Rayann Toner named new Tearmann executive director

NEW GLASGOW — The Tearmann Society for Abused Women has named a 15-year veteran of social justice work as their new executive director.

Trenton native Rayann Toner is taking over as executive director, effective July 26, announced Tearmann Chair Jessie Parkinson in a July 14 release.

Toner has held management and leadership positions in the shelter sector including acting executive director of the Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter (CAWES) for the last three years, executive director with the Pictou County Centre for Sexual Health as well as member positions with the Nova Scotia Sexual Health Association and the Alberta Council of Women Shelters.

“Rayann is a trusted, respected leader and strategic thinker with impressive experience in the domestic violence and violence against women sector,” says Parkinson. “She is an effective collaborator with strong leadership skills and a proven track record at building and nurturing stakeholder and community partnerships.”

A graduate of both St. Francis

Xavier University and St. Thomas University with bachelor of arts degrees in criminology and political science, Toner has presented at two World Conference of Women

Shelters in Den Hague, The Netherlands, in 2016 and Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in 2020.

“I am excited to return to my beloved home community of Pictou County and thrilled to represent Tearmann Society as the incoming executive director.” Rayann Toner

In 2014, she received the Central Alberta Frontline Services Awards for her work in the field of domestic violence.

“I am excited to return to my beloved home community of Pictou County and thrilled to represent Tearmann Society as the incoming executive director,” Toner said.