CSAC employs an Executive Director, a Bookkeeper, the Client Intake Supervisor and Counselling Therapist and two dedicated Counselling Therapists. Our organization is led by a group of volunteers who sit on the Board of Directors who advise on the programs and services we provide in our communities.
Jamie Matthews – Executive Director – jmatthews@colchestersac.ca
Jamie brings with him over 13 years of progressive non-profit leadership experience. Having experience in fund development, as well as marketing and communications, Jamie brings with him a proven track record of growing organizational capacity! He is originally from Cape Breton where he attended Cape Breton University in the Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies program, which is also where he developed his passion for supporting those in the vulnerable sector. He then moved to Toronto to attend Toronto Metropolitan University (formally Ryerson University) as a graduate in their Gerontology program. While there, he worked for numerous national print and online publications, developing multi-million dollar advertising campaigns for some of our country’s most recognizable brands.
Following his return home to the Maritimes, he made a career shift into the non-profit sector. Having worked at the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick, the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame and at Hospice Fredericton, he has developed a proven track record in helping non-profits reach their full potential. In addition to his fundraising and marketing experience, he has also worked with numerous Boards to create a highly engaged team of both staff and volunteers. Jamie also brings with him a great compassion for those in need of support. Whether it is supporting those struggling with a diagnosis of dementia, motivating underprivileged children to become active in their community through sport and education, or with those coping with end-of-life, and now with those impacted by sexual violence – Jamie is a passionate advocate for those needing support and a voice. These opportunities have provided Jamie with the skills in effective Board relations, operations, fund development and fundraising, donor and media relations, volunteer management, strategic planning and budgeting, as well as grassroots community-based program delivery.
Marilyn Ebsary – Bookkeeper
Sara-Lynne Lantz – Client Intake Supervisor and Counselling Therapist – slantz@colchestersac.ca
Sara-Lynne (she/her), has been a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) for over ten years and is a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT). Sara-Lynne holds a Master of Education in Counselling from Acadia University and has been a Counselling Therapist with the CSAC since 2016. She strives to create a trauma-informed and empowering space for all gender identities and cultures through individual and small-group counselling, as well as support and psychoeducational programming.
Utilizing a person-centred approach, Sara-Lynne implements multiple therapeutic approaches and techniques to best help the individual on their healing journey; this includes Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy, Creative Therapy, Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Strengths-Based Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy.
Sara-Lynne strongly believes in working collaboratively with clients and community organizations to create holistic programming, support services, and psychoeducational workshops and presentations to help individuals learn and develop healthy strategies that leads to a greater understanding of trauma.
Kaleigh Cormier (L) and Nicole Arseneau (R) – 2023 Canada Summer Jobs Students
COUNSELLING THERAPISTS
Reena Davis – Counselling Therapist – rdavis@colchestersac.ca
Reena graduated with a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and is a Registered Counselling Therapist candidate (RCT-C) with the NS College of Counselling Therapists.
Reena works in an eclectic way, drawing on knowledge of counselling skills in CBT, DBT, Solution Focused Therapy, yoga and mindfulness, you are going to receive a targeted treatment plan for you as an individual. Reena has also completed EMDR training which is commonly used when supporting those with trauma and experiencing post-traumatic stress.
Using a trauma-informed collaborative approach, Reena will help you to utilize your personal power and skills to develop more adaptive ways of being in the world to bring more happiness and peace.
Nicole Williams – Counselling Therapist – nwilliams@colchestersac.ca
Nicole holds a Masters of Counselling degree and is a Registered Counselling Therapist- Candidate with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. She began her career working with victimized youth and their families. She has since worked with both offenders and victims involved in domestic violence, sexual assault, and childhood sexual abuse. Nicole integrates a variety of therapeutic approaches, dependent upon the individual needs of each client. Nicole works from a strengths-based, client centered approach, aiming to empower and build upon client’s pre-existing strengths, values, and skills. She utilizes elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy in her work. Trauma-informed practices guide Nicole in her work, and she strives to first and foremost create a safe space for her clients to process their experience. Nicole is currently completing her certification as a Play Therapist, and is trained in the Safe and Sound Protocol, which is a music-based trauma treatment.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE:
Chair – Deb Pryor (East End Community Association)
Vice-Chair – Niki Henderson (NorthEast Truck & Trailer)
Treasurer & Secretary – Victoria Mumford (Chartered Professional Accountant, CPA)
MEMBERS-AT-LARGE:
Eryn Heidel (Burchell MacDougall LLP)
Susan Henderson (Canadian Mental Health Association – CEH Branch)
Cathy Hinton (Truro Town Councillor, Ward 3)
Josie Lake (Colchester Adult Learning Association)
Diane Maher (ALLSCO Windows and Doors)
Melissa McNutt (Native Council of Nova Scotia)
Chantal Paris (Federal Government)
Jeanne Rutledge (Dalhousie University)
Cheryl Young (Registered Nurse)
Paul Young (Department of Justice)
