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YMCA LiveWell

Providing accessible, personalized, evidence-based community wellness programming across Nova Scotia

LiveWell

LiveWell is the YMCA's community-based health management service, providing specializedexercise and wellness services for individuals living with chronic health conditions. Through personalized support and evidence-informed programming, we help you move safely, improve health and gain the confidence to live well every day.

Getting started is easy, you can join through a referral from a healthcare professional or simply self-refer. Once we receive your information, our team will connect with you to complete aninitial assessment.

Based on your assessment you will be placed in one of the following programs:

Get Started
MoveWell Active for Life Abilities in Motion Small Steps Big Changes
Contact Information

12-WEEK GUIDED PROGRAM

MoveWell

Is a dynamic 12-week program designed to help you build confidence and feel at home in a supportive, fitness-focused environment.

During each session, you'll alternate between cardiovascular exercise and resistance training, helping you build strength, improve mobility, and gain confidence using a variety of equipment.

Your journey starts with a one-on-one introduction to the space and equipment. From there, you’ll transition into a community that provides encouragement, connection, and accountability every step of the way.

With a focus on developing a personalized, easy-to-follow exercise routine, MoveWell supports your unique goals and abilities. By the end of the program, you’ll have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to continue your fitness journey independently and keep moving forward with success.

Begin Your Journey

YMCA LIVEWELL

Active for Life

Is a welcoming, 12-week beginner-friendly class designed to help you get moving with confidence in a supportive fitness studio environment. Participants can use a chair as needed, and a variety of modifications are offered to ensure everyone feels comfortable, capable, and successful.

Classes focus on improving mobility, building strength through bodyweight and light resistance exercises, enhancing balance, and incorporating gentle cardiovascular activity.

This program is an ideal starting point for those managing chronic conditions looking to build a strong foundation for an active lifestyle. Active for Life also serves as a stepping stone into other YMCA programs and classes, such as MoveWell, Chair Fit, Gentle Fitness, or Aqua Fit, with the goal of helping participants transition confidently and independently into other areas of the Y and continue their fitness journey.

Think of this program as your foundational stepping stone. It is designed to prepare your body and boost your confidence, setting you up for smooth transitions into other core YMCA wellness offerings, such as Chair Fit or Aqua Fit.

Explore Schedules

SPECIALIZED YMCA PROGRAM

Abilities in Motion (AIM)

The YMCA Abilities in Motion (AIM) Program is an accessible program designed to assist individuals in their pursuit of health and fitness. AIM welcomes those who are motivated to engage in regular physical activity within a positive, social, and inclusive environment.

Grounded in the belief that movement benefits the spirit, mind, and body, the program provides a supportive space where participants can build strength, confidence, and overall well-being.

AIM is ideal for individuals experiencing mobility concerns or living with a disability who are looking to use exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle or as a complement to their rehabilitation journey. Our goal is to provide the tools, support, and inclusive environment needed to help participants stay active, maintain independence, and continue progressing in their wellness journey.

Eligible program participants would include but is not limited to individuals with the following conditions:

  • Stroke
  • Spinal cord injury & Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) & Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome
  • Cerebral Palsy & Parkinson’s Disease
  • Post-Polio Syndrome
  • Peripheral Neuropathy
  • Progressive degenerative neurological disorders
  • Amputations
  • Arthritis
  • Multi-trauma injuries resulting in physical limitations
  • Any other condition that results in mobility impairments and/or limitations
Learn More & Register

YMCA LIVEWELL

Small Steps for Big Changes

Small Steps for Big Changes is a program to help you lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Meet one-on-one with your Small Steps for Big Changes coach to create diet and exercise goals that will fit
with your lifestyle and receive a free one month membership to the YMCA!

Address your unique needs through an evidence-based program.
As part of our YMCA’s charitable mission to build a healthier community, we’ve partnered with the Diabetes Prevention Research Group at UBC Okanagan to provide our members with their evidence-based diabetes prevention program proven to result in long-term exercise and dietary changes.

What to expect:
Six weekly one-on-one sessions with your coachMotivational techniques to help you stick with exercise and strategies for meal planningPersonalization for your unique health needs and lifestyleTrack your diet and exerciseAdditional follow-up appointments at 12 and 24 months.

Learn how to:
Set realistic goals and measure progress
Identify barriers to healthy behaviours
Build exercise habits
Build healthy nutrition habits

Take your first small step.
Complete the eligibility survey.If you are eligible you will be contacted by the team to schedule your first appointment!

Eligibility survey

Contact Information

Email livewell@halifax.ymca.ca

Phone number 902-222-5889

Purdy's Wharf

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Kelly


Director of Purdy’s Wharf Child Care Centre

“I graduated from St. Joseph’s College in 2006 and have been working in the early childhood field for almost 20 years now. My passion has always been centered around the health and wellbeing of all children, and fostering a warm, welcoming atmosphere where children feel safe and secure. Family means the world to me, and I look forward to bringing that love and care into my work.”

Mandeep


Assistant Director Purdy’s Wharf Child Care Centre

"I’ve worked with the YMCA since June 2021 and my passion is to work with preschoolers. On my personal time, I enjoy listening to music, reading books and spending time with my little ones."

Marg

"I have been with the Y as an ECE for over 38 years. My greatest achievement was developing the Grand friends' program which brings together children from the Y with residents of nearby geriatric facilities and promotes social and emotional elements."

Jobanpreet

"I believe that every child is a different kind of flower and all together, makes this world a beautiful garden. My hobbies are listening to music and travelling to new places."

Kiranpreet

"I started working with the YMCA in august 2022. I really like being around and playing with little ones and I’m so grateful that the “Y” gave me an opportunity to do what I love!"

Supreet

"My interests include cooking, drawing, and listening to music. I love to work with children, and I believe that only if the success feels like your own, it can be both happy and valuable."

Satinder

"I really enjoy working with children and this is a great chance for me to do what I love! My hobbies are reading, travelling, and exploring different places. I encourage students to actively play and explore new things with their friends (based on their interests).

Manisha

"I am graduate from Conestoga College, Ontario. I am so grateful to be a toddler teacher. In my spare time, I love cooking and exploring new places."

Fall River

Mandy


Director of Fall River Early Learning Child Care Centre

 "I've been a part of the YMCA in Alberta, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. I am honoured to be a part of building stronger communities through supporting families and most importantly children!"

Alex


Assistant Director of Fall River

"I love building relationships with the children and watching them discover new interests. On my personal time, I enjoy reading, listening to music and spending time with my family."

Jenna

" I am an ECE who is passionate about inclusion, and I strive to create warm environments where everyone thrives and feels supported."

Michelle

"I have worked as an RECE with the YMCA of Greater Toronto for the past 17 years. In my spare time, I enjoy time with my two children and husband, reading, gardening, traveling back to Trinidad to spending time with my extended family."

Rajwant

"I completed my Early Childhood Education diploma in Montreal and have been working with children since April of 2023. I love working with children because it gives me the opportunity to explore the world again through little eyes. "

Harman

"It has been a rewarding experience working with children and families. Each of them are unique in their own ways. I work to create an environment where children feel loved, cared for, respected, and like they belong."

Mujeeb

" Authentic play comes from down deep inside us. It’s not formed or motivated solely by others.

Satinder

"I love to spend time with children and believe in creating positive learning environments for them."

Gagan

"I adore working and playing with children and families; it is so rewarding. I work to create environments which will foster children’s holistic development, and where they can feel loved and safe. "

Navjeet

"For children’s development, I believe it is very important for an educator to be a good role model. I will give my best to my class in order to promote children’s social, emotional, lingual, cognitive, and intellectual development. "

Blessing

" The beauty of working with children is the ability to make a positive impact, not only in the children’s life but in the lives of their family and the community.

Priya

" I am an ECE who loves to spend time with the children, and I believe that we can learn more from the children than we expect. I also believe that in order to be a good educator, we must first be friends with the children.

Morgan

"I’ve worked with infants, right through to preschoolers! I absolutely adore all children and have a vast experience working with children of different backgrounds, cultures and needs."

Fengjun

"I used to work as an after- school group leader with HRCE and helped my mom run a daycare at home. I have 3 nephews and 4 nieces; it is always a pleasure to spend time with them in the parks or doing activities like craft or play dough." 

Siya

" Children require an environment that reflects and respects their interests and ideas, provides creative and open-ended experiences, offers opportunities to work alone or alongside each other and promotes a sense of authentic choice.

Holly

"I have been in the ECE field since 2005, guiding and helping children ages 18 months to 10 years. I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, camping, beaches, or a nice peaceful walk. I think it's important for children to learn from their outdoor environment and neighborhood."

Kate

" Play is not knowing where you’re going, but having a great starting point

Tushar

ECE, Level 2

" As early childhood professionals, our job is simply this…to help children make meaning out of the world in which they find themselves"

Devynn

ECE, Level 1

" We value the zest for living and learning that embodies curiosity, playfulness, determination, persistence, pleasure in accomplishment, resilience, and the sheer joy of being alive.”

Gurleen

ECE, Level 1

" If a child is to keep alive [their] inborn sense of wonder… [they need] the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with [them] the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in..”

Kayleigh

" The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice.”

Daven

"I completed my culinary management diploma in Ontario, and I have five years of experience working in different restaurants across Canada. Children are so pure; like angels. Being able to make food for angels is a very rewarding thing to do. "

Coming Soon

Leadership Team

The YMCA leadership team supports all areas of the organization in serving our community. We provide quality programs and services that are reflective of the evolving communities we serve.

Brian Posavad

President & CEO
He/ Him
ceo.office@halifax.ymca.ca
p. (902) 222-1177

Julie-Ann Vincent

Chief Operating Officer
She / Her
julie-ann.vincent@halifax.ymca.ca
p. (902) 222-7533

Maureen L. Hayward

Chief Financial Officer
She/ Her
maureen.hayward@halifax.ymca.ca
p. (902) 601-1736

Heather MacDonald

Chief Development Officer
She/ Her
heather.macdonald@halifax.ymca.ca
p. (902) 456-0583

Sahra MacNeill

Vice President, People and Culture
She / Her
sahra.macneill@halifax.ymca.ca
p. (902) 225-2790

Anna Barnes

Vice President, YMCA Atlantic Regional Development Centre (RDC)
She / Her
anna.barnes@halifax.ymca.ca
p. (902) 221-8974

Victoria Collins

General Manager, Child Engagement & Operations
She/ Her
victoria.collins@halifax.ymca.ca
p. 902-223-0015

TL Johannesson

General Manager, Youth and Leadership Development
She/ Her
tl.johannesson@halifax.ymca.ca
p. 902-237-7490

John Meagher

General Manager, Asset & Development
He / Him
john.meagher@halifax.ymca.ca
p. (902) 223-3986

Alicia Browne

Director, YMCA Immigrant Services
She/ Her
alicia.browne@halifax.ymca.ca
p. 902-225-4425

Michelle Rivoire

Vice President, Health, Fitness, and Aquatics
She/ Her
michelle.rivoire@halifax.ymca.ca
p. 902-717-8060

Rebekah Skeete

Director, Employment Services Centre
She/ Her
rebekah.skeete@halifax.ymca.ca
p. 902-461-2513 ext. 228

Ashley Stobo

Director of Philanthropy
She/ Her
ashley.stobo@halifax.ymca.ca

Meet our Current Directors

As a leading charity, the YMCA is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. This group of community volunteers provides vision, strategic leadership and stewardship for the Association. The YMCA Board of Directors meets regularly with an Annual General Meeting held every spring. We are extremely grateful to every member, past or present, of the YMCA’s Board of Directors.

Lora MacEachern

Chair

Lora MacEachern is a Senior Executive and Lawyer, with extensive experience in leadership, law, human resources, public policy, governance and strategic planning

Sian Wren

Vice Chair

Sian Wren is Vice President of Business Transformation at Emera. In this role, she led a large team of internal employees and external

Ash Avery

Ash Avery is Executive Director, Feed Nova Scotia. Ash is an experienced nonprofit executive recognized for leading transformational change in complex community systems.

Ashley Hill

Ashley Hill is the Founder and Executive Director of the PREP Academy, a community based non-profit organization that inspires and prepares African Nova Scotian students for college, university and beyond.

Jacob Woods

Jacob Woods is a Research Associate at the Nova Scotia Community College. Jacob is skilled in energy system analysis

Kenny Hilaire

Sr. Manager, Global Affiliate Network Operations, Prosci Kenny is responsible for the success of Prosci’s global network of partners located throughout Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Additionally, he leads Prosci’s global Sustainability strategy and program.

Kevin Stoddart

Kevin is President of KBRS and Meridia Recruitment Solutions, one of Atlantic Canada’s largest talent management and recruitment organizations, with more than 70 staff and offices across Canada

Mary Navas

With three years of marketing agency experience at NATIONAL Public Relations working with clients across Atlantic Canada, Mary brings a fresh perspective to communication strategies,

Michelle Bussey

Michelle Bussey is the CEO of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA). Through NSAA, Michelle is working with industry, Government and communities to address the

Patrick Sullivan

Patrick Sullivan – Strategic Business Advisor, Cox and Palmer. Patrick is currently a Strategic Business Advisor with Cox and Palmer, a leading Atlantic Canadian law firm, and was most recently the President and CEO of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce.

Safia Rahemtulla

Safia is an Associate Partner in the Consulting practice of EY and holds a CPA, CA designation, a Certified Internal Auditor designation and a Certified Third Party Risk

Sanjay Khanna

With over 25 years of experience, Sanjay has worked as part of the private and public sector focused on Information/Knowledge Management, ...

Sarah McInnes

Sarah is a Partner at McInnes Cooper, specializing in Immigration & Employment law.

Sonia Beattie

Sonia Beattie is the Vice-Provost, Planning & Analytics at Dalhousie University. With a strong passion for education, she completed degrees at both Dalhousie University and Memorial University before starting her career in postsecondary education.

Stacy Burgess

Stacy Burgess - Vice President, Clinical Support 7 System Integration, IWK Health. Stacy is a seasoned healthcare leader with more than 25 years of experience at IWK Health, where she has dedicated her career to advancing care and services for children, youth, and families across Nova Scotia and the Maritimes.

Nikki Hilton

Chief Financial Officer, EfficiencyOne Nikki oversees all financial, treasury, procurement, and information technology functions of the organization. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant (Chartered Accountant) and holds a Master of Business Administration from Saint Mary’s University.

YMCA Honourary Trustees​

The YMCA Honourary Trustees are former Directors who continue to support and provide strategic counsel to the YMCA.

Gregory (Greg) D. Auld

Jennifer Berry

Lydia Bugden

Daniel M. Campbell

Wesley G. Campbell

Peter M. Conrod

Paul J. Dyer

Peter Doig

Patty Faith 

Peter G. Fardy

Lou Gannon

Mary Ellen Gurnham

R.F. (Bob) Healy

Wilfred Jackson

John W. Lindsay Jr.

Brian Jessop

Cliff Langin

Ayo Makanjuola

Carole McDougall

James MacGowan

Stuart MacLean

R.A. (Rod) McCulloch

Don C. Mills

David Murray

Robert Richardson

L. Robert (Robbie) Shaw

Krista Jangaard

Stephen MacDonald

Sonya Fraser

Fred Honsberger

Honourary Life Members

Lou Gannon

 

Fred Honsberger

George Rodger

Jean Shaw

John Lindsay Jr.

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