You can reach any of our staff through our contact form or by calling SSWAP at 902-275-5585.
Odessa Bezanson
Growing up in the Annapolis Valley, Odessa has always enjoyed learning new things. She completed her Bachelor of Science at Dalhousie University; then went to Queensland, Australia for Boston University’s School for Field Studies program; and finally she completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Studies at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand.
In 2008 she migrated to the South Shore and began work at SSWAP as the Upgrading Instructor/Counsellor. In 2022 she moved to the role of Program Leader where she manages the intake and assessment phase of the program along with recruiting and securing work experience placements for program participants with community businesses. If this doesn’t keep her busy enough, she also instructs one of the inhouse vocational areas.
Heather Collicutt
Heather Collicutt is the Financial Coordinator at South Shore Work Activity Program. She is responsible for all accounting functions and is very popular with both staff and participants on payday. Heather joined the staff at SSWAP in 2001 and very much enjoys working with participants and staff. She resides in the Chester area with her husband and has two grown children.
David C. Saunders
Prior to joining the team on Dec. 1, 2015 as the woodworking shop instructor, David had operated a woodworking business since graduating from Sheridan College in 1986. He has extensive experience in both commercial and residential furniture and cabinet making. David has constructed several buildings, worked in the film industry as a set builder, re-fit yachts and renovated several structures in the Chester area.
David’s main desire is to help participants reach their goals and achieve their potential not just in the woodworking shop but in all areas at SSWAP.
Katherine Sharp
Katherine Sharp is the Work Centre Manager at SSWAP. Previously Katherine was the Branch Coordinator at Margaret Hennigar Public Library for South Shore Public Libraries for 5 years. Prior to this position she worked as Program Coordinator/Interpreter for The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, and was a term/substitute teacher for the South Shore Regional Centre for Education.
Born and raised in the South Shore, Katherine is delighted to continue to serve her community within this organization.
Alison Whitehead
Alison Whitehead is an Instructor/Counsellor who joined South Shore Work Activity Program in February 2017. Prior to joining the Team at SSWAP, she taught numerous IT courses among others including Microsoft Office suite, Digital Photography, Photoshop, Digital Scrapbooking as well as Employment Readiness courses. She has a degree in Education. Prior to that she ran a ceramics business after graduating from Art College. Working mainly with the Technology curriculum at SSWAP, Alison provides instruction in Career Exploration, Computer Fundamentals, and Portfolio Development as well as providing some of the supervision in the vocational areas of Reception, Food Services, and Janitorial training.
Her main role is to assist participants discover the pathways that will take them into their future work as well as how to make it all happen. Born in Wales in the UK, Alison has been making her home on the South Shore of Nova Scotia since 2013.