Board Members

Alana Baxter – Board Chair, Public Representative 

Alana Baxter of Halifax, Nova Scotia, brings her diverse career and expertise as a civil servant to the NSCN Board. Alana has significant experience working with legislative, regulatory and policy frameworks, as well as experience working with diverse populations. During her career, Alana worked closely with nurses during her employment as a Settlement Program Officer for the NS Office of Immigration and as the Funding Agreement Manager for the Pathway to Success for Internationally Educated Nurses. As the Labour Mobility Coordinator with the NS Department of Labour and Advanced Education, she worked with domestic and international regulated professionals and regulatory bodies to support fair registration practices, including the development of pathways to licensure for international applicants in several professions. Alana also has significant Board experience, currently volunteering as a public representative of the NS College of Counselling Therapists Board of Directors and past vice-chair and member at large on the HRM Grants Committee.

David Davidson - Board Vice-Chair, Public Representative 

David Davison of Halifax, Nova Scotia, brings his extensive Board experience and strategic leadership expertise to the NSCN Board. Early in his career, Dave worked in hospital administration for 18 years and most recently retired from a 15-year career as CEO of Interuniversity Services Inc. (ISI). He currently works as a part-time consultant with the Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO). Dave has significant Board experience, previously serving on Boards for Alice House, Acadia Alumni Association, Duke of Edinburgh Award (NS Chapter), and Swimming Canada, and he currently sits as a Director and Treasurer with L'Arche Halifax. Dave brings to the Board a special skill set of change-management and governance-level training in not-for-profit and strategic planning, as well as a passion for supporting the growth and success of our healthcare system on behalf of the public.

Andrew Heighton - Registrant

Andrew Heighton, RN is the Director of Integrated Rural Health at Nova Scotia Health. With over 16 years of experience in clinical, educational and management positions, Andrew is a health care leader who is committed to professional development and continuous learning as a catalyst for change. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a commitment to serving the public and advocating for the improvement of health care services. Andrew has actively engaged with various organizations including municipalities, hospital foundations, community health boards, etc., which has allowed him to effectively collaborate with a range of stakeholders and flex his communication and interpersonal skills. Andrew has a proven track record of successful leadership in various health care settings, from leading multidisciplinary teams to managing organizational change. Andrew brings to the Board his skills in identifying opportunities and implementing innovative solutions to address challenges and help support the continuous growth of the profession in Nova Scotia on behalf of the public.

John (J.J.) MacIsaac  - Public Representative

J.J. (John) MacIsaac is the Manager of Emergency Preparedness at Nova Scotia Health in Sydney, and Director of the Professional Development Committee for the International Association of Emergency Managers (Canada Council). He brings extensive health care and governance experience to the NSCN board.

Prior to his current role, J.J. worked as an Advanced Care Paramedic for 28 years, collaborating closely with nurses and other regulated professionals. He contributed to drafting Nova Scotia’s first Paramedic Act and remains registered in paramedicine. J.J also sits on the Complaints Committee for the NS Regulator of Paramedicine.

J.J.’s experiences in the paramedic profession has reinforced his belief in the value of regulatory bodies who both protect the public interest, and support registrants in meeting and understanding their professional standards.

Paulette Anderson - Public Representative

Paulette Anderson of Plymouth, Nova Scotia, has extensive board experience and currently serves on the Nova Scotia Law Foundation Board, Midwifery Regulated Council, the Review Board of the Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act, and as Chair of the Complaints Review Committee of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society. Through her 16 years of board experience, Paulette understands the importance, expectations and commitment required of the public representative – a key role in protecting the public we serve. Paulette brings a rural perspective to the NSCN Board and is dedicated to ensuring self-regulated professionals succeed for the benefit of all Nova Scotians. Before becoming an NSCN Board member, Paulette was a member of the CRNNS Council and served on the CRNNS Complaints, Professional Hearing and Fitness to Practice Committees.

Robyn Schleihauf - Public Representative 

Robyn Schleihauf of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, has a professional background as a lawyer with her practice focusing on professional regulation. Robyn brings a special skill-set to the NSCN Board, sharing her broad interest in professional ethics, codes of conduct, and effective public interest regulation. In addition to being a lawyer, Robyn is an associate professor at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, where she recently taught the first-year legal ethics course. Robyn is also a writer and CBC contributor. Robyn comes to the Board with experience working on social justice initiatives, including the North Preston Land Pro Bono, and she continues to leverage her skills to advocate on behalf of the public.

Susan Earle - Registrant

Susan Earle is a licensed practical nurse (LPN) currently working as an Intensive Planning and Support Coordinator with the Nova Scotia Government. After graduating as an LPN in 2017, Susan’s nursing career has been focused primarily in mental health, and she has spent time working in roles in psychiatric acute care, community health, supportive transition housing and forensic nursing in both Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Susan brings a diverse perspective to the NSCN Board with experience in her current role providing meaningful change in the disability support world and her past experience working with Indigenous children and families. She aspires to ensure that everyone receives equal access to health care, support, and education, despite systemic barriers, oppression, and discrimination. Susan recognizes the importance of fostering trust through meaningful engagement, and she is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the nursing profession’s integrity and standards while advocating for the well-being of the public.

Tricia Lane - Registrant

Tricia Lane is a pediatric nurse practitioner in Orthopaedics at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax. With over 30 years in the nursing profession, Tricia's philosophy of nursing practice is founded in patient-centered care and she is committed to providing high-quality health care for all Nova Scotians. As a strong advocate for patients and their families, Tricia believes serving on the NSCN Board is the next step in caring for her community by regulating how nursing care is delivered across Nova Scotia in the public’s interest.