Our Board of directors
The Board of Directors of The Lotus Centre is responsible for the governance of the The Lotus Centre and the management of the The Lotus Centre financial situation through the implementation of clear policy. The Board of Directors meets monthly.
Chair of the Board
Josie Lake
Josie’s passion for helping others is what drives her. She has had vast experiences sharing her love and zest for life with people she meets throughout this journey of life, both professionally and through various volunteer positions.
She is no stranger to being “on the board” and enjoys helping to finding ways to grow and develop organizations our communities need. She is mother of four (three daughters and a son) and grandmother, and knows the value of a strong next generation is priceless.
“Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.” – Julia Child
Vice- Chair
Alana Weatherbee
Alana Weatherbee is a graduate of the Jane Norman College, she completed her youth worker diploma and has worked in group homes such as Colchester Residential Services Society and Bartimaeus. She is currently employed at Northern Healthy Connections Society as the Support Coordinator and the Outreach Lead for the Northern Health Zone since October 2018.
"I am from Truro Nova Scotia but left in 2008 to find myself and gain some life experience. I spent a few years hitchhiking and driving across Canada with my dog. I have experienced homelessness and my own struggle with substances. This is where my passion for helping marginalized people and harm reduction advocacy comes from. Experiencing first-hand the lack of supports has driven me to want to do my best to be the support someone needs. If I cannot provide this support, I want to help people navigate the resources required to receive the support needed. This is why I am so excited to be a part of the Lotus Centre Team. I can see the passion and real support they are providing for women in our community. I am a dog and art enthusiast. I love to play music, go on adventures and garden/attempt to keep my house plants alive. "
Secretary
Stephanie Watson
A graduate of Success College with a diploma in Human Services and addiction counselling, she has worked in various roles in the community field including Metro Community Living, The Sunset Community, and Tearmann House and current role of Navigator/Coordinator for Truro Homeless Outreach Society since November 2019.
"I love to advocate for people who feel they don’t have a voice and help to break stigmas and judgements surrounding marginalized populations. When I am not rallying to help fight homelessness I like to spend a lot of time with my family, friends and my fur babies! I love Kayaking, reading, bon fires, and music."
Treasurer
Rebecca Silver
Born and raised in southern Ontario, Rebecca attended Niagara College and McMaster University before starting her career in private accounting within the tourism and entertainment industry. Moving to Nova Scotia in 2019 brought Rebecca to new opportunities, including Sexual Health Nova Scotia Society where she currently serves as Treasurer, and a change to the alcohol manufacturing industry working for a popular local brand.
“In my past I have needed help from the community, and I’m so grateful it was available. It is important to me to help however I can to ensure those supports are available for other people who find themselves in need. In my free time I enjoy the exploring outdoors with my family, listening to a variety of music, painting, and hanging out with my cats watching tv.”
Director
Twila MacDonald
Twila has been a board member with The Lotus Center since 2018 and has served as both director and chairperson. She was born and raised in Truro and proud of her community. She is a proud mother of one and has worked with children and families for many years.
Twila holds a diploma in Youth Care Worker, a BA in Women Studies and Family studies and is currently studying her Bachelor of Social Work. She works as a family counsellor and spends her spare time volunteering; her passion is empowering women and giving back to her community.
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women”-Maya Angelou
Director
Kolee Bakker
Kolee Baker is a PEI native, but lived most of her life in Truro. Kolee was a truck driver for 27 yrs but sustained a workplace injury in June 2016 which forced her to be off work.
“I have taken this time to work on myself, get mentally healthy and start living as my true self. I began the transition process in March 2018. It’s been the best decision of my life and a huge eye opener to become so much more open minded. I have a lot to learn in this new role of womanhood and the support has been fantastic. I’m very open, caring and want to give back to my community that has supported and accepted me so much.”
Director
Megan Tracey
I'm a working mom of 4 kids, we are a big blended family with three girls 13,12 and 6, and a boy 6. I love working in my gardens, hiking or running when I can find the time and watching my kids play hockey. We spend most of our winters in the rink! I've worked in the construction industry for 12 years, and I'm hoping to build my resume with experience provides support to the women in my community.
Director
Katie MacEachern
Katie MacEachern, of Valley, Nova Scotia, is a Wellness Programs Manager within the health and social services division of the Confederacy of Mainland Mi`kmaq. It is the mission of the Confederacy of Mainland Mi`kmaq to proactively promote and assist Mi'kmaw communities' initiatives toward self determination and enhancement of community. Katie has seventeen years of experience in the field, including working with people with disabilities, working with the department of community services, and hospital inpatient services. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba and was one of the first Jordan`s Principal service coordinators in the Atlantic region.
Director
Kirsten MacDonald
Kristen grew up in Valley but moved away for university and then later settled in East Hants until recently when an opportunity presented itself to move home (two minutes from the house she grew up in) with her high school sweetheart (now husband) and their two year old daughter.
Being on a board directors is a new role for me but I am so excited to learn and be a part of this community. I knew when I moved back that I wanted to be involved somehow as a means to grow as an individual and be a part of something important.
Talk to me about reading, knitting, good food, fertility struggles, being a mom, or come donate blood with me and I’ll be your friend. I’ll probably make you cookies.