Our Board of Directors

We are currently recruiting new board members. (View Info Sheet)
More information here.

ARA is governed by our board of directors. These nine individuals are the backbone to our organization who meet monthly with our Executive Director.

Danielle Blinn Perry
President
Danielle joined our Board of Directors in 2017 and brings over 20 years of Human Resources experience. She has a degree in Business Administration and Human Resources and a certification in Disability Management. Danielle is a passionate wellness advocate who understands mental health challenges and the impact of the current health care model on the patient experience.

In addition to supporting global growth people practices at lululemon, she and her husband are real estate investors and understand the critical need for safe and comfortable housing solutions. “I believe in the ARA mandate and agree that recovery without basic human needs like food and shelter is unlikely. I am excited to be a part of ARA’s future.”

Alain Béchard
Treasurer
Alain is a retired Chartered Professional Accountant and has been on our board of directors since 2007. He manages the finances of the organization and invests a lot of his time on budgets and overseeing building and renovation projects.

Marie-Pier Rivest
Secretary
Marie-Pier wanted an opportunity to become involved in our community when she moved from Ottawa. ARA was a perfect fit given her interest in mental health services therefore she joined our Board in 2018. She believes housing can often be a key aspect in recovery and general well being. In addition to her secretary duties, she provides translation for our marketing and promotional materials!

She possesses a PhD in Social Work and is an Assistant Professor at the Université de Moncton’s School of Social Work and has past experience as a community worker in social housing for people living with mental health issues.

She contributes to the training of future social workers and tries to take every opportunity to address and deconstruct stigma around mental health and to open students’ perspectives to diversity and different life experiences so that they can be equipped to provide the best assistance to people who may be experiencing mental health issues. She believes it is important to listen individuals, experiences – good and bad – with mental health and social services in order to provide the best services possible.

Sherrill Proctor
Director
Sherrill is a retired registered nurse with a BScN and a MScA (Health Care Administration) and brings over 20 years of experience working in the Mental Health field to our Board.

Sherrill joined our Board in 1997 and has served as a Director, Vice President and President until 2011. In this time span, the Board was very involved in fundraising and the implementation of our Affordable Community Apartments Project, when 16 affordable apartments were built for adults living with mental illness. Sherrill re-joined as President in 2013 and continues to lead our Board today.

She has also severed as a volunteer on various other community boards with a focus on serving the marginalized over the years, CMHA Moncton, VON, and Family Services Moncton. She was also a volunteer facilitator of support groups based on the Recovery Model for both clients and family members for many years.

Sherrill asserts that, “Housing is one of the determinants of health, our mission and focus is to provide the very best housing possible to residents that we serve. The board continues to work with community partners in the provision of the best homes and services possible.”

Peter Poirier
Director
A Board Member since 2011, Peter holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. Peter enjoyed a 40 year managerial career within the various disciplines of both the manufacturing and retail automotive industry, bringing a broad base of business experience to our Board. He is currently active with the Building and Finance Committee.

Matt Proctor
Director
Matt is the Assistant Vice-President, Communications, Marketing & Creative Services (CMC) at Dalhousie University. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing, Master of Public Relations and is Six Sigma Green Belt certified. Prior to joining Dalhousie University, Matt enjoyed progressive leadership roles in consumer-packaged goods, telecommunications, and more recently, the senior living sector.

Matt joined our Board of Directors in 2015 adding his expertise in the marketing industry. He is a great mentor for our marketing and funding specialist and is a valuable resource for our organization.

Annette Paulin
Director
Annette Paulin, CPHR, SHRM-SCP joined our Board in 2018. Fully bilingual, she is a seasoned HR professional with an extensive background and experience in the Contact Centre Industry, has knowledge and experience in Health-Care and Manufacturing Sectors.

Having worked in various corporate and union settings, with a focus on coaching, training & development, process improvement, people management and human resources roles, she is a motivated and determined individual who strives to fulfill work objectives in a respectful, compassionate and meaningful way.

Paul Robichaud
Director
In 2019 Paul joined our board our directors, a retired Vice President from WIS International where he championed various roles in the service supply chain to North American retailers for 25 years.

Other experiences include: Former Federally licensed Diesel Electric Locomotive Engineer and a life-long entrepreneur, Past President of the Property Owners Association, work with Veterans Affairs and Poverty-Social Inclusion committees, Official Agent Elections, various affordable Housing/construction associated initiatives, and extensive experience of the housing continuum. He is the current Executive Director of Maritime Inventory Service and a 22-year member/moderator of the Business Round Table - Entrepreneurs helping each other succeed. His vast experience makes him an asset to our board of directors.

Kaitie Brinston
Director
Kaitie is a purpose driven organizational culture coach that develops and delivers programs helping companies and employees thrive. She believes that given the right tools, support, and opportunity, anything is possible.

Kaitie joined ARA to serve and help impact those in the community that needed transitional support. She brings 10+ years experience in program development, has her diploma in Early Childhood Education, and possesses certifications in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Health & Life Coaching, Organizational Wellness Programs, & 400 HRS Yoga Teacher Training.

Kaitie will support ARA in building our culture & program development. Her mission is to help co-create a more humane society that embraces community. “I believe if we all take some responsibility in bringing more love, safety, and belonging to our communities, we will shift as a culture, living fuller, healthier lives, together.