Meet Our Staff
CALA staff are dedicated to achieving life long learning goals to stay up to date with the needs of today. Responding to the the global pandemic, our staff completed professional development in Universal Design for Learning, D2L Brightspace, Northstar Assessments, Teaching and Learning Online, 21st Century Skills, E3 Curriculum, and other specialized training.
CALA staff are dedicated to achieving life long learning goals to stay up to date with the needs of today. Responding to the the global pandemic, our staff completed professional development in Universal Design for Learning, D2L Brightspace, Northstar Assessments, Teaching and Learning Online, 21st Century Skills, E3 Curriculum, and other specialized training.
Mary Teed - Executive Director
Mary is the Executive Director with CALA. Since 2014 she has been helping CALA improve literacy and essential skills programming from a local, regional, and provincial level. Mary previously worked with adult learners in a variety of settings in corporate and non-profit sectors. These experiences, combined with her desire to help the organization stay current, has allowed Mary and the CALA team to grow in innovative ways that truly respond to the learning needs of our communities. Mary is an active member with the Nova Scotia School of Adult Learning sitting on many committees including the Provincial Advisory committee, Curriculum Development committee, Essential Skill Framework committee, and Learner Plan Development committee. Mary is also an executive member of the Association of Nova Scotia Community Learning Organization and acting as an Adjunct Professor for the University of Calgary. A lifelong learner herself, Mary continued her education while working full time and raising a family obtaining a Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2011.
Mary is the Executive Director with CALA. Since 2014 she has been helping CALA improve literacy and essential skills programming from a local, regional, and provincial level. Mary previously worked with adult learners in a variety of settings in corporate and non-profit sectors. These experiences, combined with her desire to help the organization stay current, has allowed Mary and the CALA team to grow in innovative ways that truly respond to the learning needs of our communities. Mary is an active member with the Nova Scotia School of Adult Learning sitting on many committees including the Provincial Advisory committee, Curriculum Development committee, Essential Skill Framework committee, and Learner Plan Development committee. Mary is also an executive member of the Association of Nova Scotia Community Learning Organization and acting as an Adjunct Professor for the University of Calgary. A lifelong learner herself, Mary continued her education while working full time and raising a family obtaining a Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2011.
David Boehm, BA, BEd - Instructor
David started with CALA as a volunteer and has been teaching the High School Equivalency Prep and Academic Upgrading classes at CALA since 2013. David has been active over the years developing and enhancing academic and equivalency programs. David is actively involved in the community with topics about housing and the environment. He loves cycling, canoeing and tinkering.
David started with CALA as a volunteer and has been teaching the High School Equivalency Prep and Academic Upgrading classes at CALA since 2013. David has been active over the years developing and enhancing academic and equivalency programs. David is actively involved in the community with topics about housing and the environment. He loves cycling, canoeing and tinkering.
Sarah Thornham - Instructor
Sarah has been an instructor at CALA since 2016, primarily with the Community Essentials and Essential Skills programs. She has remained a life long learner, engaging in many personal and professional development endeavors. She provides assessments, placement information and student supports in her role as Intake Coordinator.
Sarah has been an instructor at CALA since 2016, primarily with the Community Essentials and Essential Skills programs. She has remained a life long learner, engaging in many personal and professional development endeavors. She provides assessments, placement information and student supports in her role as Intake Coordinator.
Vangie Beal - Instructor
Vangie is an award-winning business and technology writer with over 20 years of experience in the tech and web publishing industry. She began her journey with CALA as a volunteer in 2017 and officially joined the team as a Digital Literacy Instructor in 2020. Beyond her work at CALA, Vangie contributes as a Technology Expert at Techopedia.com, where she shares her knowledge and insights with a broad online audience. A true enthusiast of tech and teaching, she brings her expertise to each class, building skills and confidence in CALA learners. Outside of work, Vangie is passionate about good coffee, all things tech, and inspiring lifelong learning in the digital age.
Vangie is an award-winning business and technology writer with over 20 years of experience in the tech and web publishing industry. She began her journey with CALA as a volunteer in 2017 and officially joined the team as a Digital Literacy Instructor in 2020. Beyond her work at CALA, Vangie contributes as a Technology Expert at Techopedia.com, where she shares her knowledge and insights with a broad online audience. A true enthusiast of tech and teaching, she brings her expertise to each class, building skills and confidence in CALA learners. Outside of work, Vangie is passionate about good coffee, all things tech, and inspiring lifelong learning in the digital age.
Katie Stokes - Instructor
Katie joined CALA in September of 2024 as a part-time digital literacy instructor. She brings a background of environmental science and is currently completing her Master of Science degree at Dalhousie's Agricultural Campus. While completing her education Katie had the opportunity to work with other students, developing and delivering curriculum. Her scientific approach to working with adults will add to the existing expertise found at CALA. Combining her teaching experience cultivated through her studies and her passion for connecting with the wider community, Katie is excited to bring digital literacy skills to residents of Truro and Colchester.
Katie joined CALA in September of 2024 as a part-time digital literacy instructor. She brings a background of environmental science and is currently completing her Master of Science degree at Dalhousie's Agricultural Campus. While completing her education Katie had the opportunity to work with other students, developing and delivering curriculum. Her scientific approach to working with adults will add to the existing expertise found at CALA. Combining her teaching experience cultivated through her studies and her passion for connecting with the wider community, Katie is excited to bring digital literacy skills to residents of Truro and Colchester.
Tara Firth - Instructor
Tara is one of the Intake Coordinators and Learner Support Workers at CALA. She brings extensive experience as a career counselor and is a Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP). She also holds a Master of Education (MEd) Counselling Bachelor of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts. Tara has great facilitation skills utilizing them instructing Essential Skills, particularly the Skills for the 21st Century. Tara continues to be a wonderful addition to the CALA team.
Tara is one of the Intake Coordinators and Learner Support Workers at CALA. She brings extensive experience as a career counselor and is a Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP). She also holds a Master of Education (MEd) Counselling Bachelor of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts. Tara has great facilitation skills utilizing them instructing Essential Skills, particularly the Skills for the 21st Century. Tara continues to be a wonderful addition to the CALA team.
Terri Mingo - Coordinator
Terri is the Coordinator for CALA's new tutoring hub for apprentices studying for their Red Seal certification in the skilled trades. Terri's background includes working as a Journalist in print and radio, hosting her own radio show, working in post secondary education, working in public education communications, and coordinating a mentoring program. A Mom of 2 boys, she has a passion for travel, cooking, hiking, music, and photography. She has a diploma in Radio & TV Broadcasting, a degree in Political Science, a certificate in Community Economic Development, and a Management Development for Women Certificate.
Terri is the Coordinator for CALA's new tutoring hub for apprentices studying for their Red Seal certification in the skilled trades. Terri's background includes working as a Journalist in print and radio, hosting her own radio show, working in post secondary education, working in public education communications, and coordinating a mentoring program. A Mom of 2 boys, she has a passion for travel, cooking, hiking, music, and photography. She has a diploma in Radio & TV Broadcasting, a degree in Political Science, a certificate in Community Economic Development, and a Management Development for Women Certificate.
Courtney Crowe - Administrative Assistant
Courtney joined the CALA team in March 2024. She has 14 years of Administrative experience and plans to provide CALA with efficient, skilled assistance to enhance our team productivity. Courtney is a mother of two and has an active hobby farm. She is excited to be a part of an amazing team that helps empower individuals to achieve their learning goals and further their careers.
Courtney joined the CALA team in March 2024. She has 14 years of Administrative experience and plans to provide CALA with efficient, skilled assistance to enhance our team productivity. Courtney is a mother of two and has an active hobby farm. She is excited to be a part of an amazing team that helps empower individuals to achieve their learning goals and further their careers.
Meet Our Board
CALA's Board of Directors consist of several community members who are dedicated to provide advice and direction regarding organization goals, interests and strategic directions.
CALA's Board of Directors consist of several community members who are dedicated to provide advice and direction regarding organization goals, interests and strategic directions.
Ellen Marshall - Chairperson
Ellen has been a member of the CALA board since 2014. She has over 20 years experience in event planning and management. Ellen is the Event Manager/Public Relations Officer for the NSNWA where she developed and launched the first website for the NSNWA. Ellen is a member of the Millbrook First Nation and lives in Truro. She is the chair of the Colchester Adult Learning Association Board of Directors and is also a board member of the Rath Eastlink Community Centre.
Darlene Redmond - Vice-Chair
Darlene joined as a member of the CALA board in 2014. She is committed to lifelong learning. Darlene holds a Bachelor Degree in Technology and a Master’s Degree in Education. For 22 years she has been a faculty member at the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) where she teaches Computer Networking and Security. She has been an editor for the Cisco Networking Academy's global curriculum and a Subject Matter Expert for the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). Darlene has presented talks and workshops on 21st Century Literacies at conferences in Canada, United States, Africa, and Vietnam.
Darlene joined as a member of the CALA board in 2014. She is committed to lifelong learning. Darlene holds a Bachelor Degree in Technology and a Master’s Degree in Education. For 22 years she has been a faculty member at the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) where she teaches Computer Networking and Security. She has been an editor for the Cisco Networking Academy's global curriculum and a Subject Matter Expert for the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). Darlene has presented talks and workshops on 21st Century Literacies at conferences in Canada, United States, Africa, and Vietnam.
Joe Nicholson - Treasurer
Joe has been on the CALA Board since 2014. He is currently on the management team of a prominent Truro area business and operates his own successful business. Joe is a strong believer in CALA’s significant and growing impact on the community.
Joe has been on the CALA Board since 2014. He is currently on the management team of a prominent Truro area business and operates his own successful business. Joe is a strong believer in CALA’s significant and growing impact on the community.
Preethi Rajan - Secretary
Preethi joined as a member of the CALA board in 2021 and is an international graduate student from India who is attending Dalhousie University, Agricultural Campus, Truro. Preethi came to Canada in 2018 as an undergraduate student through the dual degree program collaborated with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Tamil Nadu, India. She brings a fresh outlook to our CALA Board with her skills as a volunteer with the Rotaract club of Truro in 2019 and as a Student Coordinator at Dalhousie University, Agricultural Campus.
Preethi joined as a member of the CALA board in 2021 and is an international graduate student from India who is attending Dalhousie University, Agricultural Campus, Truro. Preethi came to Canada in 2018 as an undergraduate student through the dual degree program collaborated with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Tamil Nadu, India. She brings a fresh outlook to our CALA Board with her skills as a volunteer with the Rotaract club of Truro in 2019 and as a Student Coordinator at Dalhousie University, Agricultural Campus.
Richard MacKenzie - Member
Richard attended St. Mary’s University from 1986-93, graduating with a BA – major in English, minor in Political Science. After managing a retail and a service business, then a Dooly’s franchise in Sudbury, Ontario in 2004, he returned to school (Cambrian College) and earned, with honours, a diploma in journalism and began working in the newspaper field, which eventually brought him back to his home province with the Saltwire Network – first in Antigonish and, currently, Truro. Richard joined the CALA board of directors in 2020.
Richard attended St. Mary’s University from 1986-93, graduating with a BA – major in English, minor in Political Science. After managing a retail and a service business, then a Dooly’s franchise in Sudbury, Ontario in 2004, he returned to school (Cambrian College) and earned, with honours, a diploma in journalism and began working in the newspaper field, which eventually brought him back to his home province with the Saltwire Network – first in Antigonish and, currently, Truro. Richard joined the CALA board of directors in 2020.
Gerry Scanlan - Member
Gerry joined CALA in 2025. He brings a background of mathematics, law, and a love of his community to the board. He taught math at a community college and has had a law practice in Truro for forty-five (45) years before retiring in 2023. Gerry is looking forward to being a contributing member of the board.
Gerry joined CALA in 2025. He brings a background of mathematics, law, and a love of his community to the board. He taught math at a community college and has had a law practice in Truro for forty-five (45) years before retiring in 2023. Gerry is looking forward to being a contributing member of the board.