Chelsea Potter

Chelsea Potter has been serving as the Social Development Officer for Bear River (L’Sitkuk) First Nation since May 2019 and has recently taken on the role of Case Manager. Chelsea's journey with Bear River (L’Sitkuk) First Nation began in 2003 as a Summer Student, leading to various roles over the years, including Child Care Assistant, Receptionist, Housing Intern, and Cashier at the L’stikuk Gas Bar, where she also shadowed the Manager. In addition to her work with Bear River First Nation, Chelsea has gained experience at Tim Horton’s, Convergy’s Call Center, Seacrest Fisheries, and Atlantic Superstore, and has also volunteered as a Firefighter.

Outside of her professional commitments, Chelsea has a passion for beading and crafting. She loves spending quality time with her partner, Ronny, and their sons, Tyson and Joseph. Chelsea is dedicated to helping others and making a positive impact in her community.

Aurianne Denny 

Aurianne Denny is a dedicated case manager from Eskasoni, where she was born and raised. With a strong passion for empowering her community, Aurianne is committed to providing fair opportunities for individuals and families to improve their lives without judgment.

Before joining the social development department, Aurianne gained valuable experience working at Crane Cove Seafoods. She later returned to school, successfully graduating high school and earning a degree in Business Administration in 2021. Aurianne initially served as a Secretary in the social development office in Eskasoni before advancing to her current role as a case manager.

As a loving mother of two beautiful girls, Aurianne cherishes every moment spent with her family when she's not at work. Her dedication to her community and family drives her efforts to make a positive impact in the lives of those around her

Sandy-Lynn Fisher

Sandy-Lynn Fisher is a proud Mi'kmaw woman from Middleton, currently residing in Glooscap First Nation (GFN). With a passion for the outdoors, Sandy enjoys spending quality time with her husband and three children, embracing the beauty of nature and family life.

A creative soul, Sandy loves to work with her sewing machine, beads, and various craft supplies, expressing her artistry through handmade creations. Sports and volunteerism play a significant role in her family's life, and they can often be found participating in community events, art exhibits, and sporting activities throughout Mi’kma’ki.

Sandy possesses a deep understanding of the cultural experiences and knowledge essential to her community. With over 15 years of dedicated service in the 13 Mi'kmaq communities, she has worked with various Mi’kmaw entities. Currently, she serves as the Community Services Officer for Glooscap First Nation, where she administers the Social Income Assistance program and acts as Case Manager for her community.

Known for her motivation, strong work ethic, and personable nature, Sandy is committed to making a positive impact in her community and fostering connections that celebrate Mi'kmaw culture.

Anna Marshall 

Hello, my name is Anna Marshall, and I am proud to represent Membertou First Nation. I have been a dedicated Membertou Band Council Social Department member for 16 years, serving as the STAIRS Case Manager. Additionally, I have the honor of working as the Membertou Case Manager for Ta’n Etli-tpi’tmk.

With a background in Office Administration, I have transitioned into the social department, where I have embraced numerous opportunities to enhance my skills and better support our community members. My role as Case Manager for Ta’n Etli-tpi’tmk has opened new avenues for our members, and I am eager to discover how we can further assist our clients.

On a personal note, I am a proud dog owner of two Shih Tzus, Baby Girl and Jemu, who bring joy to my life. We enjoy taking drives and going for walks at the dog park. I also cherish spending time with my friends and travelling whenever possible. Through my work in case management, I have had the pleasure of meeting incredible individuals from across Nova Scotia, many of whom have become dear friends.

I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in our community!

Courtney Cope

Courtney Cope is a distinguished Mi’kmaq woman from Millbrook First Nations, proudly carrying the legacy of her ancestry as the seventh-generation great-grandchild of Jean Baptiste Cope, a former chief who played a crucial role in signing the 1752 Peace and Friendship Treaty. This rich heritage profoundly connects her to her community and its history.

As an accomplished office professional, Courtney has honed her management skills through her roles as an office manager at two previous locations. Her expertise in client relations ensures that every individual feels understood and supported. With a strong focus on resource coordination, she adeptly manages referrals within Millbrook First Nations organizations, prioritizing care and efficiency.

Currently serving as a Social Case Manager with the Millbrook First Nations Band Administration, Courtney brings a unique perspective and a wealth of experience to her role. Driven by her personal experiences, she is deeply committed to helping clients overcome financial barriers, making a tangible difference in their lives through her daily work.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Courtney is an avid sports enthusiast who actively participates in community events, showcasing her dedication to building a strong and supportive community. Her dual roles as a professional and community member make her an invaluable asset to both her workplace and the broader community.

As a proud Aboriginal woman and descendant of Jean Baptiste Cope, Courtney also engages in moderate livelihood activities such as lobster fishing and snow crabbing. This involvement not only highlights her commitment to preserving her cultural heritage but also contributes to the well-being of her community.

Jaden Prosper
As a dedicated mother of two wonderful children, Charlie and Rylan, I have a deep appreciation for my small community, where I actively volunteer whenever possible. My passion for supporting youth drives my work, and I take pride in having served as an Indigenous Student Support Worker at Dr. JHG Regional High School in Antigonish. In this role, I welcomed all students, ensuring that every youth felt supported and valued, regardless of their background.

With six years of experience in the Paqtnkek Early Years program, I have had the privilege of working with preschool-aged children, fostering their growth and development. My lifelong immersion in culture has instilled in me a strong belief in "two-eyed seeing," allowing me to view the world through multiple perspectives.

I possess a natural ability to connect with people, which is invaluable in my work. I am always ready to assist anyone in need, extending my support beyond family to the wider community.

My love for history and learning is reflected in my passion for reading. Additionally, I hold a deep connection to eels, having grown up spearing them in winter on the ice and during summer canoe trips. I am a dedicated advocate for elvers and the preservation of the eel population, as I believe in the importance of maintaining this vital part of our ecosystem.

George Fraser
I am George Fraser, originating from Brunswick House First Nation(Oji-Cree) and I have been a proud employee of Pictou Landing First Nation since January 2010. Throughout my journey here, I have held various roles within the Social Department, beginning as a Clerk from January to June 2010. I then transitioned to the position of Social Development Administrator in June 2010, and I have been serving as a Case Manager since July 2023.

Prior to my work at Pictou Landing, I gained valuable experience in Policy and Program Management with Health Canada.

As a parent of 25-year-old twin boys and a grandparent to my delightful 2-year-old granddaughter, Nevaeh, I understand the importance of community and family.

In my current role as Case Manager, I take great pride in guiding and supporting the goals of our Band Members. It has been a rewarding experience to connect with clients and contribute to their successes as they work towards achieving their goals at their own pace. I look forward to continuing my journey alongside the Pictou Landing community!

Olivia Isaac

As a dedicated Case Manager for Potlotek First Nation, I am committed to supporting our community members and connecting them with vital resources. My journey includes previous roles as the Communications Coordinator Director and HR Assistant, where I honed my organizational and communication skills.

I have also gained valuable experience working with clients at the Jane Paul Centre in Sydney, collaborating closely with individuals to ensure their needs are met. My passion lies in advocating for community wellness and building positive relationships within our community.

Outside of work, I enjoy immersing myself in books and proudly cheering as a hockey mom.

Janice Paulette

Kwe' I'm Janice Paulette. As a proud mother of seven adults and a grandmother, I bring a wealth of life experience to my role as a Social Case Manager for Sipeknekatik. My passion for my community drives my commitment to improving the quality of life for our social clients. I am dedicated to providing support and resources that empower individuals and families. Together, let's create a brighter future and make social services a positive force in our lives.

Melanie Peter-Paul

Melanie Peter-Paul is thrilled to be a part of our Social team as a Case Manager. Originally from Sipeknekatik, Melanie spent several years in Dartmouth and Halifax before returning to her roots in 2022 to care for her father.

A passionate lifelong learner, Melanie is particularly interested in Treaty Rights and self-governance. She is dedicated to learning her language and practices daily in hopes of achieving fluency.

With educational credentials in Tourism and Hospitality, as well as Office Administration, Melanie has always had a strong desire to work within her community and support others. This role represents a perfect opportunity for her to fulfill that passion.

Prior to joining our team, Melanie accumulated over seven years of experience in sales, serving as an Inside Sales Representative in Halifax. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a community-focused mindset to her new position.

Rachelle Bernard

I am proud to be a member of the Sipeknekatik First Nation, where I was born and raised. As a new Case Manager with Social in Sipeknekatik, I am deeply passionate about supporting my community and providing assistance to those in need.

I hold a diploma in Addiction Services and Community Service Work, with a focus on Mental Health Services. Over the past year, I have gained valuable experience working with the Suboxone program, as well as addiction and mental health services at our health center.

My communication skills enable me to effectively connect with clients, and I strive to be a strong advocate for our community members. I work diligently to help individuals navigate available services, resources, and opportunities, particularly for those who may struggle to advocate for themselves. My advocacy extends beyond individual support; I am committed to promoting social justice by championing new programs, revising outdated policies, and expanding underserved initiatives.

With a strong foundation in emotional intelligence and empathy, I am dedicated to understanding the unique perspectives, emotions, and communication styles of my clients. This holistic approach allows me to better address the diverse needs of individuals, families, and communities within Sipeknekatik.

Christal Peck

My name is Christal Peck, and I am a proud mother of three wonderful children and a grandmother to a delightful grandson and granddaughter. Family time is my favourite pastime!

I was born and raised in Wagmatcook, where I have dedicated my career to serving our community. Currently, I work as a Case Manager for the Wagmatcook social department, a role I have embraced for over a year. I find great fulfillment in helping individuals and families navigate their challenges and improve their lives.

An important passion of mine is teaching the Mi'kmaq language to both children and adults. I am fluent in speaking, reading, and writing the language, and I believe that preserving our culture and heritage is essential for future generations.

Before my current role, I spent 20 years as an educational assistant at Wagmatcookewey School, where I enjoyed supporting the learning and growth of our students. My commitment to education and community well-being drives everything I do.

Cecilia Ernst

Cecilia serves as the Case Manager for the social department in Wasoqopa’q (Acadia) First Nation. With prior experience as the Indigenous Employment Officer Assistant for her community, she brings several years of expertise in case management. Known for her compassion and empathy, Cecilia is dedicated to helping others and upholding a strong work ethic.

In her leisure time, Cecilia enjoys crafting, using her creativity as a form of self-care. Among her various crafts, her beaded creations hold a special place in her heart. Above all, her four beautiful children are her pride and joy. She passionately supports them in all their endeavours, often being the loudest cheerleader in the crowd!

Football is a beloved family pastime. Cecilia and her husband not only coach their children's minor teams but she also plays tackle football herself, which she enthusiastically promotes as the best therapy there is!

Denise Googoo

My name is Denise Googoo, and I am proud to serve as the Case Manager for the vibrant community of We’koqma’q, where I have lived my entire life. My passion for this community and its wonderful people fuels my commitment to my role.

As a devoted mother of four—Sheldon, Selena, Shaquille, and Stanley—and a proud Grammy to two handsome grandsons, they are the joys of my life. Family is at the heart of everything I do.

I graduated from SAERC in 1996 with my grade 12 diploma and pursued further education at UCCB for two years. My professional journey began in 2003 when I joined Social Development as a receptionist. I am fortunate to work alongside an amazing colleague, Tillie Googoo (SDA), and together we have dedicated over 20 years to this vital service.

In my free time, I find peace in nature, enjoying walks outdoors and camping at my trailer. I also love to celebrate the seasons