On the day Niagara hospitals flipped the switch on a new digital health system, Tabetha Sheppard was there, prepared and ready to help.

The fourth-year Psychology student was part of Operation Monarch, a Niagara-wide transformation that introduced a new hospital information system (HIS) across Niagara Health and Hotel Dieu Shaver.

In her role as a HIS Training Student, Sheppard supported the rollout of a modern electronic medical records (EMR) platform that replaced paper-based records and older systems to improve care and efficiency across hospital sites.

“I was fortunate to be part of such a major change initiative,” she said. “We were working closely with health-care professionals who were adjusting to new workflows. It was fast paced, high pressure and incredibly rewarding.”

Sheppard credits her Psychology studies at Brock with helping her succeed in the demanding, people-focused role.

“My courses helped me understand how people learn and adapt, especially in high-stress environments,” she said. “That perspective made a difference. Staying calm, listening carefully and adjusting how I communicated with different users helped staff feel supported during a huge transition.”

Throughout her co-op, Sheppard helped prepare training sessions, maintained learning documentation, tracked staff progress and provided real-time support during the crucial GoLive period.

Whether she was answering questions on the hospital floor or troubleshooting technical issues, she was committed to helping staff feel confident with the new system.

“There were definitely challenges, especially with the pace of change and how quickly things could shift,” she said. “I was able to take on new tasks, work with different teams and learn by doing. That flexibility and openness to feedback really helped me grow.”

Courses in community psychology, adolescent development and research design gave her a strong foundation not just in theory, but in applying those insights in the workplace. Even basic data analysis skills helped her understand training outcomes and where extra support was needed.

The experience has also shaped her future direction.

“This co-op really solidified my interest in working in clinical or hospital environments,” she said. “I love the energy, the sense of purpose and how people and systems come together to improve lives.”

She’s now exploring careers in social work or mental health counselling, paths which would allow her to pair her psychology training with meaningful, hands-on support in health-care settings.

“Co-op made it possible for me to take what I’ve learned in the classroom and apply it in a way that really matters,” she said. “It’s given me the confidence and clarity I need to take the next step in my career.”

Sheppard also points to Brock’s Co-op, Career and Experiential Education (CCEE) office as a key part of her journey.

Simone Lammers, Manager of Student Talent Coaching and Engagement, said the CCEE is proud of everything Sheppard has accomplished.

“Co-op allows students to explore career possibilities, apply their academic knowledge and build essential skills. We are proud to partner with Niagara Health on Project Monarch,” said “Tabetha brought her academic learning and previous work term experience to this role, where her curiosity and commitment have provided her with tremendous growth.”