Supervisor

Barry Waldman

The day-to-day operations of EPIC and the projects it oversees are handled by Barry Waldman, founder of EPIC. Barry’s experience in teaching, educational administration, proposal writing, community development and working in Native and African-Nova Scotian communities has sensitized him to marginalized youth and the negative consequences which can occur when funding isn’t available to continue important programs. It was this concern that catalyzed his development of EPIC in 1996.

As a volunteer, he supervises all EPIC projects and programs, including the Youth Peer and Parents PEACE programs. He works as an Educational Consultant for the Eskasoni First Nations School Board for whom he fostered the innovative Aboriginal EMPATHIC Program program among others. As well, on a volunteer basis, he oversees the financial operations of EPIC and ensures and manages funding for all initiatives, while still finding time to dream up creatively unique ways for EPIC to fulfill its purpose.

YOUTH PEER STAFF

Director

Barb Donovan

Barb has been Director of Youth Peer in its various stages since EPIC adopted the program in 1998. Before coming to EPIC, she was Volunteer Coordinator for Island Community Justice where she still works as a volunteer and serves on the CATCH management team. She guides Youth Peer with soft, but steady hand and is the heart and soul of this successful program. We hope she stays for another 10 years!

Volunteers Coordinator

Wendy MacDonald

Wendy came to Youth Peer in September 2005. Among many other duties, she works with the Youth Assistants to recruit volunteers and manages the daily functioning of the tutoring sessions. Wendy previously worked for Barriers to Youth Participation in Sports and is a Interpreter and Teacher of American Sign Language. She has been known to say, “I love my job!” and it shows.

Educator

Elizabeth Broderick

Elizabeth joined Youth Peer in September 2007 as a part-time “wrap-around” Educator, after retiring as a career teacher with the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School District. A woman with energy to spare and a generous volunteer spirit, Elizabeth brings her contagious enthusiasm and positive attitude to every task she undertakes.

Facilitator, Parents PEACE Program

Blair Hill

Blair comes to EPIC with 20 years of community experience working with families. He is a Family Resource Worker at Family Place Resource Centre. He also serves as co-chair of the Inter-agency on Family Violence. Parents have said that Blair is the best thing about the weekly sessions. This is not surprising as he has created an atmosphere of camaraderie, learning and fun.

Youth Peer Assistants,
September 2007 - May 2008

Adam MacLean

Kayla Wood

Richard Mayich

Art Instructor

Susanne Donovan

Guitar Instructor

Emile Conn

Youth Peer Staff 2006 - 2007

Gathered in March 2006 for Youth Peer’s
10th anniversary celebration.