Meet our Board of Directors!
Director, Founder
Jordan MacDonald
Jordan MacDonald is the visionary behind Adapt. As a young parent who struggled through high school and faced numerous academic and financial challenges, Jordan understands firsthand the obstacles that young parents encounter when trying to pursue higher education. Initially, Jordan faced poor grades and setbacks, but with the help of supportive community resources—support that everyone should have access to—he managed to turn things around, ultimately excelling in his studies. Now a PhD student in Experimental Psychology at UNBSJ, Jordan brings a unique blend of lived experience and academic expertise to Adapt. His journey from struggling student to academic success is a testament to the power of perseverance, and it fuels his passion to create a supportive, accessible pathway for young parents to achieve their educational dreams.
Director
Dr. Eric Weissman
Dr. Eric Weissman is a lived experience scholar and associate professor at UNB Saint John whose studies of homelessness, housing, mental health, and substance use appear in two books, an award-winning dissertation, and numerous video essays. Drawing from 29 years of recovery from episodic homelessness and severe substance use disorder, Dr. Weissman, who identifies as an addict in recovery, brings a unique understanding of the challenges marginalized communities and vulnerable people face. His experience working in tent camps, transitional tiny home communities built by homeless advocates, harm reduction, and student homelessness in Canada provides a rich perspective on the importance of stable support systems—insight that is invaluable to Adapt‘s mission of empowering young parents.
Director
Dr. Wendy Stewart
Dr. Wendy Stewart is a dedicated educator and physician with a strong background in medical education and advocacy. She currently serves as the Director of Humanities for Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick where she integrates arts and humanities into medical training to enhance empathy, communication, and patient care. Dr. Stewart is also an accomplished neurologist and a passionate advocate for the holistic development of healthcare professionals. Her work emphasizes the importance of the arts and humanities to promote self reflection and improve patient outcomes. As a board member for Adapt, Dr. Stewart brings her expertise in education, mentorship, and community engagement, helping to guide the organization in its mission to support young parents in accessing higher education.
Director
Dr. Rob Moir
Dr. Rob Moir is a pivotal figure in social impact initiatives at the University of New Brunswick, known for his dedication to sustainable business practices, economics, and community-focused research. As a director on Adapt‘s board, Dr. Moir brings his expertise from projects like the Promise Partnership, which empowers underrepresented youth through mentorship and educational support. His work with the Urban & Community Studies Institute showcases his commitment to improving life outcomes in small and medium-sized cities, making him an invaluable resource in Adapt’s mission to support young parents in Saint John.
Director, secretary
Emily Earle
Emily Earle is dedicated to researching the health and social impacts of childhood and youth adversities, as well as the resilience factors that mitigate them, at the University of New Brunswick. She actively contributes to community mentorship initiatives, distinct from Adapt, that promote academic success—an integral part of Adapt’s mission. Having conducted needs assessments for mentorship programs in New Brunswick, Emily brings valuable expertise in identifying areas of need for Adapt. Her strong research foundation, coupled with practical experience in program development and impact evaluation, positions her as a key contributor to Adapt’s mission of empowering young parents and improving their outcomes.
Board member
Yuzhi (Stanford) Yang
Stanford Yang is a dedicated researcher with a background in social psychology, population studies, and public health policy from the University of New Brunswick. At Adapt, Stanford leverages his experience in evaluating social policies and programs to help shape evidence-based initiatives supporting young parents. His commitment to improving community health outcomes aligns with Adapt’s mission of providing mentorship and essential services. Stanford’s expertise enhances the organization’s ability to create lasting, positive change for young families.
