Retreat Directors and Program Facilitators

Jeanne Cottreau, SC, is the Centre’s Office Administrator. She is a teacher by profession, having taught at elementary and high school levels in various schools throughout Nova Scotia, worked in parish ministry and congregational formation ministry. However she is a missionary at heart after working in Latin America namely in the Dominican Republic and Lima, Peru.

Ellen Dean, SC, is a Sister of Charity, a former high school and special education teacher. Presently she is involved in tutoring children and volunteers with not-for-profit organizations in the Halifax area.

Lorraine d’Entremont, SC, holds a Master of Theological Studies degree from AST. Her experience includes high school teaching, hospital work as a medical technologist, campus ministry on local and national levels, and formation of new members in Sisters of Charity congregations. She obtained the Graduate Certificate in Spirituality and Spiritual Direction from Fordham University in 2005.

Pat De Meo is a United Church layperson who offers spiritual guidance and is involved in leading programs in spiritual deepening and spiritual guidance at the Tatamagouche Centre.   She holds a doctorate in French and has taught at the university level, as well as offering workshops relating to group facilitation and intercultural communication.

Melissa Falle is a Communications Specialist for the Sisters of Charity-Halifax. She is a public relations graduate from Mount Saint Vincent University.

Anne Harvey, SC,  is a Sister of Charity with experience in education, formation, leadership and group facilitation.  She has also been involved in retreat and spiritual direction for over forty years.  Her deepest joy is to journey with others into the freedom of God’s abundant love.

Norma Heffernan, RSCJ, is a religious of the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She is a graduate of the Spiritual Directors program at the Centre for Spiritual Growth in Ottawa. Norma obtained her Masters Degree and Spirituality from Regis College in Toronto. Her background is in teaching and formation work in her community.

Vivian Mancini, SC, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Music Education. She holds a Master’s degree in Spirituality from the University of San Francisco. Vivian has studied at Berkely, CA, and at the Institute for Creation Centered Spirituality at Oakland, CA. She has been an elementary school teacher and a music educator. She is an experienced spiritual director and conducts days of reflection, workshops and retreats.

Sheilagh Martin, SC, has been an educator at high school and university levels. She holds a Doctorate in Physiology and is currently a part-time faculty member at Mount Saint Vincent University.

Doreen McGuire, SCIC

Becky McKenna, CND is a sister of the Congregation of Notre Dame. She holds a Doctorate in Theology and has many years experience as an educator, spiritual guide and retreat facilitator. Much of her work focuses on retrieving and sharing wisdom and practices of the Christian contemplative tradition.
Joan O’Keefe, SC, a native of Massachusetts, has made Nova Scotia her home for many years. She holds an MAT degree from St. Francis Xavier University. Her ministries have included teaching, pastoral work, Congregational leadership and administering a resource center for single parent families. Most recently, she has obtained Doula certification, and currently serves as a Doula.
Gwen O’Neill, CND
Maria Sutherland, SC, holds Master’s degrees in English and Counseling Psychology. She is a psychologist in private practice in Halifax. In addition to this ministry, Maria gives workshops on such mental health topics as stress management, communication, self-knowledge and self-esteem. She has worked in parishes, educational settings, religious communities and the business community, facilitating conferences and meetings for a variety of organizations.

Evelyn Williams, SC, holds a Master of Theology degree and has a history of involvement in teaching, congregational formation ministry, university chaplaincy and prison ministry. Besides her responsibilities as Director of the Centre, Evelyn is involved in creating and delivering Centre programs and is available for group process facilitation and spiritual direction.

Pat Wilson, SC, is a Sister of Charity ministering as a community chaplain assisting people returning to the community from time spent in correctional institutions.  She also offers sessions in adult faith formation, days of reflection, retreats and spiritual direction. Sister Pat has an MA degree in Liturgical Studies from the University of Notre Dame and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Vincentian Spirituality Center in Princeton, New Jersey.