About Us
Our Team
Staff
Allison Davis, MDiv Executive Director
Known as “Alli” by her friends at the Centre, Allison brings more than 20 years of experience working in the not-for-profit industry, with a strong focus on community development and volunteer management. She is a passionate advocate for older adults, and strongly believes that regarding our senior friends, neighbours, and family members with dignity, compassion, and respect builds a stronger community for everyone.
Contact Alli: allison@spencerhouse.ca
Erin Stacknick, Program Coordinator
Erin is the new Program Coordinator for the Spencer House. Erin is from Thunder Bay, Ontario, but after studying at Acadia University, she fell in love with the East Coast. Erin has a background in music therapy and is passionate about the positive impact that music, as well as other creative outlets, can make. She hopes to bring singing, dancing, and many other wonderful community programs to the Spencer House
Contact Erin: programs@spencerhouse.ca
Shivani Narayanan, Community Development
Shivani was born and raised in Dubai, in the Middle East. She is currently in her last year at Acadia University majoring in Sociology as well as Women and Gender Studies. She is at Spencer House as part of her co-op in charge of engaging with the community and would love nothing more but to get to know everyone who comes to the center.
Johanne Lafleur, Cook
We are so fortunate to have Johanne cooking meals with love at Spencer House. Johanne has over 20 years of professional cooking experience. Originally from Mauritius, she owned and operated two restaurants before moving to Canada. She “enjoys cooking for people who enjoy eating!” Johanne keeps our bellies full and happy with our favourite meals.
Jenny Gagnon & Trish Erskine, Custodians
Jenny & Trish work tirelessly to keep our Centre clean and organized. This past year they have put in extra time sanitizing the Centre every night so our members can enjoy a safe space to eat, meet, and play. They often leave special treats and seasonal gifts for our members (anonymously 😉) as a way of saying “you’re deserving, and you’re loved.”
Student Work Placements
Spencer House often welcomes students from a variety of different health and social faculties from local universities and NSCC. They learn hands-on about our aging population and age-related issues while working in the community. If you are a student who is looking for a work placement or Co-op Opportunity, reach out to the Executive Director.
Tess Ferguson, Program Assistant
Tess is doing a 14-week work placement at the Spencer House via the YESS Program organized by the YMCA of Cape Breton. She has volunteered for many years with the senior population at her hometown community centre in Port Morien. Tess is happy to be at the Spencer House due to her passion for community service and development, and for making connections with the lovely members, volunteers, and staff.
Hiba Alyousef, Program Assistant
Hiba is joining Spencer House for the summer! She has recently completed a BSc in Applied Human Nutrition from Mount St. Vincent University. She is passionate about working with vulnerable populations, targeting health inequity and the impact of social structural determinants of health and health outcomes. Her main topics of interest include food access, focusing on food security and food sovereignty. Working with different demographics has helped widen her knowledge of healthy living and she looks forward to bringing her passion forward into her role as program assistant.