About The Marguerite Centre
a place of healing for women recovering from addiction
Located near Halifax, The Marguerite Centre is the only facility of its kind for women in Nova Scotia.
Where life begins again...
The Marguerite Centre provides a holistic, women-centred approach to recovery from substance misuse and gambling addiction. We are an inclusive, safe, non-judgmental environment; free from discrimination and available regardless of economic status.
Residents receive their own room and are empowered to create their own path to healing and recovery. Counsellors work with them to develop personal and family plans and goals.
Our Team
Lisa
Executive Director - March 2012
Kitchener, ON
My career path has been in sectors of Not-For-Profit Development and Governance & Policy with multiple leadership or management positions. My favourite thing about the Marguerite is that it feels like home. Ellen DeGeneres is someone that inspires me; I love her philosophy "be kind to one another". A fun fact about me is that I am a Mini-motorist! I have driven a Mini for the last 11 years and love them! We participate in Mini Rally's across Eastern Canada and enjoy meeting up with other Mini-Motor people from North America.
Christine
Program and Resident Coordinator - April 2010
Sackville, NB
I have a BA, BAA from Mount Saint Vincent University and I've spent 23 years working with various population groups: persons with disabilities, seniors, young offenders and women in recovery, mostly in the non-profit sector. Having an opportunity to make a difference in people's lives and receiving genuine gratitude for what we do is my favourite thing about the Marguerite Centre. The women who come to the Marguerite Centre are people who inspire me. They are the most courageous and determined women I've ever met. A fun fact about me is that my favourite colour is blue, but I love brown eyes!
Allison
Program Facilitator - January 2018
Annapolis Valley, NS
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with Honors at Acadia University and an Advanced Diploma in Addiction Community Outreach Program at NSCC with Honours. I've been working in the field of Mental Health and Addictions for 6 years now and learn something new every day from the women we work with. Brené Brown is someone who inspires me. We learn so much from her about allowing yourself to be vulnerable and using that vulnerability to work through guilt and shame and build self-esteem. Fun fact: I am part of a local animal rescue that brings dogs from California and Texas to the Maritimes. I started out fostering dogs but ended up adopting so fostering is now on hold. My rescue dog is named Nash and he enjoys visiting the centre and bonding with the women who stay here.
Morgan
Recovery Facilitator - March 2018
Antigonish, NS
I have a BA Psychology from Dalhousie University and an Advanced Diploma Addictions Community Outreach from NSCC. My favourite thing about the Marguerite Centre is that we value people over profits! We'll never let your financial status get in the way of your fresh start. Someone that inspires me is Gabor Maté because he is exceptionally compassionate and non-judgemental in his approach to addiction. A fun fact about me is that I'm writing a book, but at this rate, expect it to hit the shelves in early 2077!
Jane
Resident and Property Coordinator - March 2019
Timberlea, NS
As an RHN (Registered Holistic Nutrition Consultant) I provide education and support on holistic nutrition and work to ensure the property at The Marguerite Centre is running efficiently. I have also studied aromatherapy for many years. I'm passionate about helping individuals support their healing journey and enjoy offering recipes and solutions for complementary self-care. Someone that inspires me is Jane Goodall, she's simply an inspiration for all the extraordinary work she's done, especially inspiring as a woman. A fun fact about me is that I love animals; I have a dog and 4 birds.
Brenda
Residential Support Worker - July 2010
New Ross, NS
I have a Bachelor of Arts, major psychology from Saint Mary's University. I love seeing the progress the women make, from the first day they walk into the centre to when they leave; that has to be my favourite thing about the Marguerite. Everyone has their own journey and struggles but we are all there to support you along the way. Honestly, the women that come to the centre inspire me. It takes a lot of courage to leave the life you have been living for so many years, but it is so worth it. Give the centre a chance and you will be calling it home soon enough. A fun fact about me is that I have camped and hiked at Yosemite National Park and it has to be one of my favourite experiences.
Meaghan
Relief Worker - March 2019
Halifax, NS
I am a recent graduate of the Criminology program at Eastern College and have many years of experience working with different people in customer service. My favourite thing about the Marguerite is that there is no judgement, everyone has open arms. My mother and aunt are two people that inspire me with their hard work, always supporting me. They have shown me that regardless of your background, you can always improve and be able to achieve success. A fun fact about me is that I love road trips!
Susan
Relief Worker - April 2018
Dieppe, NB
I have a degree in Human Services from New Brunswick Community College. Working at the Marguerite is about the wellbeing of each and every resident we host. The journey and struggles to recovery for each individual are unique to their own personal history. The hard work and dedication of each individual give hope for the next woman we welcome into our recovery and healing program. It is a pleasure to support our Women in Recovery at the Marguerite Centre. The woman who has inspired me is my mother, Mary Marguerite. There is not enough paper for me to list all the reasons why but feel free to ask me in person. Fun Fact: Life is so much brighter on the Sober Side.
Dametre
Relief Worker - August 2018
Halifax, NS
I worked as an outreach worker before coming to the Marguerite as part-time staff, and have spent the last year working full time at the YWCA as a Peer outreach worker. My favourite thing about the Marguerite Centre is that I love the work I get to do with the ladies who live there. From programming to downtime, there is always something great happening at the Marguerite! I am inspired by Linda Youngston - a fierce advocate who fought for what she believed in, despite the many hurdles and challenges! A fun fact is that I'm an animal lover and, in addition to working full-time and parenting two young children, I have fostered over 25 animals and have personally riveted 5 of my foster dogs' lives. Surprisingly only adopting one of the many, Franklyn my best friend.
Jenna
Relief Worker - August 2018
Beaverbank, NS
I am currently pursuing a degree in Social Services at NSCC and additionally, I give cooking classes for the women. My favourite thing about the Marguerite Centre is the good vibes. When you walk through the doors, no matter who you are, where you come from, or why you're there; you know that you're welcome and belong there. I've personally been inspired by every single person I have met coming and going from the Centre over the past year. Feeling the hope and seeing everyone's progress, ups and downs, made me realize that I wanted to go to school so I can be a part of the daily lives of people who are trying to better themselves and I am so grateful. Fun fact: everyone who works here has their heart in it, and it shows.
Our roots...
Marguerite Bourgeoys, a young woman from France, came to Montreal to teach in 1653. She worked toward the education of women and children so their lives would be eased from the hardships of a new land. Marguerite’s compassion, commitment and vision helped make a better society in this early settlement. She founded a group of women who would share her vision and continue to respond to the needs of the times. The Marguerite Centre is a tribute to this pioneering woman. We endeavour to capture her strength and dedication by helping women and children in need.