NHFS

As a mother of 3 grown children one of which was diagnosed with a neurobehavioral diagnosis as a child, Cheryl knows all too well the strength and love needed to raise a special needs child. Very early on in her families journey Cheryl met an OT who was the inspiration behind Cheryl's drive to learn as much as possible to help her daughter Natalie be her best self.

With over 20 years' experience, Cheryl has been a Foster Mother, Respite care staff, Family Support worker having done 10 years working on Child Protection cases, Family Support Agency Manager and Regional Manager. At the age of 29, with 3 small children at home, Cheryl attended Mount Alison University studying Psychology and Sociology as well as obtained several certifications in areas such as ABA, Autism, Resolving Human Conflict, Nonviolent crisis intervention, Fetal Alcohol and other Neurobehavioral conditions just to name a few.

Above everything Cheryl is a mother, with great passion for families living with a loved one who has special needs, Cheryl goes above and beyond to support her families and her staff to provide the best service possible to her clients.

The decision to start a Non Profit organization was an easy one for Cheryl as it was the best way to be able to reach as many people as possible in the community who are struggling, "ordinary families living through extraordinary circumstances". Her goal is to be able to raise enough funds to be able to offer services to families free of charge and to support them through challenging times.

Stephanie joined the NHFS team in October of 2021.

Stephanie graduated top of her class from the Personal Support Worker program in 2008 and the Registered Practical Nursing program in 2015. Stephanie has 6 years experience working as a nurse, helping individuals during difficult times in their lives. Stephanie’s previous work and life experiences has shaped her into a compassionate, patient, empathetic individual with the avidity to help and support families.

Being a mother of 3 children, it has given her invaluable knowledge working with families. Stephanie has always had the desire to help others. Stephanie is passionate about learning and looks for every opportunity to further her knowledge.

In her spare time, you’ll find Stephanie spending time with her family, watching movies, taking care of her pets, baking and cooking.

Annie Keating has been a Community Outreach Worker with NHFS since January of 2021.

Annie graduated with a Psychology degree from Mount Allison University in 2021 and is currently pursuing her Bachelors of Education at Crandall University with plans to obtain a Masters of Education in Exceptional Learners. She is also working toward her Registered Behaviour Technician certification.

Annie has been working with children within a variety of capacities since 2013 including coaching sports, swimming lessons, and daycares. Annie is passionate about her work and helping those who need a little extra support.

Gerry Pellerin is a Community Outreach Worker who has been with Nicholas’s Hope Family Services Inc. since its inception.

Gerry is a college graduate from the Policing and Corrections class of Oulton College with a specialization in Security, with training in NVCI, FAS and ABA. Gerry has over 10 years experience working with youth from all types of backgrounds and diagnosis.

Gerry is a father of three beautiful girls, Alexis, Theadora, and Emmy, and takes great pride in his family. Gerry is a caring, outgoing and passionate member of our team. When Gerry is not at work he is spending his free time playing a multitude of sports and very active in our community in a variety of ways, and loves spending time with his family.

Dezarae Clark is a dedicated outreach community worker with a strong passion for supporting children and families, particularly those navigating exceptionalities such as ADHD, autism, and other developmental differences. With hands-on experience in behavior modification, data collection, and daycare settings, Dezarae brings both professional insight and personal empathy to her work.

As a mother of children with exceptionalities herself, she is deeply motivated to provide compassionate, effective care and advocacy for others in similar situations. Her lived experience fuels her commitment to creating inclusive environments and personalized support strategies.

Dezarae is also looking forward to obtaining her certification in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), aiming to deepen her impact in the field and continue making meaningful differences in the lives of the youth and families she serves.

Isabelle is working towards her 4 year Bachelor in Psychology at Mount Allison University. She is looking to pursue a Masters to become a board certified Behaviour analyst within the next few years. Isabelle is also currently working to complete her Registered Behaviour technician training.

Isabelle grew up with lots of kids and people with disabilities, as well as having a step sister with a disability she learned how to better communicate with her and teacher her social life skills with other kids so she could go out in society and find herself making great accomplishments. With her step mother being a social worker and her mother helping the country with poverty she has had a good mind set of how to help people who need a little extra support.

Isabelle is very passionate about her work. she will go above and beyond to help in any way she can and finds that working with those who need extra support gives her a sense of purpose.

Brooke joined NHFS in December of 2022, s graduated from NBCC with Early Childhood Education certificate in 2023. Brooke worked in daycares for 5 years taking care of all age groups from infants to after school age children, and would often step in as a support worker for any child who needed extra support.

Growing up Brooke was surrounded by caring women including her mom, both of her grandmothers and her aunt who spent their days assisting individuals with special needs and other types of disabilities and knew that helping people was in her blood.

Brooke is very proud of the career path she has chosen and in the near future plans to start her RBT certification so she can expand her knowledge and become even more helpful to all of her current and future clients. Brooke has become an valued member of the NHFS team.

Tristen Petitpas is a Community Outreach Specialist, Registered Behavior Technician and jack of all trades within the organization for Nicholas Hope Family Services Inc.

Tristen is a Child and Youth Care with Addictions graduate from Oulton College with over 11 years experience in the field.

Tristen has a true passion for helping individuals with special needs that traces back to her childhood. Her family life is the reason she is a part of this field, growing up with her older sister who was diagnosed with Autism and living with foster kids most of her life.

Now a mother of 3, 8 year old Alexis, 2 year old Theadora, and 5 month old Emmy, Tristen is even more committed to supporting families in our community.

I’m proud to have recently joined the NHFS team as a Community Outreach Worker. I am currently studying in the Educational Support program at NBCC and am set to graduate in 2026.

Working with and supporting children has always been at the heart of what I do. I’ve been working and volunteering with children for a multitude of years—and I’ve enjoyed every second of it. These experiences have only deepened my passion and confirmed that this is the path I want to follow.

I’m passionate about my work, committed to lifelong learning, and grateful to be part of a team that values community and connection. I believe in creating inclusive, caring environments where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Helping children grow, learn, and succeed continues to be the driving force behind everything I do.

Cecilia first joined the team as an intern from April to June 2025 and officially began working with the company in mid-October. She is currently finishing her final year in the Social and Community Service program at CCNB. Cecilia has always had a passion for helping others and believes in treating everyone with kindness, respect, and understanding. She enjoys connecting with people and making a positive impact in their lives.

Outside of work, Cecilia is very athletic and loves being outdoors in nature. She has been coaching a U18 varsity girls’ football team for nearly two years, where she inspires teamwork, confidence, and dedication in young athletes.

Cecilia is known for her bubbly, friendly, and caring personality. She is always ready to lend a helping hand and brings positive energy wherever she goes. Cecilia is very excited to continue learning and growing within her role and is proud to be part of a team that values compassion and community.

Katrina first worked for NHFS from 2021-2022, as a community outreach staff, while working on her Masters of Counselling. Since then she has completed her education, and works as a Licensed Counselling Therapist. She recently rejoined the team as the Scheduling Coordinator while on maternity leave with her first kiddo- Elaina.

She loved her time working with clients at NHFS, and now feels passionate about providing behind the scenes support that ensures families have the care that they need.

In her (somewhat limited) spare time you'll find her crocheting, out on walks with Elaina in the stroller and a coffee in hand, or hanging out with her husband Dan!

Christine recently joined Nicholas Hope Family Services in March 2023 as a community outreach worker.

Christine graduated from Eastern College with distinction for her Personal Support Worker‘s diploma in 2022. She has been doing support work for the past 14 years at the volunteer center. She has worked with many individuals with a very broad range of disabilities like Angelman syndrome, autism, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy.

Christine enjoys learning anything new to help gain knowledge for bettering herself. She is always willing to lend a hand to help anyone out. She also enjoys being with her husband Perry and her precious son Angus. They enjoy long road trips across the Maritime's to collect sea glass from different beaches.

Christine is very excited and proud to be part of the NHFS team. She looks forward to exploring all the opportunities that this career has to offer.

Kemera Christie is a compassionate and dedicated individual who joined the Nicholas Hope team as a Residential Caretaker in January 2025.

Kemera completed two years of Social Sciences studies at Mount Alvernia Sixth Form, focusing on Law, Sociology, and Communication Studies, and consolidated her knowledge by completing the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) program. This academic foundation inspired her to continue her education in Canada, and she is currently completing a Human Service Practitioner Diploma at New Brunswick Community College. Her coursework includes Developmental Psychology, Exceptionalities Across the Lifespan, and Principles of Behaviour—an ABA-led course that strengthened her understanding of behaviour and supportive intervention.

Inspired by her baby brother, who is on the autism spectrum, Kemera is passionate about creating safe and inclusive spaces for children and youth. Her personal experiences have shaped her trauma-informed and empathetic approach to her work, fostering meaningful connections and growth within her community.

Originally from a small island in the Caribbean, Kemera describes herself as an introverted extrovert who values creativity and calm. In her spare time, she enjoys art, creative writing, crafting, and spending time in nature.

Kemera is known for her empathetic approach, creativity, and dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of children and youth.