• Hi, my name is Gina MacIsaac and I have worked with NAWN for eleven years as an administrative assistant.  I have worked with non profit organizations for over twenty years.

     NAWN has grown a lot in the years that I have been here and I feel fortunate to have been a part of it.  I have met so many wonderful people who are happy to share their talents and stories with all of us.  

    Working at NAWN has given me opportunities to learn new things and be a part of events that include drumming, singing and learning about our culture.

    Email: gina.nawn@gmail.com 

    Phone: 709 643 4563

  • Hey! My name is Stephen Boulos. I’ve lived in Stephenville since 2007, I am so lucky to call this place home. I spent a few years away after completing high school, working on Business Administration & Human Resources. I ended up coming back to Stephenville after realizing what I had when I was gone; It sure is a beautiful place to live. Outside of work, I like to get outside with my dog to do hikes and explore new trails. I love to swim, watch movies, sing, dance, learn, and sew, to name a few. I am quite creative, so any way I can express that I will do so.

    I am newer to NAWN, but my job and coworkers bring me excitement for what is to come. It has been an awesome experience so far, learning so much in such a short period; I know it will be very fulfilling for me on so many levels. My position here at NAWN is the Technical Lead for the Reconciliation Council, providing assistance to the council members. I am excited and honoured to be part of this wonderful team & organization, and for all of the incredible things they are doing for Indigenous peoples, and for what we will accomplish in the future.

    Email: tlrc.nawn@gmail.com

    Phone: 709 643 4563

  • My name is Janet Keating. I am currently the Indigenous Community Navigator with NAWN. I have been working in this position since March 2025.

    I retired in 2021 after working with the Provincial Government for 33 years.

    I feel it is an honour to work for this organization. The staff are great and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more about my culture, while helping many people along the way.

  • Hi, my name is Michael "Mike" Young and I started with the Elders and Youth program in May of 2025. 

    I grew up in the community of Flat Bay and spent many years involved with the youth drumming group there, as well as volunteering with and working at the annual Flat Bay Powwow.

    I feel so lucky to be part of the Elders and Youth program and help connect local youth to their community, culture and heritage.

    Email: eldersandyouth.nawn@gmail.com

  • Kwe’ Booshoo,

    My name is Nona Matthews-Gosse and I work as the Executive Director. I started working with the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network(NAWN) in October 2017. Working for NAWN, a non-profit Indigenous women’s grassroots organization has been very special, as it is a supportive and innovative organization. The Board of Directors are dedicated to our communities and our staff provide excellent support, programming and work hard to create positive changes in many aspects of our lives. When I am not in the office, I enjoy sewing and making things such as moccasins and mittens and going for walks.

    Email: Executivedirector.nawn2016@gmail.com

    Phone: 709 643 4563 or 709 643 1290

  • My name is Jacey Bennett, I have two Spirit Names – Granddaughter White Wolf and Spirit Wind. I started my journey with NAWN in August 2023 as the Mental Health Peer Support with the Elders and Youth; Breaking the Silence on Mental Health program. I am now the Project Coordinator on the Preparing for a Stronger Future project, which is focused on the planning and development of NAWN’s Cultural Healing and Wellness Centre. I am passionate about Indigenous ways of knowing and being, Ceremony, and seeking/gathering cultural knowledge. It has become an integral part of my personal healing journey. Other things I am passionate about include my two dogs – Duke and Scooby, my small hobby farm, the colour Purple, and helping others along their path to healing.

    Email: chwc.nawn@gmail.com

    Phone: (709) 643-4563 

  • Hi, my name is Audrey Lucas and I work for the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network (NAWN). I was hired in January, 2023, and I am totally invested in what NAWN stands for. Being the manager for the Indigenous Justice program is a rewarding job and I enjoy it immensely. NAWN is a wonderful organization to work for because they are invested in improving lives, so our communities can be a better place to live. They are also invested with ensuring staff has a balance in their work and home life.I enjoy sewing and I am appointed the office “go to” when it comes to anything to do with sewing.

    Email: alucas.nawn@gmail.com

    Phone: 902 643 4563

  • My name is Michaela Costard and I’m a Mi'kmaq woman. I recently graduated from the Community Leadership Development Diploma Program at the College of the North Atlantic. I have been working with Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network Inc. since June 2022 and have been working closely within my community. I am a member of the Stephenville Lions Club and volunteering at the Southwest Coast SPCA. I am now in the Bachelor of Arts Community Studies program at Cape Breton University to pursue a degree in community work. I am striving to continue doing good for my community, with my passion and determination to help others, I will do the best I can.

  • My name is Kimberlee Golder. I like to spend my time with my family soaking up all of the precious moments and memories made with my babies. I started working at the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network in July 2023 as the Elders and Youth; Breaking the Silence on Mental Health Program Assistant. What I love about my job are the opportunities to help in connecting our youth with the Elders and learning about the Culture, traditions, ceremonies, teachings, ways of living off the land, and feeling connectedness together in hopes that these ways will be carried on for future generations. Working for this Organization is an honor and I love the supportive work atmosphere and safe space it provides for staff, members of NAWN, as well as the community.

    Email: youth.nawn@gmail.com

  • My name is Jaleesa Swyers. I’ve lived in Stephenville Crossing for the majority of my life. I also spent a few years away after completing high school in 2009, but after some time away I realized Newfoundland is where my heart is and probably always will be. Outside of work, my husband and I like to get outside with our very energetic dog who likes to be active and outdoors as much as we do! I have a passion and a love for anything that gets me outside. Walking on trails, hiking, berry picking, swimming at the beach/rivers in the summer, travelling and hunting in the fall are some of my favorite things to do.

    I am new to NAWN, only being here two weeks as I am writing this, but I am looking forward to the days, weeks and months to come. It has been an amazing experience so far and I know it will be very fulfilling for me on an intellectual, cultural, and spiritual level. My position here at NAWN is the Technical Lead for the Reconciliation Council, providing assistance to the council members. The women here at NAWN are all so friendly, helpful and inspiring. I am excited to be a part of this wonderful organization, and all of the incredible things they are doing for women and our community as a whole.

    Email: rctl.nawn@gmail.com

    Phone: 709 643 4563

  • I am a mother of three beautiful children and they are the reason I work so hard every day to provide them with the best life I can. I am also a recent graduate of the office administration program; over the last 2 years I faced some challenges and triumphs in completing my education while managing family responsibilities but I am proud I successfully completed my education because it has opened the door for better opportunities.

    I am also the Gender Based Violence Community Advocacy Coordinator here at Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network, I joined this project March 2025 and we have held multiple engagement sessions, steering committee meetings and workshops to engage the women and girls within the community on the impact of multiple issues that affect Indigenous women and their families. I love being a part of this wonderful organization that helps so many individuals, especially women and is striving towards making meaningful changes. 

    Email: advocate.nawn@gmail.com

    Phone: (709) 643-4563

  • Charlene is a member of Qalipu and was born and raised on Newfoundland’s West Coast and has made every effort to remain in the area throughout her adult life. She began writing when she was ten years old and currently has several books of poetry available, one novella, and two novels that will be released later in 2025. 

    With an unending want to learn, Charlene has taken a variety of classes focused on various subjects. She most recently graduated from the College of the North Atlantic’s Business Administration program in 2023.

    She discovered her love of law when she attended Sir Wilfred Grenfell College in 2002 and has a strong passion for helping others. She was fortunate to be able to begin her journey with the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network in November 2024 as a Gladue Writer and has a deep desire to help those who are facing a loss of freedom and who are in need of healing. 

    Email: gladuewriternawn@gmail.com

  • I am the Gender-Based Violence Prevention Coordinator. I started working at NAWN in November 2023. Through this 42 month project, NAWN will increase its ability to prevent and address Gender-Based Violence against Indigenous women, girls or 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in Newfoundland and Labrador. This will be achieved by identifying advocacy challenges and opportunities, creating a GBV Advocacy Strategy and a communication plan increasing the organization's capacity to communicate community needs and GBV prevention, building relationships with 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations and like minded organizations and by developing a GBV support and prevention plan. By the end of the project, NAWN will have strengthened their capacity to prevent and address GBV against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in Newfoundland and Labrador.

    I love everything about my work. I love that the purpose of my job is to help others and I enjoy working in the community. The women that I work with are amazing and I love learning about my culture. NAWN is a wonderful place to work. NAWN does so much to help the community. It is a beautiful work environment every single day and I love participating in all cultural activities and events. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful women after being hired at NAWN.

    Email: gbv.nawn@gmail.com

    Phone: 709 643 4563

Staff