When Dawn Wheelhouse, MSN, CMSRN, NE-BC, and Ashley Peacock, MSN, NPD-BC, NEA-BC, first met as nursing students in 1989 at the University of Manitoba, neither could have predicted that their friendship would span decades, countries and careers.
What began as a shared classroom experience in Winnipeg, Canada, has grown into a lifelong bond — one that ultimately led them both to NKC Health and continues to shape who they are as nurses and leaders. Dawn is senior nursing director for medical/surgical services, and Ashley is senior director for clinical excellence and nursing professional development.
“I can go to Ashley’s office and talk through whatever is going on in life and work, and I know she will be honest with me,” Dawn said.
From classmates to lifelong friends
Dawn and Ashley, who are both from Canada, started as classmates in a four-year nursing program, navigating rigorous coursework, clinicals and the challenges of early adulthood. While their personalities and strengths differed, they quickly found ways to complement each other.
Dawn preferred research and behind-the-scenes work, while Ashley thrived in public speaking. Together, they balanced each other academically and personally.
Their friendship deepened when they became roommates, sharing not only a home but also life experiences, laughter and the occasional adventure, like dancing, sledding and curling tournaments during cold Canadian winters.
A leap of faith
After graduating in 1993, both faced a tough job market in Canada. Full-time nursing roles were scarce.
Ashley took a nursing job in Florida and then Poplar Bluff, MO. When Dawn struggled to find work in Canada, Ashley encouraged her to come to Missouri, a decision that changed everything.
What was supposed to be a two-year plan turned into decades-long careers in the United States. The two, along with a close-knit group of other Canadian nurses who were recruited to work in Poplar Bluff, built not only professional experience but also a support system far from home.
Growing careers with a constant connection
Over the years, Dawn’s and Ashley’s paths diverged and reconnected across different organizations and roles. Dawn built a long career at Saint Luke’s before joining NKC Health in 2015 as director of orthopedics. Ashley, with experience at the Kansas City VA Medical Center and Saint Luke’s, followed closely behind with Dawn’s encouragement.
“It's magical here, and I knew Ashley would love it,” Dawn said.
“Dawn knows me well and she knows culture and leadership,” Ashley recalled. “She knew for me to achieve my career goals, this was the place for me to be.”
Today, both credit NKC Health’s culture of belonging, support and a shared purpose as reasons they continue to thrive.
More than friendship
Through every stage of life — career changes, marriages, raising children and personal challenges — their friendship has remained constant.
They are even godparents to each other’s children; a reflection of just how deeply their lives are intertwined.
“There has never been a moment, even in the hard times and struggles, where she didn’t have my back," Ashley said. “When you have that kind of support, it gives you so much strength and courage.”
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