BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Gavin has over 20 years’ experience practicing corporate law in Canada and the United States, with a focus on transactional and corporate governance matters. 

After growing up in Halifax, Gavin studied and articled in Toronto and practiced in California before returning home in 2006.  Gavin is active in the community, currently serving on non-profit boards in youth sports and the arts, in addition to his role with Northwood. 

Barbara is a retired senior health executive with experience in healthy policy, health reform, acute and community care. She was an Accreditation Canada fellow for many years and has a passion for Patient safety and quality.

She has been on several national and provincial boards including the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. She is a champion of intellectual philanthropy and believes we have a responsibility to pass on wisdom, learnings, and knowledge throughout our lifetime. 

She is also a volunteer for  St John Ambulance with her therapy dog Jack. 

William Book retired from a highly successful 37 year banking career that culminated with a Senior Management role as Vice President and Regional General Manager with Canadian Western Bank. 

Bill has extensive Board experience in the Not-For-Profit sector – Alberta Diabetes Foundation, Better Business Bureau, Central and Northern Alberta, and the Halifax Harbour Bridges.  

Bill grew up in Berwick and attended Acadia University.  Since returning home he has focused his time on family, local Board and committee. He is an avid golfer, plays old timers hockey and enjoys many outdoor activities.

Lois Block is a retired social worker, having worked for many years with the Department of Community Services. During her employment, Block was involved in the development and implementation of policies and initiatives pertaining to staff, including service delivery initiatives, and succession management.

Block holds a Master’s in Social Work Degree, McGill University and a Masters in School Psychology, Mount Saint Vincent University. She has volunteered in  community organizations, and has  served on  the Board of several not-for-profit boards in HRM, including Northwood.

Sean Margueratt is a biotechnology executive and co-founder of DeCell Technologies Inc., with over 20 years of leadership in medical devices, biologics, and healthcare innovation. As a board member at Northwood Care, he contributes expertise in strategic planning, quality systems, and change management to help advance care for seniors across Nova Scotia.

Sean also serves on national advisory boards in tissue banking and is committed to driving innovation and excellence in continuing care.

Rachelle is a Social Worker who's been with the Department of Opportunities and Social Development for 20 years. She is currently a director with Diversity, Equity, and Engagement division and has experience and knowledge in developing and delivering programs and services to diverse populations.  Rachelle holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Work from Dalhousie University.

Rachelle is from the community of East Preston and enjoys spending time with family, and friends, shopping, and traveling. She is active in her church community and enjoys helping others. Rachelle is committed to lifelong learning and growing. 

Roberto has over 15 years’ experience working in the Canadian and cross-border banking industry, federal government, public and private institutions. He is currently a Managing Director in a large Canadian financial institutions’ Corporate Finance practise. Roberto is an experienced senior financial and banking leader who has worked on transactions in Canada and the US.

Roberto’s expertise includes financial reporting, auditing/internal controls, mergers and acquisitions and financial transactions and banking.

Roberto has a history of community involvement and is an active volunteer. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids.

Susanne is a semi-retired accountant. She qualified as a CPA, CA and brings with her over 25 years with senior financial management experience in a variety of industries between Halifax, Toronto and Fredericton. For the last decade, Susanne has been a consultant and fractional CFO, residing in Halifax. 

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Having been a caregiver herself, Susanne appreciates the legacy and leadership role of Northwood in the community. Susanne has served on a number of non-profit boards including Food Banks Canada and St. Thomas University. 

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Amongst her pastimes, Susanne loves to garden, cook and cater to her two dogs. 

Vicki Black is a social worker and career civil servant with the Department of Opportunities and Social Development.  Currently a director in the Disability Support Program, she has extensive experience in policy and program development and implementation. She holds undergraduate degrees from Kings College and Dalhousie University and a Master of Social Work from Dalhousie University. 

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She and her family have a special interest and affinity for Northwood, as her mother is a current resident at Ivany Place.

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Hetty is an award-winning educator, author, and community leader dedicated to building inclusive communities. She founded Peaceful Schools International and has worked globally to promote respectful learning environments. A former teacher, principal, and human rights tribunal panelist, she now focuses on creating engaging programs for individuals living with dementia. Honoured with the Order of Nova Scotia, Queen’s Jubilee Medal, YMCA Peace Medal, and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation Award, she has also been named a Canadian Hero by Reader’s Digest, TIME, and Today’s Parent. Hetty offers thoughtful leadership and a deep commitment to the well-being of Northwood’s community through her role on the Board of Governors.

Shane has spent most of his career managing information and communications technology for a variety of organizations in the public and private sectors, and is currently an IT management consultant and virtual CIO for small business. He specializes in IT strategy, technology infrastructure and service delivery, with a strong background in professional services such as law and engineering.  Shane holds a BBA from St. Francis Xavier University and practiced as a Chartered Accountant with an IT specialization prior to dedicating his career to information technology. He has served as board member and treasurer of itSMF Canada as well as board member and treasurer for the Atlantic chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, as well as serving as a program facilitator for Junior Achievement of Nova Scotia for many years.

Olga is a health systems researcher with over 30 years of experience in Ontario and Nova Scotia, with a background in health policy and health professions regulation. She holds a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Toronto and an MA in sociology from Queen's University.  Her recent ethnographic research at Northwood explored how the use of multiple medications (polypharmacy) unfolds as an organizational practice. Olga is committed to advancing equitable approaches to care and looks forward to contributing to strategic planning and safety & quality that supports innovation and community well-being.