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MEET THE TEAM

The African Nova Scotian Justice Institute is led by a diverse and experienced team of legal professionals committed to advancing social justice. Meet the team who work tirelessly to promote justice, fairness, and equity, and learn more about their expertise and commitment to the community.

Shawna Paris-Hoyte

Executive Director

Sarah Upshaw

Director of Operations

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Kharisse Thompson

Administrative Assistant

Legal Services:

Brandon Rolle

Director of Legal Services, Criminal Division

Charys Payne

Director of Legal Services, Family Law & Child Welfare Division

Desireé Jones-Matthias

Lawyer, Criminal Division

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Fenessa Williams

Lawyer, Family & Child Welfare Division

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Wayne Desmond

Lawyer

Angela Simmonds

Lawyer

Naomi Marsman

Naomi Marsman

Paralegal, Criminal Division

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Matthew Dixon

Manager of Court Services (Justice Navigators)

Angelina Simmonds

Angelina Simmonds

Justice Navigator, Halifax

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Tara Paris

Justice Navigator, Truro

Community Engagement and Justice Initiatives:

DeRico Symonds

Director of Community Engagement and Justice Initiatives

Legal

Forensic Assessment & Treatment Unit (FATU):

Rajean Willis

Rajean Willis

Director, Forensic Assessment and Treatment Unit

Natalie Hodgson

Director, National IRCA Training Project

Tracey McCallum

IRCA Intake Coordinator

Warren Kelsey

Warren Kelsey

Social Worker, Forensic Assessment and Treatment Unit

Data Collection & Research:

Tiffany Gordon

Manager, Data Collection Unit, Justice System Accountability Unit

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