Connect with NSCSW Staff

Contact the College:

Mail: 1888 Brunswick St., Suite 700, Halifax, NS B3J 3J8
Phone: 902-429-7799
Fax: 
902-429-7650

We typically respond to inquiries within 1-2 business days.

Valerie Heard, RSW — Acting Executive Director/Registrar

The Acting Executive Director/Registrar is the senior management position within the College, appointed by and reporting to the Council.

Val is responsible for the overall planning and operations of the College, including regulatory functions. He is the point of contact between Council and staff, ensuring that College activities are in sync with Council’s policies and priorities, and the staff liaison for NSCSW’s Health Committee. Alec also speaks for the College in conversations with government, media, and other professional regulatory bodies and associations.

Val supports the NSCSW’s professional conduct processes in collaboration with the Complaints and Discipline committees, serving as an expert on regulation, investigations, and professional social work conduct. She is our expert on regulation, investigations and professional social work conduct, title protection and issues of compliance.

Telephone: (902) 429-7799 x 222
Email: [email protected]

Bria Symonds, RSW — Associate Registrar

The Associate Registrar plays a vital role in supporting the NSCSW’s mandate by ensuring that entry to practice and professional standards are achieved in alignment with the Social Workers Act and Social Work regulations. This position is integral to maintaining the integrity and quality of social work practice within Nova Scotia.

Bria collaborates closely with our Board of Examiners, and facilitates application and renewal processes for current and future members of the College; this includes members seeking approval for clinical specialization. She provides regulatory oversight to the Candidacy Mentorship Program, ensuring that both candidates and mentors understand and meet program requirements. Bria is also the primary point of contact for social work ethical consultations, and the staff liaison for NSCSW’s Professional Standards Committee.

Telephone:(902)429-7799 x 221
E-mail: [email protected]

Tyler Colbourne, RSW — Professional Development Consultant

The Professional Development Consultant develops, implements, and oversees programming to support members in the practice of social work.

Tyler organizes professional development opportunities and supports social workers in achieving their annual professional development requirements. He develops resources for social worker mentors and supervisors, and builds relationships with social work educators, employers, and practitioners to co-create alignment between practicum opportunities, candidacy, and clinical supervision. He works on community development, supporting the College’s advocacy partners in co-creating conditions for social justice and safe(r) social work practice. Tyler is also the staff liaison for NSCSW’s Professional Development committee.

Much of Tyler’s role involves close collaboration with members of the College, including social workers, social work educators, retired associate members, and social work students.

Telephone:(902)429-7799 x 223
E-mail: [email protected]

Gen Coughlan — Administrative Support, Regulatory Services

The Administrative Assistant, Regulatory Services, acts as one of the front-line points of contact for the office and supports the regulatory functions of the NSCSW.

Gen receives general inquiries from members and the public, and directs them to other staff members when appropriate. She also provides administrative and logistical support to two NSCSW committees (Complaints, Discipline) and the Board of Examiners.

Telephone: (902) 429-7799 x 228
Email: [email protected]

Wilhemina Welbeck — Administrative Support, Membership Services

The Administrative Assistant, Membership Services, acts as one of the front-line points of contact for the office and supports NSCSW’s member services.

Wilhemina receives general inquiries from members and the public, and directs them to other staff members when appropriate. She provides administrative and logistical support for NSCSW staff, which includes admin support for most of NSCSW’s public interest committees (Professional Development, Professional Standards, and Health).

Telephone: (902) 429-7799 x 226
Email: [email protected]

Rebecca Faria — Communication Coordinator

The Communications Coordinator is responsible for preparing, directing, and disseminating all communication on behalf of the College through various channels, including digital and print mediums.

Rebecca ensures that all NSCSW communication aligns with the College’s objectives and goals, and supports positive reciprocal relationships with its stakeholders, including the general public, members, Council, the media, and other professional bodies. She collaborates with NSCSW staff, committee members and community partners to develop and implement communication strategy in support of the College’s larger strategic plan. This includes creating and distributing information resources to support strong member services, regulatory compliance, and the College’s continuing advocacy efforts.

Telephone:(902)429-7799 x 227
E-mail:nbsp;[email protected]