Claire Halpern | Executive Director
Claire Halpern is an experienced nonprofit leader with over a decade of management experience in government, community organizations, and professional associations. She has a proven track record of strategic planning, organizational growth, and collaborative relationship-building across diverse sectors. Claire holds a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University and a Master’s in Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo. Her interdisciplinary education and career have shaped a leadership approach that blends analytical insight with creativity, and grounded in a strong commitment to equity and inclusion. Claire and her family moved to Halifax almost seven years ago from Vancouver. She is an active parent volunteer at her kids’ school and on the soccer field.
Contact: executivedirector@familysos.ca
Zaher Ktit | Fundraising Coordinator
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
Chantal McAllister | Parent Support Worker
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
Emily Holloway | Parent Support Worker
Meet Emily, one of our Family Support workers. 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. 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
Nina McGirr | Parent Support Worker
Meet Nina, one of our Parent Support Workers. Originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, Nina came to Halifax to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a double minor in Child and Youth and Family Studies. Since 2015, Nina has been working with children of all ages in various settings and has developed a strong understanding of their needs. She began her career as a Child and Youth Worker with Family SOS, where her passion for supporting people was reaffirmed. Now, as a Parent Support Worker, Nina empowers families to navigate their parenting journeys with resilience. She focuses on trauma-informed strategies to help families thrive. In her leisure time, Nina enjoys walks in nature and spending time with friends.
Contact: nina@familysos.ca
Rachel Bond | Program Coordinator
Meet Rachel, our program coordinator at Greystone. Rachel has a background in office administration and social services and has worked supporting children and families in the Halifax area for the past four years. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys spending time with her family, camping and exploring our beautiful province.
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Contact: healthykidz@familysos.ca
Iris Haynes
Community Garden Coordinator
Mutinta Hamalala
Child and Youth Worker
Hannah Kleven
Child and Youth Worker