ABOUT

Nursing Homes of Nova Scotia Association

Nursing Homes of Nova Scotia Association is the collective voice for advancing world class nursing homes in Nova Scotia. Founded in 2011, we are a not-for-profit Association supporting not-for-profit, for-profit, municipal, and multi-facility nursing homes across the province of Nova Scotia. We are solution-focused, and bring an innovative approach to address opportunities and challenges across the sector.

Our Association believes in advocating and leading to influence change. We are committed to innovative approaches that ensure safe, high-quality standards of care. We support our members by sharing best practices through facilitated discussions; offering educational and networking opportunities; and engaging direct feedback on government policy and sector issues.

OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Debra Boudreau

Executive Director

Debra Boudreau is the Executive Director of the Nursing Homes of Nova Scotia Association (NHNSA), bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience in long-term care, continuing care, healthcare administration, and executive coaching.

Before joining NHNSA, Debra served as CEO and Administrator of Tideview Terrace for 20 years, where she led the organization in adopting a person-directed approach to care through certification with the Eden Alternative®. She has also held leadership positions with Nova Scotia’s Continuing Care Branch and taught in Dalhousie University’s School of Occupational Therapy.

An Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation, Debra is passionate about supporting leaders, building strong teams, and helping organizations navigate change. She holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (Post Professional), along with bachelor’s degrees in Occupational Therapy and Psychology from Dalhousie University.

As Executive Director, Debra is committed to supporting NHNSA members, strengthening advocacy efforts, and working collaboratively to ensure Nova Scotia’s long-term care sector continues to grow, innovate, and provide high-quality care for seniors across the province.

MEET OUR BOARD

Krista Beeler

Board Chair

CEO | Dykeland Lodge

Jessica Pulley

Vice Chair

Administrator/CEO | Tideview Terrace

Erin Fortin

Director

Interim CEO | County of Inverness Municipal Housing Corporation (CIMHC)

Jennifer Jesso

Director

Executive Director | Rosedale Home for Special Care

Andrew Holland

Director

Chief Executive Officer / Administrator | Grand View Manor

Advocacy is a strategic priority for our Association. We are a respected collective voice for this critical sector within the Nova Scotia health care system with an ear to the ground about the needs, strengths, challenges, opportunities awaiting, and the investments needed for long term care.

From the front lines, to behind the scenes, to the leadership and governance tables; from quality care standards to best practices, to staffing needs and infrastructure, we have expansive expertise that is recognized by community partners, orders of government, media, business, and communities.

Our campaign, It’s Our Turn, along with an extensive communications strategy, shone the spotlight brightly on long term care and this increased awareness garnered significant outcomes. We advocated strongly for a Ministerial portfolio and department dedicated to long term care. We were very pleased to see the creation of the first provincial department of seniors and long term care. Our call to action was rewarded with investments in infrastructure, staff recruitment support, increased infection prevention and control resources and wage increases for front line staff.

Long term care is gaining strong momentum and we are proud to play a lead role in the transformation that is on the horizon.