Meet the Team

Cassidy O’Hearn (she/her) is a Health Promoter in PEI’s Chief Public Health Office. As a Registered Nurse, Cassidy has had the opportunity to work in a variety of health care settings which has given her a unique perspective on health and wellness. This perspective has fueled her passion for taking proactive approaches to health by focusing on healthy behaviors, creating supportive environments, and advocating for supportive policies. Cassidy works in many areas of health promotion with a focus on physical activity (Move Well). She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UPEI and a Master’s in Public Health with Specialization in Nursing from Lakehead University. In her free time, Cassidy enjoys spending time with family and friends and going for walks on PEI’s Confederation Trail.

Lydia Schurman (she/her) is the Prevention & Planning Officer in PEI’s Chief Public Health Office. She comes from a background in laboratory medicine, where she witnessed firsthand the impact of chronic disease. This sparked her passion for disease prevention and continues to motivate her advocacy for healthy public policies, promotion of healthy behaviors, and work in building supportive environments. Lydia works in multiple areas of health promotion and manages the Live Well PEI social media accounts (give us a follow!). She holds a Master’s in Pathology from the University of Calgary and an Honors Biology degree from St. FX University. Outside of work, she enjoys playing and coaching hockey, and spending time with family and friends.

Cody Davenport (he/him) is a Research Project Lead in PEI’s Chief Public Health Office. Cody leads the COMPASS research project which focuses on evaluating how real-world changes in programs, policies, or built environment resources within or surrounding schools are related to changes in youth risk factors and outcomes (i.e., tobacco and e-cigarette use, obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, screen time, alcohol use, marijuana use, bullying, and mental health) over time. Cody has a Master of Science in Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation from the University of Alberta, and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of New Brunswick. Cody enjoys spending his weekends with his family at nearby parks and walking trails.

Grace Allen (she/her) is the Provincial Tobacco Control Coordinator in PEI’s Chief Public Health Office. Grace brings a passionate drive and an unique perspective surrounding health promotion and addictions to our team. Through her experience working in various frontline healthcare settings across PEI, Grace strives to bring her knowledge and experiences to inspire and support islanders towards living a tobacco-free life. Grace works in many areas of health promotion with a focus on bringing education and awareness around the harms of Tobacco (Breathe Well) and supporting Islanders in their quit journeys through the coordination of PEI’s Smoking Cessation Program. Grace has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UPEI. Grace continues to work as a frontline healthcare worker to support and education islanders in living healthy, tobacco-free lives, and remains an active health advocate in her community through community initiatives, volunteer, and coaching. On the weekends, you can catch Grace training for her next bodybuilding show and spending time with family and friends.

Heather McIver (she/her) is a Health Promoter in PEI's Chief Public Health Office. Heather brings a unique perspective to the team with a decade of experience working in frontline healthcare settings. This has given her the opportunity to see firsthand the positive impact that prevention programs and policies can have on people's health. Heather works in many areas of health promotion with a focus on eating well (Eat Well) and reducing cannabis-related harms. Heather is a Registered Dietitian with a Master's in Applied Human Nutrition from Mount St. Vincent University and Bachelor of Science in Foods and Nutrition from UPEI. Heather not only focuses on food and nutrition in her work life, but her personal life too while she enjoys the amazing cuisine the Island has to offer. 

Justin Robar (he/him) is a Health Promoter in PEI’s Chief Public Health Office. Justin believes that policy and action which is informed by the collaboration of communities, stakeholders, and government can lead to health and wellness for as many people as possible. Justin works in many areas of health promotion with a focus on healthy eating (Eat Well). Justin is completing a PhD in Kinesiology at Western University where his research focuses on the management of sport for development. In his downtime Justin enjoys cooking for his family and friends and spending time outside with his two dogs and daughter.

Shannon Cook (she/her) is a Health Promoter in PEI’s Chief Public Health Office. Shannon is passionate about improving the health and well-being of Island residents and believes a collaborative approach is key to creating health- supporting environments that address health inequalities, encourage healthy public policy, and promote healthy behaviors. Shannon enjoys engaging with local communities and feels very fortunate to work alongside them. Shannon works in many areas of health promotion with a focus on tobacco reduction (Breathe Well), and injury prevention. Shannon is a Certified Public Health Inspector and has a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Public Health from Cape Breton University. In her free time, Shannon enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family.