Staff

  • 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

  • Hi, my name is Gina MacIsaac and I have worked with NAWN for nearly ten years as an administrative assistant.

    I am from Heatherton but grew up in Port au Port. In my spare time I like to knit, read and watch reality TV. 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

  • My name is Roxanne Letiec. My hobbies and interests include spending time with my family and taking vacations. I first started at NAWN in March 2018. I'm a Community-based Programmer/Mental Health Peer Supporter. My focus is to help others enjoy cultural teachings and provide tools to maintain their mental health. What I like about my job is teamwork and support. What I like about the organization is the continuous support given to the communities.

    Email: roxanne.nawn@gmail.com

    Phone: 709 643 1299

  • 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 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

  • 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

  • As the Advocacy Project Coordinator for the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network since February 2023, I am committed to strengthening our advocacy for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, with a focus on preventing gender-based violence. What I appreciate most about my job is the opportunity to work alongside amazing coworkers, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Craftspeople, and all those who participate in the many programs and services that NAWN provides.

    I was born and raised in Stephenville and now live with my husband and two teenage daughters. When I’m not at work, you will probably find me in the stands of a hockey stadium or baseball field, or at our little cabin. I enjoy the simple things in life, like the crackle of freshly lit kindling, the feel of homespun wool, clotheslines, and rocks and minerals. One of my favourite things about living in Bay St. George, is how I feel when I watch the Moon shining on St. George’s Bay and Long Gull Pond; it fills me up and gives me peace and connection and strengthens my dedication to improving the lives of others.

    Email: jeanettefrench.nawn@gmail.com

    Phone: 709 643 4563

  • 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