Our Team
Danny Graham, 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
Matthew Knezacek, 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
Taylor Hill, Research Methods Consultant
For the four years of her doctoral training, Taylor was the research and data lead for Engage, during which she fell in love with population survey methods, open science, and data visualization. She now supports the Nova Scotia Quality of Life Initiative as a Research Methods Consultant, advising on survey design and statistical analysis.
Her favourite thing about Nova Scotia is the Maritime hospitality and lifestyle
directs the Socio-Ecological Well-Being Research Lab at the University of Dundee’s Psychology faculty in Scotland
PhD, Experimental Psychology, Dalhousie University
Barb Smeltzer, 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
Tammy Ewing, 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
Leonardo Christino, 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
Deirdre Rowland, 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
Margaret Schwartz, Communications Specialist
Margaret(she/her) believes in the power of weaving stories and data to connect Nova Scotians on a shared re-imagining of the future.
Conscious Communications Consultant
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
Erin Wynn, Director, Quality of Life Initiative and Relationships
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
Rachel Whynot, Community Outreach Lead: Disabilities Communities
Rachel (she/her) believes that everyone has the inherent right to a full life; having agency over their choices and contributing to the communities where they live, work & play.
Inclusion & Accessibility Advocate
Dalhousie University, BSc in Therapeutic Recreation
Acceptance and Commitment Training Facilitator, Siblings Canada
Sailor
kamilah apong, 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