December 4, 2025
The Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority (APSEA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Melina Kennedy as Superintendent.
Melina brings over fifteen years of progressive leadership experience in education, public service, and community development across Nova Scotia. A proud African Nova Scotian from East Preston, she has built a career dedicated to advancing equity, inclusion, and accessibility in education. Most recently, Melina served as Director of the African Canadian Services Branch within the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, where she led a team responsible for curriculum development, professional learning, and policy review. Her work has focused on embedding culturally relevant pedagogy and anti-Black racism practices across the education system.
Throughout her career, Melina has demonstrated exceptional skill in managing complex relationships and navigating political dynamics with diplomacy and tact. She has led province-wide equity initiatives, worked closely with staff to strengthen departmental efficiencies, and fostered collaboration across jurisdictions. Previously, as Provincial Mathematics Lead, she directed curriculum and resource development from Pre-Primary to Grade 12 and coordinated strategic planning across Atlantic Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her earlier roles as Vice Principal and Mathematics Support Specialist reflect her deep understanding of classroom realities and her commitment to student success.
“We are delighted to welcome Melina Kennedy as APSEA’s next Superintendent,” said Ryan Donaghy, Chair of the APSEA Board of Directors and Deputy Minister of New Brunswick’s Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. “Melina’s proven ability to lead complex, equity-focused initiatives, combined with her deep understanding of inclusive education and governance, positions her perfectly to advance APSEA’s mission. We are confident that under her leadership, APSEA will continue to deliver high-quality, accessible services to children and youth across Atlantic Canada.”
Beyond her professional achievements, Melina is an active community leader, serving as Board Chair of the Boys & Girls Club of Preston and as a former Treasurer of the Black Educators Association Executive Committee. Melina has a Master of Education in Lifelong Learning from Mount Saint Vincent University, a Bachelor of Education from St. Francis Xavier University, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of King’s College.
“I am honoured to join APSEA and lead an organization that plays such a vital role in supporting learners who are blind, have low vision, Deaf, or hard of hearing,” said Melina Kennedy. “APSEA’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility aligns deeply with my own values. I look forward to working with the Board, staff, families, and partners across the Atlantic provinces to strengthen collaboration, innovate in service delivery, and ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
The Board extends its sincere appreciation to the APSEA team for their continued dedication and to all partners who support APSEA’s mandate. Melina officially assumes her role as Superintendent on January 5, 2026.