Our Team

Chief Engagement Officer

Danny believes Nova Scotians are calling for a new future – one where they can be part of the solutions.

Founding Chair, Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Program

Former Chief Negotiator for the Nova Scotia Government on Aboriginal Rights

Advisor to United Nations Development Programme re justice reform

dgraham@engagenovascotia.ca

Office Manager and Bookkeeper

Matthew is inspired by all the opportunities Nova Scotia’s diverse communities have to offer and believes a bright future will manifest through collaboration and engagement.

Saint Mary’s University, Sobeys School of Business, BComm Accounting

NSCC, Diploma Business Administration

Board game enthusiast

admin@engagenovascotia.ca

 Research Methods Consultant

Taylor is dedicated to deepening our understanding of what life looks like in Nova Scotia’s vibrant communities. She is passionate about research methods and knowledge translation activities that allow us to understand and promote well-being among populations.

Her favourite thing about Nova Scotia is the Maritime hospitality and lifestyle

PhD student, Experimental Psychology, Dalhousie University

Outreach and Participation Lead

Visual Analyst and Full-Stack Developer

Leo believes data visualizations and tools can empower Nova Scotians with enhanced awareness and decision-making means with which to improve their overall quality of life.

Video game and all-around tech enthusiast

PhD student, Visual Analytics - Big Data Institute, Dalhousie University

christino@engagenovascotia.ca

Senior Operations Manager

Barb believes that everyone should have the tools and resources to thrive on their own terms in this ever-changing world. She is committed to creating safe space for others to be their authentic selves and rise to their fullest potential.

Bachelor of Arts, Cultural Anthropology, Athabasca University

Certificates in positive psychology, DEIB, change management, corporate social responsibility, and public relations

Vice President - Board of Directors with the Centre for Local Prosperity, intuitive and wellness coach, traveler, nature lover, and dog mama to magical Merlin

bsmeltzer@engagenovascotia.ca

Outreach and Participation Lead

Tammy is dedicated to advocating for and lifting up opportunities that help people overcome challenges faced by Nova Scotia communities. She is inspired by working with those who believe in a Nova Scotia that offers a sense of belonging for all. Tammy understands the importance of hearing from those who are traditionally overlooked and is passionate about seeking equity for all Nova Scotians.

Advocate

Co-Chair, East Preston Active Transportation Committee

Team Member, Rural Access to Physical Activity (RAPA)

Facilitator, Nurturing Strong African Nova Scotian Families Program

tewing@engagenovascotia.ca

Quality of Life Partners and Relationships Lead

Erin (she/they) is committed to the thriving of all Nova Scotians, as well as the land, water, and ecosystems we call home. She believes strongly in the importance of deep collaboration and meaningful data to create impact in our province and beyond. 

M.A. in Educational Psychology (Human Development) from McGill University 

B.A. in International Development Studies, Environmental Sustainability, and a minor in Law from Dalhousie University 

Certificates in facilitation, adult education, conflict resolution, and learning sciences also shape her approach to community building, locally and globally

ewynn@engagenovascotia.ca

Community Outreach Lead: Equity Deserving Communities 

kamilah (she/her) is constantly dreaming of new futures, using hope as discipline (Mariame Kaba). she is a curious facilitator that uses the arts and participatory engagement strategies to change the way we think about research, knowledge, and connection.

student of the elders who came before her, this work is not new

15 years of community arts practice 

BA, critical studies in equity & solidarity, University of Toronto

kapong@engagenovascotia.ca

Communications Strategist

Deirdre (she/ her) believes in a future where belonging is centered, every voice is valued, and people come together in a caring way. 

Intentional Communications Strategist

2SLGBTQIA+ advocate, and storyteller

Bachelor of Arts, Western University

Broadcast Journalism, Fanshawe College

drowland@engagenovascotia.ca

Senior Advisor

For over 20 years, Bryan has been encouraging Canadians to place wellbeing at the centre of planning and policy.

Director, Canadian Index of Wellbeing

Professor Emeritus, University of Waterloo

Member of Statistics Canada’s Advisory Committee on Social Conditions

Research consultant to UNICEF Canada on its Child and Youth Wellbeing Initiative

Research advisor on wellbeing to several not-for-profits and governments

smale@uwaterloo.ca

Communications Consultant

Margaret believes in the power of weaving stories and data to connect Nova Scotians on a shared re-imagining of the future. 

Certificate in Trauma-Informed Approach to Creating Safe Space from the Radical School of Healing

Mount Saint Vincent University, Bachelor of Public Relations 

Executive Board Member, TEAM Work Co-operative

Poet