Discipline decision regarding Sherri Boyd

The College shares discipline decision information not only to meet the legislative requirements of the Social Workers Act, but to serve and protect the public interest. Information about reprimands, restrictions and license revocations is attached to the member profiles of individuals in the searchable registry, and the College has a dedicated web page for sharing decision findings.

We encourage our members to review decision information, to gain insight into the reasons for decisions and the College’s discipline process. It is important for all social workers in Nova Scotia to understand the College’s role in ensuring that Nova Scotians can rely on professional, ethical social work practice.

Before reading the decision summary below, please note that it describes sexual misconduct and harm to a minor.

Summary of Discipline Committee’s decision

Application for Consent Revocation

Member:  Sherri Boyd
Hearing date: October 27, 2025
Decision date: October 27, 2025

Sherri Boyd, Registration #7501, of Nova Scotia, was initially registered as a social worker with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW) in January 2017.  Previously, Ms. Boyd had been registered as a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

In May 2022, NSCSW received a complaint from Temperance Winger, which included a number of serious allegations against Ms. Boyd.  These included allegations of grooming, harbouring, and sexually abusing Temperance Winger when she was a minor.

In July 2022, the Complaints Committee imposed a number of interim restrictions on Ms. Boyd’s registration, pursuant to subsection 29(5) of the Social Workers Act, SNS 1993, c 12, as amended (Social Workers Act).  The restrictions required Ms. Boyd to have a supervisor approved by NSCSW, along with a number of conditions including terms of supervision and reporting to NSCSW.  In addition, Ms. Boyd was prohibited from providing social work services to any individual 24 years of age or younger.

On July 4, 2023, pursuant to subsection 29(5) of the Social Workers Act, the Complaints Committee imposed an interim suspension on Ms. Boyd’s registration.  Pursuant to the interim suspension, Ms. Boyd was prohibited from:

1. Practising as a social worker;
2. Using the title of social worker or registered social worker, or making use of any abbreviation of such title, or any name, title or designation which may lead to the belief that she is a social worker;
3. Advertising, or in any way, or by any means, representing herself as a social worker; and
4. Acting or representing herself in such manner as to lead to the belief that she is authorized to fill the office of or act as a social worker.

In 2025, Ms. Boyd applied for the revocation of her social work registration pursuant to section 31 of the Social Work Regulations.  NSCSW and the Complaints Committee consented to Ms. Boyd’s application for revocation.

Preliminary Issues

It is the practice of the Discipline Committee to not disclose the name or other identifying information of a complainant.

In this case, Temperance Winger, the complainant, requested the opportunity to provide a victim impact statement.  Temperance Winger also specifically requested that her name be used in the Discipline Committee’s decision and any summary of same. The Discipline Committee granted both requests.

Regarding disclosure of the complainant’s name, the Discipline Committee emphasized that the only basis for such disclosure was that it came from a specific and clear request from the complainant. 

The Discipline Committee greatly appreciated the statement of Temperance Winger and acknowledge the bravery and courage it took to come forward, and particularly in the presence of Ms. Boyd. Temperance Winger clearly articulated the devastating harm perpetuated upon her by Ms. Boyd.  Temperance Winger emphasized that she “chooses everyday to heal”. The Discipline Committee was moved by their words and recognizes their resilience in the face of such trauma.   The statement provided further confirmation that revocation is the only just and appropriate outcome in the circumstances.

Allegations Not Contested

Ms. Boyd did not contest the following allegations against her:

1. In or around January 2013 to May 2014 in Ontario, Ms. Boyd groomed the complainant by:
   • Having the complainant move in with her and her family;
   • Having the complainant call her “mom”;
   • Cuddling with the complainant; and
   • Distancing the complainant from their family.
2. In or around May 2013 to July 2017 in Ontario and Nova Scotia, Ms. Boyd engaged in sexual misconduct by:
   • Suggesting she was sexually attracted to the complainant and wanted to pursue a “relationship” with the complainant;
   • Kissing the complainant;
   • Sexual touching the complainant;
   • Engaging in sexual intercourse with the complainant;
   • Encouraging the complainant to masturbate in her presence;
   • Using sex toys with the complainant;
   • Making sexualized comments to the complainant, including but not limited to: “You do have an amazing booty”; “That boooootttyyyyy!!!! So fine! So fine!”; and “Hot pic”;
   • Referring to the complainant in communications as “babe”; “my love”; “my heart”; “my dearest heart”;
   • Encouraging the Complainant to discuss pedophilia and age as a “social construct” with other individuals on the internet; and
   • Suggesting pedophilia was acceptable and encouraging the complainant to think same.
3. On February 7, 2024, Ms. Boyd failed to cooperate with NSCSW’s investigation of this matter, specifically by refusing to respond to questions posed by the NSCSW’s investigator.

Disposition

The Application for Consent Revocation was presented to the Discipline Committee for consideration on October 27, 2025. The Committee heard submissions from legal counsel for the college, Ryan Baxter, and legal counsel for Ms. Boyd, Alexander MacKillop.

The Committee noted that consenting to the Application for Consent Revocation was consistent with the objects of the College set out at section 5 of the Social Workers Act.  The Committee found that the Application serves the public interest, preserves the integrity of the social work profession, and maintains the public confidence in the profession.

In the Committee’s view, revocation is the only acceptable outcome in the circumstances.  There were a number of aggravating factors in this case, including:

1. Ms. Boyd made no admissions and therefore has not demonstrated remorse or insight into her conduct;
2. Temperance Winger was a minor;
3. Ms. Boyd was in a position of trust and acted as a de facto guardian to Temperance Winger (including having Temperance Winger call her “mom”);
4. Ms. Boyd engaged in a pattern of grooming of Temperance Winger;
5. Ms. Boyd engaged in repeated sexual misconduct;
6. Ms. Boyd encouraged Temperance Winger to discuss pedophilia and age as a “social construct” with other individuals on the internet; and
7. Ms. Boyd suggested pedophilia was acceptable and encouraged Temperance Winger to think the same.

The Discipline Committee consented to the following disposition:

1. Ms. Boyd’s registration as a registered social worker registration with NSCSW pursuant to the Social Workers Act is revoked;
2. Ms. Boyd will no longer refer herself as a social worker;
3. Ms. Boyd will not be eligible to apply for reinstatement of her social worker registration until five years from the date of this decision;
4. Ms. Boyd shall pay a contribution toward the costs incurred by NSCSW in this matter in the amount of $15,000.00, on terms agreed upon by the parties, being $5,000.00 per year, the first payment of $5,000.00 due within 60 days of the date of this decision.