Kristi O’Brien - Administrative Coordinator

My name is Kristi O’Brien, and I am originally from Truro.  For many years, I was a dedicated elementary school teacher. After retiring in 2024, I found myself eager to continue contributing to my community in meaningful ways.  This led me to join STEPs on Arthur Foundation as the Administrative Co-ordinator where I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand how our fundraising efforts translate into concrete benefits for those we serve.

Contact Kristi at stepsonarthurfoundation@gmail.com or 902-893-7228 ext. 203.

Deatra Nicholson - Chair

Originally from Toronto, Ontario, I began my journey in the military as a cadet at the Queen’s Own Armory.  After completing high school, I pursued a passion for helping others by enrolling in the Human Services program at New Brunswick Community College.  This program allowed me to assist individuals with physical and mental challenges, and I found deep fulfillment in integrating clients into regular classroom settings within the New Brunswick school system.

As one of the pioneering women in the Canadian navy, I embarked on a decade-long service in a combat role with a top-secret security clearance.  My military career took me across the Maritimes and British Columbia, where I honed my skills as a navigator and plotter.  This experience was invaluable and set the stage for my subsequent roles.

Following my military service, I transitioned to a role at IMP at the Halifax Airport, working as an air traffic controller.  My husband, a retired naval engineer, and I eventually settled in Alberta, where we both took positions with Syncrude.  I served as a safety officer, using my expertise to ensure safe work environments.

My career also extended to New York State, where I investigated deaths on work sites and in the oil sands.  This challenging work required a keen eye for detail and a commitment to uncovering the truth.  Additionally, I collaborated with General Electric on a significant project until its completion, further broadening my professional experience.

Looking ahead, I am eager to leverage my extensive background in loss prevention, policy development, and grant application submissions for the benefit of the Foundation and STEPs on Arthur.  My goal is to continue making a positive impact by applying my skills and knowledge to support these organizations.

Allan Kennedy - Vice Chair

I am Allan Kennedy,  retired,  after 44 years in Education within the  Truro area. I taught Grade 10-12 at CEC  then ended my teaching career as Principal at Redcliff Middle School

In my  free time I enjoy Boating, Fishing,Travelling ,Camping and the Guatemala Project I have been involved with since 2009.

I joined the Board after realizing the great work being done by so many. I believe happiness is achieved by helping others and the STEPS on Arthur Foundation is a contribution to our Community with the opportunity for everyone interested to become involved.

Jennifer Auld-Cameron - Secretary

I was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Truro has been my home for the past 40 years.  My career has included being a parent, educator and active community member.

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, in the woods, at the beach, playing tennis, enjoying a good conversation and going on adventures. Reading and spending time in my garden also nourish my soul.

I enjoy being part of initiatives that  improve the lives of others and make meaningful change in our community.  I became a member of STEPs Foundation Board because it supports the valuable work of the participants and staff of STEPs on Arthur.

Adam Harris - Past Chair

My name is Adam Harris and I am a lawyer at Burchell MacDougall LLP. I work in civil litigation, resolving disputes between people and companies. I live in Truro with my wife and two young boys. I graduated from Saint Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies and Biology, before attending University of Ottawa for law school.

I am the Past Chair of the STEPS on Arthur Foundation board (formerly Colchester Community Workshops Foundation) and I joined to contribute to the important work of STEPS. I am also a board member of the Rotary Club of Truro. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling and trying new foods and you can find me at the beach in the summer.

Amra Selimovic

My name is Amra Selimovic and I am a lawyer at Burchell MacDougall LLP in Truro. I primarily practice in the areas of civil litigation, personal injury, and wills and estates.

I was born in Austria and moved to Nova Scotia in the early 2000s. I have lived in Nova Scotia ever since. I graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Law, before attending the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University.

I am fortunate to be a part of a community set on making a difference for STEPS on Arthur clients. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors, biking on trails, and kayaking.

Deb Barnhill

My name is Deb Barnhill, and I have resided in Truro with my family since 2003.

After receiving my Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Dalhousie University in 1996, I worked in a variety of settings including community practice, education administration and geriatrics. The last decade of my career was spent in oncology and I retired from the Nova Scotia Health Cancer Care program in 2023.

I am an avid knitter, designer and occasional teacher and have taught in locales as far-flung as Portland, Oregon! I volunteer with the Colchester East Hants Hospice Society and am a long-time member of the Rath Eastlink Community Centre, where I also work part-time as an Aqua Fitness Leader. Around Truro, you may find me performing as a stand-up comic or patronizing one of my many favourite coffee shops.

Jill Sears

My name is Jill Sears. I was born in Truro. Brookfield has been my home for the past 31 years where along with my husband, Andrew, we have raised our two children. I am a recently retired elementary school teacher and a newly certified group fitness trainer.

I volunteer as a fitness trainer at 3rd Degree Training in Truro. Other interests include travelling, curling, hockey, tennis and kayaking.

This is my first time serving on a Foundation Board. I chose STEPS on Arthur Foundation because of the positive opportunities and impact the Foundation creates for STEPS clients in our community. 

Jim Gould

I am a retired Commercial Banking Manager with CIBC (37.5 years). I am a Club Director on the Board of the local Rotary Club of Truro, was the Assistant Deputy Governor for three years in Northern N.S. and Joined the Steps Foundation Board 4-5 years ago. I am presently the Treasurer.

In my free time I like to golf, read, walk, travel with my wife Gloria (we have done 20 plus cruises all over the world) and help look after our 8 grandchildren.

I became interested in STEPs Foundation due to the Rotary Clubs partnership with them and was eager to join when asked. The good work we do continues to keep me involved.

Joanne McRae

I am a Partner in the Assurance practice with MNP in Truro.

Outside of work I enjoy playing sports, spending time with my family and friends and spoiling my dog Harley.

I joined STEPs Foundation as I have two cousins that have been clients with STEPs on Arthur and saw firsthand the impact this had on their lives and want to make sure that other members of our community have the same opportunity.

Laurie Sandeson

My name is Laurie Sandeson. I was born and raised in PEI and moved to Truro after graduating from UPEI and U of Guelph. My husband Mike and I have 4 boys and we live on a small farm in Lower Truro.

After a 32 year career with the NS Department of Agriculture, I find that I am busier than ever in retirement. I served as Board member of the Colchester East Hants Health Centre Foundation, am Past President of the Rotary Club of Truro and have been involved with the local 4-H Club. My hobbies include singing, gardening, hiking and cross country skiing with my dogs. I am a County Councillor and Deputy Mayor with the Municipality of Colchester.

STEPs on Arthur Foundation does so much great work to assist STEPs on Arthur in its much needed capital initiatives and I look forward to contributing to this valued organization.

Marianne Casey

I am a retired Speech-Language Pathologist so I really enjoy seeing the clients thrive in this positive environment.

I enjoy running, biking, kayaking and spending time with my dogs.

I joined STEPs Foundation to continue my involvement with the community. I love that I knew many of the clients when they were preschoolers.