Staff

Amy began her journey at Hospice Halifax as a volunteer in May 2019. Her first shift was at reception and she hasn't left the desk since, starting as Hospice's first full-time receptionist in March 2020. Amy has worn many sizes and styles of hats in her life, including farmer, massage therapist, toy prototyper, English teacher, art supply salesperson, shipper and receiver, and archival assistant at a small historical society. She has a degree in Political Science and International Development Studies from Dalhousie University and considers herself a life-long learner. When she's not helming the front desk at Hospice, you can likely find her somewhere outside and/or devouring a good book.

Beth brings diverse experience to her role at Hospice Halifax. Since completing her nursing degree in 2007, she’s worked in hospice and palliative care as a staff nurse, educator, consultant, and research nurse. She has worked both in hospitals and in the community including a role as the Project Lead for Palliative Care for the Nova Scotia Health Authority. Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Beth has lived in Halifax since 2016. She enjoys coffee and good books, spending time with her young kids, and exploring new parts of Nova Scotia.

Stephanie is a Family Physician (CCFP, RACGP) with dual certification in Health Care of the Elderly (COE) and Palliative Care (PC) from Dalhousie University. A strong advocate for improving palliative care for all Canadians, Stephanie is an active member of the National Advance Care Planning Task Group, a Palliative Care Committee member with the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) and an executive board member (Secretary) of the Canadian Society of Palliative Care Physicians (CSPCP). Stephanie has been a volunteer and member- both on the Board of Directors and a general member- with Hospice Halifax since 2008 and is honoured to be the first Medical Director. If Stephanie is not at the Hospice or engaged in activities to build capacity for palliative care in Nova Scotia, she can be found hiking in the woods or hanging out with her husband Mark or one of their 3 sons.

Jamie moved to Halifax from his hometown of Ottawa in 2017 to start the Commerce program at Dalhousie University. Since then Jamie has gained valuable fundraising experience working with local non-profits and is ecstatic to join the Hospice Halifax team and make a difference in the community. In his spare time, Jamie is an avid sports and music fan and has spent time volunteering with youth sports associations. You can typically find Jamie watching the Toronto Blue Jays, or out with his dog North.

Jocelyn has joined Hospice Halifax in the role of People Services Manager, bringing along her passion for all things people. After completing a Degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management she enjoyed the last 15 years working with NovaScotian Crystal. Jocelyn hopes to use her HR experience to support the staff, volunteers, families, and visitors at Hospice Halifax. Nova Scotia born and raised she has a strong sense of community, a love of local, and a commitment to creating meaningful experiences. When she's not enjoying time with family and friends Jocelyn can be found doing DIY projects, crafting or enjoying a tasty meal with her partner. Reflecting on her own family experiences with Palliative care and the MAID program makes Jocelyn proud to call herself a member of the Hospice Halifax team.

Kristi joined the team at Hospice Halifax in January, 2022. She graduated from Acadia University’s Certificate in Music Therapy Program and completed an internship at Saint Martha’s Regional Hospital. In addition to her role at Hospice Halifax, Kristi works with clients through Patchwork Music Therapy, a mobile company based in K'jipuktuk/Halifax, which she owns and operates. She is never far from the performing arts where she has worked professionally in various capacities for over fifteen years. Kristi brings with her a love of community and people. She supports patients and their families by providing opportunities for connection, emotional release and more within a therapeutic relationship.

Linden joined Hospice Halifax before it opened its freestanding building, and has been a social worker in Nova Scotia since 2011. Linden loves the creative aspects of working with hospice and having the opportunity to be a part of and hear people's stories. Originally from New Brunswick, Linden has been calling Nova Scotia home since 2009 and spends her time outside of hospice baking, raising chickens, and devouring audiobooks.

Louise joined Hospice Halifax in March 2022. She brings counselling experience in the areas of trauma, grief, and mood disorders, as well as several years of work with older adults and their families. She is from beautiful northern Ontario, where she trained in Indigenous social work at Laurentian University, later obtaining her MSW from the University of Toronto. Raised in a multilingual household, she is happy to chat in English or en français. In her spare time, Louise can be found swimming, reading, or cooking up something tasty.

After volunteering as a bereavement group facilitator for a year, Mackenzie joined Hospice Halifax as a staff member in June of 2021. She has a BA in Psychology and Thanatology — the study of death and dying. Recently achieving her CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive), Mackenzie has a passion for philanthropy. Outside of Hospice Halifax, Mackenzie enjoys exploring Nova Scotia (a born Ontarian, but don't hold it against her) and all things crafting, especially knitting and sewing.

Mary joined the team of The Compassionate Closet in November of 2019. Mary has a MEd in Education, Counselling from Acadia University and has worked in family and grief counselling both in Nova Scotia and British Columbia. Mary worked with The Colchester East Hants Hospice Society as well as taught Palliative Care Education to CCA students. She hails from Cape Breton and loves a good laugh and a down to earth chat. Mary is so happy to be working for Hospice Halifax, an organization and cause close to her heart.

After volunteering for two years, Michael joined the Hospice Halifax staff in 2018. Michael spent his formative years in Nova Scotia as the Director of a Scout Canada Summer camp, which led to a lifelong passion for outdoor recreation and youth programming. Graduating from the Dalhousie University Recreation Management program (BSc/BMgt), Michael has been working in the field of events since 2012, planning, implementing and evaluating special events. The majority of Michael’s special event experience comes in the form of large scale public sector events such as the Halifax-Dartmouth Natal Day program, Canada Day, Wolfville’s Mud Creek Days, and many more. Michael has also worked on not-for-profit initiatives such as the Magic Wine Bus and for-profit events like the Halifax Oyster Festival. Michael is passionate about culture, events and helping bring people together to highlight the fun side of life. Outside of work, Michael attends special events, rock climbs, eats exotic foods, plays video games, and tells lots of jokes.

Shauna brings several years of speciality nursing experience in the field of pediatrics, devoting the last 15 years of her nursing career to the IWK. She has a passion for palliative care nursing and has been the pediatric palliative care Clinical Nurse Specialist for much of her time at the IWK working with many patients, families and care teams both within the IWK and Maritime communities. With her knowledge and expertise in palliative care nursing, she has been actively involved with provincial and national palliative care committees. She has a love for teaching and communication, sharing her expertise with a wide variety of healthcare providers and medical students. Shauna places great emphasis in building relationships and fostering connections with care teams, patients, families and community partners for the highest quality palliative and end of life care. Shauna is a proud Nova Scotian, hailing from her hometown of Antigonish. She graduated from the StFX School of Nursing in 2004 and completed her Master in Nursing at Dalhousie in 2009. Shauna has lived in Halifax with her husband, her 4 beautiful boys and their beloved dogs since 2005. Family time is her favorite. She can be found running through the streets and trails, cheering on the sidelines of her boys’ sports teams and hiking with her adorable lab, Farley.

Grief is the price we pay for loving someone and then losing that person. Grief happens to all of us and when it does, we sometimes need professionals who will empathize and provide us with a safe and compassionate space to grieve. Sheila was born in Ghana, lived in the United Kingdom for many years, and now lives here in Halifax. She is a Registered Counselling Therapist and a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Sheila is also the Pastor of Chester United Baptist Church. Sheila looks forward to coming alongside you with coping skills as you feel your grief and integrate the meaning of your loss in your life. Sheila is a resourceful, hardworking, and versatile counselling therapist providing bereavement support via phone, video link, and in-person.

Bri joined Hospice Halifax when it first opened it's doors to patients in May 2019. Bri has an extensive background in healthcare in a variety of settings and graduated from NSCC Practical Nursing Program with Honours in 2010. Bri worked in long term care for close to 9 years before finding her calling in palliative care-Hospice setting. She feels incredibly honoured to be apart of each patients journey and supporting them and their loved ones in such a compassionate work environment. In her spare time, Bri enjoys listening to podcasts, meditating, going for nature walks, travelling, watching Baseball; especially her favorite team The Toronto Blue Jays and spending time with family and friends.

Cadence joined Hospice Halifax in the fall of 2020. After graduating from the University of Prince Edward Island, Cadence developed a passion for palliative and end-of-life care through working with many patients and families in both hospital and community settings. She now holds a Canadian Nurses Association Certification in Hospice and Palliative Care and is a member of many National Associations in the field. She enjoys learning from others across Canada and Globally and is a proud committee member of the Canadian Palliative Care Nurses Association. Cadence is devoted to delivering on patient and family needs and values advocacy through her provision of support during the difficult journey of living before death. Cadence Is excited to be part of the growth and development of hospice and palliative in Nova Scotia and looks forward to further developments in the Palliative approach to care.

Stephanie is a Family Physician (CCFP, RACGP) with dual certification in Health Care of the Elderly (COE) and Palliative Care (PC) from Dalhousie University. A strong advocate for improving palliative care for all Canadians, Stephanie is an active member of the National Advance Care Planning Task Group, a Palliative Care Committee member with the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) and an executive board member (Secretary) of the Canadian Society of Palliative Care Physicians (CSPCP). Stephanie has been a volunteer and member- both on the Board of Directors and a general member- with Hospice Halifax since 2008 and is honoured to be the first Medical Director. If Stephanie is not at the Hospice or engaged in activities to build capacity for palliative care in Nova Scotia, she can be found hiking in the woods or hanging out with her husband Mark or one of their 3 sons.

Ellen joined Hospice Halifax in 2019 when we first opened our doors to patients, as a member of the clinical team. After completing her CCA Certificate from Success College in 2017, graduating with High Honors. Gaining experience in Long Term Care and Home Care before coming to Hospice. Ellen found a true passion for helping those who are nearing the end of life. Ellen treats all patients and families with compassion and kindness, treating them how she would want her loved ones to be cared for. In her spare time, Ellen enjoys time with her fiancé, family, friends & fur babies, camping and watching movies.

Karlee joined Hospice Halifax in 2019, as one of the clinical team members. Karlee graduated with her Bachelor of Nursing from the University of New Brunswick in 2017. Karlee previously worked on a medical unit, palliative care unit, and in long term care. Karlee has always had a passion for end of life care, as she took care of her grandmother during her last year of life. In Karlee’s spare time she likes to spend time with family, play video games, and watch movies.

Kate is a Registered Nurse who joined Hospice Halifax when we opened in the Spring of 2019. Kate is from Ontario, but we try not to hold that against her! Kate holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Arts in International Development and Global Health from Dalhousie University. On her days off, Kate can usually be found somewhere outdoors - hiking, biking or swimming - with her beloved dog, Pinto (also known around Hospice as "Pinto Bean", "PB" and "the Bean Man").

Lori joined Hospice Halifax in 2019. She holds a BScN from Dalhousie University and worked in Oncology before joining the team at Hospice. Prior to completing her Nursing degree, Lori worked with programs supporting science education and continues her involvement in these programs as a volunteer. Lori can usually be found spending time with family and friends, working in her garden, or finding new hiking trails to explore.

Mallory became involved with Hospice Halifax as a special events volunteer in 2018. She graduated from Dalhousie University in 2019 and joined the nursing team in August 2020. Mallory was drawn to the holistic aspects of hospice care and has enjoyed learning about the use of empathy and therapeutic communication in nursing practice. Mallory appreciates opportunities to spend quality time with patients and their families and is grateful to be a part of the hospice team. Mallory loves spending time outside, being with friends and family, reading, cooking, and volunteering.

Meghan joined Hospice Halifax in the spring of 2019 as an LPN. Born and raised in Halifax, she obtained her Practical Nursing Diploma from Holland College in January 2016. Since completing her education, she has worked in a variety of settings including palliative care, long-term care and mental health and addictions. When she’s not at work you can find her at the beach, spending time with her friends or catching up on the latest reality TV shows.

Shauna brings several years of speciality nursing experience in the field of pediatrics, devoting the last 15 years of her nursing career to the IWK. She has a passion for palliative care nursing and has been the pediatric palliative care Clinical Nurse Specialist for much of her time at the IWK working with many patients, families and care teams both within the IWK and Maritime communities. With her knowledge and expertise in palliative care nursing, she has been actively involved with provincial and national palliative care committees. She has a love for teaching and communication, sharing her expertise with a wide variety of healthcare providers and medical students. Shauna places great emphasis in building relationships and fostering connections with care teams, patients, families and community partners for the highest quality palliative and end of life care. Shauna is a proud Nova Scotian, hailing from her hometown of Antigonish. She graduated from the StFX School of Nursing in 2004 and completed her Master in Nursing at Dalhousie in 2009. Shauna has lived in Halifax with her husband, her 4 beautiful boys and their beloved dogs since 2005. Family time is her favorite. She can be found running through the streets and trails, cheering on the sidelines of her boys’ sports teams and hiking with her adorable lab, Farley.

Dean has worked in the long term care nursing home sector as a Maintenance Coordinator and Environmental Services Manager for more than 8 years. He has a long list of experience in preventative maintenance, inspections, and safety training. He is passionate about providing a comfortable and safe environment for residents and staff. In his spare time, he enjoys volunteering as a coach on different competitive sports teams. He also enjoys the outdoors, going on hikes and many adventures with his family and their dog, Remington.

Seoa joined Hospice Halifax in 2020 as a casual cook, after several months of working she became a full time cook. She studied culinary arts at Nova Scotia Community College(NSCC). Seoa really enjoys cooking, is very organized, and loves making new menus. She is from Korea and came to Canada in 2015. When she’s not at work she becomes a busy mother, she takes care of her three children, she also likes making food for her children. Where ever Seoa is, whether she is at work or at home, she is always in the kitchen.

Mary joined the team of The Compassionate Closet in November of 2019. Mary has a MEd in Education, Counselling from Acadia University and has worked in family and grief counselling both in Nova Scotia and British Columbia. Mary worked with The Colchester East Hants Hospice Society as well as taught Palliative Care Education to CCA students. She hails from Cape Breton and loves a good laugh and a down to earth chat. Mary is so happy to be working for Hospice Halifax, an organization and cause close to her heart.