Each Friday we highlight a consumer, staff member, or board member so you can get to know the #FacesOfILNS. Here you can view previously highlighted consumers, staff, and board members:
Valentina Alvarez
Get to know Valentina Alvarez! She is the Residential Supervisor at our small options home in Dartmouth.
Q: What does your role entail?
A: I am the Residential Supervisor at our small options home. I work alongside our staff to create daily programming and help the gentlemen we support manage their day to day schedule and have lots of fun along the way!
Q: What are a few things everyone should know about you?
A: I love challenging myself to learn new things, especially crafty things! I taught myself to crochet using youtube; I love cross stitching and next on my list, I want to try pottery! I am originally from Mexico but have been in Canada for almost 11 years. Time has flown by, and I love it here, even the winters!! My family and I recently moved to Nova Scotia, so we are looking forward to going on some road trips this summer with our dog to explore this beautiful province!
Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: Try as hard as possible to make time for mindfulness and joy! It’s so easy to get caught up in our day to day stress and just trying to make it through each day with our sanity (almost) intact that we lose ourselves in that chaos. A challenge I gave myself for 2023 was to go back to doing things that give me joy, no matter how small they may look, because taking that time to center myself and “fill my cup” helps me be a better support for those around me.
Q: What’s one future goal you have for yourself?
A: I would love to keep learning new things and challenging myself both personally and professionally. I also want to continue finding new ways to better advocate for the people I support.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about working for ILNS?
A: The work environment!! Everyone I have met during my time here has been so kind, welcoming, and so much fun to be around. At the house, not a day goes by where we don’t cry with laughter, and the meetings at the office are so much fun!
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to join the ILNS team and meet so many amazing people who share the same passion for making our community more accessible and engaging for people living with disabilities. I'm excited for what the future will bring to our ILNS team!
Elisabeth Hogue
Elisabeth is joining us from the Katimavik Program and is completing a volunteer placement with us until the middle of March. Meet Elisabeth:
Q: What are a few things everyone should know about you?
A: I come from Sherbrooke, about two and a half hours from Montreal. I decided to do the Katimavik program to make a difference in my community, discover new places around Canada, and improve my English.
Q: What's your favorite part of volunteering with ILNS?
A: My favorite parts about volunteering at ILNS are that I have been learning new computer skills daily that will be useful for me later on. I also get to see first hand the real difference ILNS is making in the lives of people with disabilties.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: Don’t be afraid of the unknown. In my opinion, getting out of my comfort zone helped me improve my confidence a lot.
Q: What’s one future goal you have for yourself?
A: Having grown up in an entrepreneurial family, I have a strong interest in entrepreneurship, and I would like to have my own business one day. I completed a 3-year technical program in accounting and I plan to continue in this branch at University in September. On the other hand, I have a strong interest in sports and helping people too. I am a ski patroller in the winter and a lifeguard during the summer. It is for this reason that I hesitate to enroll in kinesiology or physiotherapy at University and maybe start my own sports clinic.
Taya Miller
Taya is a part of our Student Self Managed Care Program. Meet Taya:
Q: What are a few things everyone should know about you?
A: I was born and raised in Halifax, I live with my mother, father and two younger sisters. I am a third year student at Saint Mary's University taking a Bachelor of Arts with a major in English and a minor in Political Science. I live with cerebral palsy and I depend on a wheelchair for mobility. I attend school with an educational assistant.
Q: What’s your favourite part about ILNS/program/service/etc.?
A: I really enjoy school and it's one place where I feel like I belong. ILNS helps my family pay for my educational support worker.
Q: How has your involvement with ILNS’ Student Self Managed Care Program helped you to be more independent?
A: Having that financial assistance alleviates a great deal of stress for me and my family. Attending and completing my university degree would be very difficult without the assistance from ILNS. I hope to continue my education and become a teacher and give back to the community. The financial support from ILNS will allow me to accomplish this goal. Earning a salary as a teacher will help me be more independent.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: Don't let your circumstances get in the way of achieving your goals. I had never heard of ILNS until I went to SMU. My advice is to ask lots of questions to find out what resources are available to you.
Q: What’s one future goal you have for yourself?
A: I would like to participate in a regatta with Sail Able, another organization I have been involved with.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: I am grateful for the support of ILNS and look forward to working with them in the future.
To learn more about ILNS’ Self Managed Care Program visit https://ilns.ca/services/
Brenna Starzomski
Brenna started working for ILNS in July of 2022. We sat down with Brenna for a quick Q&A:
Q: How long have you been at ILNS?
A: I started with ILNS over the summer working at the autism summer camp. After the summer ended I worked as a residential resource worker (RRW) at various locations under ILNS. In November I began working in the office assisting Tina Gascon in finance and have been here ever since.
Q: What does your role entail?
A: As a camp counselor my role was to help plan weekly schedules of activities for the participants such as swimming, bowling, and various walking trails. I was also responsible for making sure the camp stayed clean and organized. When I worked as a RRW, my role was to look after any needs the clients had; this included cooking meals, cleaning feeding tubes, assisting with baths. Now that I work in the ILNS office my role has changed. I work alongside our Finance Officer to help file and organize various staff and company documents.
Q: What are a few things everyone should know about you?
A: I love the outdoors. I grew up spending most of my time in the winter going on hikes and spending time in nature. In the summer I would spend most of my time at my cottage in Cape Breton swimming and going on boat rides. Now that I am older and have moved to the city I am unable to do these things as much, however I still make an effort to go down home and to my cottage as much as possible.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: Treat people the way you want to be treated and respect other people's feelings. It might mean nothing to you but everything to them.
Q: What’s one future goal you have for yourself?
A: A future goal for myself would be to travel the world. I love to travel and explore new places however I have only ever made it past the Atlantic provinces a few times.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about working for ILNS?
A: What I enjoy most about working for ILNS is the community atmosphere. Both staff and clients are so kind and inviting. My time working under this company out in the community has come with lots of fun adventures and laughs. Since I began working in the office the staff here have welcomed me with open arms. I am very grateful to have such an amazing team!
Miguel Cull
Miguel previously participated in our Community Access Program (CAP) and is now enrolled in our Hotelworx transition to employment program. Get to know Miguel:
Q: What are a few things everyone should know about you?
A: I enjoy learning about history, and I would say that I am a pretty creative person. I like to build figurines and sculptures out of twist ties, clay, and other materials. I am straightforward; I like to share my opinion with others.
Q: What's your favourite part about ILNS?
A: I like having something to do throughout the week that keeps me in a routine. I enjoy meeting new people and building relationships with my classmates. When I was in CAP, I liked going on day trips, and my favourite was when we went to Citadel Hill. I also really enjoyed my volunteer placement at Mission Mart; I was able to find lots of cool comic books and robots there.
Q: What's one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: You shouldn't be scared to tell people how you feel. The truth can be harsh but beneficial because it can help us learn and grow.
Q: What's one future goal you have for yourself?
A: I would like to get a good job that I enjoy and can be successful enough to make a career out of it. I also want to inspire others to be themselves and not worry about societal norms. You should be who you want to be, not what someone else wants you to be.
Hailey MacInnis
Hailey joined the ILNS team in April of 2022 as a Program Facilitator. Get to know Hailey:
Q: What does your role entail?
A: I am a Program Facilitator, and my role entails ensuring that every learning style is accommodated, so every participant gets the same learning opportunities. I teach employability and life skills and develop activities to apply them in the C.A.P and RISE programs. I also ensure that the classroom is a safe, welcoming environment and that it's okay to ask the questions you might think are silly.
Q: What’s one (or a few) things everyone should know about you?
A: I am originally from Ontario and moved to Cape Breton for almost three years before deciding to move to Halifax in 2016.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important to be patient with yourself and others.
Q: What’s one future goal you have for yourself?
A: I would like to own an ocean-view cottage in Cape Breton and travel as much as possible worldwide.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about working for ILNS?
A: I enjoy seeing the difference ILNS makes to individuals with disabilities, ensuring that there is no limit to anyone's goals. I also love the ILNS team; everyone works well together, and it is a very welcoming environment.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: I own a 12-year-old fawn pug named Daisy.
Leanne Crawley
Get to know Leanne Crawley, who is currently enrolled in our Hotelworx employment program.
Q: What’s one thing (or a few things) everyone should know about you?
A: I was born prematurely at 22-25 weeks gestation, which led me to develop additional conditions like Cerebral Palsy (CP) and optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH). I wasn’t diagnosed with ONH until I was 16 years old.
Q: What’s your favorite part about ILNS and the Hotelworx Program?
A: I am learning what I am capable of even with a visual impairment and having CP. I am learning many new skills like how to work as a team, because there is no ‘I’ in team. As well as learning how to take my time and learn at my own pace.
Q: How has your involvement with ILNS and Hotelworx helped you to be more independent?
A: I am learning time management, it’s important to set a schedule and stick to it. I have also learned what is ok for work and what isn’t ok. For instance, spaghetti straps are not good for work, but a nice blouse and dress pants that fit well is good.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: Don’t be scared to open up and let others know when you are struggling; learn to ask for help when needed. It’s also good to try new things out yourself before asking for help too.
Q: What’s one future goal you have for yourself?
A: I want to get and keep a job and not struggle with money.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: I have overcome a lot, like dealing with bullying and other challenges like losing my mom. I know she is still watching over me and wants me to succeed.
Kaitlyn Phillips
Kaitlyn is a Program Specialist and Executive Assistant to Carrie Ernst, ILNS’ Executive Director. Get to know Kaitlyn:
Q: How long have you been with ILNS?
A: Initially, I started at ILNS as a volunteer in the winter of 2018, and I completed some contract work before becoming a full-time employee in May of 2018.
Q: What does your role entail?
A: I am both an RDSP Program Specialist and Carrie’s Executive Assistant. On the Program Specialist side, I assist persons with disabilities and their supports in successfully navigating the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) process, which for several Nova Scotians starts with applying/qualifying for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). As an Executive Assistant, I assist Carrie with whatever she needs, which has included developing funding proposals, event planning support, and digital content creation. ILNS has grown quite quickly, so I’m happy to jump in and help.
Q: What’s one (or a few) things everyone should know about you?
A: I am a dual citizen, as my mom is originally from Switzerland. I also love to travel and spend time in the great outdoors, hiking, camping, and kayaking.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: I believe that each person knows themselves best, so it is important to reflect on different experiences you’ve been involved with and check in with yourself to ensure you are living your best life.
Q: What’s one future goal you have for yourself?
A: I would love to travel to Newfoundland, British Columbia, and the Northern Territories, as those are the only places in Canada that I have not been to yet.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about working for ILNS?
A: That is a hard one to answer, as there are different things I love about working at ILNS: seeing persons with disabilities succeed in reaching their goals and also sharing their stories and experiences with others; I also wear a few different hats at ILNS, which I love because I get to be more involved in supporting persons with disabilities to thrive; finally, we have a strong team, and it’s great to work alongside other individuals who feel as strongly about the work we are doing.
Vicky Levack
Vicky is part of our Shared Services Pilot and is also celebrating her birthday today, December 2! Meet Vicky:
Q: What’s one thing everyone should know about you?
A: Although I am now out of long-term care, thanks to the efforts of ILNS and different stakeholders, that doesn’t mean I’m going to stop pushing for independent living for everybody else. My work is not done until everybody who wants to live in the community has the opportunity to do so.
Q: How has your involvement with ILNS helped you become more independent?
A: Thanks to the efforts of ILNS and their Shared Services Pilot, I am no longer living in a system that has medicalized me and made me feel less than a human. Moving into the community has completely changed my life, and I can’t thank them enough for that. I now get to work with a team that truly shares my values, and I no longer feel like I’m fighting alone for equality in my community.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: One piece of advice I would like to share with everybody reading this is don’t be afraid to be disliked. Sometimes you’ll have to say things that will make you not very popular with those around you, but as long as you’re telling the truth, you’re doing the right thing. Not everyone will like you, and that’s OK; if the people in power don’t like you, you’re probably doing something right.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: I want people to focus on the fact that people with disabilities cannot be the only ones fighting for our rights. We need people from other communities to stand with us to make any progress. It is tiring to do this on our own, and we need your help if, one day, we will all be treated equally.
Simon MacFadyen (DJ ACE)
Get to know this week’s #FeatureFriday Simon MacFadyen, better known as DJ ACE. Simon completed ILNS’ ACEE program in 2012-13 where he was able to begin his DJing career. DJ ACE has performed at many ILNS events such as the Christmas Gala, Dance-a-thon, and has also been a vendor at our Art of Disability Festival. Meet Simon:
Q: What are some things everyone should know about you?
A: I have been DJing for 8 years and specialize working with people with disabilities. I have a passion for trains, sports, and politics. Hockey and baseball are my favourite, with the Boston Red Socks being my favourite team.
Q: What’s your favourite part about ILNS/program/service/etc.?
A: The different variety of programs and events ILNS offers is awesome. I love the social interaction from events like the Christmas Gala and Dance-a-thon. My favourite event is the Christmas Gala.
Q: How has your involvement with ILNS programs/services helped you to be more independent?
A: Completing ILNS’ pre-employment ACEE program allowed me to learn employability skills and start my business as a DJ. Having the opportunity to DJ at the Christmas Gala and other ILNS events has helped me promote my business and gain confidence in socializing.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: If you have a dream, never give up on it. Stay focused on your dream and it will come true. Never say never.
Q: What’s one future goal you have for yourself?
A: It would be a dream of mine if I could get a job working on trains. One day I wish I could be a candidate in an election.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: I am looking forward to DJing at this year’s Christmas Gala. To book me for events visit https://www.djace.ca/
Jennifer MacNeil-Noble
Jennifer worked for ILNS from 2014-2016 as a Program Manager and a Career Specialist, she now sits on our Board of Directors. Get to know a bit about Jennifer through our quick Q&A:
Q: What’s one thing everyone should know about you?
A: I have a strong passion for helping others, and enjoy opportunities to give back to the disability community as many folks have given to me.
Q: What’s your favorite part about being involved with ILNS?
A: I really enjoy the opportunity to be a part of an organization who puts the voices of their consumers front and center.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: Many people will try to box you in or tell you they know what’s best for you. It is important to listen to what they are saying, but remember you are the expert in your own life, and at the end of the day, you need to make the best decisions and take the actions that are going to help you best.
Q: What’s one future goal you have for yourself?
A: Someday I would like to return to school to get my Master’s in Counselling and open a private practice specifically to serve persons with disabilities. I would like to be able to offer a rate that would be affordable for everyone, as I understand that therapy is very expensive, and many folks with disabilities are on fixed incomes.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: When I am not working at CNIB or sitting on the ILNS board, I enjoy singing, and love spending time with my new guide dog Forrest, and my retired guide dog Lennie.
Pierre Gascon
Pierre joined the ILNS team in 2020 and works as a Job Developer for our youth transition to employment programming. Get to know Pierre:
Q: What does your role entail?
A: As the Job Developer here at ILNS, I focus on creating connections with employers and companies within the HRM to provide work placements for all participants. I also provide hands-on job coaching support to ensure each participant has the essential skills needed to excel in the workforce.
Q: What's one thing everyone should know about you?
A: I really enjoy learning new things. In my previous profession, I was in a totally different environment/career. Working at ILNS has broadened my experience and shown me that I can adapt/learn what I previously would not have thought possible.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about working for ILNS?
A: I get to see firsthand what I teach to make a difference in someone's life. I love seeing our participants show progress toward the goals they have set for themselves. I find it very rewarding, it is a huge incentive to want to get up in the morning.
Q: What's one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: Actually showing up (and being on time) is 80% of the job.
Q: What's one future goal you have for yourself?
A: I am seeing retirement coming in a few years. I would like to learn how to be a carpenter and volunteer some of my time to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and others who need these services.
Andrew Jantzen
Andrew is currently a part of our Self Managed Care Program. Meet Andrew:
Q: What’s one thing everyone should know about you?
A: I love to go for walks to wander and explore, especially where there are trees and plants. (Also, you should know that it is fine to say “walk” even though I use a power wheelchair.)
Q: What is the most beneficial part of accessing ILNS services?
A: The most beneficial is having the support to manage the self managed care program where I hire my own workers to assist me with day-to-day tasks. Without ILNS helping me with payroll and HR, I would definitely struggle to maintain the program and have a life at the same time.
Q: How has your involvement with ILNS helped you be more independent?
A: Their support has taken a lot of complicated aspects of managing my workers off my plate. This has made it possible for me to make use of a government program where I get to determine my own schedule and choose my own workers instead of having my life revolve around a structured homecare system. Because of this, I am able to work and volunteer, not to mention, it has given me better mental and physical health which has allowed me to do these things.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: Believe in yourself, even when the medical system tells you otherwise. I went over a decade with unexplained and undiagnosed symptoms that doctors called psychosomatic. I knew that something was physically wrong, but almost gave up because of the medical system. You know your body best! Trust that.
Q: What is one future goal you have for yourself?
A: To surprise myself. After going from an active person working full-time to dealing with ongoing severe pain and nausea, getting through the day often takes precedence over future goals. This year, I figured out how to take care of an animal independently and was offered a truly amazing job in accessibility. Who knows where I will be this time next year.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: The people at ILNS are wonderful and helpful. I feel like they have a good understanding of what living with a disability can be like, both the challenges and the joys, and this has made it easier to access support.
Emma Salah
Emma is currently participating in our Community Access Program (CAP). We sat down with Emma for a quick Q&A session:
Q: What’s one thing everyone should know about you?
A: I love to have fun! I enjoy dancing, playing basketball, singing, and I love the beach- it's so beautiful there.
Q: What’s your favorite part about participating in the Community Access Program (CAP)?
A: I like being able to learn new things in class each day, I find that very fun. I enjoy the activities we get to do on Thursday afternoons, my favourite activity was going to the museum of the Atlantic. I'm also excited to continue my community volunteer placement.
Q: How has your involvement in CAP helped you to be more independent?
A: I have learned many new skills that help me be more independent like cleaning, cooking, and taking the bus around Halifax! I really enjoy the CAP program. I'm happy to be involved in such a fun program.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: For everyone to participate and be in the CAP program to become more independent.
Q: What’s one future goal you have for yourself?
A: To get a job!
Meaghan Ernst
Meaghan is the Peer Support Coordinator here at ILNS. Get to know Meaghan:
Q: How long have you been with ILNS?
A: I began working with ILNS in June of 2021 as a summer student and became a full time employee in May of 2022. I started volunteering with ILNS in 2016 through their Art of Disability Festival.
Q: What does your role entail?
A: I am the Peer Support Coordinator here at ILNS. Within my role I help plan and run various peer support activities such as the Art of Disability Festival and Fresh Eats food support campaigns. I help apply for funding and grants which allows us to provide different peer support activities. I also develop social media and other web content for our consumers.
Q: What are a few things everyone should know about you?
A: I recently completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry. I used to play volleyball competitively for eight years and have stayed active in the volleyball community through coaching. I enjoy traveling and experiencing various cultures around the world.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: Everything happens for a reason. Learn from the challenges you are faced with and use them as an opportunity for growth. Not everything will make sense in the moment but keep pushing and stay focused on your goals.
Q: What’s one future goal you have for yourself?
A: I want to go back to school to get my Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about working for ILNS?
A: I love seeing the impact we make in people’s lives through peer support activities. Hearing back from those who participate in our activities makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Andrew Taylor
Andrew sits on the ILNS Board of Directors and has several years experience helping businesses and nonprofits ensure their spaces are open and inviting to people of all abilities. Get to know Andrew:
Q: How long have you been involved with ILNS?
A: I joined the Board of Directors in 2019 right before COVID-19 threw us off track.
Q: What's one thing everyone should know about you?
A: "Andrew, how do you take your coffee? Seriously, very seriously"
Q: What’s your favorite part about being involved with ILNS?
A: My favourite part is being able to work with an exceptional Board of Directors who share the same passion of wanting to make Nova Scotia an inclusive and accessible place to live, work and play as much as I do.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: Do whatever it takes to survive a Halifax winter even if that means staying inside and waiting for spring to come.
Q: What’s one future goal you have for yourself?
A: I’d like to compete in the Bluenose Marathon next year.
Emily Shay
Emily is completing our RISE youth transition to employment program. Meet Emily:
Q: What’s one thing everyone should know about you?
A: I’m a very positive person, and I have a million-dollar smile.
Q: What’s your favourite part about the RISE Program?
A: I enjoyed the activities and getting the chance to act out skits in class to practice different skills. I also enjoyed it when we would have guest speakers in class because the topics they presented were interesting.
Q: How has your involvement with ILNS helped you become more independent?
A: Being involved in the RISE program has helped me adapt to new situations and become more comfortable adapting to changes through activities and projects. New situations like having to get up early every day at a decent time and go to work and be your best self. I’m proud of myself for accomplishing this skill.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: Be yourself! Surround yourself with people who will build you up and be there for you.
Q: What’s one future goal you have for yourself?
A: I started making candles during the pandemic, and I recently participated in the ILNS Art of Disability Festival this past August. My future goal is to be in more art festivals to share my creative candle-making passion with others.
Tiffany Kotroczo
Tiffany joined us from the Katimavik Program and completed a volunteer placement with us until the middle of September. Meet Tiffany:
Q: What are a few things everyone should know about you?
A: A few facts about me are that I can speak Hungarian, I figure skate (non-competitively), I love traveling, and I have a Bachelor's degree in psychology.
Q: What is your favourite part volunteering with ILNS?
A: My favourite part about volunteering at ILNS is working with a non-profit organization that aims to improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities as well as help them to thrive. I have always wanted to work with youth who have disabilities so I am very thankful for this wonderful and meaningful opportunity.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: Never be afraid of saying "I don't know" to something. It shows that you're honest and that it's okay to not know all the answers. We are all human and make mistakes sometimes!
Q: What’s one future goal you have for yourself?
A: I want to attend graduate school to study clinical psychology in the near future.
Thanks for all of your help and hard work Tiffany.
Kayla Cavanaugh
Kayla works as the Program Manager here at ILNS. Meet Kayla:
Q: How long have you been with ILNS?
A: I joined the ILNS team in March 2022. Previously, I have nine years of experience working with the disability community and vulnerable populations through other social services
Q: What does your role entail?
A: I am the Program Manager for ILNS’ youth transition to employment program, RISE. I also assist with other ILNS programs and services, including our pre-employment Community Access Program (CAP). Within my role, I support participants to establish SMART goals, work towards accomplishing them, and support them as they transition to the workforce. I also provide overall program management, so we deliver any program effectively, including supporting staff in different capacities, completing reports, and other items that come up.
Q: What’s one thing everyone should know about you?
A: I love to travel! With the pandemic, that has been put on hold but I am super excited to start traveling again 🙂
Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: “Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations” - keep that in mind when going through a tough time; the storm doesn't last forever, the sun will rise, and we will try again.
Q: What’s a future goal you have for yourself?
A: To go skydiving and bungee jumping.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about working for ILNS?
A: I love the interaction and different opportunities I have been given within my short time so far here. I also enjoy working with participants and seeing them succeed! Everyone here at ILNS has been so great! Working at ILNS as the Program Manager has been rewarding, and I enjoy what I do. I would highly recommend any of our programs and services
Neil Merovitch
Neil has been involved with ILNS since 2007 and is currently part of our Student Self-Management Attendant Services Program.
Q: What are a few things everyone should know about you?
A: I have been involved with Independent Living Nova Scotia since 2007. Recently, I became part of the Centre for Independent Living Toronto’s Disability Equity + Access Steering Committee. Outside of Independent Living, I work on Disability Justice and EDI within the University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children. For fun, I like visiting museums and being by the water. However, being currently in Toronto, I miss the smell of the ocean.
Q: What’s your favourite part about ILNS?
A: I really enjoy how supportive everyone at ILNS is and the sense of belonging they provide through programs and services.
Q: How has your involvement with ILNS helped you to be more independent?
A: ILNS has provided me with the resources and support to study independently through the Student Self-Management Attendant Services Program. This has enabled me to complete my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Dalhousie University and pursue my PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Toronto.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: Don’t believe someone if they tell you that something is impossible or cannot be done. There is always a way, even if it is not obvious to others.
Q: What’s one future goal you have for yourself?
A: To find a career where I can continue to give back and help others going through similar experiences to myself.
Nancy Walker
Nancy has been involved with our Board of Directors and also managed the Adolescent/Young Adult Autism Summer Camp here at ILNS. Get to know more about Nancy:
Q: How long have you been involved with ILNS?
A: Initially when I came to ILNS it was because the organization had agreed to run the Adolescent/Young Adult Autism Summer Program. I then decided to join the board and I have been involved for almost 6 years now.
Q: What’s your favorite part about being involved with ILNS?
A: ILNS has programs and supports for a very diverse population. I am pleased that the organization is able to "think outside the box" to come up with ideas and programs to engage many individuals. I very much enjoy all the people I have met and worked with during my involvement with ILNS. I think the organization is very fortunate to have such an articulate, hard-working and compassionate group under their wing.
Q: What’s one thing everyone should know about you?
A: I have been a very strong advocate in the autism community for about 30 years. I also have a background working in the area of physical challenges and injuries as a physiotherapist.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: Never give up on fighting and advocating for what you believe in, and find individuals and groups that will help support you.
Q: What’s one future goal you have for yourself?
A: To be able to enjoy my retirement!
Ryan Shay
Ryan worked as one of the Festival Coordinators for this year’s Art of Disability Festival. Get to know a little bit about Ryan:
Q: What’s one thing everyone should know about you?
A: I love to learn! Living with a physical injury gave me the opportunity to focus more on my mental state and level of intellect. Because of this, I have grown to have a great appreciation for attaining knowledge in any capacity. Part of this means keeping an open mind and I don't judge a book by its cover. Subjects I enjoy the most include ancient history & archeology, the study of antiquity, astrophysics, and philosophy. Though I have no formal education in any of the fields I try to dedicate allocated time to learn about and research these things.
Q: What has been your favourite part of working as a Festival Coordinator at ILNS this summer?
A: I had a really fun time at the Festival! Getting to know artists and hearing their individual stories was very interesting. I come from an athletic background and found it difficult to appreciate and understand art. However, the Festival allowed me to see art in a different light and actually ended up taking home a painting.
Q: What’s one future goal you have for yourself?
A: I want to go to university in the southern United States or somewhere in Latin America, learn Spanish and earn a degree in philosophy. I have a big desire to envelop myself in other cultures and experience as much as I can abroad. I firmly believe life is about experiencing as much as you can and sharing that with the people you love.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: Surround yourself with people that have the same interests as you and make sure your environment allows you to follow those interests. Make it your mission to do what makes you happy, as long as it doesn’t affect others negatively. The rest will come.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: I just wanted to add how awesome everyone is at ILNS! The programs and services offered by the organization are things we need in our society to help change the view of persons with disabilities, and that’s amazing.
Anna Quon
Anna has been an artist at the Art of Disability Festival since 2012, get to know Anna:
Q: What does creating art mean to you?
A: I love being able to combine my art and words and see it come to life through a book, film, or a painting.
Q: What is one way you think art impacts our community in a positive way?
A: Art offers a space of expression and reflection, as well as imagination and compassion to those who make it and those who experience it. It broadens and deepens our idea of what is, and of what is possible.
Q: What do you enjoy most about the Art of Disability Festival?
A: I enjoy the camaraderie with other artists with disabilities, especially meeting new and upcoming artists. I also enjoy interacting with customers and organizers at the event.
Q: If you could share one piece of advice for other artists living with disabilities what would it be?
A: I think everyone can make art and enjoy making it. I hope other artists with disabilities, or anyone who makes art, can keep the sense of curiosity, adventure, excitement and joy that art can bring no matter where their art practice and business takes them.
Tina Gascon
Tina has been working for ILNS for the past 3 years as ILNS’ Finance Officer, get to know Tina:
Q: What does your role entail?
A: As the Finance Officer I do the payroll, teach Financial Management to clients and more recently ILNS has added a program where we do the payroll for Self Managers so they won't be forced to open a business, file payroll, WCB, T4 and quarterly reports just to pay their attendants.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about working for ILNS?
A: I really enjoy teaching our clients Financial management, especially when they come up and say "I wanted this thing but put it back because I heard you asking me do you really need that? You were in my head!"
Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: The one piece of advice I would give our audience is to HIRE US TO DO YOUR PAYROLL. If you are a self-manager, payroll is complicated, and filling out government remittance forms and quarterly reports is complicated, why add that unnecessary stress into your life? Let ILNS make your life easier by taking that stress and burden off your plate, we are here to help you in any way we can to live an independent life.
Q: What’s one future goal you have for yourself?
A: When my husband and I retire I would like to take six months and travel across Canada in a mini camper. I want to see every Capital City of every province and territory. Canada is a beautiful country and I want to see it all.
Carrie Ernst
Carrie started with the organization in March of 2015, throughout this time she has held many roles before becoming Executive Director. Get to know Carrie:
Q: What does your role entail?
A: In my current role as Executive Director, I provide organizational oversight of the programs and services we offer, on an administrative basis. Another important part of my position involves engaging in and with the disability community so we as an organization can identify the needs of Nova Scotians with disabilities and find responsive ways to these needs through different services and programs. Within my capacity, I need to use creativity to imagine how our organization would offer different supports to persons with disabilities. Working for ILNS has been one of the most rewarding positions I have held in my professional career. I am passionate about the work we’re doing and excited to see where we will be in five years time.
Q: What’s one thing everyone should know about you?
A: I started one of the very first Career Resource Centres in Nova Scotia - these centres are now known as Nova Scotia Work Centres. This Centre started in New Waterford in response to the coal mines closing and ran for 12 years.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: It’s important to not only understand what work/life balance means, but to also carve out time for yourself outside of work.
Q: What's one future goal you have for yourself?
A: I love traveling to countries I've never been to before. A few places I would love to cross off my travel list in the coming years are Italy, Spain, and Greece.
Michael McCullough
Michael has displayed his artwork at our Art of Disability Festival for the past 7 years, including the past 2 years in our virtual Artist Catalogue. Get to know Michael:
Q: How long have you been creating your artwork?
A: For the past 50 years or so, I began taking photos at the age of eleven with an Ilford 35mm Rangefinder Manual camera. I have been showing and selling my work since 2000 on the Public Gardens fence, then to Halifax Keith’s Brewery market from 2001-2012.
Q: What aspect of your art represents you or something you enjoy?
A: I enjoy taking photos of everyday life in the abstract and enjoy the Maritime theme, the ocean is in my blood. Recently I have been walking around my neighbourhood capturing local photos, abstract design and photographing many Maritime shorelines and watercraft images.
Q: What do you enjoy most about the Art of Disability Festival?
A: The Art of Disability Festival gives me an opportunity to show my photography. I enjoy getting a personal response to my photography style and perspective. It is also gratifying to be in the artistic community and share the experience with other artists.
Q: If you could share one piece of advice for other artists living with disabilities what would it be?
A: Every day is a new day. Every new day comes with new possibilities. Do what brings you joy and find strength in your creativity.
Taylor Coady
Taylor has been involved with our Board of Directors since 2019 and currently serves as the Board Chair. Get to know Taylor:
Q: What are a few things everyone should know about you?
A: I grew up in P.E.I., so Nova Scotia is my adopted home. I have lived all over the Maritimes and it has helped me appreciate all the good things we have here, and how our challenges are not impossible to overcome. Also, I'm a huge Montreal Canadiens fan - go Habs go!
Q: What are your favourite parts about being involved with ILNS?
A: My two favourite things about working with ILNS are working with a wonderfully talented group of people and seeing the impact, both large and small, of ILNS in the community. And of course the Christmas Gala!
Q: What is one future goal you have for yourself?
A: I've never seen a mountain in person. One day I want to travel out West and see the sights - Banff seems like a great place to visit!
Q: What is one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: If possible, have plants around your home or apartment. They're nice to look at, have a calming effect, and seeing a plant grow over time is very rewarding.
Lance Capoquian
Lance is currently participating in our RISE transition to employment program and also completed the GAME edition of our Community Access Program (CAP) this past winter. Get to know Lance:
Q: What are a few things everyone should know about you?
A: I'm a great person. I am very outgoing and I like to meet people. I enjoy walks around my neighborhood, watching TV, and I always have an iced coffee from Starbucks in hand.
Q: What is one future goal you have for yourself?
A: A full-time job. I would love to be able to buy a house for my family.
Q: What is your favorite part about participating in ILNS programming?
A: The people here are great. I like my work experience at Spencer House because I love to help seniors and I get to do fun activities like chair dancing, cooking, etc. ILNS has been very helpful with people with disabilities.
Q: How has participating in ILNS programming helped you to be more independent?
A: I take metro transit now independently, I have learned how to be employable - time management, presentation, etc. I have also learned how to budget money better.
Q: What is some advice you want to share with our audience?
A: Be yourself and don't be hard on yourself. If you're hard on yourself you won't be able to see yourself for who you are - everyone is important. If you need help, ask someone at ILNS, home, etc. Keep up the good work everyone!
