CSAC employs an Executive Director, a Bookkeeper, the Community Engagement Officer and Intake Professional, as well as two dedicated Registered 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.
Abby MacLeod – Community Engagement Officer – amacleod@colchestersac.ca
Abby is a seasoned human services professional with nearly a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, with a focus on gender-based and sexual violence prevention.
Abby has worked in capacities of project manager, support counsellor, group program facilitator, and her skillset includes curriculum development, education, outreach and advocacy. Prior to her role with CSAC, she worked with community partners like the Maritime Aboriginal Peoples Council, ElevateHER, The Elizabeth Fry Society, Third Place Transition House and Truro Pride. Abby is an intersectional feminist and recognizes the systemic and societal factors that cause sexual violence to remain pervasive in our communities. She enjoys facilitating honest, vulnerable and accessible conversations about sexual violence, and feels we should use a communal approach to destigmatization and prevention work.
In her role as Community Engagement Officer, Abby delivers comprehensive training sessions, facilitates outreach and community engagement initiatives and manages client intake processes. To book an education session with Abby, or find out more about our services by clicking the Contact Us tab at the top of the page.
Marilyn Ebsary – Bookkeeper
Laura Thurston – Marketing Coordinator, Canada Summer Jobs – info@colchestersac.ca
COUNSELLING THERAPISTS
Theresa Robertson – Counselling Therapist – trobertson@colchestersac.ca
Theresa is a graduate of Acadia University with a Master’s degree in Counselling, as well as a Master’s degree in Education (which she readily uses to provide gender based violence education within the wider community). She is also a Registered Counselling Therapist candidate (RCT-C), with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists.
Theresa has spent the past 25 years counselling those impacted by domestic and sexual violence. Having spent much of her career working with at-risk children, youth, families, and adults. Her approach to counselling is both client-centred, and mindfulness based, using a non-judgmental, empathetic, and compassionate approach to supporting clients. She draws on integrated approaches to treatment, using a variety of treatment modalities that are based on your needs. Working collaboratively with you, helping you to navigate your psychological distress, moving you in the direction of empowerment. The treatment modalities she works closely with are Trauma Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solutions Focused Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, as well as Somatic and Mindfulness-based interventions.
Nicole Williams – Counselling Therapist – nwilliams@colchestersac.ca
Nicole holds a Masters of Counselling degree and is a Registered Counselling Therapist 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 – David McKillip (Retired, Education and Consulting)
Treasurer – Nancy Brenton
Secretary – Jillian Toonders (Burchell MacDougall LLP)
MEMBERS-AT-LARGE:
Jeanine Clague
Christine Blair (Municipality of Colchester, Mayor)
Susan Henderson (Canadian Mental Health Association – CEH Branch)
Cathy Hinton (Town of Truro, Deputy Mayor and Town Councillor for Ward 3)
Josie Lake
Karen Wade
