends, enjoying the sun-soaked days of summer, the dancing aurora in winter, exploring new areas, camping, and hiking. She feels privileged to live in the North and care for residents of communities that she grew up in alongside her dedicated, passionate, and talented team.

Thank you for everything you do, Kristin and Marisa!