We champion informed, responsible attitudes regarding sexual health through the delivery of programs and services to meet community needs. We ensure our community is supported in all aspects of sexual and reproductive health, including healthy relationships and violence prevention, safer spaces and inclusion, and one-on-one guidance and support. Our goal is to reduce stigma associated with sexual health in Cumberland County.
Executive Director
Rene has filled the shoes of Executive Director and Sexual Health Educator since 2017.
Rene is an advocate, writer, researcher and certified sexual health educator with over 15 years of experience in the field of sexual health and community engagement. Rene shares with us her fire for inclusion and human rights and holds a post-graduate certification in sexual health from the University of Alberta. You will see Rene around the county facilitating programs as well as sharing her experience and knowledge however she can!
(she/they), MSW, RSW
Cassie is a clinical social worker and has returned to our centre after completing her Master of Social Work student placement with us over the summer. In this role Cassie will be offering counselling and mental health services. Cassie has a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Memorial University, a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and Addictions from Dalhousie University, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Dalhousie University, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) with a major in Women and Gender Studies from St. Francis Xavier University. She is a registered social worker in good standing with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW) and the New Brunswick Association of Social Workers (NBASW).
As a social worker, Cassie has had the opportunity to work with adults, youth, and children all with a wide range of diverse positionalities, backgrounds, age groups, and complex needs. She has experience in mental health and addiction counselling, 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming/identity exploration, child welfare, and community social work. Cassie’s professional qualifications provide her with the knowledge and expertise needed to help people address their concerns and find effective treatments and coping strategies. Cassie also has personal experiences related to mental illness and queer identities as a queer woman with ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Having personal experience has given Cassie unique insights into the challenges that people with mental health issues or those who are struggling or impacted by their sexual and/or gender identities, and the impact it can have on individuals and their families. In her practice Cassie aims to empower individuals to live their lives authentically and to their fullest potential.
When Cassie is not at our centre, she practices as a therapist at her private practice in Sackville, N.B. Outside of her professional roles and education, she enjoys sharing her passion for reading queer books and doing advocacy work to promote safety and celebration of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
The Sexual Health Centre for Cumberland County is a member of Sexual Health Nova Scotia, the organization representing sexual health centres across the province. As a member, we are joined by a network of sexual health centres and professionals who share a passion and dedication to the sexual health and wellbeing of Nova Scotians.
We are also a United Way member agency. Funding received this year was made possible by the joint efforts of the Atlantic Compassion Fund, the Government of Canada’s Emergency Fund, and many generous donors.
The Sexual Health Centre for Cumberland County is a registered charity, we rely on donations to support the development of our centre and to help provide the resources we offer to our community. We are always looking to grow new partnerships.
Our board is made up of community volunteers. These members help govern and guide our centre’s development, bringing valuable skills to the table to help operate the centre and our community.
We are always looking for new members. If you are interested in becoming a part of our board, please contact us.
Sexual Health Centre for Cumberland County acknowledges it is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral, unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Mi’kmaq People. We acknowledge them as the past, present, and future caretakers of this land. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) People first signed with the British Crown in 1725. The treaties did not deal with surrender of lands and resources but in fact recognized Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) title and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship between nations.
