Meet the Team
Our Staff
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Roger joined the OHC team in 2023 after moving with his family to Nova Scotia from the Yukon. Prior to this, Roger worked in both the non-profit sector and in emergency services. He has spent much of his career focused on fostering partnerships, supporting the growth of communities’ innate strengths and leaders, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of programs and services. Outside of work, Roger enjoys teaching first aid, volunteering with his local fire department, or hiking with his wife, dog, and sometimes even his cat.
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As well as being a stay-at-home parent, Darren comes from a background in music production, having worked as senior engineer and producer in one of the largest and most recognized recording facilities in Eastern Canada before building out their own production services company. Coupled with a love for the creative vein, they thrived in an environment where calm, patience and the ability to draw on individual artists’ strengths and desires to come together for a singular creative goal were central tenets. Darren is a busy & dedicated parent of 4 neurodiverse kiddos, and is openly queer/transgender.
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With a background in healthcare operations, medical research, and clinical administration, Julia brings experience in communications, collaboration, and supporting multidisciplinary teams. As Community Engagement and Communications Manager, she is committed to fostering meaningful partnerships, amplifying community voices, and helping to add to the accessible, person-centered care at OHC. Her work is grounded in the belief that healthy communities are built through connection, trust, and working together to improve health and well-being for all. Outside of work, Julia enjoys staying active in nature, cooking with friends & creative projects like wood burning.
Our Board of Directors
The Board is responsible for OHC's strategic direction. The Board is made up of people from the communities we serve. We operate through a governance model. Directors are elected at the annual AGM. Any member of the association is eligible to be nominated for a role on the board.
For more information about joining the board, please email: ed@ourhealthcentre.ca
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Drew completed a successful career in Thoracic Surgery, having practiced in Halifax for 35 years prior to his retirement in 2020. By the close of his professional career he was positioned as Medical Director of the Cancer Program at Queen Elizabeth II hospital in Halifax, and for the last 5 years acted as Senior Medical Director of the Nova Scotia Cancer Program. Drew is particularly interested in organizational efficiency, systems of care delivery and holistic care, and brings his extensive background and experience to his seat as Chair of the Board of Directors.
CHAIR
VICE CHAIR
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Jenny holds a degree in Environmental Science and is a graduate of Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law. She is an associate with the local law firm Chester Law, where she combines her legal expertise with her passion for serving the community. Jenny brings her dedication to social justice and interest in the connection between health and the environment to her role on the Board of Directors for Our Health Centre Association. Originally from Martin’s River, Jenny now lives in Western Shore, where she enjoys gardening, camping, hiking with her dog, and exploring the beautiful South Shore.
CORPORATE SECRETARY
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Following retirement from a career that saw him become sole owner of Haber Blain Insurance Brokers, Leo Blain & his wife Deborah made the permanent move to Chester from Hamilton, Ontario in 2018. Over the course of his career Leo was involved with numerous charities, and was also an elected trustee for 12 years. Leo brings a wealth of experience plus a dash of familiarity as our new Treasurer, having already held this seat for 3 years in an earlier panel of our board. In addition to this Leo has continued to contribute to our community through volunteer work with the local food bank as well as being a sponsor with the Chester Playhouse.
TREASURER
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Although retired, Barb continues her passion for patient centered care and quality health service delivery. She received her BN from Dalhousie University and Master of Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University. Drawing upon her experience as a former nurse educator, nurse manager, consultant, keynote speaker and author, she worked across Canada and in the UK while continuously advocating for excellence in our health care environments. Over the years Barb has served as a volunteer on several community boards including the Chester Playhouse, Neptune Theatre, and the QEII Foundation.
DIRECTOR
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Jill has 35 years experience in Health Care leadership roles, with a focus on patient/client transitions from acute care, rehab care, home & community care and nursing homes. Jill has held positions as Director of Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Service, then Integrated Continuing Care at Capital Health, followed by Project Advisor with the Canadian Home Care Association. She has also served as President of the Canadian Home Care Association Board, as well as board member with the Nova Scotia Association of Occupational Therapists and the Halifax Bengal Lancers. Jill brings a wealth of experience involving teamwork, collaboration, integration of care within a fiscal accountability framework and forging community partnerships. Jill holds a BSc in Occupational Therapy (UofT) and a Masters Degree in Health Administration (Dalhousie U).
DIRECTOR
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Kelly is a seasoned Registered Nurse with a diverse background in clinical practice and nursing education across several provinces, including experience in the challenging environment of Canada’s high north. She has held leadership roles at NSCC, which included developing pathways to licensure for internationally educated health professionals in Nova Scotia. A dedicated advocate for health promotion and literacy, Kelly continues to pursue these interests beyond retirement.
DIRECTOR
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Gayle has been a resident of Blandford since 1977 and brings strong, long-standing ties to the local community. She dedicated 41 years to TD Canada Trust, including 30 years as a Financial Advisor, where she supported individuals and families in making informed and responsible financial decisions. Throughout her career, Gayle developed strong analytical and critical thinking skills, sound judgement, and a client-centred approach, along with a deep commitment to confidentiality and accountability. Following her retirement in March 2024, Gayle has remained actively engaged in community life. She served as Manager of the Aspotogan Ridge Golf Club, where she was responsible for overseeing daily operations, administration, and community engagement, further strengthening her organizational and leadership capabilities. Gayle has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to volunteerism, including 15 years with the Blandford Ladies Fire Auxiliary. She also served for 18 years on the board of the Aspotogan Heritage Trust, holding the roles of Director, Treasurer, and Chair. She brings valuable experience in governance, collaboration, and supporting initiatives that promote the long-term sustainability of her community.
DIRECTOR
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Liz is one of the founding owners of Woozles, the oldest children’s bookstore in Canada. She currently serves as a Board Member of Saskatchewan’s Health Quality Council (appointed in 2013) and as Vice- President of the Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care headquartered in Washington, DC. Liz established the Child Life Program at the Izaak Walton Killam (IWK) Children’s Hospital in Halifax, was the first Chair of its Children’s Miracle Network Telethon and is an honorary trustee of the IWK Hospital Foundation. A life-long advocate for children and youth, Liz has served as Chair of the Canadian Institute of Child Health, President of the Association for the Care of Children’s Health, and President of Natural Step Canada. She was recently honored as one of the three co-founders of Halifax’s Discovery Centre. For 9 years, Liz served on the Board of the Chester Playhouse and as its Co-Chair for several years. In 2006, she co-authored Privileged Presence, a collection of stories about experiences in health care with a focus on communication, collaboration, and compassion.
DIRECTOR