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 Director of Nurturing Strong Family & Community Wellness Programs with emphasis on professional development and training. She has experience as a Family Support Community Home Visitor and Early Childhood Educator and has over 21 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 is the Executive Director/Founder of her non profit Period Equity Alliance Society ; the current Business Leader of the Year (2026 Halifax Chamber of Commerce Awards). 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.

Russel Brooks

Russel Brooks is an African Nova Scotian community leader, advocate, father, and speaker whose work is deeply rooted in strengthening Black men, families, and communities.

Russel serves as the Lead for Strengthening Black Fathers & Father Figures, a culturally grounded initiative that creates intentional spaces for Black fathers and father figures to connect, build relationships, share their experiences, and access meaningful support. Through honest conversations about fatherhood, mental health and wellness, relationships, healing, and the everyday realities Black men navigate, the initiative works to ensure Black men have spaces where they feel seen, heard, valued, and supported.

A proud African Nova Scotian with deep roots in the Preston Township, Russel believes strong communities are built through connection, collective responsibility, and creating opportunities for people to support one another. His community work is grounded not only in addressing challenges, but also in recognizing the strength, resilience, leadership, and contributions of Black men and fathers—stories that are too often overlooked.

Russel also serves as Advisor, Anti-Black Racism with Halifax Regional Municipality’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion/ANSAIO, where he works to identify and dismantle systemic barriers affecting African Nova Scotian and Black communities. His professional and community work are connected by a common purpose: creating conditions where Black people, families, and communities can thrive.

As the proud father of Aaliyah and Izayah Brooks, fatherhood is not simply an area of Russel’s advocacy—it is central to who he is. His children continually remind him that strengthening Black fathers is also about strengthening families, communities, and future generations.

Whether facilitating conversations with Black men, working alongside community organizations and grassroots leaders, or advocating for systemic change, Russel approaches the work with a simple belief: when Black men are given space to connect, heal, grow, lead, and support one another, the impact extends far beyond the individual. It strengthens families, transforms communities, and creates possibilities for generations to come.

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”.

Daniel Searl (HRM/EASTERN PASSAGE)

Daniel, is a dedicated entrepreneur and Early Childhood Educator, with a strong commitment to innovative early childhood education and environmental stewardship.

Raised as a military child, in the community of Eastern Passage and with family roots in various Black townships across Nova Scotia and Midland Ontario, Daniel has been deeply involved in the early childhood field since the age of 16. His journey began with initiatives such as YACPAC, where he advocated for a skate park to provide local youth with a safe recreational space.

Throughout his high school years at Cole Harbour High School, he continued his community involvement by joining the South Eastern Community Health Board and leading the Global Youth Project.

Combining his entrepreneurial spirit with social responsibility, Daniel founded The Forgotten Years, an innovative venture focused on "play-based education" that fosters community ties and provides a unique educational experience in a natural setting.

Daniel’s outstanding contributions to community involvement were recognized in 2022 when he was awarded the Queen's Jubilee Medal for his entrepreneurial success and the significant positive impact he has had on the lives of numerous children and families in the community.

Daniel resides in Eastern Passage with his fiancé Kayla and their two children.

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.

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

Ian is a dedicated community activist from North Preston, known for his deep commitment to family, service, and youth development. A proud father and grandfather, Ian thrives on family values and generously volunteers his time to support individuals and families in need.

He works full-time as a Community Engagement Lead with Efficiency One, where he supports members of the ANS Communities in making their homes more energy efficient and sustainable.

Ian actively engages with community members to help them recognize their value, strengths, and potential through programs such as Strengthening Black Fathers, Fatherhood Matters, and the Community Mobilization Team. He is also a passionate youth mentor, building confidence and leadership skills through basketball programs and camps. One of the initiatives he is deeply involved with is the Daneesha Provo Canadian Basketball Academy (DPCBA).

In his free time, Ian can often be found moving between basketball courts and rugby fields cheering on his smart, beautiful loving daughters.

Paul Adams

Meet Paul Adams; a proud husband, dad, son and community builder. He’s all about supporting fathers, families, and youth, helping them build strong, healthy relationships rooted in trust, love, and presence.

Through his work as co-leader of the Fatherhood Matters Program at the Preston and Area Family Resource Centre, Paul creates safe, welcoming spaces where dads can spend quality time with their kids, share their experiences, and grow together. For him, it’s about building strong relationships, showing up with love and intention, and making sure no one feels like they have to figure it all out alone.

At the heart of everything Paul does is his own family. His wife and kids are his biggest inspiration, his motivation, and his grounding force. For him, family isn’t just a priority—it’s the heart of everything he does, both personally and professionally.

Outside of his community work, Paul is also a creative at heart. He’s a photographer and graphic designer, and since 2015, he’s been the artist behind Nova Scotia’s annual African Heritage Month posters. Each design is a chance to tell a story—one that celebrates Black history, sparks conversation, and brings people together.

Whether he’s behind the camera, designing posters, or leading a fatherhood group, Paul’s goal remains the same: to uplift, connect, and create lasting impact in his community.

Ronnie David

Ronald David Jr. is a devoted husband, father figure, mentor, and respected community leader from North Preston, Nova Scotia. Raised in a large, close-knit family, Ronald developed a deep sense of responsibility, compassion, and service from an early age, values that continue to guide his life and work today.

Ronald currently serves as a Community Outreach Program Facilitator, where he plays a vital role in supporting, mentoring, and empowering youth within his community. Through his work, he provides guidance, structure, and meaningful opportunities that help young people build confidence, develop life skills, and make positive choices. His approach reflects a genuine understanding of the challenges many youth face and an unwavering commitment to helping them succeed.

While transitioning into community work, Ronald dedicated more than 25 years to Graybar Canada, where he earned a reputation for professionalism, reliability, and an exceptional work ethic. His long-standing career speaks to his leadership, integrity, and ability to build strong, lasting relationships.

Ronald is widely recognized for his lifelong commitment to youth development. For many years, he has coached basketball in North Preston and football in Dartmouth, using sports as a powerful platform to teach discipline, teamwork, resilience, and leadership. His coaching extends far beyond the game. He is passionate about building character, instilling confidence, and inspiring young people to reach their full potential.

His impact reaches beyond organized programs and the playing field. Ronald has opened his home and heart to young men in need of guidance, mentoring and supporting them as if they were his own sons. By providing stability, encouragement, accountability, and unconditional support, he has positively influenced countless lives and helped shape the futures of many young men.

Known for his kindness, selflessness, integrity, and genuine care for others, Ronald is deeply passionate about family, fatherhood, and strengthening his community. He leads by example, demonstrating the power of service, mentorship, and compassion in everything he does.

Ronald David Jr. continues to be a pillar of the North Preston community, dedicating his life to creating opportunities, inspiring hope, and empowering the next generation to achieve their fullest potential.

Chris Searl

Born and raised in Halifax to a military dad and a jack of all trades mom, Chris comes from an extensive employment background ranging from working in news media, to working in childcare, to working in construction, hospitality and bar management.

Chris was the lead bartender at the ANAF Unit 373 for 15 years, entrenching himself in the community where his family grew up in the north end of Halifax. Here he learned about his roots and community and became an active part of many different social groups and unions over the years. Whilst not an activist by trade, Chris is proud to echo and encourage those who have a platform and voice, to use theirs.

After leaving the Army Navy Air Force Unit, Chris embarked on caregiving for his late grandfather for 7 years, something he is incredibly proud of. During this time Chris was involved in marketing and media relations for a number of sportsbooks. Self educated and self taught, Chris is a proud Cole Harbour High graduate and has attended both University of Kings (FYP & Broadcast Media) & Ryerson University (Data management & engineering).

An avid sports fan and player, Chris is a loyal fan of the Halifax Wanderers FC, having attended every game since the teams inception. He is also a loyal Red Sox, Falcons, Mooseheads, Canadiens, Raptors, Tar Heels & Manchester United fan. Chris also coached basketball & soccer for many years in different organizations and teams including the Halifax Hurricanes & Dartmouth Storm organizations. Chris also loves Formula 1 racing, golf, tennis and cycling, as well as hip-hop, stand up comedy, and Lego. 

A proud father of three, and proud partner of Kayla, Chris joins our team hoping to build a bridge between the community & his experiences in life as someone who has navigated the employment & parenting difficulties and successes here in our city.

Cindy Parsons (LUCASVILLE/HAMMONDS PLAINS)

My name is Cindy and I am a Community Outreach Worker for the Halifax Regional 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

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.

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 Simmons (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.”

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.

Evangéline Francis (CENTRAL)

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”.

Tonya Pelley, New Glasgow

Claudia Steensma, New Glasgow

Holly Johnson, HRM

Bonnie Doucette, Yarmouth, Digby Area

Lexi Gibson, HRM

Elika West, Kentville

Jennifer Desmond, Antigonish

Juanita Byard, Antigonish

Stefan Williams, UHP SBF

Mirranda Lacey, Preston and Area

Charmaine Howe, Preston and Area

Angelique Beals, Preston and Area

Wade Wright, SBF

Cheyenne Burke, Central

Amoy Miles, Kings County

Samuel Provo, Central

Glynn Johnston, Central/Kings

Courtney Brown, Central

Tracey Clements

* SBF = Strengthening Black Fathers program