Author: Melissa Vickers

Barbara brings more than 25 years of dedication and leadership to Breton Ability. She began her career with the organization as a Licensed Practical Nurse and, over time, advanced into senior roles within Human Resources. This experience has given her a strong understanding of our services, our people, and the responsibility that comes with supporting both employees and participants.

As Director of Human Resources, Barbara provides leadership and oversight for both the Human Resources and IT departments. She supports the organization through continued change and growth by guiding labour relations across multiple unions and collective agreements, workforce planning, people practices, and technology supports. Her work helps ensure a respectful, inclusive, and compliant workplace where people feel supported and valued.

As Chief Executive Officer of Breton Ability, Adam provides strategic and values-driven leadership, working closely with the Board of Directors and Senior Leadership Team to advance the organization’s mission and guide its continued transformation under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Remedy. Adam is responsible for overall organizational leadership, including strategic planning, operational oversight, and financial stewardship. He brings extensive experience in financial management and public-sector leadership, having led the finance teams at the Cape Breton Regional Municipality since 2018, with responsibilities for accounting, procurement, and compliance. As Breton Ability navigates system-wide change, Adam is focused on strengthening organizational sustainability, supporting workforce development, and fostering strong partnerships with the Department of Opportunities and Social Development, funders, donors, union leadership, and community organizations. He is committed to advancing person-directed supports rooted in choice, dignity, and human rights, and to supporting staff and individuals to live meaningful lives within inclusive communities.

As Director of Operations at Breton Ability, James Forsey is a key member of the Senior Management Team, overseeing the LIVE Division’s day-to-day operations (ARC, RRC, and Community Living services). A visionary leader committed to human rights, inclusion, and service excellence, he partners with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to drive strategic goals, ensure effective administration, and champion continuous improvement.

James provides operational leadership by coordinating resources, evaluating performance, and optimizing processes, all while fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture. He collaborates closely with government partners, internal departments, and external stakeholders to enhance service delivery, uphold compliance standards, and advocate for individuals of diverse abilities. Through his strong financial acumen, strategic thinking, and unwavering dedication, James ensures Breton Ability maintains the highest level of care and support for the people and communities it serves.

As the Executive Assistant, Melissa’s role is role is integral in enhancing and supporting the Board of Directors, the CEOs productivity, and effectiveness in leadership team responsibilities. Melissa is responsible for managing the CEO’s calendar, scheduling appointments, and organizing travel arrangements to optimize time management. She acts as a communication liaison, manages correspondence, manages calls to the CEO’s office from internal and external stakeholders.

Additionally, Melissa is responsible for coordinating Board meetings, preparing agendas, facilitating follow-up actions, and information management ensuring accessibility of relevant information. Melissa manages social media and website information and Charitable Events by conducting research and preparing reports, and relationship management with stakeholders facilitated through arranging meetings and events.

As the Director of Good Life and Social Support, David Farmer oversees the delivery of high-quality client supports and services aimed at ensuring the well-being and empowerment of residents/clients and their families. His key responsibilities include providing strategic leadership to the Professional HUB team, focusing on client-directed and client-centered services that promote independence, inclusion, and self-advocacy.

David supervises client assessment and planning processes, collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized development plans, and oversees ongoing case management services. He will recruit, train, supervise, and mentor social support coordinators to ensure the delivery of high-quality services.

David also cultivates collaborative relationships with community organizations and stakeholders, leads program development and evaluation efforts, and monitors compliance with regulations and quality assurance measures. Additionally, as a registered social worker, he advocates for the rights and needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families.

As a Strategic Advisor in Development and Growth, Steven collaborates closely with the Board, CEO, government, and municipal departments to identify growth opportunities and implement innovative strategies to advance the organization’s mission. His primary focus is on strategic planning for land and housing development initiatives, guiding site selection through thorough due diligence assessments, conceptualizing housing projects, and developing financing strategies.

Steven is responsible for cultivating strategic partnerships with various stakeholders to support housing initiatives and engage with the community to address concerns around land development and foster collaboration. Additionally, he is responsible for establishing impact assessment framework to evaluate the effectiveness of housing projects and drive continuous improvement.

As the CEO of Breton Ability Centre, Harman holds a pivotal leadership role with a diverse array of responsibilities aimed at steering the organization toward effective management, growth, and fulfillment of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Remedy recommendations. These responsibilities encompass strategic leadership, operational management, and financial oversight, including ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and best practices in Disability Supports and Services.

With the upcoming changes to the Disability Support Service delivery model (2023-2028), workforce planning, development initiatives, and fundraising are essential, necessitating the strengthening and cultivation of relationships with the Department of Community Services, funding partners and donors to support existing organizational programs and services, and growing the array of services provided in alignment with choice and human rights. Harman is enthusiastic about advocating for staff and individuals with varying abilities and believes in the power of collaboration with union leadership, community organizations and government agencies to achieve best outcomes for the workforce and the clients.