leadership
Jan Nass
Jan Nass has experienced both professionally and personally, how poverty directly impacts one’s ability to survive on a day-to-day basis without falling into despair.
“Poverty is the number one social determinant of Health.”
Jan became involved with Disability Without Poverty after experiencing both professionally and personally, how poverty directly impacts one’s ability to survive on a day-to-day basis without falling into despair.
Jan has a long-standing history of advocacy both as a former RN working with primarily extremely marginalized peoples, including those living with intersectional challenges: undiagnosed developmental disabilities, concurrent disorders (mental divergences and addictions), intergenerational trauma, residential school survivors and their families and newcomers to Canada.
Jan is also an active advocate for all services claiming to support people living with disabilities, to understand trauma, be educated about trauma, and to embrace a trauma informed culture.
“Trauma impacts us all, but some more so than others. Being trauma informed is not complicated. It is the essence of being a good human.”
Jan also raised a son who is on the autism spectrum. In her spare time Jan practices mixed media art, yoga, and, is just completing her Yoga Instructor Training.
Her children mean everything to her.
Jan is a knowledge seeker in Indigenous ways of knowing and living. She loves nature and believes in the interconnection of all beings. She practices a spirit of gratitude in her daily life.