Board of Directors

Current ASNS Board of Directors

Executive:

Lindsay Cross, President (Chair)

Lindsay has been a board member since 2020, though her passion for supporting Nova Scotians on the dementia journey dates back to 1996 when she began working as a student mealtime assistant at a nursing home in her hometown. It was there she learned the importance of compassion, dignity, service, and seeing elders as a valuable part of our lived experience. Lindsay is currently the Director of Marketing and Brand Integrity at Shannex, a family-owned and operated provider of retirement living and long term care communities in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario.

As a trusted leader with a strong professional background in marketing and brand development, Lindsay is passionate about helping organizations deliver exceptional experiences through meaningful engagement, standards and stories. Lindsay holds a Masters Degree in Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University and is a graduate of Acadia University and NSCC. She lives in Bedford with her husband and two Boston Terriers, Rudy and Sydney.

Mark Inglis, Vice President (Vice Chair)

Mark has been a board member since 2023. Mark is Bennett’s dad and Melissa’s husband first and foremost. Professionally, he’s the Development Officer, Alumni Relations at Cape Breton University and thrives off of building, maintaining and growing relationships.

A self-declared storyteller, Mark integrates a background in education and public relations with a talent in writing and relationship building to deliver quality strategic communications and engagement metrics. Mark’s approach focuses on community development and the stories that bring it to life. 

After an 8-year career as a public school teacher, Mark pursued an advanced diploma in Public Relations at NSCC in 2015, which led him to a dream job as Marketing & Communications Officer with the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation. Mark’s direct mail writing and newsletters have been directly responsible for more than half a million dollars raised. Mark now collaborates with CBU Alumni around the world to develop meaningful community relationships. Mark is passionate about supporting those who are impacted by dementia through meaningful volunteer work.

A graduate of Cape Breton University, St. FX University and NSCC, Mark is trying to collect diplomas and degrees from all across the province. A runner, Cabot Trail Relay Racer and self-proclaimed Breton Brewing Beer expert, Mark is a proud Cape Bretoner, father, husband, son, brother and uncle.

Chris Trenaman, Treasurer

Chris has been a board member since 2018. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant with Grant Thornton LLP, with a practice that focuses on accounting and advisory services for not-for-profit organizations. 

Chris focuses on developing effective working relationships that provide tools and insights to guide business strategy and decision-making for success. Chris also has an interest in learning and development and facilitates training courses for accountants within Grant Thornton and for the CPA community through the provincial professional organization.

Chris has personal connections to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia within his family. This gives Chris first-hand experience of the significant impact dementia has on families and the need for support.

Outside of work Chris remains busy with his young family, biking, windsurfing and kayaking.

Members at Large:

Rob Pulling

Rob has been a board member since 2018 and has a passion for community service. Rob holds a Bachelor of Science from Dalhousie University, an MBA from Saint Mary’s University, and a CPA-CMA designation. As a financial professional with over 20 years’ experience, Rob currently works for Clearwater Seafoods supporting their land-based operations.

After spending several years working in Toronto, Rob returned to Nova Scotia to be closer to his family, including his mother who is currently progressing along the dementia journey. Rob has made his home in Bedford with his wife Elizabeth and their two children.

In addition to serving on the board of ASNS, Rob has volunteered as a first aid provider with Canadian Ski Patrol and as a tutor for adult learners with the Bedford Sackville Learning Network.  

Sean Bradley (Finance & Audit Committee)

Sean has been a board member since 2018. Sean holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Saint Mary’s University, and works as a Division Manager for Chandler, A Division of J.D. Irving Limited.

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are close to home for Sean, after he and his family helped support his father and mentor, Winston, through the dementia journey for years. Sean resides in Halifax and enjoys spending time with his wife Heidi and his two boys, Nolan and Patrick.

Kerrie Coady (Nominations Committee)

Kerrie has been a board member since 2019. Kerrie grew up in Sydney and Dartmouth and has resided in Truro for the last 15 years. Kerrie graduated in 2004 with an EMBA from Saint Mary’s University. She is the owner/operator of Bulk Barn in Truro. Previous to that, she held various senior management positions with CIBC including in commercial banking, customer service, and operations management.

In previous years, Kerrie co-chaired the CIBC Run for the Cure in Halifax and also ran a half marathon in Switzerland while raising $5,000. for the Arthritis Society.

Kerrie is passionate about being involved with the Society as she has seen first-hand the impact the disease has had on friends and family.Her grandfather had Alzheimer’s disease and eventually succumbed to it. A close family friend nursed a family member through all stages of the disease, and this had a significant impact on Kerrie.

Kerrie is the Treasurer for the Cantabile Choral Society in Truro, loves music and live shows, singing, and having fun with her dogs Felix and Oscar.

Faye Forbes

Faye has been a board member since 2020. She also serves on the board of the Alzheimer Society of Canada as well as serving on numerous other advisory and research committees such as the NS Dementia Strategy and The Dementia Alliance of Canada.

Faye is an associate priest at St. Francis by the Lakes Anglican Church in Lower Sackville and is active in sacramental ministry and education. The pastoral side of her ministry is involved with seniors at a long-term care home and helping parishioners’ transition to their diagnosis of dementia and walking that journey with them.

Faye is the proud mother of three grown daughters and six grandchildren. With her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease ten years ago, education became a priority.  Faye has shared her journey speaking about “My Dance with Alzheimer’s” across the country including the G7 Conference. Dementia does not control her life.  As a person with Alzheimer’s, Faye does not consider herself disabled, but differently abled!

Dr. Melissa Andrew

Dr. Andrew has been a board member since 2013. She participates in the Alzheimer Society of Canada's peer review process for research grants studying Alzheimer's and dementia. 

Dr. Andrew completed her MD at Dalhousie, a Masters of Public Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and her residency training in internal medicine at Dalhousie. She also completed her interdisciplinary PhD on the topic of social vulnerability in older people.

Dr. Andrew is a geriatrician at the QEII Division of Geriatric Medicine, where she works with many people and their families & friends as they navigate the dementia journey.

Her research focuses on frailty and social vulnerability in relation to dementia, and she also studies frailty in relation to models of primary care and long-term care for older adults, vaccine effectiveness, and outcomes from infections including influenza, shingles and COVID-19.

Vanessa Nevin

Vanessa has been a board member since 2020. She comes from Sipekne’katik First Nation within Mi’kmaki. Vanessa is the Director of Health at the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat, leading a dynamic department that works to improve the health and wellbeing of First Nations through participation of First Nations in the planning, management and delivery of health programs and services. She has extensive experience working with First Nations communities and organizations across the nation. 

Vanessa obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Victoria and completed many graduate courses for Royal Roads University’s Master of Art program for Conflict Analysis and Management. She also had a Royal Roads University certificate in Negotiations, and an Aboriginal Trauma Certificate from the Justice Institute of British Columbia.

Vanessa loves nature, hiking, beaches, and her beautiful family.

Debra Boudreau

Debra has been a board member since 2023. Debra holds a Master’s of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from Dalhousie University, and an Executive Coaching Certification from Canada Coach Academy.

As a highly motivated health care leader with experience in all heath care sectors, as well as private practice. Debra brings excellent planning, facilitation and team building skills along with a demonstrated ability in managing human resources, governance relationships and budgets. She also brings experience in implementing and monitoring policies and programs. She is highly adaptable to change and a change agent model for others by being a forward thinker, collaborator, coach, mentor and problem solver.

Debra is the CEO at Tideview Terrace Nursing in Digby. She lives in Digby and enjoys walks along the beach with her two dogs, Orso and Evie, who also go to work with her every day.

Ian Bezanson

Ian has been a board member since 2024. He holds a Bachelor of Computer Science Degree from Dalhousie University, which served as the foundation for his successful journey in establishing and expanding a digital marketing firm from his basement to a successful acquisition. Throughout that time, he honed his skills in business consulting, working with large and small businesses across North America. Following the sale of his company, Ian transitioned into the role of Chief Operating Officer at Halifax's Valent Legal, driving growth and operational excellence within the organization.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ian's personal connection to Alzheimer's Disease is deeply rooted in his family's experience, having witnessed his maternal grandmother valiantly confront the disease for over a decade. The impact of her struggle, along with the challenges faced by family members and caregivers, has fuelled Ian's dedication to contribute to the fight against Alzheimer's.

Outside of his professional endeavors and philanthropic commitments, Ian cherishes time spent with his active family. He also enjoys running, sailing, and exploring culinary adventures, which not only enrich his personal life but also reflect his belief in the importance of balance and well-being.

Julie Carson

Julie has been a board member since 2024. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant with Deloitte LLP, with a focus in tax. She grew up in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and attended Saint Mary’s University.  

Julie’s passion for being involved with the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia comes from losing her grandmother to Alzheimer’s disease. Watching her grandmother, a physically healthy woman, slowly deteriorate over time was very difficult. It also took a toll on Julie’s family. Julie’s goal for volunteering with the Society is to help others in similar situations.   

Julie loves to coach volleyball, travel to new places, and spend quality time with her friends, family, and her pet dog (Ranger) and cat (Joey). 

Sara Racicot

Sara has been a member of the board since 2024. She is an Associate Lawyer at Patterson Law in Halifax, where her practice focuses on estate litigation, as well as complex issues involving capacity, elder law, adult guardianship, and power of attorney disputes. A central part of her work is supporting clients through challenging situations, particularly those making difficult decisions on behalf of loved ones who are deemed incapable.

Sara appreciates the profound impact Alzheimer’s has on individuals and families. Her interest in joining the board was shaped by her personal experience of caring for her grandfather, who lived with dementia for much of her life. Witnessing his struggle inspired her to advocate for those affected by similar challenges.

She holds a Global Professional Master of Laws from the University of Toronto, with a focus on Canadian Common Law. Sara also earned a Bachelor of Laws from Queen’s University of Belfast. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours from Bishop’s University, majoring in Sociology, Criminology, Law, and Social Policy.

Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her cat, Munde and German Shepard, Bear.

Joey Lever

Joey has been a board member since 2024. A proud native of New Waterford, Nova Scotia, he is a graduate of Cape Breton University (CBU), where he completed a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 2020. Following his graduation, Joey started his career at CBU, taking on various roles that led him to his current position in the President’s Office as the President’s Special Assistant. 

Joey’s commitment to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia is deeply personal. Having played a role in the care of both of his maternal grandparents as they battled Alzheimer’s and experienced their loss within two years of each other, Joey understands firsthand the challenges faced by caregivers and families affected by the disease. These experiences inspire him to use his lived knowledge to support others navigating the Alzheimer’s journey.

Beyond his volunteering with ASNS, Joey is an active volunteer in his home community of New Waterford and enjoys spending time at his cottage on the Bras d’Or Lakes. Passionate about continuous learning, Joey is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Relations at Mount Saint Vincent University and in his downtime, he loves to travel and spend time with family and friends.