About Us
About (23)
Zach Nicholson (He/Him) is the Fund Development Officer at HEAL NS.
He has a strong background in nonprofit leadership, event coordination, and community engagement that he is excited to bring to HEAL NS. Zach is committed to uplifting the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community and currently serves as the Board President of the Halifax Gay Men’s Chorus. He previously worked for Unison Choruses Canada as the Event Coordinator for the 2023 Unison Festival, Canada’s largest 2S/LGBTQIA+ choral festival. Zach holds a BA from St. Thomas University and a Juris Doctor from the University of New Brunswick.
When not at work or singing with HGMC, Zach enjoys camping, hiking and listening to history podcasts.
Kevin Schulz (He/Him) is the Interim Fund Development Manager at HEAL NS.
Bio to come...
Bio to come...
Bio to come...
Jamie (He/Him) has joined HEAL NS as the Fund Development & Marketing Intern for the fall.
He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce Co-op program with a focus on marketing. With a rich background in event security and management, along with experience in digital marketing and design, he brings a unique perspective to his role.
Passionate about fostering inclusive and safe environments, Jamie is dedicated to carrying this commitment into all his future endeavors. As a corporal in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves, he understands the importance of community engagement in every aspect of his work.
Outside of work he is an avid sports fan cheering for teams like Baltimore Ravens and Washington Capitals. You can also catch him often playing video games such as Overwatch.
Chana (They/Them) is the HIV+ Support Coordinator at HEAL NS, and our Programs Manager.
They hold a Bachelor of Social Work and a BA with a specialization in counselling. With over five years of experience in social services, Chana's work has spanned front-line support, policy development, and research, focusing on improving health outcomes and advocating for 2SLGBTQ+ communities, among others. Passionate about fostering inclusive care, Chana is eager to bring their diverse expertise and compassionate approach to HEAL NS, ensuring that all individuals receive the support they deserve.
Outside of work, Chana appreciates creative hobbies, such as theatre, crafting, and D&D. At home, they share their space with four cats, who provide endless cuddles... and cat hair!
Ashley (She/Her) was born and raised in Halifax, however spent half her adult life living on the West coast, before moving back East. She attended St. Francis Xavier University, graduating with an Arts degree in 2007. Ashley has spent the past 10+ years working across a variety of leadership roles within TD Bank. In her current position, Assistant Market Manager – TD Private Wealth Management, she leads a team of Private Bankers across Atlantic Canada. Ashley is deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within TD and the broader community – As Chair of TD's 2SLGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group in Atlantic, and as a member of the Wealth Forever Proud core committee, Ashley actively advocates for equality and representation. In her spare time, Ashley can be found skiing, cycling, running or enjoying the great outdoors with her wife and their two dogs.
Olivia (They/Them) is a Program Coordinator at HEAL NS.
Olivia is a non-binary, queer, and white person with a background in non-profits, community health initiatives, scientific research, and youth programming. They have a BSc from Dalhousie University where they studied Biochemistry and Neuroscience and obtained a certificate in Data Analytics. Olivia is passionate about building joyful and inclusive queer community and dismantling health inequities to create safer and more accessible care for Nova Scotians.
In their free time, Olivia loves to cook, enjoy the ocean and lakes around Nova Scotia, and cuddle their cats and dog.
Hanley (They/Them) is a Program Coordinator at HEAL NS.
loped and implemented numerous queer youth and queer health-focused programs. Their award-winning contributions reflect years of volunteer service and professional experience, showcasing their passion for advocacy. With a strong interest in sexual health information and the evolving nature of prevention work, especially in relation to mental health, Hanley has collaborated with researchers to integrate trauma-informed practices into various initiatives and expand knowledge in these areas. As a musician and disabled artist themselves, Hanley has enjoyed being able to support the success of disabled artists within the community. Their work extends to other projects that intersect with their areas of expertise and interest.
Outside of their non-profit work, Hanley is an avid fan of Dungeons & Dragons, with a special love for dice – their collection bag is larger than their head! They have been part of a home game that has lasted over four years and are always excited to share their enthusiasm for the game.
More...
Cole (He/Him) is back once again with HEAL NS as the Fund Development & Marketing Intern for the winter term.
He is a current student at Saint Mary’s University, and expects to graduate in 2025 with an undergraduate degree in Commerce.
Cole loves to stay active by playing sports such as Hockey and Baseball, and explores nature during walks and hikes.
Mise'l (Michael) Davies-Cole, apugji’j (mouse clan)
Written by Joomla! Administrator
Michael (Negm/Negmow They/Them) comes from a large family that holds its roots deep within the NS Black and First Nations communities. Being an Indigenous Two-Spirited and Black Nova Scotian has been the driving force for Michael’s work within the Queer, First Nations, and NS Black communities.
With a media technical background through NSCC, NSCAD, and ACADIA, Michael has worked in visual art since the early 90s, and some of their works have crossed into how they view society and its use or misuse of gender. Having worked within advocacy and consulting they spends much of their time on unpacking social equity in policy and procedures defined within working groups.
Michael is proud to have been part of many queer organizations and boards during their work in advocacy. This work has seen inclusion in Transgender Health legal advocacy with researchers and publication in Indigenous 2S knowledge. They have a long standing connection to Queer advocacy within the Atlantic province and have been greatly involved in the past with Halifax Pride, NSRAP, the Youth Project and OutLaw to name a few. They are a member of the Wabanaki Two Spirit Alliance, and a current Board member of NSPIRG.
Marc (He/Him) was raised in Westville, Nova Scotia, and is a lawyer at muttarts law firm in Kentville. He earned his Bachelor of Laws from the University of New Brunswick, and studied towards a Masters at Osgoode Hall. His masters’ work was on LGBT youth and the discrimination they face in the law. Marc’s work has an emphasis in family law, child protection law, immigration and refugee law, and general human rights work. He has a particular interest in health law and is on the board of various health and community-oriented organizations, including LGBT organizations and health facilities. He is also an avid actor.
Sheena (She/Her) is a registered social worker with many years’ experience in the fields of community development, sexuality, and gender. She currently works as the Community Navigator with the Halifax Public Libraries. When she’s not reading all the books, she’s working with the many visitors to the branch every day. Her proudest accomplishment lately is swimming across the Halifax harbour for the United Way.