Tessa was born and raised in Calgary and moved to Edmonton to attend the University of Alberta. Tessa graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and completed a post-graduate Hospital Pharmacy Residency. After working for a short time as a hospital pharmacist, Tessa settled permanently in Edmonton and shifted her pharmacy career to Primary Care. For the past twelve years, Tessa has worked in primary care in Edmonton both as a pharmacist and manager.

Tessa is passionate about providing safe, equitable and quality primary care, and supporting all aspects that contribute to a person’s health and wellbeing. Tessa’s interest in social determinants of health and population health equity, and how they interconnect with primary care policy and practice led her to complete a Masters of Public Health degree from Brock University. Tessa continues to work towards improving population health outcomes through primary care programs and initiatives and collaboration with community organizations.