NHFS

Founder & Executive Director - Cheryl Ashley 

As a mother of 3 grown children one of which was diagnosed with a neurobehavioral diagnosis as a child, Cheryl knows all too well the strength and love needed to raise a special needs child. Very early on in her families journey Cheryl met an OT who was the inspiration behind Cheryl's drive to learn as much as possible to help her daughter Natalie be her best self.

With over 20 years' experience, Cheryl has been a Foster Mother, Respite care staff, Family Support worker having done 10 years working on Child Protection cases, Family Support Agency Manager and Regional Manager. At the age of 29, with 3 small children at home, Cheryl attended Mount Alison University studying Psychology and Sociology as well as obtained several certifications in areas such as ABA, Autism, Resolving Human Conflict, Nonviolent crisis intervention, Fetal Alcohol and other Neurobehavioral conditions just to name a few.

Above everything Cheryl is a mother, with great passion for families living with a loved one who has special needs, Cheryl goes above and beyond to support her families and her staff to provide the best service possible to her clients.

The decision to start a Non Profit organization was an easy one for Cheryl as it was the best way to be able to reach as many people as possible in the community who are struggling, "ordinary families living through extraordinary circumstances".  Her goal is to be able to raise enough funds to be able to offer services to families free of charge and to support them through challenging times.

Community Outreach Staff - Brie Carter 

Brie Carter recently joined the Nicholas’ Hope team as a Community Outreach Worker in early September 2020.

Brie's previous work and life experiences have taught her to be empathetic, calm and to advocate for her clients needs. This has allowed her to better assist her clients as well as their families.

Graduating top of her class in 2016 from Oultons college Child and Youth Care program, Brie's goal is to provide compassion, understanding and support to both the youth and families when dealing with day to day necessities.

In her spare time you will find Brie spending time outside adventuring or cozyied up inside watching movies and doing crafts with her son.

 Registed Behavior Technician & Team Lead- Tristen Petitpas

Tristen Petitpas is a Community Outreach Specialist and Director of Operations for Nicholas Hope Family Services Inc.

Tristen is a Child and Youth Care with Addictions graduate with over 4 years experience in the field and is currently in the process of obtaining her Registered Behaviour Technician certification.

Tristen has a true passion for helping individuals with special needs that traces back to her childhood. Her family life is the reason she is a part of this field, growing up with her older sister who was diagnosed with Autism and living with foster kids most of her life.

Now a mother of her own child, 3 year old Alexis, Tristen is even more committed to supporting families in our community.

Community Outreach Staff - Venessa Landry

Vanessa Landry is a Community Outreach Worker who completed a 7 week practicum programm in early April 2021, and has been with the company ever since!

Vanessa is a college graduate from the Human Services class of 2021, from NBCC. Vanessa has received many certificates in areas such as; FASD, Naloxone, Mental Health 101, ASIST, and others. She hopes to become a social worker, in the furture.

Vanessa and her Fiance have had custody of her sister in law for about 3 years. Her fiance's little sister was recently diagnosed with PTSD, ADHD/ADD, as well as an anxiety and depression disorder. Having a neuro-divergent kiddo living with Vanessa is where she has gotten the most of her experience.

Vanessa's goal is to help educate, advocate for and support families, all while providing adequate resources to them so that they and their kiddos can live their best lives!

In her spare time, you will find Vanessa spending quality time with her family, friends and god children.

Community Outreach Staff - Stephanie Iverson

Stephanie joined the NHFS team in October of 2021.

Stephanie graduated top of her class from the Personal Support Worker program in 2008 and the Registered Practical Nursing program in 2015. Stephanie has 6 years experience working as a nurse, helping individuals during difficult times in their lives. Stephanie’s previous work and life experiences has shaped her into a compassionate, patient, empathetic individual with the avidity to help and support families.

Being a mother of 3 children, it has given her invaluable knowledge working with families. Stephanie has always had the desire to help others. Stephanie is passionate about learning and looks for every opportunity to further her knowledge.

In her spare time, you’ll find Stephanie spending time with her family, watching movies, taking care of her pets, baking and cooking.

Community Outreach Staff - Melissa Smith

Graduate of Eastern College - Child and youth services 2009 & UNB- Autism intervention- 2013

Worked in corrections for a year after completion of college unfortunately wasn’t the right balance for my family at the time.

That is when I had found the job as a family support worker. The job lead to many opportunities including furthering my education and training in NVCI, ASSIST, FAD, mental health, completed my RBT training, cultural training and a multitude of others. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to grow with the team and became team lead, team mentor and later a house manager for individuals enrolled in the Independent living program.

After working in the field for 11 years both with an agency and privately for families I embarked on the opportunity to work for the School district as an EA. In 2017 I started as an EA with the school district and worked privately for families after my school hours. In 2020 I decided to join the NHFS team as my second job :)

Community Outreach Staff - Annie Keating

Annie Keating has been a Community Outreach Worker with NHFS since January of 2021.

Annie graduated with a Psychology degree from Mount Allison University in 2021 and is currently pursuing her Bachelors of Education at Crandall University with plans to obtain a Masters of Education in Exceptional Learners. She is also working toward her Registered Behaviour Technician certification.

Annie has been working with children within a variety of capacities since 2013 including coaching sports, swimming lessons, and daycares. Annie is passionate about her work and helping those who need a little extra support.

Community Outreach Staff - Tricia Ellington

Tricia is a 35-year-old who started with Nicholas Hope team as a Community Outreach Worker early March 2021.

Tricia previously worked in addiction for six years.

Tricia is a mother of a 14-year-old girl who has Mild Intellectual Disorder, ADHD, and anxiety. My daughter is my pride and joy. She is currently a client of Nicholas Hope. My experience comes from raising my child.

Tricia loves to spend time with her family, cooking and baking in her spare time. Also, she is always willing to learn new things.

Tricia is a dependable, dedicated, hardworking and passionate person. She is an incredibly quiet and shy person but when she is around youth, she loves making them happy. Tricia loves making a difference in youth life in the community and putting smiles on their faces.

Community Outreach Staff - Gerry Pellerin

Gerry Pellerin is a Community Outreach Worker who has been with Nicholas’s Hope Family Services Inc. since its inception.

Gerry is a college graduate from the Policing and Corrections class with a specialization in Security, with training in NVCI, FAS and ABA. Gerry has over three years experience working with youth from all types of backgrounds and diagnosis.

Gerry is a caring, outgoing and passionate member of our team. When Gerry is not at work he is spending his free time playing a multitude of sports and spending time with his family.

Community Outreach Staff - Angela Geldart

Angela Geldart graduated from Mount Allison University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2002 and completed the UNB Autism Intervention Training Program in 2008. She worked as a behaviour interventionist and a behavioural learning consultant in the provincial pre-school autism intervention program for many years before transitioning into a career delivering correctional programs to individuals on probation and parole to support their skill development and successful reintegration. She has 18 years experience working in the human services field with a variety of populations. After working with adults for several years, she missed working with children, youth, and their families and joined the NHFS team on a part-time basis.

She has completed training in the areas of ABA, teaching and positive behavioural support in autism, measurement and experiential design, the picture exchange communication system, mental health, addictions, cognitive-behavioural therapy, crisis de-escalation, brief-focused counselling, emotions management, harm reduction, and suicide intervention.

Angela is a mother of two and in her spare time enjoys spending time with her family, playing softball, coaching, bowling, and travelling.

Community Outreach Staff - Hassan Maidal

Hassan Maidal is a Community Support Worker who has been with Nichlas’s Hope Family Services Inc. since its inception.

Hassan is a full-time teacher at the school district. He has a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education in Exceptional Learners from Crandall University. He works with learners with a variety of developmental and behavioral needs. His area of expertise is working with ASD students and developing individualized programming in the area of functional skills for independence.

Community Outreach Staff - Emma Bradley

Emma joined her journey of a community outreach worker at NHFS in September of 2022. She has since graduated with Honors in Criminology at Eastern College and has obtained a job as a youth care worker as well.

Emma has years of experience with children from working in childcare since 2016 and she has young twin boys of her own. This is her first time working with neurodivergent clients and her passion for her job has only grown stronger.

Emma enjoys taking her clients on outings, baking and creating arts and crafts. Most importantly she loves the challenge and developing a bond with her clients. Emma’s goal is to create a safe and caring environment for her clients with dignity and respect.

Emma’s spare time is spent with her 2 precious boys.