Julie Streight stepped into her role as Executive Director at the ESMV Literacy Network in the fall of 2023. With a professional background deeply entrenched in the for-profit sector and entrepreneurship, she is eager to apply her diverse skills and insight to benefit the community she holds close to her heart. Above all, Julie is thrilled to work closely with the nearby communities she cherishes. When she's not at the centre, you might spot Julie and her loyal dog, Trapper, enjoying a walk somewhere along the Eastern Shore or Musquodoboit Valley. If you do, she warmly invites you to stop and introduce yourself!
Lynn is very excited to be starting her journey with ESMV Literacy Network. ESMVLN is her first paid position with a non-profit, but she has been volunteering in her community for years and belongs to several organizations. Lynn's previous job was in Customer Service, where she loved helping the customers and getting to know her community. Lynn loves the outdoors, hiking, swimming, kayaking, baseball and spending time with family and friends.
Tobbi Dyer has worked with non profit organizations serving adults, youth, and families throughout her career and enjoys working to help people improve their lives through increased literacy. Through the pursuit of life-long learning, she is near completion of a Master of Information Degree with a Librarianship: Youth & Children's Services certificate from Dalhousie University. Other interests include photography & videography, writing, lake swimming, and her kids and cats (not necessarily in that order).
Shirley is a lifelong resident of the Eastern Shore with a love of its beaches and coastline. She worked the past 15 years in Non-profit, creating and delivering programs to youth and adults. She likes sharing her knowledge of crafting with others and watching as they succeed. Shirley has many hobbies, beachcombing, gardening and textile arts are at the top of her long list.
Irma is the oldest of 12 children, attended a one-room school until grade 9, graduated from Sheet Harbour High School, and attended Normal College in Truro. She taught school while studying part-time at StFX, graduating with a BA in English and a BEd. Irma continued to teach, mostly high school English, for almost 40 years before teaching GED. Irma married her high school sweetheart and has four children, four grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. She loves reading, flowers, and watching sports.
Jeff was born and raised in Nova Scotia, spending half his time in Clam Harbour and the other half in the city. After many attempts to finish high school he eventually quit and moved away. He spent 16 years in Winnipeg where he lost half of his right hand in a work accident. He also met and married his wife, Alison, became an adult learner, and at the age of 40, graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Education. Jeff and his wife then moved home to Musquodoboit Harbour and he’s spent the last 12 years substitute teaching, working as a Residential Care Worker and more recently, working part time with ESMVLN, encouraging, supporting, and teaching adult learners.
Wendy Hanlan is our E3 Instructor and CAMERA Assessor in Musquodoboit Valley and comes to us with a strong background in marketing and tourism.Her holistic approach to program delivery is inspired by the interests and goals of her learners resulting in new and relevant skills that are immediately useful in real life.Wendy also offers wellness-based programming throughout Nova Scotia, including lobster rope weaving, forest bathing and adult creative play workshops.
Brandie Haley is an accomplished Financial Services Officer with a seasoned background in customer service, currently serving at East Coast Credit Union. Her expertise in leadership and service was refined through her past roles in the retail sector, contributing to her professional acclaim. In the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Brandie relocated from Florida to Moser River with her husband, a military veteran. With a life shaped by her upbringing in various locales, including abroad, due to her father's role in the United States Air Force, Brandie's adaptability and global perspective have been key to her success. She earned her bachelor's degree in Marketing and Advertising from George Washington University, a foundation that has supported her career trajectory. Brandie is deeply invested in her Nova Scotia community, volunteering extensively over the past year. She holds the position of Vice Chair for the Eastern Shore Musquodoboit Valley Adult Literacy Network, underscoring her commitment to community enrichment.
Susan moved to Sheet Harbour in 2018 with her husband Rob after retiring from a 35 year career with the Air Force. Even though she retired, she knew she needed to keep busy through volunteering in the community that quickly became her home. She joined ESMV in 2020 in the middle of the pandemic and the height of zoom meetings. She was attracted to the activities and learning of the organization and especially enjoys the friendships that are created through learning together. Each year is better than the next and she can't wait to see where we go in the future.
Ena joined the ESMVLN board in 2019 and currently holds the roles of both treasurer and secretary. Ena has done a lot of volunteering in her community and is a part of the Lions Club organization. While currently employed at the Sheet Harbour Library, Ena has a history in banking where worked as a customer representative for 16 years. Her hobbies include walking, reading, knitting, and crocheting. Ena is a HUGE Toronto Maple leafs fan and enjoys watching them play.
Colette has deep ties to the Eastern Shore and is grateful at last to be calling it home. Living on the shore, raising sheep and chickens, greatly inspires the art work she creates in her Llama works studio. Literacy and learning, in all forms, has played a significant role in her life and career as a teacher. "I have a great deal of respect and admiration for the work the Literacy Network does in fostering this in our community. I am looking forward to sharing my time and experience with them."
