About Us
About (18)
Weiqiong (She/Her) is a Fund Development and Marketing Intern at HEAL NS.
With several years of experience in adult education, administration, customer service, and project management, Weiqiong brings a strong passion for communication and community engagement to her work. Four years ago, she made the life-changing decision to explore the world and begin a new chapter in Nova Scotia. She returned to university to pursue a Master of Public Relations at Mount Saint Vincent University.
Weiqiong enjoys learning new things, connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, and using her knowledge and experience to support and uplift others. She is excited to apply her skills to help HEAL NS strengthen its outreach, enhance its social media presence, and build a positive public image.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and playing the piano.
Jordan (He/Him) is the Executive Director at Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society, and brings with him a wealth of experience in fundraising, communications and event planning. He started his career as a journalist and gained a Masters in Investigative Journalism from the U. of King’s College before dovetailing into Public Relations with his Advanced Diploma at NSCC Ivany. He ran his own film & television PR firm Parker PR, but has found his comfort zone in non-profit working for Cystic Fibrosis Atlantic Canada, Leave Out Violence (LOVE) Nova Scotia... and HEAL NS. Alongside his role at Craig's Cause, he also curently works for the Elizabeth Fry Society, at Yuk Yuks Comedy, and as a host of Eddie May Murder Mystery parties on weekends. As a queer community activist, and former employee (having worked at HEAL NS for three years as our Fundraiser), he’s so excited to be a part of the HEAL NS board to continue his close connection with the organization.
Taylor (She/Her) is the HIV+ Support Coordinator at HEAL NS.
Taylor brings close to a decade of experience in client support and project management in disability, health, and 2S/LGBTQIA+ nonprofit organizations. Having pursued graduate studies in Critical Disability Studies, and drawing from lived experience as a multiply disabled person, Taylor approaches her work with both professional expertise and lived experience.
She is passionate about supporting people navigating health challenges and disability, and has spent much of her career designing and facilitating workshops on sexuality, disability, access, and identity. Taylor is also the founder of the Bisexual+ Network of Nova Scotia, a community network centering bisexual+ people, and is an advocate for bisexual+ visibility and activism.
Outside of her professional work, Taylor is a local performer in the performing arts community, a crocheter, and a big reader.
Wren (They/He) is a Program Coordinator at HEAL NS.
They are coming into the position with over five years of experience as a sexuality and gender educator, facilitating workshops that span topics such as pleasure, kink, sexual health, and supporting trans communities. For him, part of harm reduction includes making knowledge accessible so people can feel empowered to advocate for themselves and make informed decisions about sex, substances, and their health.
Beyond their work in sexual health, Wren has a background in visual arts as an administrative arts programmer and artist.
Jordan (He/Him) is of African decent, born and raised in Three Mile Plains (Five Mile Plains) NS; one of the 52 historical African Nova Scotian communities in the province. Jordan is a Human Rights Officer with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, investigating allegations of discrimination. He spent several years working within fashion design, retail, and entrepreneurship, before transitioning to front-line community services and Human Rights. He has experience in informal counselling and crisis management, systems navigation, harm-reduction, peer-support, program development, sexual health, education, and Human Rights. Jordan has a degree in psychology from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax and has municipal/regional, provincial, and national board experience. He is committed and passionate about advancing equitable access to health as it relates to various intersecting communities, and upholding the principals of equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, anti-racism, community advocacy, and justice.
Bio to come...
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.
Hanley (They/Them) is a Program Coordinator at HEAL NS.
They have developed 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.
Michael (Nekm/Nekmow 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 provinces 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.
More...
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.
Nakie (She/Her) is a dynamic fitness expert who has worked professionally within the fitness, health and science field for over 10 years. She is a senior level personal trainer and team training coach within GoodLife Fitness. She is particularly focused on exercise as a form of therapy and pain management. Nakie has roots within the historic African Nova Scotian community and in Ghana, West Africa. She is a founding member of the community led organization AfriScotian, which is dedicated to sharing Black history with Nova Scotian youth. She has served as a youth mentor, organized charity events, and is a dedicated volunteer, and is a reoccurring guest speaker in Nova Scotian public schools and the Nova Scotian Freedom School for her expertise in health and fitness, along with other organizations!
If it’s your first time looking for information or wanting to reach out, we know it’s a big step. You probably feel a bit nervous, at the least. Rest assured, we’re here to help. You do not have to give your name, and what you talk about is 100% confidential. We won’t ask you for yours, but we will give you OUR name, so that if you contact us again you can talk to the same person. We are able to offer referrals, for example health services and social supports, right over the phone if you ask.
Contacting us via email
You can also contact us via email and the same 100% confidentiality applies. For our staff directory, click here or chose from the list below
- Support for persons newly diagnosed or living with HIV: HIV+ Support Coordinator Taylor Yeomans
- Questions about HIV, HCV & STIs: HIV+ Support Coordinator Taylor Yeomans
- Speakers & Workshop Requests: Executive Director Chris Aucoin
- For Trans-Specific Resources: Program Coordinator Hanley Smith
- Fund Development & Events: Fund Development Officer Zach Nicholson
- Media or Adminstration Requests: Executive Director Chris Aucoin
Whoever you reach, your call or email is completely confidential. You can leave us a voice mail and we will do our best to get back to you quickly, if you ask. Please let us know if we can leave a message for you when we call. If you don’t explicitly say so, we won’t. We do not have Caller ID so we don’t know who you are or your phone number, and if you ask for us to call our phone number shows as “unlisted.”
We only accept collect calls from Provincial and Federal Institutions.
What can you expect if you drop in to our offices?
One of us will greet you and ask how we can help you. We don't ask your name; anything you discuss will be kept confidential. We will answer your questions about HIV, HCV or other STIs and if needed, we can provide supportive counselling. We offer free HIV self-tests, condoms and lube. You may look through our resource library and we offer the use of internet/computer.
HEAL NS welcomes your inquires and feedback.
Whether you need information about our programs and services, volunteering, information for school, or just to say hello – we are here for you. Please know that all submissions are carefully considered and we maintain the strictest confidentiality.
HEAL NS Staff
All successful organizationshave a team whose goal is meaningful change. Each HEAL NS staff member makes their own unique contribution to our success. We are proud of the level of dedication and commitment they embody in making Nova Scotia a better place through support, education and empowerment.
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Chris Aucoin
Executive Director
902.425.4882 ext 227
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Chris (He/Him) moved up to the Executive Director chair in December 2019 after having worked as the Gay Men’s Health Coordinator for over a decade.
An educator, writer, freelance designer as well as a health educator and advocate, Chris has a master’s degree in Educational Psychology, a diploma in graphic design, and broad community-based experience in cultural industries and social justice stretching back more than three decades. His work in social justice has included poverty and food security, and a wide range of 2S/LGBTQIA+ support, social and political causes.
His current passion is singing weekly with the Halifax Gay Men's Chorus! Chris loves dogs, dancing, and hopes to get back to rewrites for his first completed theatre script A Boy And His Dog which he workshopped at the 2014 Queer Acts Festival.
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Mise'l (Michael) Davies-Cole, apugji’j (mouse clan)
Equity & Diversity Project Manager
902.221.1628
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Michael (Nekm/Nekmow 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 provinces 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.
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Taylor
HIV+ Support Coordinator
902.403.7169
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Taylor (She/Her) is the HIV+ Support Coordinator at HEAL NS.
Taylor brings close to a decade of experience in client support and project management in disability, health, and 2S/LGBTQIA+ nonprofit organizations. Having pursued graduate studies in Critical Disability Studies, and drawing from lived experience as a multiply disabled person, Taylor approaches her work with both professional expertise and lived experience.
She is passionate about supporting people navigating health challenges and disability, and has spent much of her career designing and facilitating workshops on sexuality, disability, access, and identity. Taylor is also the founder of the Bisexual+ Network of Nova Scotia, a community network centering bisexual+ people, and is an advocate for bisexual+ visibility and activism.
Outside of her professional work, Taylor is a local performer in the performing arts community, a crocheter, and a big reader.
-
Hanley Smith
Program Coordinator
782.774.8178
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Hanley (They/Them) is a Program Coordinator at HEAL NS.
They have developed 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.
-
Wren Tian
Program Coordinator
782.774.8178
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Wren (They/He) is a Program Coordinator at HEAL NS.
They are coming into the position with over five years of experience as a sexuality and gender educator, facilitating workshops that span topics such as pleasure, kink, sexual health, and supporting trans communities. For him, part of harm reduction includes making knowledge accessible so people can feel empowered to advocate for themselves and make informed decisions about sex, substances, and their health.
Beyond their work in sexual health, Wren has a background in visual arts as an administrative arts programmer and artist.
-
Weiqiong Gao
Fund Development and Marketing Intern
na
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Weiqiong (She/Her) is a Fund Development and Marketing Intern at HEAL NS.
With several years of experience in adult education, administration, customer service, and project management, Weiqiong brings a strong passion for communication and community engagement to her work. Four years ago, she made the life-changing decision to explore the world and begin a new chapter in Nova Scotia. She returned to university to pursue a Master of Public Relations at Mount Saint Vincent University.
Weiqiong enjoys learning new things, connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, and using her knowledge and experience to support and uplift others. She is excited to apply her skills to help HEAL NS strengthen its outreach, enhance its social media presence, and build a positive public image.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and playing the piano.