Council / Staff

Originally from the Woodstock area, Nick now lives outside Fredericton with his wife and two young children, one of whom has Down syndrome and autism. He has been involved in many different boards and committees relating to people with disabilities, including serving on the board of the Fredericton & Area Down Syndrome Society, chairing the organizing committee of the 2014 Canadian Down Syndrome Conference and coaching Challenger Baseball.

Nick has a keen interest in digital technology and how it can be used to engage citizens with disabilities. He has a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science as well as a Masters of Education from UNB. His professional background includes online learning, telecommunications, and public sector process re-engineering.

Kanza A Hashmat is graduate researcher at University of New Brunswick (UNB) at department of Interdisciplinary Studies (IDST), her research focuses on seeking, engaging, and retaining the services for immigrants on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in New Brunswick (NB).

She is a medical graduate and has extensive personal and professional experience working with people with Autism, their support networks, and other stakeholders. She has served on boards of Multicultural Association of NB, Fredericton Regional Museum, and Graduate Student Association (GSA) UNB.

 She has received Community leadership award from the federal government for spear-heading social platforms for immigrant communities, Disability Champion Award for her work with immigrant communities with special needs, Stepping up for NB from the province for her work during COVID pandemic with marginalized communities, and Unsung hero award from the city for her work as  to acknowledge her efforts to help build and shape the community, helping bolster the work of social groups and organizations that offer recreational, cultural, or charitable services to the community.

She is happily married to a wonderful person a UNB alumni and Professional Engineer (P. Eng) by trade. They are proud parents of two wonderful kids. One of them who is a motivation for the research around Autism spectrum disorders.

She believes strongly in empowering people with disabilities to reach their full potential and looks forward to being part of a team that is focused on improving the quality of lives of people with disabilities.

Kailha Winter-Smith was born and raised in Cornwall Ontario.  She is a mother of an amazing child with Autism, married to a wonderful husband Jason, and daughter to a mother who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Through all her experiences: personal, educational, and professional she was drawn to the field of Disability. Kailha moved to New Brunswick in 2010.  She has been immersed in the field of Disability and Assistive Technology for most of her life. She graduated from Ryerson University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies. She then continued her education through Cambrian College where she obtained her Applied Learning Disability Certificate specializing in Learning Strategies and Assistive Technology (AT). Kailha is not only a professional in the field, but also a user of AT since the 2000’s. While pursuing her education, Kailha worked at St. Lawrence College and Queens University at their AT centers preparing documents in alternative formats and providing support to others using AT. She has been an advocate in the field since the 2000’s speaking to others about her journey living with learning disabilities and sharing her struggles and many successes.  Prior to her current position at UNB Fredericton, she worked and volunteered with many different organizations including Easter Seals New Brunswick and the Learning Disability Association of New Brunswick. Kailha was a Champion for Inclusion sharing her story to others through the province. She also worked at the Neil Squire Society for four years as one of their Assistive Technology and Learning Disability specialists. She currently sits on an Advisory Committee for the Transition Resource Guide for students with Disabilities, for Ontario student’s transition to Post Secondary studies. She has a passion for the field of technology and disability and enjoys being able to help others find ways to overcome barriers and be successful. When she is not working as an Assistive Technologist at UNB, she is a commanding officer of a local Army Cadet Corps and teaches figure skating.

Christyne Allain is a strategic leader with over twenty years working with the government and fifteen years of experience advancing the cause for persons with disabilities in the province of New Brunswick. As Executive Director of the Premier’s Council on Disabilities, Christyne is primarily responsible for the general operations of the organization, supporting the Chairperson and Council in the realization of its mission.

Christyne specializes in public relations, government and community engagement, partnership development, council recruitment, and possesses a keen interest in interpersonal communications and leadership. Christyne obtained her Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Psychology and Gerontology from St. Thomas University and continued her education in effective communications through the University of Sherbrooke.

A native of Fredericton and a strong believer in collaboration, community volunteerism, the importance of respecting others and developing strong relationships. Christyne has also worked with the Department of Health, Provincial Epidemiology Services, the Commission on Legislative Democracy, Literacy NB, and the Department of Finance.

Mark joins the Council with twenty years of experience in several government departments and agencies, most recently with the New Brunswick Community College.  During this time, Mark has led or participated in many provincial consultation and engagement initiatives on varied topics, including rural development, indigenous issues and the volunteer sector.  He has also worked in the private sector as a management consultant, primarily working with clients in the healthcare, education and non-profit sectors.

Christie joined the Premier’s Council in July 2021. Before that, Christie worked within the New Brunswick Public Library Service and at Mactaquac Provincial Park. She also volunteers with several organizations including ElderDog and CARMA, helping people and pets in the community.

Christie graduated from the University of New Brunswick in May 2019 with her Bachelor of Science. During her time at UNB, Christie satisfied her diverse interests by taking courses in Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy, and English as well as the prescribed Science courses.

Christie is most looking forward to being able to work with clients and improve accessibility for New Brunswickers with disabilities.

Jillian joined Premier’s Council on Disabilities in July 2021. Prior to joining the Premier’s Council staff, Jillian worked within Finance and Treasury Board, Revenue Administration Division and then moving to Justice and Public Safety as a Board Enforcement Agent, helping New Brunswickers with their travel plans to our province. Jillian has a bright outlook on life and has always wanted to make a positive impact in the lives of New Brunswickers.

She is looking forward to helping clients and is excited about her new role in making a difference in the lives of New Brunswickers with disabilities.