Board of Trustees' Biographies

Heather Mullen (she/her) - Zone 5, Chair

Heather Mullen is a longtime advocate for students and schools across PEI. From participating at local home and schools since 2010 and serving as the President of the PEI Home and School Federation in 2020-22. Heather sees the challenges we face in our communities and knows how important it is that we get this work right. Heather has two students within the Charlottetown area schools and continues to volunteer within their schools and on various community boards. Heather looks forward to working with families, the community, and fellow Trustees to provide our children with safe, welcoming, and well-maintained educational environments.

Stephanie Arnold (settler, they/them) - Appointed, Zone 4, Vice Chair

Stephanie holds an unwavering commitment to building community resilience. Their strength is combining different perspectives and knowledges by uplifting community voices and ideas. This allows co-creation of meaningful, long-term solutions for difficult problems. Island youth are bright and capable, but they face barriers and challenges. Stephanie wants to give the students, schools, and communities across the Island the voice and agency to shape the education system. By working together - and in collaboration with other government departments and education partners - better solutions and futures for all become possible.

As part of their commitment to building community resilience, they serve on several other boards and councils, including as President of BIPOC USHR's board, Chair of the Provincial Anti-Racism Table, and Member at Large of Rustico Ringette Association's board. Stephanie holds a BASc degree in Chemical Engineering and an MBA degree from the University of Toronto. Their PhD research on climate change adaptation earned them recognition as a Top 25 "Emerging Thought Leader" from Women in International Security (WIIS) Canada.

Beverley Ann Boulter - Zone 1

Beverley Ann Boulter is a born and raised Islander, recently retired from a twenty plus year career as an Educational Assistant with the Public Schools Branch of PEI. Leaving a background in legal administration, she returned to school and graduated from the Institute of Human Services in Truro, Nova Scotia with honour distinction and as a bursary recipient. 

Beverley is a strong supporter of community projects and organizations and has served in official capacity on numerous local and provincial boards. Presently she is an active member of the West Prince Chamber of Commerce, Summerside Branch of 100 Women Who Care, Friends of O’Leary Library, West Prince Holland College Advisory Board, and a Director with PEI Agricultural Crop Insurance Corporation. Previous executive positions include Home and School, O’Leary Farmers Coop, West Prince Women in Support of Agriculture, and Community School.

Combined with the role of farmwife, proud mother of four grown children and delighted grandmother of ten, Beverley continues to strongly support her church in numerous capacities and can be found at many local sporting events. Besides their soybean and blueberry production, her farm family graciously hosts visitors to their Maple Syrup Sugar Bush each spring revitalizing the farm to table concept. 

Travel, biking, reading, music, sports, boating and country living are a few of Beverley’s favourite things. Children have been a mainstay in her personal and professional life and maintaining a safe, positive learning environment for each and every Island child is one of her priorities. 

Beckie Keezer - Zone 2

Beckie moved to Summerside PE in January 2012 with her husband and two children. Since then she had two more kids and was a full-time stay-at-home mom to 4 little kids. Now Beckie works full time in the financial industry while raising 4 bigger kids. She was a Financial Advisor with TD bank until 2018 and took a role as Manager of Customer experience in 2019. She managed a branch of 10 staff during 2020 and successfully navigated rapid changes and implemented systems all while keeping the staff healthy and the branch in business.

In 2022 Beckie took a term position with Farm Credit Canada as a Relationship Management Associate. She spent a year working with her field team to support farmers their Agriculture lending needs. Beckie is currently taking a year to adjust to PSB trustee and keeping up with four busy kids. 

Beckie is passionate about our education system in PEI. After what our schools have been through, post pandemic mental health supports are top of mind. As trustee she will be pushing for policies that ensure a safe environment for all children to learn & grow. She wants to see schools be a place where kids can be their authentic selves; a place that nourishes young minds. Beckie is determined to identify opportunities where provincial funding can go to the people and programs that matter!

Rachel McCarthy - Zone 3

While studying for her Bachelor of Science (Hons) and Education degrees from the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), Rachel also played on the UPEI Women’s Soccer Team. During her last few years of studies, she joined the Naval Reserve, working and training part time to become a Naval Communicator. This led her to serve sailing on the East Coast of Canada and States along with travelling the world playing on the Canadian Women’s Military Soccer Team.

Rachel has taught at Miscouche Consolidated and both Kinkora and Kensington Intermediate High schools. Deciding to step away from the classroom to balance raising her young family, she continued serving part time for the Royal Canadian Navy. In her 19th year with the Forces, she is the current Operations Chief and Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Command Advisory Team at HMCS Queen Charlotte in Charlottetown.

Residing in Kensington with her Husband and 5 children, Rachel and her family are the most current of several family generations to have lived and carried out their foundational education on Prince Edward Island. In her community she is involved with youth soccer as a volunteer coach and is an overall leader for the Kensington 4H Club. During the winter months she cheers on her littles hockey teams and enjoys running and training year-round. 

To Rachel, children are this world’s treasures and providing an education and environment where each has everything they need to thrive, is key to happy and fulfilled lives.

Jaclyn Massey - Zone 4 

Jaclyn Massey was born and raised on PEI.  She grew up in Charlottetown where she attended the Colonel Gray family of schools.  She continued her education at UPEI where she graduated with a Bachelor of Education specializing in teaching French as a second language. After graduation, she taught for a short time in our public school system before deciding to step away from the workforce and focus on raising her young family.

She currently resides in Cornwall with her husband and four young children. Jaclyn is active in her community both through her local church and the sporting community.  She is the co-owner of a construction company and a proud stay at home mom. She believes strong education is the foundation of a healthy future for our children and will be working hard to ensure both students and educators have the support they need for success. 

Jaclyn is very excited and honoured to be representing the Bluefield family of schools as a trustee on the Public Schools Branch Board of Trustees.  She will be working hard as the voice for parents and students in the community.  She feels passionately that our school system needs support and resources to provide the best possible education for our students.  She is strong in her convictions and approaches everything with kindness and compassion.

Amanda Blakeney (she/her) - Zone 5

Amanda Blakeney (she/her) is honoured to represent the residents of Zone 5 as Public Schools Branch Trustee.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Amanda acknowledges that she lives and works in Epekwitk, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people.

Amanda is strongly committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, especially as it relates to the inclusion of vulnerable students and students with disabilities. Her priorities as Trustee will be to ensure that PSB schools are truly safe and caring learning environments for all.

In her current role as Legal Officer with the Prince Edward Island Human Rights Commission, she focuses on investigating human rights complaints, analyzing and applying human rights case law, drafting written decisions and representing the PEI Human Rights Commission at human rights panels and in all levels of court.

Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Prince Edward Island, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of New Brunswick.

Currently, Amanda sits on the Board of Directors of the PEI Rape and Sexual Assault Centre (PEIRSAC). She also acts as a public representative on the Council of the College of Counselling Therapy of Prince Edward Island, and sits on their Complaints Investigation Committee.

A lifelong resident of Epekwitk, she currently resides with her family, including one child, in Stratford. 

Wade Czank - Zone 6

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve as the Public Schools Branch Trustee for Zone 6.  I took my campaign very seriously and I look forward to working to improve our present education system moving into the future.”

Wade grew up a city boy in Vancouver and moved to PEI over 20 years ago.  He lives in Uigg with his wife and 17 year old son. During the day, he works for Saltwire Inc. as a District Manager for Eastern PEI.  In his spare time Wade can be found at the hockey rink, golf course, rearranging his Elvis memorabilia, or building a new shed in his yard. 

His former work experience and education has centred around finances, collections, and information technology.  He also currently serves as Vice Chair on the board of Sir Andrew MacPhail Foundation. Previously he served as the registrar on the  Pownal Minor Hockey Association Board,  Provincial Treasurer for the Knights of Columbus and has volunteered as a leader with 4-H and Junior Achievement. Through these experiences, Wade has gained skills and competencies which will help him in the role of Trustee. 

Wade is an easygoing individual and welcomes communication from Educational stakeholders.

Jocelyne Ludgate - Zone 7

Jocelyne Ludgate was born and raised in Blooming Point, and grew up in the Morell family of schools.  She now resides in the community of Morell with her husband and two children.  Jocelyne loves supporting her children’s passion for baseball, hockey and dance.  After a 13-year career as a Registered Massage Therapist, Jocelyne became an active partner in her husband’s gas fitting business.   

Outside of work and being an active volunteer in her children’s activities, live music and numerous community initiatives, Jocelyne has spent the last four years advocating for Suicide Prevention and Life Promotion.  One of her projects was helping update a package to support children and youth who have lost a loved one to suicide.  Most recently she became a member of Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention – People Impacted by Suicide Working Group.  Jocelyne is very passionate about the well-being of others, especially the importance of providing children with the best opportunities for growth.   

Jocelyne looks forward to serving the Mt. Stewart, Morell and Souris school communities.  She is committed to her belief in a safe and inviting space for all children and youth, and that all students have the same opportunities to grow and learn.   

Jacob Jadis - Appointed, Epekwitk Assembly

Jacob Jadis is a councillor for Abegweit First Nation. Jacob was also a local entrepreneur with a decade of experience owning and operating a small business in Charlottetown. He brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and direction to his role as a trustee. In addition to being elected as a councillor in 2015, Jacob also serves on the boards for L'nuey and the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI. His continued commitment to positive change for the Island Mi'kmaq and surrounding communities has helped drive successful partnerships and long-lasting developments for Islanders and his local community. Despite his busy schedule, Jacob always finds time for his passions, which include softball, coaching, and being involved in local island activities.

Jodi Zver - Appointed, Zone 5

Jodi was born and raised in Marshfield, PEI. She obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration from Mount Saint Vincent University, went on to obtain her Chartered Accountant designation while working with Ernst & Young in Toronto, and is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors. Jodi returned home to PEI in 2004. She resides in Mermaid with her husband and three teenage children.

Jodi has been involved with Home & School since her oldest child entered school. She was the treasurer of Glen Stewart Primary Home & School and the Chairperson of Stratford Elementary Home & School. During this time Jodi was actively involved in fundraising for the new playground at Stratford Elementary and was a member of the steering committee for the new addition at Stratford Elementary.  She has also volunteered for Pownal Minor Hockey Association and Stratford Soccer Association, managing her children’s teams.

Jodi is the Chief Financial Officer at Confederation Centre of the Arts, a position she has held for 14 years, and has run her own consulting business. Working at Confederation Centre, Jodi knows and appreciates the importance of access to the arts. In her role, she is responsible for financial budgeting and reporting, including oversight of operations, marketing, and development, is a key leader in strategic planning and policy development and is actively involved with governance work. 

Jodi very strongly believes that education is the key to a healthy society and looks forward to leveraging her in-depth work experience, years of volunteer work, and passion for education in carrying out her role as a Trustee for the PSB.