Allison has a background in communications and a long history of volunteerism. Allison has been active on the boards of a number of organizations over the years including Fredericton Early Intervention, New Brunswick Coalition for Human Rights Reform, Women’s Legal Education & Action Fund (LEAF) and Canadians for Equal Marriage. She currently chairs the Board of the Halifax NS Down Syndrome Society. She lives in Halifax with her son, the Invincible Will Brewer, and follows behind him on his incredible journey.

Kim has been a member of HNSDSS Board of Directors since 2013. She has held the position of Secretary/Vice Chair since 2019. Previously, she was the New Parent Contact. Kim is a retired nurse, wife and mother of two adult children, the youngest being Jessica, who has Down syndrome. Kim has always been an active community volunteer, working as a Girl Guide Leader for 7 years; was on the Special Olympics Sackville-Bedford Regional Board as their Fundraiser for 6 years and continues to volunteer with their swimming program.

Tracy has been a Production Assistant with Educational Technology at NSCC since 2007. She lends her technical expertise to the organization as webmaster, social media, and keeping up with the latest and greatest. Tracy was involved in fundraising and a board member with HALTR (Halifax Area Leisure Therapeutic Riding) for a few years. Tracy enjoys doing reno projects with her husband Kevin, painting, gardening, organizing, and travelling. Tracy and Kevin have two adult sons, Cory, and Brady the youngest who had Down Syndrome.

Will graduated with a certificate in the mount ability program at MSVU where he became accessibility representative on council from 2017- 2022 for the union. WIll joined the board when Nick Webb was chair while being the advocate for the Canadian Down syndrome Society since 2015. He supported and mentored many others to be MC at our HalifaxNSDSS events. In 2016 Will became town crier for the city of Halifax; officially observed by the mayor of Halifax and councillors on July 1, 2018. On January 1, 2023 Will was given the Peter Cox medallion for the most recent town crier for Halifax. Being an entrepreneur for years taking on different projects as photographer and now creating a business called planet* 21 getting inspiration from the love of planets and outer space, as well as getting the Down syndrome community involved in employment for a café/theatre. Will’s hobbies are taking long walks on the beach during the summer at the cottage in New Brunswick, walking in general, playing my game, playing Game of sultans on the iPad as well traveling between Fredericton and Halifax.

Debbie graduated from Dalhousie with a Bachelor of Recreation and worked for 17 years with the former County of Halifax as a Regional Manager of Recreation Services. Her first son, Adam, was born with Down Syndrome and this amazing guy had the luxury of our undivided attention for 7 years until his two brothers arrived over the next three years. She took some time off to be a stay at home mom with three boys. Debbie returned to work and was employed with Recreation Nova Scotia for 20 years as a Program Manager. She and her husband spent a lot of time as sports parents on the sidelines of soccer fields, hockey rinks and basketball courts and loved every minute of it. Debbie will be retiring from work at the end of the year and looks forward to new adventures with family and friends.

Sonya is a Registered Dental Hygienist (Dalhousie University) for over 20 years and is a new member of the board. She and her Husband, Gary, grew up in chilly Labrador City, Newfoundland, and moved to the HRM area in 2005. They have 2 daughters Claire and Elise who both were born Down Syndrome. With the ever changing interests of her girls over the years she has been a girl guide leader, school volunteer, Special Olympics coach/helper, personal shopper and taxi service to social events and cheerleading. On her own time Sonya likes to read and reconnect with her crafty side. She loves a good board game and is currently learning to play the ukulele.

Julie joined the Board in 2020. She is Acadian and grew up in New Brunswick. She moved to Halifax in 2010, where she lives with her wife Alisha and their two sons Gabriel and Alexandre, who has Down Syndrome. Julie works in Disability Case Management where she assists people off work on disability by providing them resources and support to help in their recovery and ensure a safe and appropriate return to work. Since joining the board, Julie has worked on the new HNSDSS logo, helped plan events and fundraised for the society. For fun Julie enjoys camping and hiking and has an impressive modern board game library.

Rebecca has been involved in the Down syndrome community and the HNSDSS since her youngest daughter, Ella, was born with Down syndrome six years ago. She has worked at the Immigrant Settlement Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) for the past 14 years, advocating for immigrants and refugees in our province. She is also a Board member of Project COLORS International and has volunteered with them for the past 10 years, creating and supporting educational sponsorships, training opportunities, and fundraising events for humanitarian aid in various countries for at-risk youth. Rebecca loves travelling, yoga, and outdoor adventures with her family, Kent, Marin, Ella, and their dog, Olive. Rebecca has appreciated the support and insight that the HNSDSS has provided to her and her family over the years, and enjoys working to create more awareness, change, and space where all people can live, grow, and thrive in their communities.