TEAM MEMBERS
Cara Fall (she/her) - Executive Director
[email protected]
Cara is excited and grateful to be joining ATEN as Executive Director.
Over the past several years, Cara has worked alongside individuals, families, community organizations, and cross-sector partners to develop trauma-informed programs, strengthen services, and build collaborative approaches that help people navigate complex systems with dignity and compassion. Her work has focused on strengthening organizations through collaboration, thoughtful leadership, and sustainable approaches that keep relationships, trust, and the needs of the people they serve at the centre.
What has always mattered most to Cara isn’t having all the answers—it’s taking the time to listen, understand different perspectives, and work alongside others to find thoughtful solutions. She enjoys connecting people, ideas, and opportunities in ways that help organizations and communities grow together. She believes meaningful change happens through genuine relationships and that people do their best when they know they belong.
Outside of work, Cara can often be found coaching youth sports, exploring the outdoors with family, or sitting down for a good conversation. She has a genuine curiosity about people and believes some of the most meaningful ideas begin simply by taking the time to listen. She feels incredibly honoured to be joining ATEN and looks forward to building on the remarkable foundation that Margaret, the staff, volunteers, Board, and community have created together.
[email protected]
Cara is excited and grateful to be joining ATEN as Executive Director.
Over the past several years, Cara has worked alongside individuals, families, community organizations, and cross-sector partners to develop trauma-informed programs, strengthen services, and build collaborative approaches that help people navigate complex systems with dignity and compassion. Her work has focused on strengthening organizations through collaboration, thoughtful leadership, and sustainable approaches that keep relationships, trust, and the needs of the people they serve at the centre.
What has always mattered most to Cara isn’t having all the answers—it’s taking the time to listen, understand different perspectives, and work alongside others to find thoughtful solutions. She enjoys connecting people, ideas, and opportunities in ways that help organizations and communities grow together. She believes meaningful change happens through genuine relationships and that people do their best when they know they belong.
Outside of work, Cara can often be found coaching youth sports, exploring the outdoors with family, or sitting down for a good conversation. She has a genuine curiosity about people and believes some of the most meaningful ideas begin simply by taking the time to listen. She feels incredibly honoured to be joining ATEN and looks forward to building on the remarkable foundation that Margaret, the staff, volunteers, Board, and community have created together.
Margaret Mauger (she/her) RCT, CCC
Margaret is the Principal Founder and Past Executive Director of the After Trauma Empowerment Network (ATEN) and the Violet Rose Gift & Thrift Shop. ATEN began operating in January 2020 with a vision of ensuring barrier-free counselling, advocacy, and support services for individuals of all genders who have experienced trauma. In 2022, she launched the Violet Rose Gift & Thrift Shop as a social enterprise dedicated to supporting the sustainability and growth of ATEN's services.
For more than 15 years, Margaret has dedicated her career to serving, counselling, and empowering individuals affected by trauma, violence, and abuse. She is particularly recognized for her specialized work with survivors of sexualized violence and remains deeply committed to advancing trauma-informed, equitable, and accessible care. Margaret considers it a profound privilege to walk alongside survivors on their healing journeys.
As the principal founder of ATEN, Margaret played a central role in developing the organization's mission, values, programs, and service model. Her leadership helped establish ATEN as a trusted source of counselling, advocacy, education, and support for trauma survivors across Nova Scotia. While she has since stepped away from her operational leadership role, her vision continues to shape the organization's commitment to empowerment, dignity, and healing.
One of Margaret's proudest achievements was receiving the Dr. Burnley “Rocky” Allen Jones Award from the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission in 2013. The award recognized her commitment to advancing equitable and non-discriminatory services for survivors of sexualized violence of all genders.
Margaret's work and leadership are grounded in the values of compassion, lifelong learning, empowerment, and equity. Beyond her professional contributions, she is a musician, quilter, gardener, and photographer. She enjoys spending time at her cottage in Cape Breton with her husband and partner, Darrell, where she finds inspiration in the sound of the waves and the music of the wind chimes.
| Curriculum Vitae |
Jessica D. Dixon (she/her)- BA, MACP, RCT-C, Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate
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Jessica is a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate licensed with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapist with a strong background in psychology. She holds a major in Psychology from Saint Mary's University. She went on to complete her master’s in counselling psychology at Yorkville University, where she gained comprehensive training in therapeutic techniques, client-centered care, and trauma-informed practices.
Jessica is also an assessor in training for Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (IRCAs) for African Nova Scotians, reflecting her deep commitment to addressing cultural and racial factors in therapy. As a Black woman, she is uniquely attuned to the challenges faced by individuals from marginalized communities, having navigated many of these obstacles herself. Her personal experiences, paired with her professional expertise, allow her to provide a compassionate, culturally aware, and understanding approach to therapy.
In her clinical work, she focuses on chronic and complex trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, as well as sexual and domestic abuse. She is passionate about empowering her clients through therapeutic support that helps them heal, find strength, and overcome the barriers to living a fulfilled and balanced life.
As a part of the After Trauma Empowerment Network, Jessica brings her expertise and dedication to helping individuals who have experienced trauma reclaim their lives and move forward with a renewed sense of empowerment and hope. Her clinical approach is built on the belief that healing begins with understanding and compassion, and she strives to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences and begin their journey to recovery.
Outside of her work, Jessica enjoys reading, particularly fiction and history, as well as exploring new recipes and cooking for her family. She resides in Halifax with her husband and their 16-month-old son, where they enjoy spending quality time together.
Through her work and personal life, she remains committed to supporting her community, advocating for racial and cultural understanding, and helping individuals heal from the wounds of trauma.
Kartik Saini (he/him) - MACP, RCT-C, CCC - Registered Counselling Therapist-Candidate
[email protected]
Kartik Saini (he/him) is a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT-C) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC). As a queer-identified immigrant and person of color, Kartik brings a deeply empathetic, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed approach to therapy, rooted in both his professional training and lived experience.
Kartik holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and has cultivated a strong foundation in client-centered, evidence-based practices. His therapeutic work is informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), the Relational Life Therapy for couples therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions, allowing him to tailor support to the unique needs of each client.
With a special focus on trauma, PTSD, grief, anxiety, depression, and relational health, Kartik works with individuals and couples—including those in monogamous and consensually non-monogamous relationships. He is particularly passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants, and those navigating challenges related to sex, intimacy, and sexuality. His relational work emphasizes connection, communication, and repair of emotional wounds.
Since immigrating to Canada in 2016, Kartik has worked extensively in community mental health, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, and refugee resettlement. These experiences have given him a nuanced understanding of the systemic barriers many clients face and deepened his commitment to accessible, inclusive, and intersectional care.
He remains committed to lifelong learning and to offering compassionate, collaborative support that centers the client’s inner wisdom and capacity for healing.
Kartik believes that healing happens in the context of relationships and strives to foster a warm, affirming space where individuals and couples can feel safe, seen, and empowered to move toward their goals.
[email protected]
[email protected]
Kartik Saini (he/him) is a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT-C) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC). As a queer-identified immigrant and person of color, Kartik brings a deeply empathetic, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed approach to therapy, rooted in both his professional training and lived experience.
Kartik holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and has cultivated a strong foundation in client-centered, evidence-based practices. His therapeutic work is informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), the Relational Life Therapy for couples therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions, allowing him to tailor support to the unique needs of each client.
With a special focus on trauma, PTSD, grief, anxiety, depression, and relational health, Kartik works with individuals and couples—including those in monogamous and consensually non-monogamous relationships. He is particularly passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants, and those navigating challenges related to sex, intimacy, and sexuality. His relational work emphasizes connection, communication, and repair of emotional wounds.
Since immigrating to Canada in 2016, Kartik has worked extensively in community mental health, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, and refugee resettlement. These experiences have given him a nuanced understanding of the systemic barriers many clients face and deepened his commitment to accessible, inclusive, and intersectional care.
He remains committed to lifelong learning and to offering compassionate, collaborative support that centers the client’s inner wisdom and capacity for healing.
Kartik believes that healing happens in the context of relationships and strives to foster a warm, affirming space where individuals and couples can feel safe, seen, and empowered to move toward their goals.
[email protected]
Melissa Carvery (she/her) - MSW, RSW
Provisional Clinical Specialist
[email protected]
Melissa offers counselling services in English and has extensive experience working with interpreters for non-English speaking clients. She is a trauma-informed Social Worker providing compassionate, client-centred counselling services to individuals seeking support, healing, and growth. With extensive experience working in complex and high-risk environments, Melissa brings a grounded, thoughtful, and strengths-based approach to her practice. Melissa understands that reaching out for support can feel vulnerable. Her goal is to create a welcoming and safe space where you feel heard, respected, and valued. Melissa is committed to fostering an environment that is empathetic, non-judgemental, and culturally sensitive, where you can explore your experiences at your own pace.
“As a trauma-informed practitioner, I recognize the profound impact that life experiences can have on emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. My approach is rooted in safety, trust, collaboration, transparency, and empowerment. I work alongside you to build insight, strengthen coping strategies, and support meaningful change. I draw from evidence-informed practices tailored to your unique needs, whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, stress, or other personal concerns. I hold deep value and respect for diversity, inclusion, and ethical standards. Together, we will identify your goals and develop a path forward that honours your strengths and resilience.”
[email protected]
Provisional Clinical Specialist
[email protected]
Melissa offers counselling services in English and has extensive experience working with interpreters for non-English speaking clients. She is a trauma-informed Social Worker providing compassionate, client-centred counselling services to individuals seeking support, healing, and growth. With extensive experience working in complex and high-risk environments, Melissa brings a grounded, thoughtful, and strengths-based approach to her practice. Melissa understands that reaching out for support can feel vulnerable. Her goal is to create a welcoming and safe space where you feel heard, respected, and valued. Melissa is committed to fostering an environment that is empathetic, non-judgemental, and culturally sensitive, where you can explore your experiences at your own pace.
“As a trauma-informed practitioner, I recognize the profound impact that life experiences can have on emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. My approach is rooted in safety, trust, collaboration, transparency, and empowerment. I work alongside you to build insight, strengthen coping strategies, and support meaningful change. I draw from evidence-informed practices tailored to your unique needs, whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, stress, or other personal concerns. I hold deep value and respect for diversity, inclusion, and ethical standards. Together, we will identify your goals and develop a path forward that honours your strengths and resilience.”
[email protected]
Juli Langille (she/her)- Certified Peer Support Worker
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Juli Langille is a Peer Support Worker at ATEN. Juli's approach is to meet people where they are without judgment or expectation, support them along their healing journey, and recognize and celebrate any movement in the right direction. Juli helps her peers set realistic goals they wish to achieve, such as work, school, relationships, physical or mental health, etc., and can help her peers break everything down into smaller, more manageable steps so the peer can move forward more comfortably.
Juli has had many lived experiences and is a survivor of multiple traumas. That said, she is in a very healthy mental health state of mind and living her best life. In fact, she now enthusiastically looks forward to what the future holds instead of just trying to survive day by day like she used to. Juli's passion is to help support others along their healing journey so that they can navigate it with more ease. She believes healing is possible and achievable for all.
Juli loves animals and nature and finds both to be her happy place. Her hobbies include foraging, gardening with a not-so-green thumb, rock hounding, beach walking, reading, and writing.
Lea-Ann Julian (she/her) - Co-Director & Office Administrator
[email protected]
Lea-Ann is the Co-Director & Office Administrator at the After Trauma Empowerment Network (ATEN) and the Violet Rose Gift & Thrift Shop. For nearly 4 years, she has helped create the welcoming, supportive environments that so many people have come to know and trust. From overseeing the day-to-day operations of both spaces to supporting staff, volunteers, clients, peers, and customers, Lea-Ann helps ensure that everyone who walks through the door is met with kindness, respect, and compassion.
Lea-Ann understands that healing often begins with feeling safe, seen, and heard. She is passionate about creating spaces where people feel a sense of belonging and are empowered to move at their own pace, make their own choices, and connect with others in ways that feel meaningful to them. Whether someone is visiting ATEN for support or stopping by the Violet Rose Gift & Thrift Shop, she strives to make every interaction one that fosters trust, dignity, and hope.
In addition to her operational leadership, Lea-Ann co-facilitates ATEN's monthly Seniors Group, where she enjoys creating opportunities for connection, shared experiences, and mutual support. She values the wisdom, resilience, and unique strengths that every person brings and believes that community grows through collaboration, understanding, and genuine human connection.
Known for her caring heart, approachable nature, and steady presence, Lea-Ann is committed to helping ATEN and the Violet Rose Gift & Thrift Shop remain spaces where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered. She is proud to be part of a team that walks alongside people on their healing journeys with compassion, respect, and hope.
[email protected]
Lea-Ann is the Co-Director & Office Administrator at the After Trauma Empowerment Network (ATEN) and the Violet Rose Gift & Thrift Shop. For nearly 4 years, she has helped create the welcoming, supportive environments that so many people have come to know and trust. From overseeing the day-to-day operations of both spaces to supporting staff, volunteers, clients, peers, and customers, Lea-Ann helps ensure that everyone who walks through the door is met with kindness, respect, and compassion.
Lea-Ann understands that healing often begins with feeling safe, seen, and heard. She is passionate about creating spaces where people feel a sense of belonging and are empowered to move at their own pace, make their own choices, and connect with others in ways that feel meaningful to them. Whether someone is visiting ATEN for support or stopping by the Violet Rose Gift & Thrift Shop, she strives to make every interaction one that fosters trust, dignity, and hope.
In addition to her operational leadership, Lea-Ann co-facilitates ATEN's monthly Seniors Group, where she enjoys creating opportunities for connection, shared experiences, and mutual support. She values the wisdom, resilience, and unique strengths that every person brings and believes that community grows through collaboration, understanding, and genuine human connection.
Known for her caring heart, approachable nature, and steady presence, Lea-Ann is committed to helping ATEN and the Violet Rose Gift & Thrift Shop remain spaces where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered. She is proud to be part of a team that walks alongside people on their healing journeys with compassion, respect, and hope.
Crystal Dimock (she/her) - Thrift Shop Associate
Hello, my name is Crystal Dimock. I am a retired Continuing Care Assistant
and have worked in the municipality of East Hants for over 19 years.
I was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder at age 22, and with
treatment, self-care, and learning to live in the moment, I have learned to live
a happy life with minimal anxiety.
My greatest accomplishment is being the proud mama of two amazing boys,
Aiden and Jaxon.
I enjoy everything outdoors. Fishing, hunting, and four-wheeling are some of
my favourite hobbies, but my passion is spending quality time & sharing
experiences with my family and loved ones.
Hello, my name is Crystal Dimock. I am a retired Continuing Care Assistant
and have worked in the municipality of East Hants for over 19 years.
I was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder at age 22, and with
treatment, self-care, and learning to live in the moment, I have learned to live
a happy life with minimal anxiety.
My greatest accomplishment is being the proud mama of two amazing boys,
Aiden and Jaxon.
I enjoy everything outdoors. Fishing, hunting, and four-wheeling are some of
my favourite hobbies, but my passion is spending quality time & sharing
experiences with my family and loved ones.
Karen Thompson (she/her) - Thrift Shop Associate
Hi! My name is Karen Thompson, originally from the Noel Shore, I have called Shubie my home for the last 23 years, and I love it!
I was fortunate to be a stay at home mom until both of my kids, Connor and Josie, went off to university.
I have volunteered over the last 15 years with the East Hants Soccer Club, as well as HERH Tigers girls soccer team, can you tell I am a soccer fanatic!
Giving my time to the community is important to myself as well as my family. When I am not volunteering, you will find me in the kitchen, cooking pickling or making my family's famous salsa, out on our sxs, or snuggled up with my two Great Danes.
Hi! My name is Karen Thompson, originally from the Noel Shore, I have called Shubie my home for the last 23 years, and I love it!
I was fortunate to be a stay at home mom until both of my kids, Connor and Josie, went off to university.
I have volunteered over the last 15 years with the East Hants Soccer Club, as well as HERH Tigers girls soccer team, can you tell I am a soccer fanatic!
Giving my time to the community is important to myself as well as my family. When I am not volunteering, you will find me in the kitchen, cooking pickling or making my family's famous salsa, out on our sxs, or snuggled up with my two Great Danes.
VOLUNTEERS
ATEN Board of Directors: Margaret Mauger, Tasha Head, Lucella Langille, Nicola MacLean, Glynn Irving, Lynne Smith, Kate Matthews (Zoom).
Darrell Mauger
Nancy Thomas