Jennifer Haigh first came to the 7th Step Society of Nova Scotia as a student at Dalhousie University in 2015. She became a core group member of the NS Chapter and has attended meetings for the NB and PEI Chapter as well. Jennifer is currently a probation officer with Sydney Community Corrections and supported the development of the Pardon Me 7th Step Program through the 7th Step Society of Canada. She assisted with this through her past experience with record suspension applications. Jennifer believes in the importance of community connections and tries to spread the message of 7 Step to other areas, like in Cape Breton.

Laura Pitts joined the 7th Step Society of NS in May of 2021. She is in her first year at the UNB Faculty of Law and is passionate about advocating for those who are struggling with substance use disorders and who have had conflict with the law. She is excited to use her law degree to fight for positive changes in the criminal justice system and to continue to work with the 7th Step Society of NS.

Nicole Luis graduated from Saint Mary’s University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Commerce, specializing in Accounting with a Minor in Criminology. She joined the 7th Step Society in February 2021. Nicole is currently pursuing a JD in Law at the University of New Brunswick. Growing up in the North End of Dartmouth she witnessed the intersecting challenges of the criminal justice system, including mental illness, addiction and conflict with the law. She's interested in helping those in the community who have been affected by these challenges. In her free time she enjoys expressing herself through her writing and dance.

Janice Fiander grew up in Nova Scotia - having many family ties to Cape Breton. Most of my life has been spent in the HRM but she did live for three years in NYC in her early 20's. She was there to pursue a career as a Ballet Dancer. The only way she could afford to live in Manhattan was to work as a live-in babysitter. The Dad of the family she lived with was the person who patented Naloxone! In the end, she decided not to stay in NYC and came home to Halifax. She attended Dalhousie University where she completed her BA and BJ (Kings College). She was planning to become a journalist but that didn't work out! So, in 1995 she completed her MLIS degree and started working at a Children's Librarian at the Bedford Public Library. She has been a Manager now with the Halifax Public Libraries for 26 years. It's been an extremely rewarding career and has given her the opportunity to take part in such programs as the "Pageturners" Book Club in the CNSCF. Apart from her work, her passions have included camping, hiking and long distance running. Though she doesn't dance anymore, she is still passionate about watching ballet performances.

Pete Brown is currently the National Program Manager for 7th Step Society of Canada. Pete has lived experience in addictions, prisons, and brings a unique perspective with education (Social Services Worker), different employment and volunteering positions in the fields of addictions and with people who have had conflict with the law. Pete has dedicated his life to helping others to get out and stay out of the criminal justice system and is a firm believer that lived experience has a massive part to play in the change process.

Mike Warren became formally involved with 7th Step NS in October of 2022 when he was invited to the Annapolis Valley street group meetings and became a core group member in December of 2022. He became involved with many other street group meetings including Moncton, NB, Prince Edward Island and Ottawa, ON groups. Mike completed a Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies degree from Cape Breton University and continued his studies in Criminology at Saint Mary’s University. Mike was born and raised in Newfoundland and Labrador and came to Nova Scotia in 1997 to attend university where he fell in love with the province. He moved to Halifax in 2000 and continues to reside in the area. Mike has worked in many facets of the Criminal Justice System including being a volunteer with Restorative Justice, a Correctional Officer, a Deputy Sheriff, a Probation Officer and his current role is Senior Probation Officer for the Annapolis Valley Community Corrections. Mike believes in a client-centred philosophy and approach and has made many worthy connections over the years to best serve the population of the Annapolis Valley and Nova Scotia but more importantly, the clientele with whom we work.

Sophie Trinacty has been involved with the 7 Step Society since her first year in law school where she was introduced to the group through an internship program, and they haven't been able to get rid of her since. Deeply interested in the criminal justice system Sophie is exploring ways to improve access to justice for marginalized communities and to increase the understanding of the interconnection between victimization and criminality. Sophie helped developed the 7th Step Society's peer support training program and enjoys presenting to youth and community groups. In her free time, she loves challenging herself to run ridiculous distances and enjoys spending as much time outside as possible.

Bio coming soon

Brannon Hooper brings a unique experience to his work and the board. Growing up in group homes throughout HRM, he found himself in conflict with the law since 1992. He has lived experience from his struggles with trauma, mental health, and addictions. He continues to put in the effort to bring positive change in the community. Brannon joined the 7th Step Society of Nova Scotia in January 2022 becoming a core group member and had dedicated his time to the street group meetings. Shortly after he became a member, he completed the Peer Support Training and co-facilitated the training program. His continued resilience brought him to his current position as the Admin for the Pardon Me Project  and the National Program/Volunteer Coordinator with the 7th Step Society of Canada.