Kathy Bligh

Nurse

Kathy was born in Victoria and now lives in the same family home that has been in her family since 1951. Although she spent much of her childhood in Vancouver, she returned to Victoria to attend the University of Victoria, earn her nursing degree, and raise her son. She is a proud mother and devoted dog owner, and family remains at the heart of everything she does.

Before becoming a Registered Nurse, Kathy spent many years travelling the world and working as a bartender. She has since built an accomplished nursing career spanning more than 30 years in mental health and substance use, serving in a variety of roles throughout Victoria. Her experience includes emergency mental health crisis care for both adults and children, as well as 12 years as a Mental Health Nurse with the Department of National Defense.

Kathy joined Cedars because she is passionate about supporting people who are striving to build healthier, more fulfilling lives. Her commitment to this work is both professional and deeply personal. Over the years, she has lost many friends to overdose, including her best friend, whom her beloved dog, Lucy, is named after so that she can say her friend's name every day. Those experiences have strengthened her compassion, reinforced her belief in the power of recovery, and continue to inspire her to walk alongside others with empathy, honesty, and hope.