Program Instructors

NWCC Program Instructors

Meet our Program Instructors for Fall 2026

Margot Butler-Milller - Keep on Moving/Stretch and Unwind

My name is Margot Butler-Miller and I started teaching fitness 40 years ago at Ryerson University in Toronto. I taught there while attending Ryerson. Then I returned to my home in Halifax and continued teaching at Dalplex, The Mount, The Tower, and various other locations. I taught for many years and then I took 15 years "off" from teaching to raise 4 children. I then came back and started to teach seniors fitness with North Woodside Community Centre and the YMCA and haven't looked back. I have been teaching seniors for 10 years. I love the participants and I love teaching. I have just recently received my certification to teach people how to become fitness instructors for seniors.

Deborah Skilliter - Introduction to Yoga

I teach beginner yoga for the Centre. I offer lots of options and use supports like yoga blocks and chairs to help students explore yoga safely. I also incorporate Ayurveda, yoga’s sister science into the classes.

I have been teaching yoga for over 14 years and am certified at the 500 hour level, currently working on my 1,000 hour certification.

Jessica Goreham-Penney - Raise the LeBarre

Jessica has been a certified group fitness instructor with the Nova Scotia Fitness Association (where she is currently on the board of directors) since 2013 when she started teaching her Bellyfit women's cardio dance classes, and added Lebert Fitness LeBarre to her repertoire in 2014.

Jessica brings a welcoming atmosphere for exercisers of all skill and experience levels to her multi-level classes.

Marilyn Pellerine - Line Dancing

I have been teaching Line Dancing for 25 years and teaching all levels from Ultra Beginner to Intermediate to ages 6 to 91 years of age. Line Dancing is often associated with country music but is done to various music. As the name suggests, the dancers stand in single line or in multiple lines facing the same direction and perform the same steps in unison.

Facts about Line Dancing: great social activity and a way to meet new friends, helps with balance and boosts your mood!

Maggie Macdonald - Mmmvoin' with Maggie

This is a mindful multi-level barefoot dance/fitness class, set to inspiring music and choreography. Maggie has white belt, blue belt and moving to heal certifications in the Nia technique as well as a background in dance and physical theatre. Bring water, a mat (optional) and your fun spirit!

Maggie MacDonald lives in Dartmouth and has been teaching Nia since 2014.'

Patricia Power - Flex Yoga Chair Yoga with Pat / Active Chair Yoga with Pat

My name is Patricia Power. I have been teaching yoga at the North Woodside Community Centre since 2020. I am a 500 hour registered yoga teacher with additional training in gentle and chair yoga as well as chair yoga dance. I feel that the benefits of yoga should be available to everyone and offer a variety of options in my classes so that all can comfortably practice in a manner that honours their body, mind and spirit. Outside of teaching yoga, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, traveling and learning more about yoga and meditation.

Dale Smith - Ukulele
For nine years, Dale Smith taught at the Centre Ukulele program as part of a father-and-daughter teaching team. Dale now leads the Beginner Ukulele program on his own.
Beginner students start by learning basic chords and easy songs before progressing to additional. Dale strives to include songs that everyone in the group will enjoy, creating a welcoming and engaging learning experience. Each session is designed to encourage laughter, build connections, and make learning the ukulele fun for everyone.

Tina Richardson - Let's Get Cooking

I am Tina Richardson and I have been the cooking instructor for the children’s “Cooking for Kids” program at the North Woodside Community Centre since 2015. I have been cooking/baking myself since I was thirteen years old. My mother went to work and I would help prepare the meals for the family. I believe learning to cook is an essential life skill that we should all possess.

I have my Early Childhood Education degree and worked in a daycare for over 15 years. I believe my experience with children and love of cooking contributes to the success of this program.

Jack Godfrey - Tai Chi /Qigoing

When the Beatles went to India to practice yoga Jack started practicing at home. He added Qigong and Tai Chi to his mindfulness based practice in 2013.

Jack taught Yoga, Qigong and Tai Chi at Sunrise Yoga from 2004 until the studio closed in 2020 following the COVID-19 pandemic.

He has completed 200 hour yoga teacher certification as well as 500 hour Qigong certification. He is currently working on completing his 1000 hour Qigong certification.

Jack has used these practices to heal his physical body, improve the flow of qi and focus his mind. He has helped others to heal their own bodies as well.

Jack is also an avid knitter creating mittens, hats, socks and other items for his friends and the North Dartmouth Food Bank.

Holly Blackler - Guitar

I have been playing guitar for a number of years.

There is nothing more soothing than sitting down and playing a few tunes by myself or with friends.

I like to teach because it is so rewarding to see someone progress from having no experience to being able to play a song. From there the sky's the limit.

Samara Hudson-Ash - Children's Hip Hop

Samara Hudson-Ash is a competitive hip-hop dancer with Onset Hip-Hop Company and a passionate instructor who brings energy, creativity, and discipline to every class.

Samara is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Saint Mary’s University and is entering her third year. Alongside her studies, she is deeply involved in youth and community work. Each year, she speaks at the Afrocentric Cohort Summit, where she mentors African Nova Scotian students on embracing cultural identity and exploring different approaches to learning.

With a strong background in both dance and youth engagement, Samara creates a fun, supportive, and empowering space for every dancer she works with.

Jan Claes - Beginner French Conversation Class

It is fair to say that languages have been my life-long passions. I have been teaching French as a second (or additional) language for over 40 years: high school, junior high school, immersion, Core French, Halifax Regional school system, private school, university-level and adult learners. As a life-long language learner myself (French, Gaelic – very briefly! – and currently Spanish), I have developed through my own experiences an appreciation for what has been helpful in my own learning and what not so much.

My beginner French conversation class – “Oui, je peux!/Yes,I can!” – brings together some of my favourite techniques for helping learners new to French (or those starting again) to build their confidence steadily and comfortably.