Health Staff
Vanessa Nevin
Director of Health
Vanessa Nevin is the Director of Health at the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Secretariat and comes from Sipekne’katik First Nation within Mi’kmaki. Vanessa leads a dynamic health department that works to improve the health and wellbeing of First Nations through participation of First Nations in the planning, management and delivery of health programs and services.
Vanessa has worked for APC for over 10 years on Health, Indian Residential School, Elections, and Social. Furthermore, she has extensive experience working with First Nations communities and organizations including Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq, BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centre, North American Indigenous Games, and Victoria Native Friendship Centre. Vanessa also completed contracts with the Aboriginal Healing Foundation to review/arbitrate proposals and University of Victoria Law School to research on First Nations’ alternative justice programs throughout the province of British Columbia.
Vanessa obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in History and minor in Greek and Roman Studies from the University of Victoria, and completed graduate courses for Royal Roads University’s Master’s of Art program for Conflict Analysis and management. She also had a Royal Roads University certificate in Negotiations, and, an Aboriginal Trauma Certificate from the Justice Institute of British Columbia.
Vanessa loves nature, hiking, beaches, and her beautiful family.
Miranda Pierro
Mental Wellness Project Manager
Miranda Pierro is the Mental Wellness Project Manager with the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat. Her responsibilities include coordinating mental wellness training sessions and providing policy support. Miranda coordinates the annual mental wellness training conference and a variety of other mental wellness trainings based on regional need. She is also the policy support person for the Atlantic First Nations Health Partnership’s Mental Wellness Committee and its working groups. In this capacity, Miranda is the dedicated policy support person, on the development and implementation of the Mental Health and Addictions Strategic Action Plan, for First Nations in the Atlantic Region.
Miranda is from Wagmatcook First Nation, she is a proud mother of one son and has resided on and off reserve. Miranda has 18 years of experience working with First Nations communities and organizations and has worked in the urban indigenous community for many years in different advocacy roles.
Brenda Christie
Resolution Health Support Worker (Atlantic)
Brenda Christie is a Resolution Health Support Worker (RHSW) for the Atlantic region, where she offers emotional support to Indian Residential Schools Survivors, Indian Day School applicants, and the families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Through individual and group sessions which incorporate healing through cultural workshops such moccasin and mitten creation, drum making and healing circles, she offers support to various communities in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.
As a certified Social Service Worker currently finishing her Bachelor of Indigenous Studies with Laurentian University, she has 14 years of experience which allow her to emotionally support Survivors in a respectful and culturally informed manner. She is formerly from Ontario, where she most recently worked as a Family Violence Counsellor with Habitat Interlude.
A mother of two, with two grandchildren, she is happy to be back with her family in Nova Scotia. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, meditation, and yoga and actively participates in cultural activities including a Women’s Hand Drum group in Kingston.
Jacklynn Pierro
Health Partnership Coordinator
Jacklynn Pierro is the Health Partnership Coordinator with the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat (APC). Since joining APC in 2022, Jacklynn has grown into a key member of the Health Department team, coordinating and supporting the logistics of numerous Health Partnership meetings and initiatives across the Atlantic region. Her responsibilities include scheduling, securing venues, coordinating catering, drafting agendas, and facilitating communication between First Nations communities and partner organizations. Over the past three years, she has played an increasingly active role in relationship-building and ensuring consistent participation from diverse health partners.
Born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Jacklynn is a proud member of Wagmatcook First Nation. After spending much of her life in Ontario, she is grateful to be living and working back home in Mi’kma’ki. Her work reflects her commitment to supporting First Nations health priorities and reconnecting with communities across the Atlantic region.
Jacklynn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University). She is passionate about maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle—mind, body, and soul. In her downtime, she enjoys beach days, fall hikes, yoga, group fitness, trying out new recipes, and playing golf. Whether she's on the course, at the yoga studio, or cooking at home, she values staying active and grounded. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her partner and cat, catching up with friends, and visiting family.
For more information about Jacklynn’s role or current health initiatives at APC, she can be reached at jacklynn.pierro@apcfnc.ca.
Elizabeth Camus
Senior Health Policy Analyst
Elizabeth Camus is the Senior Health Policy Analyst at the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat (APCFNC), where she plays a key role in advancing the health and well-being of First Nations communities across the Atlantic region.
Originally from the “sunset side” of Cape Breton and now based in Halifax, Elizabeth carries with her the collaborative spirit of rural community life. As one of five daughters, she learned early on the importance of teamwork and empathy—values that continue to shape her work today.
Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion from Dalhousie University, with a focus on community-based health solutions and empowerment. She is a passionate advocate for equitable health care and is deeply committed to supporting Indigenous health initiatives.
Before stepping into her current role, Elizabeth served as the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Navigator for APCFNC. Her previous experience includes delivering technical support for dental software users, advocating for adults recovering from an acquired brain injury at the Brain Injury Association of NS, and investigating customer complaints as an insurance advisor.
With a strong foundation in health promotion, a commitment to advocacy, and a heart rooted in community, Elizabeth continues to make a meaningful impact in Indigenous health across Nova Scotia and beyond.
elizabeth.camus@apcfnc.ca
1-877-667-4007 ext. 2003
Ken Long
Health Policy Analyst
Ken is honored to serve as a Health Policy Analyst with the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat (APC). A proud member of the Miawpukek First Nation, he is committed to advancing the health and well-being of First Nations peoples through the development and support of effective health programs and services.
In his role at APC, Ken provides policy support to the Public Health and Primary Care Committee and contributes to various initiatives, including the Aboriginal Health Human Resources Initiative (AHHRI) funding allocation, planning professional development sessions for the Child Oral Health Initiative, and supporting the Wabanaki Council on Disability. He also participates in numerous other committees and working groups focused on improving health outcomes in First Nation communities.
Ken holds a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy and a Master of Arts in Health Promotion from Dalhousie University. With over 25 years of experience in healthcare, he has worked across a range of settings, from hospitals to private care. While at Dalhousie, he was involved in research on First Nations health, focusing on the relationship between cultural engagement, lifestyle choices, and health outcomes. He also contributed to projects examining the collaboration between First Nations communities and local health authorities.
Outside of his professional work, Ken leads an active lifestyle and enjoys sports, hiking, and running. He values time spent with family and friends and remains dedicated to community well-being both personally and professionally.
Cassey Henry
Administrative Assistant
Cassey is a proud member of Sipekne’katik First Nation and is currently in her 3rd year at Mount Saint Vincent University studying Sociology and Political Science. Cassey joined APC as a summer student in 2022 and has now transitioned to full time. She is passionate about working with First Nations communities and hopes to use her education to contribute to help solving issues that affect First Nations public policy. In her role as administrative assistant, she works closely with members in the Health Department. She will also be assisting with the mental wellness file and the residential/day school health and cultural support workers. She is looking forward to expanding her knowledge on First Nations Health issues. Cassey will be learning about evaluation and the importance of Indigenous led evaluation. In her spare time, Cassey loves to hike various parts of Mi’kma’ki with her golden retriever, Shep.
Lindsay Batt
APCFNC Non-Insured Health Benefits Navigator
Lindsay Batt is excited to be joining the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat as the Non-Insured Health Benefits Navigator.
Lindsay is originally from Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland and Labrador) and is a proud member of Qalipu First Nations. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Social Work from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Lindsay is a community advocate with a social justice focus and has spent the past 8 years working with and for Indigenous peoples in various capacities. During her university career she worked with the Indigenous Student Resource Office and represented Indigenous students on her local, provincial, and national student unions. She was honoured to participate in the Visiting Aboriginal Elders Pilot Project which successfully brought Elders and Knowledge Keepers to campus more regularly. She was fortunate to briefly work in central and coastal Labrador providing science outreach programs. More recently, Lindsay worked as a Case Manager and Housing Navigator with urban Indigenous youth through the Hamilton Friendship Centre. While Ontario provided many new experiences, it didn’t take long before being called back to the east coast where she now resides in K'jipuktuk (Halifax) and is enjoying getting to know the Maritime provinces.
Outside of work, Lindsay can usually be found outdoors hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, or exploring with her partner and dog. She is also a hand drum carrier and enjoys crafting, finding chances to meet people, and trying something new.
lindsay.batt@apcfnc.ca
1-902-435-8021 ext. 8025
Kayla Nevin
Atlantic Health Support Worker - Enhanced Trauma Informed
Kayla Nevin is the Atlantic Health Support Worker (HSW) - Enhanced Trauma Informed. In her current role, Kayla provides emotional support for individuals affected by Indian Day Schools (IDS), Indian Residential Schools (IRS), and Murdered and Missing Women and Girls (MMIWG). She also works with the health and cultural support team to provide cultural workshops throughout the Atlantic. Knowing her calling in life was to help support her Indigenous people, Kayla is grateful to have this opportunity to give back to First Nation communities.
Kayla has completed the Critical Incident and Stress Management (CISM) and Wampum Belt training. In 2017, she graduated from the Community College New Brunswick (CCNB). Kayla has also worked at the Lone Eagle Treatment Centre and Jordan’s Principle.
Through the love she receives at her home in Elsipogtog, NB, Kayla finds her strength to help others. Kayla is a proud mother to three beautiful children. Kayla aims to bring the same comfort to her clients that she both gives and receives from her family.
Dante Paul
Health Partnership Coordinator
Dante Paul is a proud member of the Membertou First Nation which resides in Cape Breton, NS and he is currently in his final year at Dalhousie University, with a major in Psychology and a minor in Indigenous Studies. With a strong commitment to his community and people, Dante aims to become a counselor for Indigenous Peoples, primarily focusing on helping the Indigenous Peoples incarcerated who need any kind of support or guidance and to address the deep racial discrimination they face in the Canadian legal system.
Dante spent the last 2 summers working at APCFNC but has now transitioned from the Summer Student to the Health Partnership Coordinator for a temporary period. In this new role his responsibilities include scheduling events, booking venues, coordinating catering, drafting agendas, and facilitating communication between First Nations communities and partner organizations. In his free time he enjoys creating jewelry and art, building computers, playing videogames, traveling, and spending time with his two cats.
Holly Meuse
Atlantic Health Support Worker
Holly Meuse is a community member from L’sitkuk First Nation. She is a proud mom of three sons and has the privilege of raising a beautiful little girl. Holly is a registered social worker in the province of Nova Scotia. She has many years of experience working with Mi’kmaq and First Nations communities and organizations across Canada.
Holly is an Atlantic Health Support Worker. In her current role, she provides services to individuals impacted by Federal Indian Day Schools (IDS), Indian Residential Schools (IRS), Federal Indian Hospitals, including Hardy Settlement, First Nations Child and Family Services (CFS), Jordan’s Principle (JP) Settlement, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people (MMIWG2SLGBTQIA+), and to any Indigenous person affected by the lasting impacts of colonial trauma.
She also networks with other organizations and community supports to assist individuals seeking Health Support Worker services for their emotional well-being at the local, provincial, and regional levels.
For questions or additional information, please contact Holly by email at holly.meuse@apcfnc.ca.
Maikayla Nevin
Cultural Support Provider (CSP)
Maikayla Nevin is a Cultural Support Provider (CSP) servicing Atlantic Canada with the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat (APCFNC), where she has worked since 2022.
After moving to New Brunswick in 2021, Maikayla continued along the career path she began in her home province of Prince Edward Island. She has worked in several Indigenous organizations, supporting families through programs connected to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), Jordan’s Principle services, and other community initiatives. She also represented Prince Edward Island as provincial coordinator for Digital Mi’kmaq, a Nova Scotia–based STEAM organization funded through Ulnooweg.
Family and community connection are central to Maikayla’s values. She is a proud mother of three boys and a loving wife to her husband, Thunder. In her spare time, she enjoys many of the same activities she does in her work such as beadwork, reading, and sewing.
In her current role at APC, Maikayla is available to communities to help arrange cultural workshops and provide one-on-one support to those impacted by Indian Day Schools (IDS), Indian Residential Schools (IRS), and MMIWG.