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Our Team

One of the main reasons people appreciate working for JH Partners is our incredible team of staff. Sharing the common goal of serving the community, everyone knows that they are making a difference by being part of an organization that is driven by compassion, energy and dedication and brings out the best in its employees.

“Engaged, supportive, respectful, and fun-loving, my colleagues are always ready to innovate and improve. My teammates are like my extended family: we take care of each other while caring for others.”

Join our team! We post our job openings on the Careers Page of our website and in the following places:

If you would like to send us your CV (resumé) for a job opening you have seen at our organization, please email it to: info@jhpartners.net

Read on to meet each member of the JH Partners’ team!

Anaïs Fortin-Maltais

Program Coordinator

Anaïs was born in Montreal and grew up in Lac-Saint-Jean. She moved to Quebec City in 2015 for her studies and has since fallen in love with the place, which she describes as an urban countryside. With a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and Psychology from Université Laval, at first, Anaïs was aiming for a career as a speech therapist working with seniors with major neurocognitive disorders. She gained experience as a volunteer and then as a summer student at Saint Brigid’s Home, which opened her eyes to the realities of older adults and their caregivers. As a result, she reoriented her path toward a master’s degree in social work. In her previous work as a social worker in the health care network, Anaïs led support groups for caregivers in long-term care centres. Her love of the English-speaking community, however, and her dedication to seniors and caregivers led her to join the JH Partners’ team in early 2022 as a coordinator of our Well 50+ and Caregivers’ Circle programs. In her spare time, Anaïs enjoys crocheting, embroidery and crafting. She volunteered to help with the residents’ painting activity at Saint Brigid’s over a few years. Curious by nature, Anaïs enjoys learning something new every day. How fortunate, because the older adults and caregivers with whom she works have a wealth of experience to share.

Ange Victoire Itulinde

Administrative Assistant

Born in Rwanda, Ange grew up in Kenya and moved to Québec City in 2007.  She speaks both French and English, as well as two African dialects. Ange attended Cegep Champlain – St. Lawrence and holds a diploma in Business administration.  Before joining JH Partners in October of 2018, she held administrative positions in different organizations including the CNESST and Revenu Québec. Ange used to work with Jeffery Hale – Saint Brigid’s Friend Foundation and with the Saint Brigid’s Guild, then she became our administrative assistant. In addition to her work with JH Partners, giving back to the community through volunteer work is very important to Ange. She enjoys travelling, singing and reading interior-design books.

Annabelle Cloutier

Program Director

Annabelle was raised in the charming Québec City suburb of l’Ancienne-Lorette. She has always had a heartfelt interest in the wellbeing of others. She graduated from UQAM with a bachelor’s degree in social work in 2002. Over the years, she was fortunate to be part of various volunteer practicums in Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Brazil, Dominican Republic and Spain. While there, she worked on various community development projects, several of which aimed to improve access to health care, and also took advantage of the opportunity to learn Spanish.  She is fluent in three languages! Annabelle became an employee of Jeffery Hale – Saint Brigid’s in 2008, as a social worker at Jeffery Hale Community Services in intake and homecare teams, where she got to know first-hand the local English-speaking community, particularly in terms of its CLSC-type health and social services needs. She also worked in the Jeffery Hale’s palliative care and rehabilitation (UTRF) units and long-term care at both the Jeff and at Saint Brigid’s Home. Annabelle joined JH Partners in 2009, and assumed the role of program director  in 2016. In this capacity, she actively collaborates with our organization’s many partners, in both the public and community sectors, to coordinate, consolidate and develop programs and initiatives that better the health and well-being of the local English-speaking population. Every day, she sees countless examples of solidarity that confirm her belief in the strength of community and people’s ability to work together for the collective good. She is very proud to work with such dedicated colleagues on the JH Partners’ team and to be a part of our shared Community of Care.

Cassandra Quan-Collins

Program Administrative Assistant

Cassandra was born in New Brunswick, but her family moved to Québec when she was only a few months old. She grew up in Val-Belair in the house where her parents still live. She graduated in June 2019 with a degree in Special Care Counselling and has flourished from her professional experiences since then. She joined the JH Partners in 2022 as a Community Life Animator for our Activities at Saint Brigid’s Home. This gave Cassandra a great opportunity to get to know the English-speaking community of Québec City. Then, in February 2025, she assumed another important role on our team as the Program Administrative Assistant, helping to ensure the continued quality of our various services and activities. Cassandra enjoys working in English because it reminds her of trips she made as a child to the town in Ontario from where her father’s family hails. She loves to help others and wants to make a difference in the lives of those around her each day. She expresses her passion for music by playing guitar and singing, which she also enjoys sharing with others whenever she can.

Claire Quenville

Coordinator

Claire moved to Québec city in August of 2008 from Sudbury, Ontario. She has a college diploma from Collège Boréal in Travail social-gérontologie and a BA in Gerontology. Before moving to Québec City, Claire worked for many years in a long-term care setting as an activity assistant, and as an occupational therapy assistant. She held a position as a community resource worker (centralized referral and coordination) with the Canadian Mental Health Association, in collaboration with the Sudbury Regional Hospital mental health and addictions programs. In August 2019, when the opportunity arose with to join JH Partners team, Claire did not hesitate. As of April 2021, she is coordinator of the Activities at McGreevy Manor, allowing her to put her interpersonal skills to work for this clientele that is so close to her heart.

Diane Kameen

Communications Advisor

Diane moved to Quebec City from Winnipeg in 1988 to build a life with her Québecois spouse. A sense of community belonging was the key to making this place truly feel like home to her, so she reached out to Voice of English-speaking Québec for newcomer support.  The rest is history. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba and a Diploma in Communications Studies from Concordia University. Diane is deeply committed to the well-being of the local English-speaking community. As our communications advisor, she provides strategic communications counsel and services to Jeffery Hale Community Partners, including the Jeffery Hale Pavilion, and to Jeffery Hale – Saint Brigid’s as well as several other related organizations. With a view to the overall client experience in healthcare, compassion and attention to detail, Diane enjoys public relations and branding.  She also loves writing and editing and has a passion for plain language and clear design in all forms of communication. Diane gives her volunteer time to the Morrin Centre and to local community foundations. She is a fan of the Quebec Chronicle-Telegraph newspaper and CBC Radio 104.7 FM in Quebec City.

Elise Holloway

Volunteer Coordinator

Born and raised in Sarnia, Ontario, Elise was introduced to volunteering at a young age. Her desire to have a positive impact on others and to build strong administrative skills inspired her to seek a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Hotel and Food Administration at the University of Guelph, from which she graduated with honours. After meeting her Quebecois partner in Whistler, she began learning French and moved to Montréal. Their adventure had just begun when four years later they moved to Belgium, eventually landing in Québec City in 2014. The support Elise received from VEQ as a newcomer was a game changer! She was able to confidently hit the workforce and gain valuable bilingual work experience as a coordinator. Being the proud parent of two young children, Elise soon found herself participating in the many Family Matters activities offered through the Jeffery Hale Pavilion. She became an active volunteer in the hope of bringing joy and support to local English-speaking families. She was able to work closely with the dedicated team at JH Partners through her involvement as a volunteer in helping to coordinate the Children’s Christmas Party three years in a row, among other events. It is all these personal and professional experiences combined that led Elise to the opportunity to join the JH Partners’ team as the full-time volunteer coordinator in the fall of 2021. This job suits her perfectly because it means she can fulfill her passions of being part of a dedicated team, building excellent client relations, and supporting her fellow community members. In her spare time, she enjoys experimenting with her green thumb through gardening, and being in the great outdoors with her family.

Emilie Brushett

Program Coordinator

Emilie was born and raised in Quebec City, growing up in a mostly Francophone family. She was lucky enough to attend English school, where she developed a strong sense of belonging to the English-speaking community of Quebec City. Emilie started her career with a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, gaining experience in counselling and intervention with clients of different ages and backgrounds both in a hospital setting and in private practice. While working at Cegep Champlain St. Lawrence, she realized how passionate she was about working with people who have special needs. This led her to take a leap of faith and change her career path, completing a Master’s Degree in Psychopedagogy with a focus on Special Education. After having her two daughters, Emilie was looking for a new professional challenge when she learned about JH Partners. She officially joined our team in fall 2020 and, as of April, 2021,  began working as coordinator of our R.I.S.E. Program. As such, Emilie looks forward to having a positive impact on the daily lives of our special needs clients. Outside of work, she enjoys being outdoors in nature, running, and spending time with friends and family.

Jarryd Smith

Program Coordinator

Jarryd was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia. After a short stay in Montreal in 2011, he returned to Australia for a few years, officially moving to Quebec City in 2018 with his wife and son. Jarryd holds a Bachelor of Applied Exercise Science and Human Movement from Victoria University, Australia. Upon completing his degree in 2010, his career progressed naturally towards fitness coaching. He established his own bootcamp business in Melbourne, training clients year-round in outdoor settings. In 2018, he began using his knowledge, experience, and skill set to transition into online fitness, specializing in helping men take control of their health by developing better eating habits and increasing their daily physical activity. In 2019, Jarryd partnered with the JH Partners on a pilot project known as “Dadventures”, leading outdoor activities for English-speaking fathers and father figures. His part-time job as community animator for the WE Dads program, a new role with JH Partners since early 2022, aligns perfectly with Jarryd’s personal values, his mission to help men improve their health, as well as his passion for leading groups. In 2025, he becomes program coordinator of our Men’s Health program. Since moving to Québec City, his family has grown from three to five, and he has become accustomed to winter (having seen snow only for the first time when he was 23). Believing in a world where everyone can reach their full potential, mentally, physically, and socially, Jarryd also feels that his most important job in life is being a good husband and fun dad.

Jean-Sebastien Jolin-Gignac

Director of Community Development & Vitality

JS was born and raised on the South Shore of Quebec City where he lives with his wife and their three children as well as their cat and their yellow Labrador. JS started working with the English-speaking community in 2005 as a youth coordinator for Voice of English-speaking Québec and hasn’t left the building since. He became the executive director of VEQ in 2008 and transitioned to the position of director of community development & vitality for JH Partners in 2015. Growing up in a small community where people know and help one another, JS has always believed in the importance of strong community involvement. A volunteer coach for over 10 years in two sports, JS is passionate about helping youth build their confidence and inner strength through the practice of team sports. Supporting people facing prejudice or living with disabilities has always been at the heart of his professional life. As a result, JS feels extremely privileged in his current role as director of community development and vitality. This role allows him the opportunity to oversee many exciting ventures such as NPI (Networking and Partnership Initiative), the Community Christmas Hamper Campaign and our R.I.S.E. program for special needs persons.

Jessica Price

Program Coordinator

Born and raised on the west coast of Canada, Jessica moved to Québec in 2007 with the intention of staying for only one year, but life had other plans! She soon fell in love with life in “la belle province” and laid down her roots here. She graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelors of Arts in Applied Linguistics and a diploma in Intercultural Education Training. Jessica has always been passionate about making connections with people and giving back to others, which is why she feels fortunate to work with an organization that does so much for our beloved community. Jessica began working with the JH Partners’ team in the fall of 2020. She then became coordinator of our Family Matters program in April of 2021. Previously, she had been working as Newcomers Coordinator with Voice of English-speaking Québec (VEQ) since 2014. During those years, Jessica frequently worked in close collaboration with many of the compassionate and dedicated staff on the JH Partners’ team. They already felt like an extended family to her which helped make her transition to her interim duties that much easier. She is thrilled to be on board with JH Partners and it could not have been a shorter move for her, literally just one door down from her old office! Outside of the office, Jessica keeps busy running after her two little boys, spending her time with her husband Pierre-Luc, and getting outdoors with them as often as possible to explore Québec’s beautiful and wild spaces.

Lauren Hutchings

Special Educator

Lauren grew up in Stittsville, a small town west of Ottawa, in a family of educators, which inspired her to work with children. She started volunteering with special needs students at 16 and later worked in various recreation and respite programs. After earning her Bachelor of Education from Bishop’s University in 2021, she continued supporting teens and adults with special needs in both her hometown and university community. Lauren met her husband in 2016, and in 2021, they moved to Levis, QC. She began teaching at St. Vincent Elementary School and later transitioned to Québec High School, where she worked in the CASP-CH class for a year. In 2024, she joined JH Partners as a special educator for the R.I.S.E. Program, assisting students with special needs. Her passion for working with this community has only grown. She finds joy in their kindness, positivity, and resilience, which inspire her daily. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling and creating with her Cricut. She and her husband share their home with a cat, and she dreams of visiting Antarctica one day.

Mariya Poznyakova

Special Educator

Mariya was born in Ukraine, and at the age of 15, her family immigrated to Toronto, Canada. There, she completed high school and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Trent University. During her studies, Mariya developed a strong interest in mental health, taking psychology courses and completing placements that deepened her passion for the field. After graduation, she began volunteering to provide respite for families of autistic children, which inspired her to pursue additional qualifications and eventually led to her role as an Instructor Therapist at the Geneva Centre for Autism. For eight years, Mariya worked closely with children on the spectrum, providing intensive behavioural interventions and supporting their families. She is now a special educator for our S.N.A.C.S. program. After starting a family with her Québécois husband, they chose to settle in Québec City to raise their children. Mariya is grateful to have found an English-speaking community where she can continue contributing to the mental health and special needs sector. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, being active outdoors and engaging in community life.

Mireille Trottier

Community Life Animator

Mireille was born in the St-Nicolas borough of Lévis, where she lived until the end of high school. She also spent a lot of time in St-Étienne where her grandmother lived. In fact, she visited her grandmother so much, she practically raised her. She taught her to cook, garden, sew and knit and passed along the main values that guide Mireille today. She also often followed her grandmother when she went to volunteer at a local seniors’ residence. Mireille believes that is why she loves working with older adults so much; she considers them all family. In high school, Mireille was involved in almost every committee, including student life, pastoral care and peer helpers, and she did a lot of volunteer work with seniors and persons with special needs. This led her to enroll in the Technique en éducation spécialisée program at Cégep de Ste-Foy, where she met her colleague William. He was the one who encouraged her to apply for the community life animator job at Saint Brigid’s Home. She has several English-speaking friends and has always been open to learning different languages, thanks to her curiosity and passion for travel. She has travelled to France, Hawaii, Peru and Mexico, where she learned Spanish. She is also deeply involved in her church’s teen ministry, young adult ministry, and welcome and internship teams.

Nectaria Skokos

Program Coordinator

Nectaria moved to Quebec City in 2003 to start a life with her Québécois husband, leaving her Montreal roots behind. In her early days, she discovered La Maison Anglaise bookstore and the Quebec Chronicle-Telegraph, where she found a job opening with JH Partners. Now, over 11 years later, she thrives as a program coordinator for Community Development & Vitality, applying 22+ years of experience in international affairs and business management to projects like McGreevy Manor seniors’ apartments, S.N.A.C.S. Entrepreneurs, and the annual Community Christmas Hamper Campaign. With an MBA in marketing and corporate strategy from Écoles des Hautes Études Commerciales and a bachelor of commerce from Concordia University, Nectaria is fluent in Greek, English, and French. She has served on the VEQ board and is currently on the board of S.N.A.C.S. Entrepreneurs. In her free time, she enjoys CBC Radio, staying in touch with family, and traveling to new destinations.

Nicole Moulaison

Special Educator

Nicole grew up in the small town of Digby, Nova Scotia, world famous for scallops. She obtained a Bachelor of Psychology and a Certificate in Disability Management from Dalhousie University in Halifax. After university, she moved to Québec City with her partner who is a mechanic for the military. She attended a Francisation program to continue to develop her French skills. Nicole is currently continuing her education by taking the Special Care Counsellor program at Champlain College. Nicole has always enjoyed working with people with special needs. Throughout her schooling she volunteered to help younger special needs students with their class work. Her first job after university was as a special education technician at Québec High School. There she provided classroom support for students, including those in the special needs classroom. Nicole is a part of the JH Partners team as a special educator with our R.I.S.E. program. The thing she loves most about her position is seeing her clients grow and reach their greatest potential. In her spare time Nicole is always making something. She crochets, knits, sews, embroiders, and does any other craft she can get her hands on. She and her partner have two bunnies, Chloe and Luci, which they spoil as much as possible.

Richard Walling

Executive Director

As executive director of Jeffery Hale Community Partners, Richard has dedicated his career to developing health and social services for the English-speaking minority community in Quebec City. Born at Jeffery Hale Hospital and raised in Shannon, he serves as president of Jeffery Hale – Saint Brigid’s Advisory Committee and executive secretary of its Governors. Richard is also co-chair of the L’équipe de recherche en partenariat sur la diversité culturelle et l’immigration and a member of the regional access committee for English-language services in the Capitale-Nationale region. A past president of the provincial English language health and social services committee, Richard co-authored “I Dream – The Holland Centre Experience: A Community Development Model for Minorities”. Outside of work, he enjoys long walks with his labradoodle and spending time with his family at their Baie St-Paul retreat, which offers a stunning view of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Shirin Hosseini

Special Educator

Born by the sea in Iran and raised across several Gulf countries, Shirin grew up immersed in diverse cultures and languages—an experience that sparked her lifelong curiosity about people and the unique ways they experience the world. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus on emotional development and inclusive support. Shirin began her career in special education, working closely with children and youth, many on the autism spectrum. After moving to Québec City in 2023 with her beloved cat, she quickly connected with the community’s warmth. Shirin worked as an early childhood educator while supporting respite and inclusion programs at JH Partners, eventually joining the team full-time as a special educator. She is especially drawn to programs that foster self-expression and cultural curiosity, weaving together her personal background and professional mission. Her work is grounded in empathy and creativity, and she’s driven by the trusting relationships she builds with participants and families. Every shared moment reminds her of the importance of inclusive care. Outside of work, Shirin recharges in nature—hiking, swimming, running and cycling. She also enjoys cooking and hosting friends, with food as a heartfelt expression of love in her culture. She’s grateful to be part of a team that leads with kindness, connection and care.

Sylvie Masse

Governance and Administrative Support Agent

Originally from Montreal, Sylvie holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from McGill University. She began her career as a project coordinator in events and communications for pharmaceuticals and healthcare, organizing conferences and producing accredited educational content. After moving to Québec in 2004, she spent time raising her two boys and volunteering at a local school before returning to the workforce in 2009 as a coordinator for a telecommunications company. In 2013, Sylvie joined the Institute of Infection and Immunity at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research as an administrative assistant and event coordinator. Following the institute’s move, she transferred to the Genomics Centre of the CHU de Québec as an executive assistant. In late 2022, Sylvie joined JH Partners as governance and administrative support agent, passionate about supporting the health and well-being of the English-speaking minority community in Québec. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Verity Jordan

Program Coordinator

Verity, originally from near Coventry/Birmingham, England, holds a Bachelor of Arts (with honours) in French, German, and Linguistics from the University of York. She moved to Québec in 2016 with the intention of staying for one year to develop her French, but she fell in love with the province and decided to stay. After teaching English in the Gaspé, she joined the MCDC’s South Shore English Network in 2021, working to support the English-speaking community on the South Shore. In 2022, Verity joined JH Partners as the WE Mind Mental Health program coordinator. Her passion for community work stems from her upbringing in a UK village and her experiences working in England, France, and Canada. Grateful for her warm welcome into Québec’s English-speaking community, Verity is excited to give back through her work. In her free time, she enjoys baking (with varying success!), growing houseplants, flowers, and vegetables, and exploring the natural beauty of Québec (with boundless success!).

Vivian Yatabe

Special Educator

Vivian was born and raised in Toronto and moved to Quebec City in the winter of 2007. She moved here with her husband as a new chapter in their lives after living in Toronto for 10 years. Her passion for working with people with special needs began when she travelled across Canada doing volunteer work in the field. She completed her B.A. in Psychology from York University with a joint certificate in vocational rehabilitation services. She also completed courses in career counselling. One of Vivian’s greatest passions is working with people of all abilities. She believes that all persons, regardless of differences and abilities, can reach their greatest potential if given the right opportunity. Currently, she is putting her skills to work for JH Partners as a special educator with our R.I.S.E. program for adults with special needs. Vivian lives an active life enjoying activities such as Pound, Mud girl races and more. She also delights in being a hockey mom. Whether it’s an early morning practice or a weekend game, it gives her great pride and fills her heart to see her son working so hard and doing something he loves!

William Provencher

Community Life Coordinator

Born in Trois-Rivières, Québec, William had a nomadic childhood due to his father’s career in the Canadian military, sparking his desire to explore the world. He has traveled to places like Portugal, Mexico, El Salvador, and Yellowstone National Park. During his school years, William worked part-time at the Valcartier military base kitchen and at Patro Roc-Amadour, where he helped lead a group of teens with intellectual disabilities. He holds a diploma from Cégep Ste-Foy as a Special Care Counselor. Now, as the community life coordinator for the Activities at Saint Brigid’s Home, William’s passion for helping others has evolved from an internship in 2018 into a full-time role. He enjoys planning and leading events, particularly art-related ones, training volunteers, and making a difference in residents’ lives. In his free time, William enjoys drawing, writing, and dreams of publishing a novel and visiting Japan. He also supports his family whenever they need a helping hand.

Yan Feng

Guild Boutique

Yan moved to Québec City with her family from New Zealand in 2000 and was warmly welcomed by a local church and the English-speaking community, which helped her adapt to Québec’s French-speaking culture. Over the years, she has served her church and extended her volunteer work to the local community. Before joining Saint Brigid’s Guild, Yan worked as a researcher, graduate student advisor, and assistant professor in supply chain management and industrial engineering at Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Université Laval, and Dalhousie University, publishing numerous peer-reviewed articles and serving as an editor and reviewer for scientific journals. With extensive experience in industries in New Zealand and China as an analyst, process engineer, and mechanical engineer, Yan now works at Saint Brigid’s Guild boutique under JH Partners. She is passionate about her role, knowing that the funds raised support initiatives that improve the quality of life and well-being of Saint Brigid’s Home residents and vulnerable members of the English-speaking community in the Greater Québec City region.

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