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 positive social change.
Learn how our Board and governance drive CCIA’s mission and impact.
JACQUELYN MICCOLIS (SHE/HER) | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jacquelyn Miccolis is the Founder and Executive Director of the Creative Community Impact Association (CCIA). She leads the organization with a blend of strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and a deep commitment to equity in the arts and community sectors. With more than a decade of experience, she is dedicated to creating inclusive creative spaces where people feel genuinely welcomed, connected, and empowered.
She launched Sparkles n’ Sawdust Studio, an award-winning brick-and-mortar arts space recognized for its meaningful community impact, and founded Supernova Events, a social enterprise focused on accessible, community-driven programming grounded in DEIA principles. Miccolis also served on the board of Nocturne: Art at Night Festival, contributing to initiatives that expanded accessibility and strengthened community engagement.
Jacquelyn holds diplomas in Office Administration and Community Development, and studied Psychology at Mount Saint Vincent University, where she earned an entrance scholarship. She has also completed training in inclusive facilitation and accessible design and is the author of Unfiltered Wisdom: A How-To Guide for Creative Entrepreneurs.
Beyond her work with CCIA, she is a multidisciplinary artist and committed community builder who takes pride in her Italian heritage. She brings warmth, integrity, and a strong commitment to inclusion to every project, championing creativity as a tool for connection, belonging, and positive community impact.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JAMES DOUCHER (HE/HIM) | CHAIR
James Doucher is a strategic business leader with over 30 years of experience leading finance organizations across North America. He is currently a Fractional CFO Consultant working with clients in Canada and the United States. After relocating to Halifax in 2024, James quickly immersed himself in the community as a co-organizer of DisruptHR, a member of the TEDx Argyle Street leadership team, and a Connector with Halifax Partnership.
While he admits, with a smirk, that he can’t sing, dance, or paint, James brings a creative mind, empathetic approach, and positive energy to CCIA. He has generously supported causes including children’s cancer organizations, child advocacy, and 2SLGBTQIA+ initiatives. Guided by inclusiveness, gratitude, and hopefulness, James applies these values to both his professional and volunteer work, helping build thriving, welcoming communities.
“Look back and be Grateful; Look ahead and be Hopeful; Look around and be Helpful.” – Paolo Coelho
KIRSTEN BASHIR (SHE/THEY) | TREASURER
Kirsten Bashir is passionate about making the arts accessible to all and believes that creativity, in all its forms and levels, deserves to be celebrated. With more than three years of experience in the financial sector and prior service as a board treasurer, Kirsten brings both professional expertise and a deep commitment to responsible, transparent stewardship to her role with the Creative Community Impact Association.
Based in Halifax, NS, Kirsten was educated at Dalhousie University. Her professional background includes work in finance, administration, and property management, where she has honed her skills in client relations and operations.
Beyond her professional work, she grounds herself in art. From painting, crocheting and knitting, and even making hand-sculpted pet mementos.
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.
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 applies her insight and energy to shaping 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.
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.
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 getting involved?