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 (pronouns: He/Him/His) moved up to the Executive Director chair in December 2019 after having worked as the ACNS 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 (pronouns: He/Him/His) holds the position of Program Support at ACNS. Involved in the AIDS movement for over 20 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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Garry Dart
Health & Wellness Educator
902.425.4882 ext 222
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Garry (pronouns: He/She/They) is a Health & Wellness Educator (PT) at the AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia. As a queer, genderfluid, Newfoundlander he brings his experience in sexuality research, sex education and access to healthcare for queer men with them. They have worked and volunteered for many 2SLGBTQ+ organizations in St. John’s and Ottawa, on community, provincial and national levels including MAX Ottawa, the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity and PFLAG Canada for many years. He has two honours degrees in Psychology and Ecology and Conservation Biology with a minor in French and is currently completing a graduate certificate in Advanced Training in Affirmative Therapy for Transgender Communities. You will most likely find them sipping tea, cooking, reading a book, or meditating in nature. ‘Have a healthy, happy and intellectually nourishing day!’
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Mitch Hill
Health & Wellness Educator
902.403.7805 (phone+text)
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Mitch (pronouns: They/Them) is the new Health & Wellness Educator (PT) at the AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia. They are fulfilling their role virtually from Cape Breton. They have worked for many 2SLGBTQ+ organizations over the years, mostly in education, programming, or outreach with Youth under 25. Mitch is currently a Community Educator with The Youth Project. They have also sat on the boards of local pride groups, and a few Non-Profits. They enjoy volunteering their time to other grassroots organizing for other causes, and getting involved in political efforts. They have a Bachelor of Business Administration (Conc. HR) from Cape Breton University. In their spare time you'll likely find them gaming, binge watching YouTube videos, or still out their playing Pokemon GO. Mitch is a Slytherin, their favorite colors are millennial pink and dark green, and is enthusiastic about getting tattoos.
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Rowan MacArthur
Fund Development (Interim)
902.425.4882 ext 226
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Rowan (pronouns: He/Him/His) is taking on the role of Fund Development Co-op Student for the winter and currently has his nose to the grindstone to try to make this year’s BMO Bid for Life as successful as possible! He’s working towards completing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Mount Saint Vincent University and plans on graduating (fingers crossed) later this year with a double major in marketing and management. While at The Mount Rowan has been as involved around campus by working at the campus gym and kids day camp, being an orientation leader and playing for the varsity soccer team for 5 years while having the privilege of being captain for the last 2. He’s very excited for this opportunity and joins the team ready to learn and apply his experience to the huge amounts of existing expertise already in the office. He calls the South Shore of Nova Scotia home and in his free time he enjoys all things soccer (watching, playing, reading about…etc.) as well as playing video games/ board games, getting home to see his folks and spending time with friends.
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Dylan Samson
Support & Program Services
902.403.7841 (phone+text)
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Dylan (pronouns: He/Him) is the new Support & Programs Coordinator at the AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia. He is a graduate of Dalhousie University's School of Social Work, and is in the process of working through his social work candidacy with the NSCSW. He also has a double-major in Psychology and French. In addition to his work experience with community services and group homes, he has experience volunteering with a variety of queer organizations and events. He is a self-professed “Massive Nerd” and his hobbies include listening to podcasts, running, photography, and water polo.