Opportunity and Belonging
Who We Are
Dr. Taq Kaur Bhandal (she/her), Director, Equity and Community Supports
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?”
Andréa Lussing (She/Her), Student Counsellor, Registered Counselling Therapist- Candidate
Andréa Lussing is a Registered Counselling Therapist (Candidate) 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
Lorelei Dietz (she/her), Registered Counselling Therapist (Candidate) and Certified Creative Arts Therapist
Lorelei Dietz (she/her) is a Registered Counselling Therapist (Candidate) and Certified Creative Arts Therapist within the Office of Opportunity and Belonging. She strives to provide a safe, creative, and affirming space for individuals navigating mental health, personal, or school-related challenges. With a background in Creative Arts Therapies, she brings personal and professional experience from the performing arts and mental health fields which are integrated in her work as a counsellor. As a queer-identifying therapist, Lorelei is especially passionate about supporting and empowering folks and allies of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Lorelei works from a trauma-informed and intersectional lens, understanding the many factors that can influence our experiences. She holds herself accountable to participate in ongoing anti-oppressive learning and reflection.
Reach out to Lorelei if you:
- experience any challenges related to anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, and mental health in general.
- are navigating any changes or challenges related to gender and/or sexual identity, sexual health and safety, as well as gender-based or sexual violence
- need help understanding or navigating your thoughts, sensations, and emotions.
- looking for support in working through creative blocks
Haoming (Jim) Nao
Coordinator, Opportunity and Belonging
Email: haomingnao@nscad.ca
Haoming (Jim) is very familiar with NSCAD. Jim graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in jewelry design and metalsmithing and minoring in art history. Jim has also held several positions as a student assistant in the Admissions & Recruitment Office and the front desk at the Office of Student Experience. Jim is currently enrolling at Queen’s University for a Graduate Diploma in Immigration and Citizenship Law to better serve international students in the future. Now firmly planted in the Office of Opportunity and Belonging, Jim’s collaborative approach aligns well with his role as a key support to NSCAD international and domestic students.
“As a former international student from China, I deeply understand the student’s perspective and sense of belonging through all sorts of multicultural engagement and disgust others through the office and NSCAD community with classmates, instructors and staff and making friends. Now, as a member of the O&B team, I am so grateful to be able to create opportunities for connection through events and initiatives with my colleague.”
Reach out to Jim if you:
- are international students seeking support.
- have questions about the particular supports that O&B is offering.
- have questions about housing.
- are interested in having some experience outside NSCAD and going on an exchange program.
- need help connecting with a particular person or department.
Courtney Connor (they/she), Student Engagement Specialist, Opportunity and Belonging
Email: cconnor@nscad.ca
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
Jess Johnson (she/her), occupational therapist, Opportunity and Belonging
Email: jjohnson@nscad.ca
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.
Sara Graham (they/she), Accessibility Advisor, Opportunity and Belonging
Email: sagraham@nscad.ca
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 Newling-Selby (she/her), Career and Experiential Learning Program Manager, Opportunity and Belonging
Email: enewling-selby@nscad.ca
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!
