ACNS welcomes your inquires and feedback.
Whether you need information about our programs and services, volunteering, information for school, or just to say hello – we are here for you. Please know that all submissions are carefully considered and we maintain the strictest confidentiality.
ACNS Staff
All successful organizationshave a team whose goal is meaningful change. Each ACNS staff member makes his or her own unique contribution to our success. We are proud of the level of dedication and commitment they embody in making Nova Scotia a better place through support, education and empowerment.
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Chris Aucoin
Executive Director
902.425.4882 ext 227
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Chris (He/Him) moved up to the Executive Director chair in December 2019 after having worked as the Gay Men’s Health Coordinator for over a decade.
An educator, writer and freelance designer, Chris has a master’s degree in Educational Psychology, a diploma in graphic design, and broad community-based experience in cultural industries and social justice stretching back more than two decades. His work in social justice has included poverty and food security, and a wide range of 2SLGBTQ+ support, social and political causes.
His current passion is working on rewrites for his first completed theatre script A Boy And His Dog which he workshopped at Queer Acts 2014. Chris loves dogs, dancing, and singing weekly with the Halifax Gay Men's Chorus!
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Ned MacInnis
Program Support
902.425.4882 ext 224
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Ned (He/Him) holds the position of Program Support at HEAL NS / ACNS.
Involved in the AIDS movement for over 30 years, Ned has provided support and sexual health education with Men-Who-Have-Sex-With-Men, conducted training and education sessions, and has worked with People Living with HIV/AIDS creating health promotion strategies. His ancillary work includes: HIV/AIDS Education in Jamaica Project, Mount Saint Vincent University; Peer Outreach Worker: Stepping Stone Association; Consultant: Prison Outreach, Counseling, Education and Resource Development, Correctional Service of Canada; Research Assistant: Promising Practices in the Engagement of People Living with or At-Risk for HIV/AIDS in Rural Canada, Thompson Rivers University.
He says “The greatest lesson I have learned here is this: I am not a salmon; I do not have to swim upstream. I have developed a strong passion about community-based work and as a result, I have learned to live life to its fullest. Carpe Diem!”
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Mise'l (Michael) Davies-Cole, apukji’j (mouse clan)
Equity & Diversity Project Manager
902.221.1628
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Michael (negm/negmow they/them) comes from a large family that holds its roots deep within the NS Black and First Nations communities. Being an Indigenous Two-Spirited and Black Nova Scotian has been the driving force for Michael’s work within the Queer, First Nations, and NS Black communities.
With a media technical background through NSCC, NSCAD, and ACADIA, Michael has worked in visual art since the early 90s, and some of their works have crossed into how they view society and its use or misuse of gender. Having worked within advocacy and consulting they spends much of their time on unpacking social equity in policy and procedures defined within working groups.
Michael is proud to have been part of many queer organizations and boards during their work in advocacy. This work has seen inclusion in Transgender Health legal advocacy with researchers and publication in Indigenous 2S knowledge. They have a long standing connection to Queer advocacy within the Atlantic province and have been greatly involved in the past with Halifax Pride, NSRAP, the Youth Project and OutLaw to name a few. They are a member of the Wabanaki Two Spirit Alliance, and a current Board member of NSPIRG.
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Jamie Stewart
Fund Development Intern
NA
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Jamie (He/Him) has joined HEAL NS as the Fund Development & Marketing Intern for the fall.
He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce Co-op program with a focus on marketing. With a rich background in event security and management, along with experience in digital marketing and design, he brings a unique perspective to his role.Passionate about fostering inclusive and safe environments, Jamie is dedicated to carrying this commitment into all his future endeavors. As a corporal in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves, he understands the importance of community engagement in every aspect of his work.
Outside of work he is an avid sports fan cheering for teams like Baltimore Ravens and Washington Capitals. You can also catch him often playing video games such as Overwatch.
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Jordan Parker
Fund Development Manager
902-240-7384 (phone and text)
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Jordan Parker (He/Him) is the Fund Development & Communications Manager at HEAL NS / ACNS. He has a Masters in Investigative Journalism from the University of King's College, and an Advanced Diploma in PR from NSCC Ivany campus.
A freelance journalist and owner of arts and entertainment firm Parker PR, Jordan is an award-winning writer and communicator. He works part-time doing event planning, and has worked on events including the Halifax Comedy Festival and the Halifax Buskers. He has a passion for non-profit and helping the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
He's a huge movie fan and owns 2,500 DVDs and BluRays. During the NHL season, you can usually catch Jordan rooting on his Toronto Maple Leafs.
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Hanley Smith
Program Coordinator
782.234.5472
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Hanley (They/Them) is a Program Coordinator at HEAL NS / ACNS
Hanley is a non-binary activist and community leader who has developed and implemented numerous queer youth and queer health-focused programs. Their award-winning contributions reflect years of volunteer service and professional experience, showcasing their passion for advocacy. With a strong interest in sexual health information and the evolving nature of prevention work, especially in relation to mental health, Hanley has collaborated with researchers to integrate trauma-informed practices into various initiatives and expand knowledge in these areas. As a musician and disabled artist themselves, Hanley has enjoyed being able to support the success of disabled artists within the community. Their work extends to other projects that intersect with their areas of expertise and interest.
Outside of their non-profit work, Hanley is an avid fan of Dungeons & Dragons, with a special love for dice – their collection bag is larger than their head! They have been part of a home game that has lasted over four years and are always excited to share their enthusiasm for the game.
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Chana Wielinga
HIV+ Support Coordinator
902.403.7169
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Chana (They/Them) is the HIV+ Support Coordinator at HEAL NS.
They hold a Bachelor of Social Work and a BA with a specialization in counselling. With over five years of experience in social services, Chana's work has spanned front-line support, policy development, and research, focusing on improving health outcomes and advocating for 2SLGBTQ+ communities, among others. Passionate about fostering inclusive care, Chana is eager to bring their diverse expertise and compassionate approach to HEAL NS, ensuring that all individuals receive the support they deserve.
Outside of work, Chana appreciates creative hobbies, such as theatre, crafting, and D&D. At home, they share their space with four cats, who provide endless cuddles... and cat hair!
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Olivia Kerr
Program Coordinator
782.774.8178
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Olivia (They/Them) is a Health and Wellness Coordinator at ACNS.
Olivia is a non-binary, queer, and white person with a background in non-profits, community health initiatives, scientific research, and youth programming. They have a BSc from Dalhousie University where they studied Biochemistry and Neuroscience and obtained a certificate in Data Analytics. Olivia is passionate about building joyful and inclusive queer community and dismantling health inequities to create safer and more accessible care for Nova Scotians.
In their free time, Olivia loves to cook, enjoy the ocean and lakes around Nova Scotia, and cuddle their cats and dog.