Board of Directors

As Chair of the Valley Hospice Foundation, I draw on my long experience as a senior RCAF officer leading and managing complex and dynamic organizations.

In my post RCAF retirement and during my business career, I chaired a number of volunteer boards of not-for-profit societies in various sectors and of varying sizes. My work and volunteer experiences have better prepared me and continue to inform my role at VHF.

Having decided to retire in the Gaspereau area with my spouse of over five decades, I was drawn to the mission of VHF, serving and supporting those in need of palliative care in the Annapolis Valley.

It is my honour to serve with such a dedicated, compassionate, knowledgeable and skilled group of care givers, volunteers and staff in the Hospice and in the community.

Life is all about choices (and a sense of humanity and humour). Growing up the son of a travelling professional hockey player, my family instilled in me that you could always choose your path and how to define your goals…and that you should never underestimate “Who Luck”: being lucky enough to meet the right Who at the right time.

Growing up with Toronto as a home base and moving through university, one of the first “who’s” I was lucky to meet introduced me to the idea of pursuing higher education in a little place called Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Falling in love with the town, Acadia University and the area, it has become my home for the last 35 years.

The choice to find and pursue a profession in giving financial advice came next and 30 years later (and much “who luck” that followed), we have built a wonderful practice of meaningful relationships with clients and their families as they pursue their own financial and life goals.

Of course, being married to an entrepreneur and having 4 children navigating their way through their own life choices has contributed greatly to my understanding of the trade-offs my clients and our community members are going through.

Working closely with families during times of loss, I have an appreciation for the essential role that hospice care can play in supporting both patients and their loved ones. The Hospice’s philosophy of meeting people where they are, emotionally and spiritually, is something I admire deeply and am proud to help advance.

I have had a long career as a Registered Nurse, working in specialty areas including the Burn Unit, Palliative Care and Mental Health. I’ve worked in direct care and as a manager, retiring from Nova Scotia Health in 2021. I've worked in four provinces, but Nova Scotia is home.

After completing a Masters in Social Work in 2010 I opened my own Private Practice in Counselling in 2015. It has always been my passion to help people move through challenging and difficult life circumstances.

The joy in my life now is being a grandmother to five young children.

I am proud to be a Board Member of Valley Hospice Foundation. I truly believe in the value of people having choices for a continuum of palliative care options nearing the end of life. I hope to be able to contribute and be a part of supporting and expanding future directions for this in the Annapolis Valley.

Having been retired as a school counsellor for a few years, it was an honour to be invited to be part of the Hospice Foundation Board. The hard work done by previous members establishing the current facility has allowed this Board to explore new and exciting ventures.

I joined the Valley Hospice Foundation Board in May, 2025. A proud Cape Bretoner, I first moved to Wolfville to attend Acadia University before choosing to make the Annapolis Valley home.

I am retired from a 32-year career in the Federal Public Service, much of this time in management and senior leadership roles in Nova Scotia. I’ve worked extensively with communities, industry, and other levels of government in the delivery of labour market and social programs. My experience in program development and service delivery has given me valuable skills and experience of value in my role as VHF Programs Chair.

Volunteering in my community, as well as sports and school-based activities, often related to family and their interests, plays a big part in my life. I’ve served on several boards, including the Apple Tree Foundation and the Annapolis Valley District Health Authority.

My work and voluntary experience, as well as my personal interest in and commitment to Hospice and Palliative Care, have enabled me to make a meaningful contribution to the goals of the VHF.

I am retired and thoroughly enjoying life at home and especially having more time being a grandfather. My primary career path was a rewarding experience as a teacher, school administrator and coach. To complete 50 years in the work world I was Kings West MLA, Minister of Health and Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage. This vast experience is extremely valuable as volunteer chair of the Multi Addiction Centre Society, chair of the North Kingston Cemetery Board, co-chair of Kingston/Greenwood Sports Hall of Fame and a director on the Valley Hospice Foundation.

I have been involved in some aspect of supporting Valley Hospice Development and Foundation teams since 2003. I am pleased with what has been accomplished but I know that future palliative care work will be challenging. Serving with talented and dedicated colleagues, the Foundation’s goal is continuing to be a leader in best practices for end-of-life care.

I'm happy to be part of Valley Hospice Foundation. I bring with me over 15 years of experience in a variety of sectors, including journalism, communications, post-secondary advancement and non-profit. Learning about the palliative care options and resources in the Annapolis Valley, and working with the staff and volunteers within Valley Hospice and the Community Palliative Care Team has been a wonderful experience, and I look forward to seeing how the Foundation can continue to support the Valley community.

My family and I moved to the Annapolis Valley about seven years ago and love the sense of community that the area offers. In my personal life, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter, and our two cats and a dog, hiking, camping, five pin bowling, learning how to curl, photography and exploring hidden corners of the Valley.

I joined Valley Hospice Foundation and bring over 20 years of experience in the field of administration and bookkeeping, including fundraising and event organizing. I have worked with a variety of non-profit organizations, from arts to horticulture. In my free time, I'm learning Italian, spending time with my three dogs and two cats, enjoys exploring far flung parts of the province every summer when my son visits from the UK, creating amazing things with pottery, and volunteering at the Al Whittle Theatre.