Current Volunteer Members (click name for bio)

Kwasi is an enthusiastic and empathetic human services professional who works with Shelter Nova Scotia, a non-profit that helps people in crisis and transition. He knows the importance of stability, belonging and purpose in people’s lives and is dedicated to assisting them in achieving these goals and improving their wellbeing.

Kwasi recently graduated from University of Ottawa with a master’s degree in criminology. His belief in a just society where everyone is thriving, and crime and harm is at a lesser level drove him to pursue studies in this field. He hopes to work in Probation where he would help ex-offenders effectively integrate back into society.

Kwasi currently lives in Westphal, Nova Scotia and enjoys giving back to his community through volunteering with organizations and programs that promotes the health and safety of community.

We are looking for a patient, family member or caregiver to join us on this team!

To apply or learn more about this opportunity:

• Call 1-833-732-5646 (PFA-JOIN)
• Email PFAjoin@nshealth.ca
• Visit www.nshealth.ca/pfa

We look forward to hearing from you!

We are looking for a patient, family member or caregiver to join us on this team!

To apply or learn more about this opportunity:

• Call 1-833-732-5646 (PFA-JOIN)
• Email PFAjoin@nshealth.ca
• Visit www.nshealth.ca/pfa

We look forward to hearing from you!

Peggy recently retired from nursing after working 36 years full-time.  Her nursing career provided an opportunity to care for patients and their families of all ages from newborn to the elderly. Peggy feels that being a member of the Council is an excellent opportunity to continue to be engaged in healthcare from the perspective of a mother and grandmother, sister and daughter who has had various experiences within the healthcare system.  Peggy believes that public engagement is necessary for patient-centered care which leads to improved quality of care for everyone.

Judy is a retired nurse and a cancer survivor. She values this opportunity to stay involved with health care and share some of her experiences.  Judy is co-president of the local St. Vincent de Paul Society helping local singles and families who have financial challenges and food insecurity. Judy also volunteers with the community cupboard and community soup gathering. Judy enjoys knitting and travelling, seeing her grandchildren and just being outdoors.

Michael is Emeritus Professor of Physics at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia.  He is a past-president of the Canadian Association of Physicists and was the chair of the board of directors of the Canadian Institute for Photonic Innovation.  He has received numerous awards and medals for his work in physics and also for his achievements in running the Antigonish Performing Arts concert series for fifty years.  At present he is a member of Commission 13 of the International Union for Pure and Applied Physics, which is devoted to supporting physics in developing countries.

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

We are looking for a patient, family member or caregiver to join us on this team!

To apply or learn more about this opportunity:

• Call 1-833-732-5646 (PFA-JOIN)
• Email PFAjoin@nshealth.ca
• Visit www.nshealth.ca/pfa

We look forward to hearing from you!

We are looking for a patient, family member or caregiver to join us on this team!

To apply or learn more about this opportunity:

• Call 1-833-732-5646 (PFA-JOIN)
• Email PFAjoin@nshealth.ca
• Visit www.nshealth.ca/pfa

We look forward to hearing from you!

Ray is a semi-retired pharmacist (Dal '03) who also substitute teaches and volunteers as a firefighter in his region. Ray loves to hunt, play sports and attempt to be a lumberjack in his new-found time.

I became a Patient Family Advisor in 2020 following the devastating loss of my mom, Lorraine, to lung cancer in February 2019. I had also lost my dad, Gilbert, to lung and bone cancer in 2002. These experiences deeply shaped my understanding of the gaps within our healthcare system and inspired my commitment to being a voice for change—particularly for all Nova Scotians affected by lung cancer.

With a background in long-term care and strong connections to the nursing community, I’ve always valued compassionate, patient-centered care. Volunteering as a Patient Family Advisor with Nova Scotia Health has allowed me to contribute countless hours toward improving the patient experience—not only for those facing lung cancer, but for all Nova Scotians who rely on our healthcare system.

In 2024, I joined the Patient Family Public Advisory Council, where I am honoured to serve as Chair. My goal is to help ensure every Nova Scotian can access quality care, understanding, and dignity when they need it most.

Beyond my advocacy work, I am a small business owner, mom to two teenage boys, and proud dog mom to three. I’m also an active community volunteer who believes in giving back wherever possible and in helping build a stronger, more compassionate Nova Scotia for all.