Lillian “Missy” Searl

Missy is a “military brat” and was raised in New Brunswick, Germany and Nova Scotia and has roots in the African Nova Scotian communities of Hammonds Plains, North Preston, Bear River and Creighton Street.

Missy is the Provincial Coordinator and program consultant for the Nurturing Strong African Nova Scotian Families parenting program with emphasis on professional development and training. She has experience as a Family Support Community Home Visitor and Early Childhood Educator and has over 17 years experience in the field of Adult Education.

Missy is very active in her community and serves on many boards and committees. She is passionate about helping others in her community, and holds "supply raisers" a couple times a year for domestic violence and homeless shelters and causes. She is a huge HFX Wanderers FC fan and loves to "support local".

"The laughter of a child is the light of the house." ~ African Proverb

Tammy Ewing

Tammy is a Senior Trainer and Program Facilitator with the Nurturing Strong African Nova Scotian Families parenting program. As well, Tammy is the Outreach & Participation Lead at Engage Nova Scotia where she is dedicated to being an advocate for people overcoming challenges faced in Nova Scotian communities. She is inspired by the idea of communities being better because of one another.

Tammy was the Youth Outreach Worker at the East Preston Family Resource Centre and the Coordinator for the Cultural Academic Enrichment Program for the Bell Park Site.

Tammy sits on the Advisory Committee for the Road to Economic Prosperity for African Nova Scotian Communities had (REPAC) and the Land Development sub-committee. She is also Co-Chair of the East Preston Active Transportation Committee and is a Team Member with the Rural Access to Physical Activity (RAPA) initiative.

Tammy was born and raised in Halifax and has been a member of the East Preston community for the past 22 years. She is active in her church community having been in the roles of church nursery coordinator, Sunday school teacher and a member of the multi-media team.

Raytia Turney

Ms. Raytia Turney is from the African Nova Scotian community of North Preston. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) degree from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, NS. She also obtained a Master's degree in Human Resources Management from Webster’s University in Jacksonville, FL and a Master's of Education in Counselling at Acadia University in Wolfville, NS.

Turney is a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) offering counselling and consulting services as a private practitioner. Turney is proud to have been among the first individuals to be trained as a facilitator for the Nurturing Strong African Nova Scotian Families (NSANSF) Parenting Program providing parenting support for African Nova Scotian families.

Her role has expanded to include becoming a master trainer and educational consultant for the NSANSF Parenting Program. These roles provide opportunities to identify, develop and implement program curriculum to better support ANS families.

Daniel Searl (HRM/EASTERN PASSAGE)

Daniel is currently a Level 2 Early Childhood Educator (ECE). He has been working with children for 17 years in many different roles including working for Halifax City’s Recreation Department and two Early Childhood Centres, in Eastern Passage.

He owns the Before and After School Program for children ages 4-11 called “The Forgotten Years”; it is a nature based program teaching environmental stewardship to children.

Born and raised in Halifax, Daniel is a father and absolutely loves learning and growing with his son. He is really excited to be a part of this program and looks forward to helping it grow.

Daniel loves most sports, loves cooking, and is a gamer, and Marvel fan.

Ian David (EAST PRESTON/NORTH PRESTON/ EAST DARTMOUTH)

Ian is from North Preston, is a father of five beautiful children and is married to his best friend.

He is currently the manager for Programs and Engagement with the Public Safety Office for the Halifax Regional Municipality. As part of this work, Ian engages community to find their values, worth and strengths as part of a community development approach to public safety. Ian also runs youth engagement programs, engaging youth with the help of mentors to build their confidence and leadership skills. He also leads a community garden for community to learn from each other and to talk and share stories, and uses community development tools such as the Women’s Safety Audit to promote safety for women, youth and others at high risk of violence and harassment to help make communities safer for all to enjoy.

Elmo Burrows (HALIFAX CENTRAL)

Elmo resides in Halifax after choosing Nova Scotia to be his home away from home; originally from Bermuda, Elmo moved to Nova Scotia over 10 years ago. He is a father of a daughter who keeps him busy and is helping him learn how to blend both his Caribbean culture with that of the local African Nova Scotian community to support her identity and family ties.

Elmo has a passion for community, children and families; he has been involved in and facilitated programming with children and youth at the George Dixon Centre and the Gottingen Street YMCA. He has also sat on the Board of Directors for local community based non-profits.

Elmo is currently employed at Manulife and when he isn’t busy working, cooking or parenting, you may find him deejaying or planning events with one of his first loves, music.

Samuel Provo (EAST PRESTON/NORTH PRESTON/EAST DARTMOUTH)

Raised in the beautiful community of North Preston, Samuel is the proud father of twin girls, Amiyah & Sierra. A graduate from Auburn Drive High School in 2008, Samuel attended and graduated from Eastern College as a Paralegal in 2016. With a background in customer service, Samuel worked in the legal field for numerous years. Currently, Samuel works for the Province of Nova Scotia as a Justice Officer II at the Nova Scotia Supreme Court (Family Division).

Samuel’s passion is for him to see all fathers, particularly African Nova Scotian fathers, to form healthy relationships with their children and be involved or become more involved in their child or children’s lives.

Cindy Parsons (LUCASVILLE/HAMMONDS PLAINS)

My name is Cindy and I am a Community Outreach Worker for the Halifax Centre of Education, for 15 years with Schools Plus. specialize in providing direct services in supporting youth and their families; connecting and communicating with collaborative services to provide diverse and evidence-based programming.  My role is supported by collateral support, such as Health, Recreation, Justice and Community Services, and Education divisions. 

I am from the Community of Lucasville, where I volunteer as the chairperson for the Lucasville Education Committee Society. Always ready to assist others. I am a parent facilitator in partnership with the Nova Scotia Health Authority in the HRM. 

I am excited to be part of the NSANSF working throughout Nova Scotia. 

I am dedicated to spending quality time with my family and having game nights. My goal is to continue to stay ambitious about education and sharing my knowledge with others in my lifelong journey of learning. 

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”–Nelson Mandela

Tracey Clements (KENTVILLE/NEW MINAS)

Tracey Clements, works in the role of The Cultural Connector Initiative at The Portal Youth OutReach Association in Kentville, to strengthen equitable access while being culturally responsive to the needs of African Nova Scotian communities in collaborative partnerships with DCS Prevention & Early Intervention Service providers. Tracey has been advocating for youth for over 25 years and most recently, 12 years with the school board for the engagement of African Nova Scotian children and their families experiencing discrimination and systemic, historical, and societal inequities. As a former On Air Host, and a singer, her caveat of course, includes humor in life, and applying it in all situations, because laughter is a great way to connect with people.

Claudia Steensma (NEW GLASGOW)

Born and raised in Pictou County with family ties to East Preston and Louisbourg, Claudia is a proud African Nova Scotian woman. She received her diploma in Early Childhood Education in 2012 and has over 12 years in the field of child development.

Claudia currently works at the Family Resource Centre in New Glasgow as the Parenting Journey Home Visitor for the African Nova Scotian Community and Cultural Connector.

The advocacy and well-being of children have always been a passion of hers. Facilitating Nurturing Strong to families in her community is both a proud and humbling opportunity and she is always growing and learning with each session.

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ― Maya Angelou

Courtney Brown (DARTMOUTH/HALIFAX CENTRAL)

Courtney is a Registered Social Worker with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers. Courtney grew up in the Halifax suburb of Timberlea and is a descendant of Africville, a Black community on the shore of Bedford Basin that was expropriated and bulldozed in the 1960s. Courtney graduated from Dalhousie University with her Bachelor of Social Work and has recently completed her Master of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Courtney has focused much of her time on Sexual Violence prevention in Black communities throughout Nova Scotia. In addition, Courtney has worked to address prevention in HIV/Hep C and other STBBI's, Culturally Responsive Grief and loss, Gambling prevention and harm reduction, Poverty, and Violence prevention for Black men and Boys. Courtney now works with an organization that works with African Nova Scotian families in crisis, whose children are at imminent risk of removal and placement in out-of-home care. Her goal is to focus on strengthening the relationship between ANS Communities and Child Welfare.

Courtney is the mother of two beautiful children and enjoys spending time together. Courtney loves rugby and basketball (NCAA Duke Fan).

AJ Simmonds (MULGRAVE PARK/HALIFAX CENTRAL)

AJ is from North Preston and currently resides in Dartmouth. He is the proud father of two beautiful young boys, Amari Antonio and Adonis Adre. AJ is an advocate, facilitator, consultant, and community mobilizer. He believes goals, commitment and hard work can create opportunities and lifelong learning. As an Alumni of Acadia University, with a Sociology degree, he understands the importance of having genuine human regard for all people and leads by example, with integrity.

As a former Program Coordinator and Community Outreach Advisor he knows the significance of building trust and creating positive relationships. Community led initiatives, working with stakeholders, establishing partnerships are key aspects for success. AJ has been able to combine his work and lived experience to address systemic barriers and keep institutions accountable to ensure positive outcomes for communities and people.

Now as the Executive Director of the Mulgrave Park Caring and Learning Centre. AJ is enjoying the opportunity to grow, learn and empower staff and community through a grassroots approach, ultimately enhancing the work and service delivery. AJ recognizes the importance of utilizing the voice, history and lived experiences of the community through collaboration is the path forward to help rebuild and rebrand the centre.

Holly Adams (EAST PRESTON/NORTH PRESTON/EAST DARTMOUTH/NORTH DARTMOUTH)

Holly Adams is a wife, mother of three children, twin daughters and a son. She is also a successful entrepreneur. Her family roots are from North Preston, and she has family ties in the communities of East Preston and Cherry Brook/Lake Loon.

Holly is currently employed with the East Preston Daycare/Family Resource Centre where she works as the African Nova Scotian Parenting Journey Home Visitor. She also works for the Provincial Government at the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism where she is a Community Navigator for the Land Titles Initiative.

Holly loves spending time with family and friends, creating jewelry and enjoys gardening. She is passionate about growing her families produce and she often shares her produce and gardening knowledge with community members. She hopes to encourage other African Nova Scotians to start gardening and passing their knowledge down to younger generations. This will help to educate them on importance of food sovereignty.

Shana Slawter (EAST PRESTON/NORTH PRESTON/EAST DARTMOUTH)

Shana lives in Dartmouth, but roots from the beautiful communities of North Preston and East Preston. Shana is a daughter, sister, aunt, friend but the title that she holds dearest is MOTHER,to her beautiful teenage daughter who is her pride and joy.

She presently serves her communities as the Youth and Community Program Coordinator at The East Preston Daycare Family Resource Center. She has always had a heart and passion for Community with over 15 years of experience of working and volunteering on various Church and Community committees. Within her role as Program Coordinator, she's had the opportunity to partner and work with many different organizations such as United Way, Feed Nova Scotia, Skills Canada, and Preston Boys & Girls Club just to name a few. She also sits as an active member of the Feed Nova Scotia First Voice Advisory Committee as representative for The Preston Township. She enjoys every minute of interacting with and supporting community members of all ages.

Shana prides herself on being a positive voice within the community, encouraging our younger generation to hold themselves with dignity and respect while challenging themselves to set the bar high and to do great things, while caring and loving on our older generation in appreciation for the wisdom and knowledge they have shared over their lifetime and leading by example.

As a Nurturing Strong African Nova Scotia Families facilitator, Shana is most looking forward to being able to offer another source of support to so many families within The Preston Township.

Tonya Pelley (GUYSBUROUGH)

Tonya was raised in the ANS community of Sunnyville, and the mother of two wonderful girls.

She graduated in 2004 from Guysborough Academy, and then attended and graduated from NSCC in 2006. After graduation Tonya worked in the accounting field for a Black Development office in Guysborough where she worked behind the scenes to help many ANS community members with projects, starting committees, developing proposals for grants and much more.

Tonya’s passion to help her fellow African Nova Scotian community members grew more and more. She knew she wanted to stay within her community and help gain back that sense of pride that was once there.

She is currently holding two positions within her community she is the ANS Facilitator for The Circles of Support and Change Project which uses a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach to center the voices of survivors of gender-based violence in supportive circles that include their chosen families, community members, educators, and service providers. She supporter survivors with initiatives to address gender-based violence, as guided by culturally and community relevant healing, wellness, and advocacy practices. She is also the Parenting Journey Home Visitor/Cultural Connector for her local Family Resource Center Kids 1st.

Glynn Johnston (KENTVILLE/NEW MINAS)

Glynn was born and raised in The North End of Halifax. He started his journey working with Youth at Risk within My Own Voice program producing content for Dalhousie’s community campus radio, CKDU 88.1 FM. After moving to Wolfville, Glynn has worked at Landmark East School as a member of the Student Life team for a number of years. Eventually, Glynn moved on to work as a Student Support Worker With The Annapolis Vally Regional Centre For Education. In his free time, Glynn enjoys hiking, music, and spending time with his family.

Glynn is currently working as a Cultural Connector at the Portal in Kentville NS

Kendra Slawter (EAST PRESTON/NORTH PRESTON/EAST DARTMOUTH)

Kendra was born in Halifax and raised in the community of East Preston. She also has ties to the community of North Preston. Kendra is a proud mother to a strong, happy, and confident little boy named Markai, in whom she finds great joy.

Kendra graduated from Dalhousie University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Promotion and hopes to further her education one day.

With a background in Health care, customer service, and currently Youth Outreach worker, Kendra has a passion for helping others and making a difference in the lives of others. Two very important motto’s Kendra lives by are: “If I can help at least one person along the way, my living will not be in vain." and “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Kendra discovered her passion for helping people at a very young age and finds great joy in doing so. She is very eager and excited to be a part of the Nurturing Strong African Nova Scotian Families (NSANSF).

Marlee Lovell (NORTH GROVE)

Marlee is born and raised in Dartmouth Nova Scotia. Her work history showcases her passion for supporting children and parents. Marlee was a professional Nanny until becoming a Case Aide with the Department of Community Services. Her experience as Case Aide showed her the need for more targeted support for parents. She then began a career at The North Grove as an Enhanced Home Visitor with the Public Health, Early Years Healthy Beginnings Program.

She is the mother of two young children. On her off time she enjoys visiting the beach with her family.

Carmelita Johnson (DIGBY COUNTY)

Carmelita (Cromwell) Johnson hails from the indigenous ANS community of Southville. She is proud to say she has African, Indigenous, and French Acadian roots. Currently she works as the Community Coordinator for Turning the Tide, Inspiring Communities, in Digby. She is responsible for serving the ANS communities in Digby County for equitable access and to support community engagement. She does her work through a trauma informed and culturally responsive lens.

A small part of her portfolio engages ANS youth through the Community Building Youth Futures (CBYF) initiative. Carmelita has worked with many Black-led organizations; such as the BEA Regional Educators Program and recently became community representative on NSCCs Black Community Council. She has worked as a Community Outreach Worker for Digby Schools Plus and as the African Canadian Student Success Coordinator for NSCC serving Southwest Nova and Valley Region. She recently left her position as a Student Support Worker in which she spent 24 years engaging ANS youth in school, advocating for equity, and fighting systemic discrimination while bringing light to the issues affecting these youth in our school systems.

Carmelita is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Nurturing Strong ANS Families. This work is essential in helping ANS families thrive as well as to address their lived realities and experiences. Her love for community and family will serve the families who participate in Nurturing Strong ANS Families.

Carmelita says “I know I am who I am because of my community. UBUNTU African Philosophy says, “I AM, because YOU are,” which speaks to oneness and the humanity of others.”

Charnell Colley (EAST PRESTON/NORTH PRESTON/EAST DARTMOUTH)

Charnell Colley is a dedicated and passionate community leader, serving as the Executive Director of Boys & Girls Club of Preston. With a heart full of compassion, Charnell has made it her mission to make a positive impact on the lives of children and youth in her community. As a mother of two and a loving grandmother, she understands the importance of nurturing and guiding the next generation to reach their full potential.

One of Charnell's greatest joys in life is working with children and youth. She firmly believes that every young person has the potential to succeed, given the right guidance and support. Charnell's leadership at Boys & Girls Club of Preston has been marked by innovative programs and initiatives that empower young individuals to build essential life skills, develop self-confidence, and create a brighter future for themselves.

Charnell's commitment to her community extends beyond her professional life. She is actively involved with the Young Adult Choir in her church and currently serves as Board Chair for the East Preston Recreation Association. Outside of her professional and community involvement, Charnell enjoys spending quality time with her two children and doting on her grandchildren.

Charnell is looking forward to being a facilitator for Nurturing Strong African Nova Scotia Families to continue to offer support for families within the Preston communities

Michelle Simmonds (NORTH PRESTON)

Michelle Simmons is from the community of North Preston. She has one very special daughter. Michelle received her Bachelor’s of Arts from Saint Mary’s University in 2005. She studied Psychology and Sociology. After graduating in 2005, Michelle headed to Toronto, Ontario to gain different experiences. While in Toronto, Michelle received her honours in Paralegal studies.

Michelle worked many different positions in Ontario including Disability Support Worker in community homes for individuals with dual diagnoses, and she was a Special Needs Educational Assistant. Despite the adventures in Ontario, Ontario was not a good fit for Michelle and her daughter.

Recently, Michelle returned home to beautiful Nova Scotia to raise her daughter in the rich African Nova Scotian culture and community upbringings.

Currently, Michelle is the Family Resource Coordinator at the North Preston Daycare Centre. She hopes to use her training with NSANSF to promote awareness and solutions to relevant concerns, education, bonding, and collaborations.

In her free time, Michelle can be found advocating for her daughter, spending quality time with family, listening to self-enhancing audiobooks, or looking for ways to update her education and skills.

A favourite quote of Michelle’s is by Frederick Douglas, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”

Evangéline Francis (NORTH GROVE)

Ms. Evangéline, has spent her time gaining education and professional development knowledge and skills with a focus on the Early years, trauma in formed care, inclusion and reflective practices. She currently is studying at the University of Dalhousie to obtain her Bachelor of Social Work.

Some fun information about Ms. Evangéline; she looks at the world through an optimistic lens. She enjoys all of nature’s elements, especially wind and water. Her time shared with her family, ignites a light that guides her to practice lifelong learning through a holistic perspective.

Amoy Miles (KINGS COUNTY)

Amoy Miles is a ray of sunshine originally from Jamaica, now residing in the Annapolis Valley region. She’s the current Designated African Nova Scotian Youth Outreach Worker at the Portal Youth Outreach Association. Her job is primarily to support youth in improving their immediate and long term social, educational/vocational, economic and health outcomes.

Amoy also has background in Teaching and has a passion for working with folks to mold a brighter future.

Her mantra is “Live. Love. Laugh”.

Marius West (Kings County)

Marius, a native of the picturesque twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, recently relocated to Nova Scotia with his family. Having worked in the field of Corrections back home, Marius developed an acute understanding of the crucial role that fathers play in the lives of their children and the disastrous consequences of their absence.

This realization ignited a passion within Marius to work with fathers and help them forge positive, long- lasting relationships with their kids. Moreover, it fueled his desire to create opportunities for men to receive mental health support.

Currently, Marius is serving as the Community Outreach Worker attached to the Kings County Family Resource Centre. When not at work, he indulges in his love for outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. However, his primary calling remains parenthood, and he cherishes every moment spent with his family.

Trina Fraser

Trina began her journey into East Preston Day Care Centre and Family Resource Centre programs as a new mother, parent volunteer, Early Childhood Educator. She is now an Executive Director overseeing and supervising a multitude of programs and 30 plus staff.

Trina holds a teaching position with Nova Scotia Community College in the Afrocentric Early Childhood Educator course, having attained her Adult Teaching/Tutoring Certification in 2020. Trina is also an active member of the Nova Scotia Early Learning and Child Care Advisory Committee and the Nova Scotia Community College Afrocentric Early Childhood Educator Advisory Committee.

Trina lives by many principles that indicate the benefits of hard work, being humble and caring for others. A key principle is: “Having a love for and wanting all people to prosper to be given opportunities and to be treated fairly and equally is all that should matter, living in today’s world knowing that we need to support each other is what should matter most, when one climbs, we all climb”.

Cheyenne Burke

Cheyenne was born and raised in Yarmouth, NS and has roots in the African Nova Scotia communities of Greenville, Birchtown and Weymouth. I am a mother of two amazing young men, who keep me on my toes. We just recently relocated to the Bedford area, and I am enjoying getting out to meet new people and exploring the area. I love early morning weekend walks with Corrie and cozying down with a book, sitting around a fire, puzzling or watching a movie.

For the past four years I have been working with Public Health in the Early Years department as a Community Home Visitor for the Enhanced Home Visiting Program. Delivering evidence-based information with a strength-based approach allows parents/caregivers to become competent in their ability to nurture children in their early childhoods today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

Prior to my time with Public Health, I was the Assistant Executive Director of SHYFT Youth Services in Yarmouth. SHYFT offers residential and outreach support for homeless and at-risk youth (16-24 years) in the Tri-Counties. In addition to residential services, SHYFT offers programs, workshops and outreach services. Which has led me to gain employment with IWK on the Provincial Integrated Youth Strategies team where we focus on youth mental health. As, I strongly believe that youth are our future and education is the most powerful tool we have to create change.

Jones Awe

Working directly with the Director of Research, Dr. George Frempong, Jones is responsible for the development of DBDLI’s research, measurement and evaluation activities. He is also instrumental in managing electronic filing for the director of research and coordinating logistics for projects and conferences related to the research department.

Jones received his Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, from Mount Allison University. He has been highly involved in the fields of Education and Social Work over the past years. He has years of experience with clinical research, along with his technological skills working with the Halifax Regional Centre of Education (HRCE). He is a current member of the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) with the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth.

Jones was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and grew up in the Middle East. He has twin brothers and a sister and when he is not at work, he enjoys playing soccer, tennis, hiking, reading, and swimming.

Lexi Gibson

Lexi is a believer, mother, and student with historical ties to Gibson Woods and the Township.

Lexi is deeply committed to supporting others, being adopted has given Lexi a unique perspective on the complexity of family dynamics and the importance of nurturing families to support one another. Lexi is dedicated to nurturing and strengthening African Nova Scotian families by fostering a sense of community through her involvement with NSANSF and the Cultural Connector Initiative.

With a passion for helping others, Lexi strives to create meaningful connections and provide support where it is needed most.

Alexandra Randolph

Alexandra Randolph is a mother with roots in the beautiful communities of North Preston and East Preston. She is a dedicated advocate for strengthening the African Nova Scotian family dynamic. With a deep understanding of parents' challenges in our community, particularly those navigating the child welfare system, she is passionate about providing support and resources.

Drawing from Alexandra's personal experiences as a former youth in the child welfare system, she recognizes the critical importance of supportive interventions and culturally relevant parenting programs. Her journey through breaking the cycle of generational trauma has equipped her with firsthand insights into the complexities of parenting in challenging circumstances.

As a Nurturing Strong African Nova Scotian Families program facilitator, Alexandra is committed to bridging the gap between systemic challenges and community empowerment. She has recently graduated with a Bachelor's in International Development Studies and is currently studying at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University to obtain her Juris Doctor. Alexandra seeks to create a supportive and inclusive space where African Nova Scotian parents can access the tools and support, they need to thrive and support their families.

Russel Brooks

Russel Brooks is a dedicated advocate and change-maker with a profound commitment to fostering equity and justice within racialized and marginalized communities. With an extensive background in community engagement and empowerment, Russel has emerged as a passionate advocate for mental health and social justice, particularly within African Nova Scotian communities.

Driven by a deep sense of purpose, Russel has devoted his career to addressing the unique challenges faced by marginalized populations, especially focusing on the intersectional issues affecting Black men. His work is rooted in a profound understanding of the systemic barriers that impact mental health and well-being, and he tirelessly strives to dismantle these barriers through advocacy and community-driven initiatives.

Throughout Russel's career, he has collaborated with various organizations, grassroots movements, and community leaders to amplify the voices of those often unheard. Their advocacy extends beyond rhetoric, as they actively engage in tackling societal issues, ranging from systemic racism and discrimination to disparities in healthcare and education.

Russel Brooks is a proud African Nova Scotian man with strong ties to the Preston Township. Currently he is the Anti-Black Racism program Coordinator with Halifax Regional Municipality in the African Nova Scotian Affairs Integration Office. He is a proud and devoted father of two children (Aaliyah & Izayah Brooks).

A seasoned professional, Russel combines his academic background with hands-on experience in creating and implementing programs that promote mental health awareness, resilience, and community support. They have conducted workshops, seminars, and outreach programs aimed at breaking down stigma surrounding mental health in Black communities and creating safe spaces for open dialogue.

Russel is not just an advocate; he is a catalyst for change, working tirelessly to empower individuals and communities, dismantle systemic barriers, and create a world where every person, regardless of their background, can thrive mentally, emotionally, and socially.

Ryan Gannon

Ryan was raised in the west end of Halifax Nova Scotia and has deeps roots in the African Nova Scotian communities for the north end.

Ryan is one of our facilitators for the Nurturing Strong African Nova Scotian parenting program. Ryan is a artist in many disciplines with a focus on creative storytelling. He has experience working currently as a Team lead for UPHOME LOVE with LOVE NS, ANS Navigate it Hub Coordinator with DBDLI, Vice Chair of Westend Family Initiative Society, Member of the Standard Development Committee on Accessibility for Nova Scotia, Member of the Baryers Westwood Daycare board and previous as an Employment Boot Camp facilitator with reachAbility. Ryan comes with over 15 years experience in various roles supporting community.

Ryan is an active community member wearing many hats to sure the needs of the people he serves are met in a timely, professional, meaningful way. He has a passion for helping others in any way possible. "life is about service to the whole".

"If you want to go fast you go alone. If you want to go far, go together" ~ African Proverb

Jasalynn Skeete

Jasalynn was born and raised in the African Nova Scotian community of Whitney Pier in Sydney, Nova Scotia. She proudly obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS.

As a mother of a daughter and a son, Jasalynn understands the importance of nurturing and supporting the next generation. This deep-seated commitment to fostering positive change led her to a career path that aligns with her values and aspirations.

Currently, Jasalynn serves as an Outreach and Research Coordinator for the African Nova Scotian Affairs and Integration Office (ANSAIO) within the Halifax Regional Municipality. In this role, she acts as a bridge between municipal resources and the African Nova Scotian communities, striving to ensure equitable access to services and opportunities.

Beyond her role with ANSAIO, Jasalynn also dedicates her time and expertise as a child and youth worker, supporting children in care. Her unwavering commitment to the well-being of young people reflects her belief in the transformative power of mentorship and guidance.

In her spare time, Jasalynn finds joy in salsa and bachata dancing. Her passion for interior design serves as a creative outlet, allowing her to imbue spaces with warmth and personality.

Jasalynn's commitment to fostering understanding and empathy underscores her dedication to building inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.