The GEO Nova Scotia Staff Team is dedicated to Digital Inclusion for all Nova Scotians, achieved by delivering outstanding programs with community partners that ensure everyone has what they need to be online.
Othell Downey (he/him), Digital Inclusion Facilitator
Othell is new to the nonprofit world, joining GEO Nova Scotia following a career in customer service and Information Technology.
He always tries his best to be involved with youth in his community, working with leadership programs and after school activities like music production, mentorship, and other life skills.
Othell lives in Dartmouth with his girlfriend and their son who he loves spending time with and teaching him what it means to lead a fun and fulfilling life.
Kamalpreet Kaur (she/her), Digital Inclusion Facilitator
Kamalpreet (Kamal) is originally from India and moved to Canada as an international student a few years ago. She has a background in the STEM field and is passionate about understanding the Universe and life. Kamal is experienced in teaching, coaching, community engagement and data analytics. She thrives in innovative work environments and loves problem solving.
Kamal wants to use her problem-solving skills to tackle current environmental and societal problems. She believes that digital inclusion is a necessity to empower people in the rapidly changing world of AI and technological advancement, especially those who have been historically excluded due to socio-economic barriers.
Kamal spends her free time reading, writing, pondering over the mysteries of the Universe and enjoying the natural beauty of Halifax.
Tyler Johnson (he/him), Digital Inclusion Facilitator
Tyler grew up in Eskasoni, Nova Scotia where he currently resides. Tyler’s passion for technology led him to pursue an IT Web Programming diploma at NSCC Marconi Campus, where he excelled and graduated with honours. Building on his success, he then enrolled at Dalhousie University in Halifax, pursuing an undergraduate degree in Applied Computer Science. With only one year of courses remaining, Tyler decided to take a break from full-time studies to gain practical work experience.
Outside of work, Tyler likes to live an active lifestyle, play video games, and stay up-to-date with new developments in technology. He also works on improving his own software development skills when he has the spare time.
Cam Roach (they/them), Digital Inclusion Facilitator
Cameron settled near New Glasgow in 2021, joining GEO Nova Scotia as part of a career in technology education and nonprofit work.
They are excited to continue giving back to the community that’s been so welcoming, and to help connect people with one another. Cameron has a background in STEM (please feel free to ask them about combinatorics!) and an enduring love of board games.
After work, Cameron can be found reading, cooking, and trying to negotiate with the rambunctious beagle that’s taken over their living room.
Tyra MacInnis (she/her), Digital Inclusion Facilitator
Tyra grew up in various parts of rural Nova Scotia, so the need to “get everyone online” and connected is something she understands and is passionate about.
Tyra has a wide array of experience to share from her career in the justice system, customer service roles, and various volunteer positions with mental health and addictions in her community. She always tries her best to listen with an open heart and open mind to make sure she is able to best help anyone who is in need, in the most accessible way possible.
When Tyra isn’t at work, she loves traveling and hiking with her husband & miniature American shepherd Reba, and checking out local folk and rock music artists.
Juren Emiko (she/her), Digital Inclusion Facilitator
Juren recently moved to Nova Scotia from Oshawa Ontario with an educational background in International Relations and Social Services. She loves building connections with people and believes in understanding and empathizing with diverse individuals and communities.
Juren is excited to support inclusivity in the digital world, assisting individuals to build digital skills, navigating online resources, and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to connect with people and the world around them.
Outside of work, Juren loves watching movies, reading books and spending time with friends and family.
Brenda Lavandier (she/her), Interim Digital Champions Lead
Brenda grew up in Cape Breton and has worked in the non-profit sector for over 15 years, helping people to meet their needs and achieve their goals in many capacities.
In this role with GEO, Brenda expects to continue helping people in meaningful ways that will have a positive impact in their lives and within their community.
In her downtime, Brenda can be found with family and friends, gardening, reading, or sitting on her sunny summer front step chatting with neighbors.
Josie Lake (she/her), Interim Program Partnership Manager
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.
She worked in various roles in education, Information Technology, and administration and enjoys helping to find ways to grow and develop organizations our communities need. Josie attended the Computer Information Systems and Technology program at NSCC. Josie recently completed her certificate in Adult Learning Fundamentals from Dalhousie University.
Outside of work, she can be found traveling with her partner on their motorcycles.
Ian Scarisbrick (he/him), Referral Program Manager
Ian strongly believes in the importance of digital inclusion, joining GEO Nova Scotia in July following experience managing a digital literacy program in Cape Breton.
Ian came to Canada in 2008 and likes to joke that he was “brought here as a souvenir from his wife’s travels in the UK”. He spent twelve years as a project manager in the event management industry before entering the non-profit sector in 2021.
Ian lives in Guysborough with his wife, their four children, two cats, and a dog. After two years in Nova Scotia, he can’t imagine living anywhere else.
Danielle Pentland (she/her), Program Partnership Manager (on leave)
Danielle Pentland is a social entrepreneur whose unique mix of private and community sector experiences have led her into leadership roles, creating innovative solutions to complex social challenges.
She is a strategic thinker, a relationship builder, and a creative problem-solver. Danielle is adept at leveraging these skills to create the conditions which grow resilience in people and communities.
Danielle loves living in Downtown Dartmouth where she can be found most often in the garden or walking the trails with a friend.
Laurel Taylor (she/her), Administrative Lead
Laurel began her career as a Computer Programmer before attaining her accreditation as a Certified Career Development Practitioner. She has held various community support roles including Provincial Team Lead of CMHA-NS Project HOPE.
She is a tireless advocate for full inclusion for all Nova Scotians and is currently the Chair of her town’s Inclusion and Accessibility Committee. Her philosophy encompasses a belief we all have multiple abilities and strengths.
Laurel lives in the beautiful Annapolis Valley with her husband and is the proud parent of 2 adult children.
Cari Patterson (she/her), Evaluation and Learning Lead
Cari is passionate about learning, and loves sharing the journey with communities who are working for social justice.
Her thinking is largely shaped by the Big Sky of the Prairies, where she grew up, and has to return regularly to be filled by the strength of the space.
Michael Sime (he/him), Finance Lead
Michael grew up in Halifax, where he quickly gained a strong appreciation for the outdoors and for bringing people together. After getting B.Comm from Dalhousie, MBA from Saint Mary’s, and a CPA (CMA) accounting designation, he hit the road to check out some of the other scenes the world has to offer through traveling and working abroad.
More recently, he’s begun using his skillset to help solve organizational and financial challenges that smaller teams often face during periods of growth and change.
You’ll most likely see him bouldering at the gym on Gottingen street or talking to anyone who will listen about the book he’s currently excited about.
Ashley MacInnis (she/her), Communications Lead
Ashley MacInnis is a writer, marketer, and public relations professional. She’s spent most of her career working in tech start-up and scale-up environments, and most recently launched her own company (amPR inc.) to enable her to work with a variety of clients across industries and geographies. A storyteller by nature, she’s had the pleasure of working with some of Atlantic Canada’s brightest tech companies to help them tell their stories. As for her story? Well, she sort of fell into tech and then fell in love with it!
Ashley is passionate about breaking down barriers for young women to achieve career and life success, particularly in the tech sector where women remain underrepresented.
Her education includes studying Public Relations at Eastern College where she obtained her Advanced Diploma. She previously studied Human Services at Nova Scotia Community College and her Bachelor of Arts at the University of King’s College. She lives and works in Dartmouth, NS with her partner, sons, and a retired racing greyhound named Macaroni.
Gary Moore (he/him), HR Advisor
Born in Sydney, Gary is proud to be a 7th generation Cape Bretoner!
He was raised in Quispamsis, NB with an earlier career in the Hospitality/ Tourism industry followed by 21 years in Human Resources. Currently he is a part-time Instructor in the Management department at Saint Mary’s University. Gary also volunteers at Hospice Halifax; both on the HR & Governance Committee and on the Front Desk.
In his down-time, Gary enjoys fitness, biking, swimming, travelling and his dog, Rosie, a vivacious Shichon!
Matt Spurway (he/him), Executive Director
Bringing different perspectives and experiences together to tackle complex social challenges is Matt’s passion, with prior Collective Impact experience in areas such as Affordable Housing, Education, Access to Healthcare, and Food Security.
Matt loves leading a diverse and talented team that is growing GEO Nova Scotia into a major force for digital inclusion across the province. He also sits on the Boards of the Public Good Society of Dartmouth, and the Farrell Benevolent Society.
Matt lives in Dartmouth with his wife Amy, their three children, and assorted flora and fauna.
