Staff

Meet our Staff

Get to know our staff and what makes them special.

  • ccc@nsabsw.ca

    René Boudreau is a member of the African Nova Scotian community. She is originally from Truro and currently resides in East Preston. In 2015, she graduated from Dalhousie University with her undergraduate degree in Sociology and she has over 15 years' experience engaging, supporting, and working with youth and adults from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Currently, she works with the Association of Black Social Workers (ABSW) as the ANS Community Engagement Coordinator. Through this work, she leads the Creating Communities of Care Project. This initiative targets gender-based violence interventions within African Nova Scotian/Black communities, underscoring the essence of holistic community welfare. Through community collaboration, she curates tailored workshops and dynamic information sessions, focused on empowering our communities with essential knowledge and skills.

  • office@nsabsw.ca

    My name is Ralisha Smith from North Preston one of the black communities within the Preston Township, I graduated from NSCC Office Administration Program in 2013 and bring over 10 years of administrative experience supporting clinical teams and executive leadership within Nova Scotia Health and private care settings.

    At ABSW I’ll be providing reliable support and helping teams work smoothly. I’m looking forward to bringing my experience: attention to detail, Microsoft Office experience, confidentiality, time management, communication and positive approach to the team.

    Outside of work, I’m passionate about serving and leading in my community, and most importantly, growing in her walk with God. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of the team and look forward to getting to know everyone!

  • mruck-simmonds@9mu.ca

    Dr. Marlene Ruck Simmonds, is the daughter of the late Hazel (Roett) and Winston Ruck. Marlene is from the Caribbean community in Whitney Pier and she cherishes the love and wisdom that was poured into by her elders, family members and friends. Dr. Marlene is also a descendant of the African Nova Scotian community of Upper Hammonds.

    Dr. Marlene is forever grateful to have been appointed to serve in several senior management positions including Senior Staff Advisor for the Halifax Regional Centre for Education, Director, (African Canadian Services Division), Executive Director (African Canadian Services Branch), Executive Lead (Policy & Planning) within the Department of Education and Senior Executive Lead within the Department of Community, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, African Nova Scotian Affairs. Dr. Marlene is currently the Manager, Executive Operations and Shelter Lead for 902ManUp, Nova Scotia’ largest Black Employer and shelter service provider.

    Marlene cherishes her relationship with Jesus Christ as His covenant of love for her empowers and emboldens her dedication to serve with purpose and grace. Dr. Ruck Simmonds believes all things are possible and welcomes the opportunity to contribute to ABSW’s inspiring legacy transformative change.

  • Ronke Disu is a Certified Project Manager with 15 years of experience in the financial industry, spanning backend operations to front-end business development within the Wealth Arm of Standard Bank Group in Nigeria. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Finance and brings her strong financial background, professional values, and work ethic to her role at ABSW. Committed to continuous learning, she brings expertise in project coordination, process improvement, automation, stakeholder management, and event planning.

    Ronke is passionate about creating efficient systems, building meaningful partnerships, and contributing to initiatives that support and strengthen the Black community. Outside of her professional role, she volunteers in her church’s Human Resources department and serves as the Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Association of Nigerians in Nova Scotia.

  • Outreach & Community Engagement Social Worker

    Jeffrey Alvin Sanda is the new Outreach & Community Engagement Social Worker with the Association of Black Social Workers (ABSW). He is passionate about promoting equity, social justice, and culturally responsive services that empower Black individuals, families, and communities.

    Jeffrey holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Dalhousie University and brings a diverse background in community development, case management, crisis intervention, systems navigation, and advocacy. Prior to joining ABSW, he served in leadership roles within Ghana's public sector, where he worked extensively with youth employment and community-based initiatives. Since relocating to Canada, he has supported individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, addictions, and other complex social issues through front-line social service and community-based practice.

    Jeffrey's practice is grounded in anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally responsive approaches. He is committed to building trusting relationships, advocating for equitable access to services, and collaborating with community partners to address systemic barriers affecting Black communities. His professional interests include anti-racism initiatives, community engagement, mental health, newcomer support, policy advocacy, and the development of sustainable partnerships that strengthen community well-being.

    In his role at ABSW, Jeffrey intends to work collaboratively with clients, community organizations, and stakeholders to connect individuals and families with appropriate resources, provide advocacy and system navigation, and contribute to initiatives that advance health, social, and economic equity for Black communities across Nova Scotia.

    Jeffrey believes that meaningful change begins with authentic relationships, community collaboration, and empowering people to build on their strengths to achieve lasting outcomes.