Russ Sanche

Executive Director

Russ Sanche is the Executive Director of the Portal Youth Outreach Association. Russ brings over 35 years of experience in leadership training, community transformation, and advocacy for youth.  He has worked in various cultures and nations, creating the space to help young people to face obstacles, share their stories, take charge, and give back to their community.  In Nova Scotia, through The Portal, Russ and his team, reaches out to youth that have been marginalized, exploited, homeless, stressed and challenged. They help them to navigate through the system, getting the support they need, and rise to a better life. The hope is end homelessness in the Annapolis Valley by 2028. Building collaborative networks, challenging the status quo, and working to see a compassionate community is Russ’s passion. Russ and his wife Cynthia are parents to four justice minded daughters who will likely surpass him in accomplishments for those that face injustice. 

 Melinda Daigle

Youth Outreach Worker

Melinda Daigle has lived in the Maritimes for much of her life. She comes from a military family, and together they moved to the beautiful province of Nova Scotia when she was barely a teenager. After high school Melinda went to university and studied, among other things, youth and families. Both in her undergrad and in seminary Melinda had a heart for children and youth. After graduating from Acadia Divinity College, Melinda flew out west, to Edmonton, to work with high risk kids though a local non-profit. Melinda spent years living in Edmonton, building a community, and working hard with kids and their families. After about 7 years Melinda started feeling the tug to head back ‘home’ to the Annapolis Valley. So she packed up her things, gave away some furniture, and grabbed her dog to set out on another adventure. In the summer of 2019 Melinda and Kevin (her beloved dog) were back in the Valley, close to family and old friends. To give you a rounder view of who Melinda is, here are some random facts about her: she loves to crochet, read, and hang out with her pets (Kevin the dog and Carnivore the cat). She loves exploring the local walking trails up by her house on the North Mountain. She also has an embarrassing love of pop music and action movies. Her family and her pets mean the world to her.

Graysen Lynn Parker

Youth Outreach Worker

Graysen Lynn Parker,  was born and raised in the Annapolis Valley. After leaving for a few years to work on her degree from UNB, she returned home with her newest family member, Stark. Stark (pictured with me) is a 1.5 year old Golden Doodle and is her most prized possession. She spent the last few years working with the L'Arche Community in Wolfville as well as in Fredericton, NB and has a passion for making sure that everyone has a voice and is able to make it heard. She enjoys going to the gym, watching/playing sports and relaxing while watching a good movie!

Kelly McGregor

Housing Locator

Kelly McGregor comes to The Portal from Calgary, Alberta where she has spent over 10 years working in the mental health and addiction field. Kelly worked for a non-profit organization that housed adults exiting homelessness and worked to connect them to the wider community. Kelly has has also worked with women exiting sexual exploitation and adults transitioning out of psychiatric wards. Kelly believes that belonging and community are key to healing and both the prevention and elimination of homelessness. 

On a personal level, Kelly lives with her husband, Daniel, and her dog, Huxley. She loves most things to do with exercise including volleyball, soccer, rock climbing, boxing and hiking.

Amanda Haslett