CO-FOUNDER

Katie Mahoney is a Dalhousie graduate with a degree in Marine Biology and Sustainability. Although being a Marine Biologist was a childhood dream, her love and passion for seniors led her down her current path as the Co-Founder of We Are Young. Through life experiences, Katie has learned how valuable and inspiring our oldest generation is. WAY has given her the opportunity to showcase this within her community and has allowed her to give back to our seniors. For her, the positive impact of this organization is indescribable and truly rewarding.

Katie’s wish someday is to travel to Antarctica and spend several days playing in its’ ocean with leopard seals and orcas.

CO-FOUNDER

Cara Chisholm, or “mom” to her two beautiful children, grew up on beautiful Cape Breton Island where she met her husband, Lyndon. With a desire to help people and a thirst for knowledge, she graduated from Saint Francis Xavier University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition before moving to Halifax. With her drive to help others and passion for working with seniors, she continued her studies at Mount Saint Vincent University in Gerontology. She loves that she gets to follow her passions every day in a city that has welcomed her with open arms and has given her the motivation to follow her dreams.

Cara has always loved the thrill of a good adventure and her wish someday is to drive an exotic car around a race track as fast as she can go!

WISH DIRECTOR

Marie Boccabella has over 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having graduated from the Family Studies Program at Ryerson University. She is a proud mother of two daughters and two granddaughters. Marie first became involved with We Are Young while volunteering at the annual golf tournament, where she realized her desire to contribute on a greater level. As a Wish Director, she works closely with seniors, bring their wishes to life. Her dedication and care extends beyond We Are Young, having volunteered in various community projects supporting seniors and families.

Marie’s wish someday is to climb Machu Picchu, although she first aims to overcome her fear of heights!

Strategic Counsel, Major Gifts

Joanne Bath, hailing from small-town Newfoundland, values community and genuine relationships, which have shaped her rewarding career. As an experienced leader, she has dedicated much of her career to advancing philanthropy for life-changing causes across Canada, including health research, patient care and social impact. Joanne has held executive roles with the Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation and the IWK Foundation, where her leadership and vision have raised millions through innovative thinking and a people-centered approach. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Memorial University and certifications in fundraising and leadership. Joanne's leadership style fosters trust and empowerment, and entrepreneurial thinking. Having raised over $90 million for social change initiatives, she now brings her expertise in major gifts to We Are Young, focusing on building and stewarding partnerships that drive transformational impact.

CREATIVE LEAD / WISH COMMITTEE MEMBER

Chase Fitzgerald is a journalism graduate of the University of King’s College. Her talents lie in digital marketing and writing so it was only fitting that she joined our team as our Creative Lead. As a storyteller at heart, Chase supports WAY’s mission by sharing Wish stories across platforms with the organization’s community. With her desire to give back to the community, Chase is thrilled to support WAY’s mission and volunteer any way she can.

Chase’s wish someday is to travel to Cathedral Cove in New Zealand and plant herself where the Penvensie children stood in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. She believes if magic exists anywhere on earth, that’s probably a good place to start looking.

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

Angela is from Ontario and has lived in Nova Scotia for almost 25 years where she calls Bridgewater home. She is an Emergency Manager for Lunenburg County sharing preparedness messages with residents. She is a consummate volunteer having volunteered with the Canadian Red Cross, helping several emergency management association volunteer positions, and travelled to Thailand to assist Burmese refugees. She is also a volunteer with ElderDog Canada which supports seniors in the care and well-being of their canine companions. 

WISH COMMITTEE MEMBER

Lauren Bowes wears many hats, but her favorites are mom, wife and one of WAYs Wish Committee Members. A Southern who has embraced Northern life for over a decade, Lauren’s heart is a blend of Kentucky roots and Canadian spirit. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations from Kentucky Wesleyan College and worked in corporate marketing before finding her true passion in helping others and giving back to her community. Lauren has been dedicated to philanthropy throughout her adult life and discovered WAY through 100+ Women of Halifax. A wanderer at heart, Lauren has traveled the world but remains captivated by Iceland, where she spent 36 unforgettable hours seven years ago.

Lauren’s wish someday is to travel back to the land of ice and fire with her family to introduce her daughter to the rainbows, ponies, and blue lagoons that make the island so magical!

WISH COMMITTEE MEMBER

Lois Loewen is a retired librarian who spent over 20 years working at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography. Originally from Manitoba, she has lived in Nova Scotia for more than half her life, cherishing both the golden fields of sunflowers on the prairies and the crashing waves of the Atlantic. Lois has volunteered with seniors at Northwood and Victoria Hall, where she loved hearing the life stories of those she met. Alongside her partner, Andrea, Lois has co-sponsored refugees and continues to support newcomers adjusting to life in Halifax. Her passions include traveling, body surfing, lake swimming, Indigenous art, mosaic making, and being a dedicated member of the same book club for almost 20 years.

Lois’ wish someday is to see the northern lights in the Yukon, in the winter, from an airplane.

WISH COMMITTEE MEMBER

Laura Graves is the Corporate Strategy and Responsibility Coordinator for the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation. Throughout her career, she has excelled in various support roles, gaining experience as an event planner, budget coordinator, and project manager. Her passion for planning is especially evident in her love for organizing weddings. Laura grew up in Pictou County and attended St. Francis Xavier University, where she also began her career after graduation. Her roots in rural Nova Scotia have given her a deep appreciation for community involvement and the importance of giving back.

Laura’s wish someday would be to go to Dollywood and meet Dolly Parton.

WISH COMMITTEE MEMBER

Paula is a natural connector whose focus on getting things done is matched only by her zest for life. A proud Cape Bretoner, she is often described as an old soul with a laugh that warms any situation. With a deep passion for people and relationship-building, Paula loves to travel and explore the world whenever possible. Closer to home, she enjoys camping in her teardrop trailer with her partner David and their busy Rhodesian Ridgeback, Joey. Paula graduated from Saint Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. In addition to her career as an Associate Investment Advisor with Richardson Wealth, she serves on the Executive Board for the Halifax Estate Planning Council and acts as a “big couple” with David for their little brother Scott through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halifax. Her enthusiasm and commitment to community make her a valued asset to those around her.

Paula’s wish someday would be to broadcast the news as an anchor for a local television station!

WISH COMMITTEE MEMBER

Lisa MacPherson is a loyal friend dedicated to giving back to her community. Known for her commitment to making a positive impact, she invests her time and energy in fostering connections. Married to Blake for over 20 years, Lisa lives in Hammonds Plains, where she has raised two children, Ethan and Finlay. As a Librarian at a Halifax-area elementary and middle school, her respect for seniors and passion for inspiring youth led her to get involved with WAY. Her extensive volunteer efforts support various causes, including Feed Nova Scotia, SPCA, Ronald McDonald House, Run for the Cure, Halifax Shoebox Project, and the Mobile Food Market. When she’s not helping others, Lisa enjoys traveling, running marathons, and hiking with family and friends,

Lisa has an adventurous soul, so there’s not much she hasn’t tried, but her wish someday would be to go solo skydiving!