Staff
Sherry Costa -
Executive Director of Independent Living Nova Scotia
In addition to her previous position as VoicePrint’s Atlantic Regional Manager, Sherry has served as the Chair of the Partnership for Access Awareness Nova Scotia (PAANS) committee for the past four years. She is also a member of the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB); serves on the White Cane Week steering committee and is part of the Nova Scotia Disability Strategy working group. Most recently, she accepted a Director’s role on the Board of Affirmative Industries and continues to serve on the Board of the Federation of Community Organizations (FOCO). All are volunteer roles she has taken on to gain a better understanding of the disability community’s needs and to contribute to long term strategic planning in addressing those needs. Her education in Communications and Psychology offers ILNSA a unique combination of leadership, administrative and communications expertise. Her skill-set, experience and passion will help build the capacity to make independent living a reality for Nova Scotians with disabilities.
Jillian Mosher- Career Exploration Facilitator
Jill graduated from Dalhousie University in 2007 where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Psychology and English. As a Student Employment Officer for Service Canada, Jill discovered she enjoyed providing students with the skills and tools they needed to find employment. Shortly after, Jill moved from Yarmouth to Halifax and worked for Nova Scotia’s Workforce and Development, Labour Standard’s division. This experience provided her with insight into the Nova Scotia Labour Standards Code, Occupational Health and Safety act, and Human Rights act. Jill’s work experience, combined with her educational interests guided her to the ACEE program where she is able to provide support and guidance to youth who are exploring career options and transitioning into their communities. Jill is hoping to take her Master’s in Adult Education through St. Frances Xavier University in January 2011. Jill’s areas of interest for study include transitioning young adults with disabilities into post-secondary education and inclusion in post-secondary studies.
Linda Armstrong
- Information and Networking Specialist / Office Manager
Linda is the Information and Networking Specialist and the ILNS Office Manager since 1998. You can reach her at 902-453-0004; info@ilns.ca.
Linda graduated from the YMCA’s Woman in Transition Training - Skills Development course and continued her education at CompuCollege School of Business, receiving a diploma in Microsoft Business Applications. Linda furthers her business education by attending seminars and workshops relevant to her position and by researching topics both on the Internet and at the local library that are important to persons with disabilities.
Linda brings to ILNS her past experience working with persons with disabilities at Peer Partnership Resource Centre, a forerunner of ILNS, and her direct experience with family members with physical and intellectual disabilities.
Monnah Green
- Project Co-ordinator
Monnah Green has been a Project Co-ordinator for Independent Living Nova Scotia since January 2010. She brings her experience as a research assistant, teaching assistant, financial co-ordinator, and volunteer co-ordinator to this position. She has been involved with not-for-profit organizations that support marginalized peoples for several years. Monnah received a BA (Honours) in Sociology from St. Thomas University, an MA in Women’s Studies from Saint Mary’s University and is currently a PhD candidate in the Women’s Studies program from York University. You can reach Monnah 453-0004 or email Monnah.Green@ilns.ca.
Stephanie Peach
- Outreach Co-ordinator
Stephanie has been involved with ILNS since 2006. She started as a university co-op student and continued to stay involved as the recording secretary for the board of directors. For the past few years, Stephanie has been coordinating the Food for Thought project and the Making a Connection, Literacy, Disability, and Quality of Life projects. In addition, Stephanie worked on an accessibility audit and the ILNS Fall Expo. Currently, Stephanie is working as the Outreach Coordinator for the Forging the Links project.
Stephanie obtained a Bachelor of Arts Community Studies degree from the University College of Cape Breton and earned her Bachelor of Public Relations degree from Mount Saint Vincent University. Stephanie plans to further her education and work towards completing her Masters of Public Relations in the near future.
Cathy Waite – Program Coordinator, Access to Community Education and Employment (ACEE)
Cathy has been employed with Independent Living Nova Scotia since 2000. She has brought to this position over 20 years experience working with persons with disabilities. She began working at Independent Living Nova Scotia by coordinating a Women’s Health Conference; then for a number of years, she facilitated Independent Living workshops as part of the Next Step Project and since 2005, has coordinated the ACEE program. Cathy is a Registered Social Worker in Nova Scotia.
Laura Slauenwhite
Laura joined in ILNS team in 2009 as the Out and About Coordinator and continues to organize the weekly social program for adults with disabilities. Most recently she was honoured to become the Activities and Leisure Coordinator, where she raises awareness and creates community partnerships to increase opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in a wide range of inclusive recreational and leisure activities. Laura received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology and a Diploma in Forensic Science from Saint Mary’s University in 2010. She is currently completing an honours degree in cognitive neuroscience and plans to further her education by pursuing a Master’s of Science in Audiology in the approaching years.
ILNS - Staff Slide Show
Recently the ILNS crew headed out on the water for some fun. Click here to view a slideshow of this event.