Staff
Shelley Curtis-Thompson, BA, RSW
She/her
Executive Director
Shelley Curtis-Thompson, Executive Director, Pictou County Women’s Resource and Sexual Assault Centre works with government, community, and other organizations towards equity and equality. She believes by advocating at an individual level as well as collective levels we can create the necessary changes that will offer women and girls' the empowerment and choice needed to achieve greater control over their lives.
Shelley, a registered social worker, brings over 30 years' experience working to end violence against women in all its forms. She provides a trauma informed approach, intersectional approach and offers training opportunities for groups and organizations on a wide variety of issues affecting women and girls including feminism, gender-based violence, resilience, trauma informed and poverty.
Shelley is a trained mediator, trained in Dialogue for a Peaceful Change. Her background is in social anthropology with a focus on culture, women, and family systems. As a feminist, Shelley believes in the freedom to have choices and to make choices, seeing all women as the experts in their own lives.
Among her accomplishments with the Centre is her role as producer of Slut, The Play bringing in over 1200 people into the conversation about sexualized violence and intervention and many International Day of the Girl and Women Celebrations.
Shelley is committed to raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration. She is committed to empowerment and building a world where everyone can thrive without discrimination or prejudice. Together we can create a more equitable and inclusive society for generations to come.
| |
Melissa Fanning
She/her
MORPH Support Worker
Melissa is a licensed social worker who believes that women make up the backbone of our families, our school system and our community. She is passionate about helping people acknowledge and celebrate their strengths as they determine a path toward reaching their goals.
Melissa graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with a Bachelor of Arts focused on Sociology and Anthropology and in 2019 she completed her Bachelor of Social Work with the University of Calgary. She worked within the Nova Scotia Health Authority prior to joining the Women’s Centre team.
Melissa’s key role at the Centre focuses on intervention and prevention services related to women centered supports and sexualized violence through MORPH (Mapping our Road to Power and Healing) Sexual Violence Intervention and Prevention Services. She also provides supportive counselling, and advocacy services.
Melissa is a self-proclaimed cat lady who is an avid knitter and a lover of gardening.
| |
Dorothy Cassidy, BA, MCAP, RCT-C (NSCCT)
She/her
MORPH Counsellor
Dorothy Cassidy, Counsellor with our MORPH Capacity Building Initiative has a deep-rooted commitment to empowering individuals on their path to healing. With a Master's in Counselling Psychology obtained in 2022, Dorothy has established herself as a force of support and guidance in the field of mental health. For over a decade, Dorothy has been an avid yoga instructor, seamlessly integrating the wisdom and tranquility of yoga into her therapeutic practice.
Her holistic approach to counselling is grounded in a trauma-informed perspective, ensuring clients feel respected, safe, and valued as they navigate through their experiences. Dorothy's method is inherently client-centered, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative environment. She prides herself on fostering a therapeutic relationship that places the client at the helm, to foster a sense of autonomy and self-determination within the counselling journey.
Her proficiency in an array of therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness practices, allows her to tailor her approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. The versatility of her skills ensures a personalized and flexible framework for progress and development. She is an esteemed member of the PCWRSAC as a counsellor, where her passion for mental health is matched by a commitment to a feminist approach that celebrates and reinforces the inherent strength within all her clients.
Through the MORPH Capacity Building Initiative, Dorothy is not only enhancing the lives of those she works directly with but also fortifying the fabric of the community by advocating for mental well-being, resilience, and empowerment.
| |
Olivia Johnson
She/her
Support Worker
Olivia Johnson, Administrative Support Worker, aids in the daily operations of the Centre while providing a welcoming and supportive space for all. Deeply passionate about mental heath advocacy, trauma-informed care, and feminism, Olivia believes that every woman deserves to feel heard, respected and empowered in their own life.
Olivia holds a Social Services Diploma and is set to graduate in May with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Francis Xavier Unviersity. She brings both academic knowledge and lived experience to her role, fostering an environment where women and girls can access the support and resources they need.
Having lived in France and South Carolina Olivia has seen firsthand how different cultures approach issues of gender equality and mental health. These experiences have shaped her belief in the importance of community-driven advocacy and intersectional feminism. She is committed to using her voice and skills to challenge stigma, support survivors, and help build a future where every woman has the power and resources to shape their own path.
Liz MacIntosh
She/her
Administrative Bookkeeper
With nearly three decades of experience in financial administration through bookkeeping services Liz brings experience and commitment to our cause. She is deeply committed to gender equality and leverages her financial administrative skills to support our mission. Liz offers direct services through basic tax returns and co-facilitation of our Secure financial literacy program for seniors age 55 plus. She plays a crucial in driving our efforts towards a more equitable future.
| |
| |
| |