Our Team
Meet the passionate individuals who drive the creative impact at Creative Community Impact Association. Each member brings a unique perspective and expertise, contributing to our collective mission of fostering inclusive communities and driving social change.
STAFF LEADERSHIP
JACQUELYN MICCOLIS (SHE/HER) | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jacquelyn Miccolis is the Founder and Executive Director of the Creative Community Impact Association, combining strategic vision, hands-on leadership, and a passion for equity in the arts and community sectors. With over a decade of experience, she builds inclusive creative spaces where people feel a genuine sense of connection and belonging.
She launched Sparkles n’ Sawdust, an award-winning art studio recognized for its community impact, and founded Supernova Events, a social enterprise delivering accessible, DEIA-focused programming. She previously served as a Director on the Nocturne: Art at Night Festival board, supporting initiatives to expand accessibility and community engagement.
Jacquelyn holds diplomas in Office Administration and Community Development, and studied Psychology at Mount Saint Vincent University, earning an entrance scholarship. She has completed specialized training in inclusive facilitation and accessible design and is the author of Unfiltered Wisdom: A How-To Guide for Creative Entrepreneurs.
Outside of her leadership role, Jacquelyn is a multidisciplinary artist and committed community builder who takes pride in her Italian heritage. She brings heart, integrity, and approachability to every project, inspiring others to create more inclusive and connected communities where creativity thrives.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BRIAN CARSON (HE/HIM) | CHAIR
Brian Carson is a dynamic leader who brings together deep professional expertise in organizational change and a lifelong passion for the arts. He currently serves as a Change Manager at Scotiabank, where he has spent years leading teams, driving operations, and advancing strategic initiatives in the financial sector. His experience in planning, organization, and team leadership provides a strong foundation for his governance role with the Creative Community Impact Association.
A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Brian has been performing live since childhood and continues to nurture his artistic practice. His dual background in finance and music allows him to bridge structured organizational insight with creative vision.
As a neurodiverse professional, Brian is deeply committed to fostering inclusion and believes in the power of creativity to help individuals find and amplify their artistic voices. He is excited to contribute his skills and passion to advancing CCIA’s mission of building thriving, inclusive communities through the arts.
DITSHA FAIRUZ (SHE/HER) | SECRETARY
Ditsha Fairuz is a designer and creative thinker whose work explores the intersection of art, wellness, and social impact. With a Bachelor’s in Interior Design from Texas Tech University and experience shaping senior living spaces, Ditsha brings a unique perspective to the conversation around how environments influence human emotion, connection, and belonging. Her passion lies in reimagining physical spaces while also diving deep into human psychology and exploring the intricacies of spirituality, neuroscience, and philosophy.
She also achieved her Master’s degree in Business Administration from Saint Mary’s University, bridging the gap between strategic insight and creative vision. Currently, Ditsha is the Marketing and Communications Associate for Foreign Direct Investment at Halifax Partnership, where she brings her creative strategy and global perspective to positioning Halifax as a leading destination for business and innovation.
Ditsha views creativity not only as an expression, but also as a process, as neuroscience affirms, that strengthens the brain and fosters healing and empowerment. She also volunteers her time as a Communications Strategist for an AI-driven platform focused on women’s health, where she manages LinkedIn engagement and storytelling to support empowerment and wellbeing.
Joining the Board of Directors for the Creative Community Impact Association, she hopes to contribute her voice, ideas, and heart to ensuring the arts remain not only celebrated but also deeply impactful in the lives of individuals and communities.
ALAN PIPPY (HE/HIM) | TREASURER
Alan Pippy is a dedicated artist and skilled luthier with a lifelong commitment to craftsmanship, creativity, and hands-on work. His background includes a wide range of roles, from cook and labourer to warehouse worker and landscaper, all of which have shaped his practical mindset and grounded approach to problem-solving. Early in life, Alan worked alongside his father, a burner technician, which sparked his respect for skilled trades and technical precision.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Alan has contributed to bookkeeping and administrative work with Sparkles n’ Sawdust Studio, gaining valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of a creative small business. He is known for being reliable, trustworthy, and hard-working, qualities that inform his contributions to the board.
Currently working in landscaping, Alan brings real-world experience, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic to his role. His thoughtful, hands-on perspective supports the board’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable, creative community impact.
HEATHER WHITE BRITTAIN (SHE/HER) | DIRECTOR
Heather White Brittain is a seasoned arts leader with a strong focus on community engagement and building meaningful connections through the arts. She currently serves as Director of Development at the Imperial Theatre and has held senior fundraising roles with the YMCA of Greater Saint John and the Saint John Arts Centre, leading major capital and community-based initiatives.
She has contributed to the regional cultural landscape as an arts columnist and advocate. She divides her time between Nova Scotia and Saint John, New Brunswick, and brings a unique cross-regional perspective to her work.
Heather holds a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Saint Vincent University and is passionate about advancing the role of the arts in community development and social connection.
AUDRA MCCREESH (SHE/HER) | DIRECTOR
Audra McCreesh is a passionate business developer, HR strategist, and equity champion with over two decades of experience supporting inclusive workforce growth across Atlantic Canada and beyond. As the Founder and Senior Consultant of HR & IDEA Hub, she partners with businesses, governments, and communities to build innovative strategies rooted in equity, inclusion, and real-world results.
Audra is widely known as the driving force behind DisruptHR Halifax, a bold event series challenging the status quo in how we work, lead, and build workplace culture. She also specializes in Canada's Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy, helping defense contractors and their supply chains unlock economic development opportunities through meaningful Indigenous and community partnerships.
Deeply committed to systems-level impact, Audra brings her insight and energy to the Creative Community Impact Association Board of Directors to help shape vibrant, creative futures for all. Whether she’s delivering training on psychological health and safety or connecting entrepreneurs to defense sector opportunities, Audra leads with empathy, imagination, and a relentless belief in the power of inclusive innovation.
COLLEEN FAUSTINO SMALL (SHE/HER) | DIRECTOR
Colleen Fausino Small is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Occupational Health Nurse with more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, wellness, and workplace safety. She has always been driven by a passion for helping others and seeking creative ways to improve herself and the world around her.
Colleen has held leadership roles at Irving Shipbuilding, the Workers’ Compensation Board, and the Mentor Clinic, and brings a deep understanding of systems-level care, client advocacy, and community well-being. She is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Counselling at Acadia University.
A certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and yoga teacher-in-training, Colleen blends strategic thinking with mindfulness and empathy. Her work is rooted in whole-person wellness, collaboration, and a belief in the transformative power of creativity and connection.
She brings to the board a unique perspective that bridges healthcare leadership with values-driven innovation, community care, and personal expression.
KARLEE CAMPBELL (SHE/HER) | DIRECTOR
Karlee Campbell, based in Rockland, Ontario, is an experienced and creative people leader with a diverse background spanning sales, marketing, nonprofit organizations, and the digital sector. She is highly skilled in relationship building, problem-solving, career development, and conflict resolution, and brings a thoughtful, empathetic approach to leadership. As a queer woman in leadership, Karlee is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and contributing fresh perspectives to important conversations.
Karlee is one of our board members located outside Nova Scotia, reflecting our goal to expand the organization’s reach and impact across Canada.
An entrepreneur at heart, Karlee previously owned and operated a women’s self-defense boxing gym, where her work as both owner and coach reinforced the importance of courage, resilience, and community. She is also the author of All My Loves, a queer poetry collection that celebrates authenticity and creative expression.
Today, Karlee channels her passion for empathetic, truth-driven leadership into empowering others to live authentically. She believes that empathy, compassion, and inclusion are essential to shaping workplaces and communities where all people can thrive.
Interested in Making a Difference?
The Creative Community Impact Association (CCIA) is led by a passionate volunteer Board of Directors committed to building inclusive, creative communities across Canada. As a federally incorporated nonprofit, new directors are formally elected at our Annual General Meeting (AGM). If a seat becomes available before then, we may reach out to those who have expressed interest.
Board members can fulfil their role virtually, so we welcome applicants from anywhere in Canada.
What Board Membership Involves:
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Attending quarterly board meetings (virtual or in person)
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Providing strategic guidance and supporting CCIA’s organizational goals
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Assisting with fundraising, outreach, and advocacy when possible
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Maintaining open, respectful communication and following through on commitments
Who We’re Looking For:
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Passionate about inclusive, creative communities
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Experienced in leadership, arts, community development, nonprofit governance, fundraising, marketing, finance, or related areas
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Team players who value collaboration, integrity, and accountability
Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
At CCIA, we know that creativity and community are enriched by many voices and experiences. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, and especially encourage those who have been historically underrepresented in arts leadership, including (but not limited to) Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities.
If you would like to share how your identity or lived experience shapes your perspective, you are welcome to include this in your application. However, this is entirely optional. Above all, we value kindness, collaboration, and a shared commitment to building inclusive creative communities.
How to Express Interest
If this sounds like a good fit and you’d like to be considered for future board opportunities, please email info@creativecommunityimpact.ca with:
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A short introduction, including why you’d like to join the board
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Any relevant experience or skills
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Your availability and how you see yourself contributing
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Contact information (email and phone)
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Resume
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(Optional) Any self-identification you wish to share
We look forward to connecting with you and keeping you in mind for upcoming opportunities to help shape the future of CCIA.