Opportunity and Belonging

Hi & Sat Sri Akal! I hope you are keeping well! Thank you so much for landing here. I'm a lifelong learner, academic, and professional with a focus on the future of learning, the future of health, and the future of work. I’m driven by curiousity, optimism and the science of hope, with a healthy dose of living cyclical in good relationship with the Earth.

I have worked as a faculty member and researcher with a focus on social justice, decolonization, mental health and healing trauma at UBC, York University, and Dalhousie University for 10+ years, and spent 2 years in recruitment with BIPOC Executive Search in Toronto. I am also the CEO of I’m With Periods, a social enterprise with the aim of spreading the worldwide love of periods and menstrual cycles. In 2020, we published a book with Simon & Schuster called Self-Care Down There: An All Genders Guide to Vaginal Wellbeing.

I was born and raised on the West Coast outside Vancouver, Canada and currently live in Halifax, Canada on Mi'kmaw Treaty Territories. My parents and ancestors are from the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. I love going for forest walks with my dog, reading (I'm a huge bookworm!), and enjoying a cozy cup of coffee or chai with a friend or colleague.

Who should contact Taq:

• Students with any concerns about wellness, mental health, and accessibility.
• Faculty and staff with any questions or concerns on behalf of students.
• Staff, faculty, and/or students with any form of complaint to issue that is non-academic in nature.
• Students who need to disclosure experiences of bullying, abuse, sexual violence and/or harassment - I am here to help you and your point of contact for disclosing sexual violence. My role is to listen, support and help you make informed decisions on next steps, if and when you are ready.  I can connect you to services and resources, explain disclosure and reporting options and support you as you decide your next steps. We can meet virtually, in person, on the phone, or through email to provide information, connection and support.  When working with me you can expect compassionate, respectful, understanding, and non-judgmental responses.

You belong here, exactly as you are. I love me an affirmation, so I’ll leave one for you here as a contemplative question, “why am I so happy, healthy, and wealthy?”

Serene Porter is Haudenosaunee from Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario and is a multidisciplinary artist, facilitator, and consultant based in Halifax. She studied Fine Arts at York University, Graphic Design at Mohawk College, and Art Therapy at the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute. Her work has taken her from facilitating art and wellness workshops to leading culture and engagement for the 2023 North American Indigenous Games and working behind the scenes at the 2024 JUNO Awards Honouring Ceremony and the 2026 NCTR From Roots We Rise: Youth Gathering.

Serene’s early work with residential school survivors helped shape her commitment to cultural education and building relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Through her company Serene & Wander Consulting, she brings that commitment to community engagement, cultural awareness training, and event production. As Special Advisor, Indigenous Initiatives at NSCAD, she looks forward to hearing what matters most to Indigenous students, deepening relationships with local Mi’kmaw communities, and working with students and colleagues to create spaces where Indigenous students, staff and faculty feel welcome and supported.

Outside of work, Serene enjoys travelling, weightlifting, getting outdoors, and making art with materials she finds in nature. She loves sharing her passion for movement, creativity, and nature and helping others find their own ways to bring all three together. Feel free to ask her what she’s making or share your favourite spot to paddle and hike in Nova Scotia.

Book an appointment with Andrea

Andréa Lussing is a Registered Counselling Therapist and has been supporting and counselling NSCAD students since September 2022. Through personal experience Andréa understands the value of having a caring and non-judgmental counsellor to talk to while navigating this unique age and stage of life. Although Andréa draws from a variety of approaches in her work, she hopes to offer a sense of safety and connection as a starting place.
Outside of NSCAD Andréa loves to spend time with horses and enjoys facilitating Equine Supported Wellness sessions as a local barn.

“We want students to know that there is support for them for whatever they’re struggling with or whatever they need support with. This stage of life can be challenging. If even just for a moment of connection or a quick chat, the O&B team is here for you.”

Reach out to Andréa if you:

• have challenges related to anxiety, depression, isolation, identity and mental health in general
• need help organizing and making sense of your thoughts, behaviors and emotions
• would like to explore and know more about yourself
• are looking for support in accessing psychological services outside of NSCAD or would like to connect with Nova Scotia Mental Health and Addictions services

• have questions about the particular supports that O&B is offering.
• are interested in having some experience outside NSCAD and going on an exchange program.
• need help connecting with a particular person or department.

Courtney is a Mi’kma’ki-based, queer, intersectional-feminist whose passion for youth leadership, community development, and changemaking has led them to myriad roles in the non-profit sector before joining the team at NSCAD to support student engagement initiatives through the Office of Opportunity & Belonging.

Most recently Courtney worked with the MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning leading the 2SLGBTQ+ Pilot, building safer spaces and affirming programming for queer and trans youth using creativity as a vehicle for social change. They are currently studying in the MA Women & Gender Studies program at MSVU and are interested in the creative energy at the intersection of theory and praxis.

Courtney believes in the importance of a holistic and trauma-informed approach allowing her to connect and engage with the communities she serves in a meaningful and impactful way. “I’m passionate about feminism, 2SLGBTQ+ issues, anti-racism, abolition, creative practices, conflict resolution, youth empowerment, and envisioning a liberated future for us all. Being at NSCAD allows me to connect with likeminded creative folks and work on cool projects with incredible emerging artists!”

Reach out to Court if you:

• Want to learn more about events and ways to engage with the larger NSCAD community
• Have questions about navigating NSCAD (or community) processes or supports
• Need support but aren’t sure where to start

Book an appointment with Jess

Jess (she/her) is an occupational therapist with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, and NSCAD's Accessibility Advisor. She works alongside students who require accessibility support to fully participate in campus life and learning at NSCAD.

Jess is passionate about universal design and eliminating stigma around disability and illness. Because she has lived experience navigating post-secondary accessibility services, she understands that accessibility is integral to learning.

Jess works from a trauma informed lens and holds herself accountable to participate in ongoing anti-oppressive learning. If you need accessibility support, Jess is here for you.

Reach out to Jess if you:

• Would like to have an open conversation about your needs regarding accessibility
• Are looking to obtain a Letter of Accommodation outlining your personalized accommodations for use in NSCAD courses
• Want to explore funding for services and equipment relevant to accommodation.

Book an appointment with Sara

Sara Graham (they/she) is an accessibility advisor within NSCAD’s Office of Opportunity & Belonging. Sara has a BSc in Psychology with a minor in Gender and Women Studies from Dalhousie and is currently pursuing a Masters in Adult Education from St.Fx. They are dedicated to providing inclusive, trauma-informed support to students with diverse learning needs, ensuring that every learner can fully engage in the creative and academic life of the university.

Grounded in the principles of universal design and equity, Sara collaborates closely with students, faculty, and staff to develop and implement tailored accommodation plans ranging from letters of accommodation to assistive technologies and funding support.

With a background in accessibility consulting and through her own active arts practice, Sara has changed the landscape of Nova Scotian performance art to be more accessible to all. Sara has a lifelong goal of making arts and culture spaces more accessible. Sara understands the unique intersection of creativity and disability. They draw on lived experience and practical expertise to navigate barriers and champion student success. Sara fosters a culture where all students are empowered to learn, create, and belong.

Reach out to Sara if you:

• Want to discuss accessibility needs or explore accommodations
• Need support obtaining a Letter of Accommodation
• Are looking for advice on funding or assistive devices and services
• Seek to collaborate on inclusive practices in classrooms or students

Esme is, by background, a historian and archaeologist. After completing her MSc in Classical Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh, she returned to her hometown of Fredericton. Since, she has worked in many roles from travelling science educator to sustainability advisor to dog groomer. Esme has now landed in Mi’kma’ki and is excited to put her knowledge of all things career development and experiential learning to good use at NSCAD.

Esme began her work in CEL as the Director of Experiential Learning and Career Development at St. Thomas University in Fredericton. She has experience in the development and implementation of experiential learning and career development opportunities that are uniquely suited to liberal and fine arts students. She is passionate about connecting students with opportunities beyond their classrooms and studios and looks forward to learning about the long-term career and learning goals of the students of NSCAD.

Outside of her work, Esme is a passionate runner and thru-hiker. Feel free to chat to her about any races you have signed up for or multi-day treks you have planned. She’s also always ready to show you a photo of her dog, Lou or ramble about old stuff she dug up.

Reach out to Esme if you:

• Are a student, staff or faculty member who wishes to learn more about or discuss NSCAD’s experiential learning opportunities
• Want to discuss long-term career or education goals
• Have questions about the Spring or Winter Maker’s Market
• Aren’t sure what experiential learning is and would like to find out!