Our Governance
The Pagan Assembly of Nova Scotia is governed by a set of By-Laws based on a framework required by the government of the Province of Nova Scotia. Our by-laws set forth our rules and regulations for members, statement of inclusivity and mission, the board of directors, the election of officers, requirements and regulations for the ordination of clergy, governance of recognized clergy and our finances among other items.
Our Team
Brian Larter - Chair
Having discovered paganism in 2000 Brian Larter has been an active member in the local pagan and international Druid communities. Currently, the Regional Druid for Eastern Canada in ADF as well as the deputy to the chief for the Regional Druid and Senior Druid Council, Brian believes strongly in the Pagan community and supporting those within.
Gwen Armshaw - Vice Chair / Chaplain
Gwen Armshaw has been a practising pagan for over thirty years. Gwen has held executive roles in the Maritime Pagan Gathering and Festival Association, performed officiant services for the Universalist Unitarian and Pagan communities, provided pastoral care services in the HRM, facilitated educational events and currently serves as a Pagan Chaplain within the federal prison system. Balancing her personal practice and her commitment to her faith community has been the work of decades.
Romney Rivers - Chaplain
Romany Rivers is a British-born and educated Pagan Priestess and Reiki Master, a former representative of The Pagan Federation in England, and Co-Founder of Moon River Wicca. She has worked with Prison systems, Hospitals, Hospices, Libraries, Universities, Radio Networks, and Home Education groups providing education, assistance and spiritual support. Her previous award-winning business in England provided a coffee shop and safe space for diverse groups, a holistic centre, social/ritual events and an eclectic faith store.
As a Pagan author, Romany is well known for contributing to many Pagan Devotionals and books, such as “Witchcraft Today: 60 years on” and “Moon Poets”, as well as her own works. Her book “The Woven Word ” provides an excellent resource for the use of poetry and language in rituals and celebrations, and led to the nickname ‘The Poet Priestess’.
Romany has travelled the world, studying religion and faith in many cultures, and moved to Nova Scotia in 2010 where she raises her children and provides community support.
Margo Melansan - Purse Warden
Margo arrived in Nova Scotia in 1988 and discovered Paganism shortly thereafter. She was hired at Little Mysteries Books when it moved into its larger Barrington Street location. While working there for eight years, she was very active in the pagan community at large, both inside and out of the bookstore. After attending the Avalon East Pagan Gathering for many years, she served on the board with turns as both volunteer coordinator and registrar. She also guests hosted with Maeve on The Witching Hour for many years at CKDU, Dalhousie University's student community radio station.
Though leaving the bookstore lessened her participation in the greater community, she was still very involved in a local women’s circle, a circle that has been going for almost 20 years with a consistent group of core members. After joining the local (or Halifax) podcast, Three Witches and a Druid, Margo realized that once again working with the greater community would fulfil her need for service. She is pleased to bring her small business (accounting) knowledge to the treasurer position.
Karen Larter - Scribe
Karen has been a practicing pagan for over twenty years. She is a member of the Grove of Nova Scotia Druids, an ADF grove. Karen works in Human Resources for a not for profit and in her spare time volunteers supporting member of the community with resume and interview preparations.
Giles Crouch - Media Coordinator
Giles has been a practising pagan for a decade and a Druid on the path to ordination. He is a member of ADF and a member of the NS Grove of Druids. Giles is a digital anthropologist and CIO working at the intersection of humans and technology. He has also worked extensively in public affairs and marketing communications.
Heidi Lynn - Volunteer Coordinator
Heidi-Lynn has been a practicing Eclectic Pagan for 8 years, and has stepped into her gift of Mediumship, as well as teaching it to those who need to hone & understand their gifts that fall under the "Clair's" A caregiver in long-term in her off hours & a coordinater for projects. Heidi-Lynn believes strongly in bringing people of all paths together in unification.
Amy Tyson Fader - Welcome Coordinator
An East Coast Witch through and through, Amy was born and raised in Nova Scotia where she has been a part of the local Pagan community to varying degrees since roughly 2004.
She had the privilege of working at Little Mysteries for her first job (yes, with Margo!), interacting with and helping folks from all walks of life at the store. As a founding member of the now-dissolved Nova Scotia Pagan Alliance, and a former member of the MPGFA (Maritime Pagan Gathering Festival Association), she is no stranger to working with and creating events for the public. She is also involved with the Temple of Witchcraft, as a W2 graduate of the mystery school.
Amy believes that diversity and inclusion through a common unity is the very definition of community, and is looking forward to working with others to create a vibrant and diverse space for local pagans to enjoy.
