Michael ’s career spans over 20 years as an operations, innovation, and housing development expert.  He has nearly a decade of experience in progressively senior roles at Killam Apartment REIT, as well as some of the Government of Nova Scotia’s notable crown corporations. With his action-oriented approach, Michael focuses on building high-achieving teams to deliver tangible results as the AHANS Executive Director.  As an outspoken person, Michael is one of Nova Scotia’s most vocal housing advocates. He is leading the construction and development of a substantial portfolio for durable, affordable housing. Michael has served on numerous boards and committees and has been the recipient of many awards and recognitions for his professional and volunteer efforts.  Some of his recognitions include the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, the IPOANS Rising Star Award, and the ISANS Community Champion Award.

Adriane was born and raised in Halifax and attended Saint Mary’s University, earning a degree in International Development. During her degree, she spent time in Costa Rica, Uganda, and Botswana.  After living in Australia, Adriane returned to Halifax in 2016, enrolling in the Master of Planning program at Dalhousie University. She completed an internship with the Housing and Homelessness Partnership during the program while also researching the existing barriers to the development of not-for-profit housing.  Adriane’s research inspired her to co-author a peer-reviewed article with Dr. R. Thomas. The article explored non-profit and co-operative housing in Halifax, which was published in the Journal of Housing and Society.  Adriane joined AHANS in 2019 as a planner and is currently the Director of Planning and Development. She hopes to continue working with AHANS’ property team to increase the supply of non-market housing throughout the province and create attainable housing for all Nova Scotians.

In 1996, after attending Saint Mary's University with a major in finance, Christa moved to Kingston, Ontario, and started working with a small non-profit as assistant to the Finance Director. She remained there for 3 years, learning and developing her strong interest in nonprofit accounting. Christa returned home to Nova Scotia after starting her family and continued working within nonprofit accounting for various organizations in Halifax. After a short time at a small accounting firm, she returned to nonprofit work and started with AHANS in 2019.

After fifteen years in aviation security management, Melanie underwent a career shift and joined AHANS in 2022. As a Reaching Home Coordinator, Melanie assists our community partners in contractual and financial navigation, ensuring that Reaching Home-funded projects are well supported.

Mary was born and raised in Halifax where she attended Dalhousie University, earning a Bachelor of Science (Recreation) in 2021. She also completed a certificate in Residential Property Management with NSCC, in collaboration with IPOANS in 2023. Mary began her journey as a Community Assistant with Dalhousie Residence Life, where she uncovered her passion for property management. After graduating, she channeled that passion into enhancing the quality of life in Halifax, by planning events that fostered a strong sense of community. Mary spent three years as a Resident Manager with Killam Apartment REIT, while also working as a casual Support Worker for the Metro Community Housing Association (MCHA). During her time at Killam, she developed a strong commitment to helping others secure sustainable housing and fostering collaborative communities. She now serves as a Residential Counsellor with MCHA, where she continues to support individuals in reaching their full potential in community living environments. Mary joined AHANS in 2024 as a Resident Manager of four new buildings on True North Crescent. Mary hopes to continue working with the AHANS property team to increase quality of life, ensure tenant satisfaction, and create community connections for all.

John has been with AHANS since 2021 and is currently the Senior Manager of Operations. In this role, he collaborates with service delivery partners, contractors, and the property team to ensure AHANS tenants have safe and comfortable homes. With over 25 years of experience working with various nonprofit organizations in Halifax and Moncton, John has contributed to the success of key AHANS housing partners, including Phoenix Youth Programs and the North End Community Health Center. John is passionate about supporting affordable housing initiatives and looks forward to being part of AHANS’ continued growth.

was born in Ukraine and spent her early childhood surrounded by the rich cultural history and landscapes of Eastern Europe. At the age of 14, she embarked on a life-changing journey, moving with her family to China. This transition marked the beginning of her deep appreciation for global cultures and diverse ways of life. Embracing the opportunities in China, she quickly adapted to her new environment, learning Mandarin and immersing herself in the vibrant fusion of tradition and modernity. Her passion for cross-cultural experiences led her to pursue higher education at a top Chinese university. Throughout her time in China, Anastasia developed a love for travel, exploring different regions of Asia. Her adventures fueled a desire to broaden her horizons and connect with people from all walks of life. In search of new challenges and opportunities, Anastasia eventually moved to Canada, where she continues to thrive in her career and personal life. With a rich background shaped by her Ukrainian roots, Chinese experiences, and global travels, she now brings a unique, multicultural perspective to her work.

holds a master’s degree in computer science from Dalhousie University, where he specialized in machine learning and natural language processing.  Rohit started his career in technical support for internet service provision, where he cultivated a meticulous approach to problem-solving and client relations.  As a Data Specialist for AHANS, Rohit employs his robust technical foundation and commitment to utilizing data analytics to address homelessness. His primary focus is ensuring that the data used at AHANS is precise to depict an accurate portrayal of the housing landscape. Rohit’s data management at AHANS allows our firm to make well-informed, strategic decisions that pave the way for meaningful progress. Outside of the office, Rohit appreciates an active lifestyle, regularly engaging in badminton, running, biking, and yoga.

Alison is a Dalhousie University commerce student, majoring in finance. In addition to her interest in finance and economics, Alison has a passion for writing and design, which she actively applies in her role as a Marketing Coordinator at AHANS. Through her work, she combines her skills in communication and design to promote the AHANS mission and contribute to a good cause.

As a Property Manager, Bridget ensures a positive experience for all residents of our owned and operated properties.

Lillian was born in Toronto and moved to Halifax at a young age. She attended Saint Mary’s University while working with the AHANS finance department as a student in 2021. After earning her degree in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations, Lillian has continued her career with AHANS.

Melissa is a lifelong Haligonian and a graduate of Dalhousie University, where she received a degree in Sociology and Social Anthropology. Before joining the team at AHANS, she spent over a decade from 2010 to 2023 working in the provincial public service, where she held positions with Service Nova Scotia, the Department of Community Services, and Nova Scotia Health. Melissa joined the team at AHANS in September 2023, initially as Special Projects Manager, before moving into the role of Team Lead for Program Administration; Monitoring & Evaluation in July 2024. In this position, Melissa oversees our Reaching Home team, which includes staff supporting Reaching Home funding in both HRM and Rural Nova Scotia, staff supporting HRM Coordinated Access and By Name List, and our HIFIS support team. Melissa is grateful for all of the service providers across Nova Scotia who work so hard every day to support those in our communities who are experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity and looks forward to continuing to work with communities to develop more support and solutions.

Amber is originally from Halifax and joined AHANS in 2019 as a work-term student, where she contributed to entering data for the HRM Homelessness By-Name List. She became a full-time member of the AHANS team in 2020, taking on the role of HRM By-Name List Coordinator. Amber continues to work closely with the Reaching Home team.

Born and raised in rural Nova Scotia, Kay began her career in shelter services in 2006. She has pursued studies in psychology, criminology, fine arts, and community and adult education. With experience as a case manager, Kay is passionate about collaborating with others in the housing and homelessness sector to create meaningful change. As one of the original eight workers in the Provincial Housing Support Worker Initiative in 2011, Kay has provided essential support to individuals and families through outreach and inreach services, on-call and supportive housing programs, transitional housing for survivors of partner and gender-based violence, and permanent supportive housing initiatives. Kay is recognized for her commitment to responsible, person-centered care, while continuously adapting service models to enhance efficiency and safety. With experience spanning from frontline roles to senior management, as well as positions as a consultant and educational speaker, Kay feels privileged to have worked alongside talented allies and is honored to learn from the journeys and innovations of others. Inspired by the mentorship received from generous and patient leaders, Kay is dedicated to paying it forward. In her current role as Coordinator of Capacity Building and Service Excellence, Kay is excited to help others build on their existing skills, facilitate Communities of Practice around service practices, and connect individuals to valuable learning opportunities. Kay is committed to achieving functional zero in chronic homelessness in Nova Scotia, believing it is within reach.