Meet Johanne, Family SOS Executive Director! Originally from London, Ontario, Johanne lived on Vancouver Island in BC since 2001 and relocated to the Halifax area in 2021. She has been an Executive Director for ten years and strongly advocates for children, families, and the community. She brings a broad background in administration, recreation management, volunteer management, program planning, and social services. Johanne holds two undergraduate degrees (Psychology, University of Windsor, 2000), (Honours Bachelor of Music Therapy, University of Windsor, 2001- Voice Major). She is currently an MBA student at the University of Fredericton and, in her spare time, enjoys singing, performing, and directing in musical theatre productions and playing in the garden.

Contact: johanne@familysos.ca

Meet Michaela, our Family Support Team Lead. Michaela is an experienced social worker with a passion for strengthening family bonds and supporting parents, children and youth. With a Bachelor's degree in Medical Science and Social Work from Dalhousie University, Michaela brings a unique blend of knowledge to her role. She is deeply committed to utilizing a trauma-informed lens in her practice, ensuring that she provides holistic, sensitive and understanding support to all those she serves. Michaela's has worked with various populations, including children and adults with disabilities, children and families, youth, and other marginalized communities. Outside of work, Michaela enjoys spending time at the beach, walking her dogs, traveling, and spending time with loved ones. 

Contact: parentsupport@familysos.ca

Meet Chantal, one of our Family Support Workers here at Family SOS. Originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Chantal brings over 15 years of experience providing community services to families and youth. Coming from a trauma-informed, attachment-based approach Chantal uses her strong interpersonal skills to build meaningful relationships and support families to feel empowered in their parenting journey. Chantal has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology and a Bachelor of Social Work degree. When not at work, Chantal enjoys traveling and spending time with friends.

Contact: chantal@familysos.ca

Meet Jessica, our Program Coordinator here at Family SOS. Originally from St. John's, Newfoundland, Jessica moved to Halifax in 2017 where she has resided since. Jessica comes from a strong recreation background and holds a Recreation and Therapeutic Recreation degree. She strives to give children, teens, and adults the extra support they need and provide them with activities and experiences to enhance their everyday life. Jessica started working in a Recreation-based setting at the young age of 16 years old, starting as a camp counselor, but has since worked her way up to running and facilitating programs for all ages.

When Jessica is not at work, you can find her hanging out with her family, spending time outdoors, watching the kids play all their different sports and exploring all of what Nova Scotia has to offer!

Contact: healthykidz@familysos.ca

Meet Michelle, a Child and Youth Care Worker here at Family SOS. Michelle has been with the Family SOS team for many years and enjoys every minute working with the amazing team, as well as the incredible Kidz and Teenz program participants. When Michelle is not at work, you can find her reading a book, or giving back in the community.

Meet Zaher, our Fundraising and Social Media Coordinator. Originally from Damascus, Syria, Zaher now calls Halifax his home since 2020. He embarked on a new journey of offering interpretation assistance to refugees and newcomers at the Immigration Services Association of Nova Scotia to impact the community positively. Zaher is also a member of the Association of Community Interpreters of Nova Scotia (ACINS) and has 13 years of experience in graphic design and media printing. When not at work, he loves to venture into the forests and trails throughout the province, as he is an outdoor enthusiast.

Contact: fundraising@familysos.ca

Meet Emily, one of our Family Support Workers here at Family SOS. Halifax became Emily’s ‘home away from home’ in 2014 when she moved here from New Brunswick. Emily has gained experience working with infants and children when operating her own daycare facility. With 13 years of social service experience, Emily has been able to support a diverse range of individuals in the area. Some of her most memorable roles include supporting youth, working in care facilities, and connecting families to community resources. Emily sees the importance of an approachable communication style emphasizing compassion, active listening, and handling relationships empathetically. Emily graduated from NBCC with a Personal Support Worker diploma and obtained a Bachelor of Social Science in Sociology and Psychology from Mount Allison University. Her areas of interest are trauma-informed approaches, enhancing healthy development, and creating opportunities for children and families to thrive. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, having a cup of coffee in solitude with the sunrise, and listening to a good Podcast.

Contact: emily@familysos.ca

Mutinta is a Child and Youth Care Worker here at Family SOS. Mutinta was born in Zimbabwe and raised in Angola. Mutinta moved to Halifax in 2020 to embark on her 4 year undergraduate studies journey at Dalhousie University. She is currently pursuing a major in Psychology and a double minor in Sustainability and Gender Women’s Studies. When not at work, you can find Mutinta binge watching a TV-series, cooking, reading, skateboarding, or playing tennis. 

Board of Directors / Funding and Growth Committee

Scott Pike
Chair
Associate - Stewart McKelvey

Kendra Coady
Vice-Chair
Client Relationship Manager, Mathica Benefits Consulting

Brad Olsen
Treasurer
Senior Total Wealth Planner, ScotiaWealth Management/ScotiaMcLeod

Kurt Hepditch
Secretary
Director Regional Banking, Atlantic Region, Scotiabank

Nanci Rorabeck
Past Chair, Funding & Growth Committee Member
Vice President and Chief Legal Officer – CFFI Ventures Inc.

Dr. John Anderson
Honorary Director, Founding Member
Retired Pediatrician

Taleb Abidali
Director
Principal, Cresco

Mike Bailey
Director
Financial Advisor, Edward Jones

Melissa Carey
Director
Director, Restaurant Operations and Private Dining, RCR Hospitality Group

Ben Rodgers
Director
Constable, Halifax Regional Police

Rob Steele
Director, Funding & Growth Committee Member
Chief Executive Officer, Steele Auto Group

Tanya Harrietha
Director, Funding & Growth Committee Member
Director of Finance and Administration, Sport Nova Scotia

Kaylee Hake
Director, Funding & Growth Committee Member
Strategy & Communication Lead, Placemaking 4G

Daniel Hughes
Director, Funding & Growth Committee Member
National Sales Director, Nature’s Way Canada