Past Mentors

Cst Michelle Everson
Police Program Coordinator
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Cst Natasha Dantiste
Police Program Coordinator
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Natasha’s involvement with Camp Courage began as it aligned directly with her role as a Community Policing Officer and her former work with youth as a School Liaison Officer. Natasha is a mother of two and remains committed to supporting law enforcement educational programs aimed at youth. Natasha is one of the main police program coordinators.

Cst Susan Camus
Police Program Coordinator
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Sherry Dean
Mentor
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Nikki Butler
Mentor
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Veronica Faulkner
Mentor
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Colleen Clarke
Director – Event Planning
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Holly Coote
Mentor
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Barb Vidito
Mentor
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Some of her hobbies are baseball, curling, reading, horseback riding and golf. Barb’s parents have always supported the choices she has made. We love our two black, boy and girl cats dearly. My dream is to have a hobby farm, with one of each animal.

Trish Pittman
Mentor
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Trish Pittman served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 8 years in both the Naval Reserves and Regular force. She has earned her level one certification from the Nova Scotia Fire Service and is currently a member of the Enfield Volunteer Fire Department.

Joan Helson
Mentor
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Krista Eisan
Mentor
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Allison Bolton
Mentor
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Taigan Ross
Mentor
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Taigan Ross is a Critical Care Paramedic that graduated from Camp Courage in 2007. It was Camp Courage that opened her eyes to her dream job in paramedicine. Over the next 10 years, she became a PCP, then an ACP and finally a CCP – all while combining it with working in a high call volume center and volunteering at Camp Courage in an attempt to give back. When not wearing a stethoscope, you will find her roaming walking trails with her 4-year-old Boxer dog named Disney who believes she is the queen bee!

Donna Reid
EHS Program Coordinator

Allison Bolton
Mentor
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Taigan Ross
Mentor
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Taigan Ross is a Critical Care Paramedic that graduated from Camp Courage in 2007. It was Camp Courage that opened her eyes to her dream job in paramedicine. Over the next 10 years, she became a PCP, then an ACP and finally a CCP – all while combining it with working in a high call volume center and volunteering at Camp Courage in an attempt to give back. When not wearing a stethoscope, you will find her roaming walking trails with her 4-year-old Boxer dog named Disney who believes she is the queen bee!

Jodi Lambert
Paramedic Program Past Co-ordinator
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Nadya-Lyse Paré
Mentor / Past Vice President
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Lorne Piercey
Mentor
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Heather MacNeil
Mentor
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Krista Lane
Mentor
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Miranda Newhook
Paramedic Program Director
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Miranda Newhook, originally from Newfoundland, has been with EMC since 2006, working as an Advanced Care Paramedic and currently serving as the Operations Supervisor for the NCCT Program within the EHS LifeFlight Program in Nova Scotia.
Outside of her professional role, Miranda is an active volunteer, contributing her time to initiatives such as Camp Courage, Peer and Family Support Services, and the Youth Forum through the United Church. Her vibrant personality and dedication also make her a respected Paramedic and Mentor at Camp Courage. Miranda Newhook exemplifies a compassionate and committed professional in the field of paramedicine.

Shari Affleck
Coast Guard Program Coordinator
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Shari Affleck, the National Executive Director for the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary in Ottawa, Ontario, boasts 25+ years of experience in safety and regulatory compliance across provincial and federal governments in Canada. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a dedicated advocate for marginalized women and girls, especially those affected by substance abuse and violence. Shari’s contributions include mentoring women in transition, creating art programs for incarcerated individuals, leading Girl Guides of Canada, and supporting the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for over 29 years. Her multifaceted commitment to both her career and community exemplifies her as a catalyst for positive change.

Natasha Prest
Program Director & Mentor
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Natasha is not only a trailblazer but also a dedicated public servant, proudly holding the distinction of being the first African Nova Scotian career female member of Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency. A lifelong resident of Halifax, Natasha has spent a significant portion of her life living and working downtown, deeply connected to the community she serves.
Over the span of 14 years with Halifax Regional Fire, Natasha has worn many hats, showcasing her versatility and commitment. From her roles as Firefighter/Engineer and Fire Prevention Officer to her current position as Operations Captain, Natasha has continually risen to the challenges within the department. Beyond her operational duties, she has honed her expertise as a Technical Rescue Specialist and proudly contributes to the CAN-TF5 Urban Search and Rescue Team.
A graduate of St. Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, Natasha’s pursuit of knowledge extends beyond the fire service. She values education and understands the importance of continuous personal and professional growth.
Natasha’s dedication to service extends to her role as a mother, with her daughter having graduated from Camp Courage—a testament to Natasha’s commitment to empowering the next generation. In her spare time, Natasha enjoys the adventure of travel, evident in the numerous stamps adorning her passport. Her active lifestyle includes regular workouts at the gym and serene walks in the sunshine.
A quote by Martin Luther King Jr. encapsulates Natasha’s philosophy: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'” This quote reflects her deep sense of responsibility and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those around her. Natasha’s journey is not only one of personal achievement but also a narrative of inspiration for aspiring individuals in her community and beyond.

Odette Gaudet
Mentor
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Odette, a native of Clare, Nova Scotia, has deep roots in her close-knit community. Currently residing in Grosses Coques, Nova Scotia, she boasts an impressive 30-year career as a dedicated paramedic.
What sets Odette apart is her warm and nurturing personality, which leaves a lasting impact on the campers she encounters each year. Her caring nature has a profound influence on those she mentors and guides.
During her well-deserved spare moments, Odette finds solace in leisurely strolls along the beaches and cherishes quality time spent with her loved ones. Her commitment to her profession and her genuine love for people make her a cherished member of both her community and the Camp Courage family.