Get to know the FSC
Welcome to the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (FSC)! We’re here to support your academic success by offering tailored accommodations that help you reach your full potential in the classroom and during tests and exams. Our commitment is to create an equitable learning environment through universal design principles that benefit all students. At the FSC, we’re focused on academic accessibility, ensuring you have the tools and resources you need to thrive in your studies.
Meet the Team
From: Bedford, Nova Scotia
Pronouns: She/her/hers
How do you identify? As a woman, mother, partner, daughter, aunt, niece and friend.
Role details: My role changes from day to day! From working directly with our team to support students’ needs, to advocating for greater accessibility across Saint Mary’s campus and community, there are always interesting and valuable conversations taking place that I get to be a part of. As a strong believer in equitable post-secondary education, I am honoured to contribute to creating a more inclusive environment.
Favourite thing about working at SMU: Being able to watch a student find success, especially when they didn’t have the confidence that they could.
Contact info: kate.mchugh@smu.ca
Fun Fact: I have lived and worked on three different continents, but Nova Scotia will always be my home!
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Pronouns: He/him/his
How do you identify? I identify as a songwriter, partner, sibling, son, uncle and friend, in addition to my professional role.
Role details: I meet with students to discuss their accommodation needs, advise on what academic accommodations may be of benefit to them, communicate their accommodations to their professors, advocate on the student's behalf to faculty when necessary, and to refer students to other services on campus when appropriate.
Favourite thing about working at SMU: Engaging with students and getting to help level the playing field by participating in the removal of unnecessary barriers.
Contact info: bill.travis@smu.ca
Fun Fact: I like to lead guitar jams and song circles. We do this monthly during the academic terms in the lobby of the Student Centre! All are welcome to attend my “Tune-sy Tuesday” events, and we usually have extra instruments to share!
From: Conception Bay South, Newfoundland and Labrador
Pronouns: She/her/hers
How do you identify? Daughter, sister, aunt, partner, woman with an invisible disability
Role details: Working with students to set up their academic accommodations, supporting students throughout their degree and consulting on accessibility initiatives at SMU.
Favourite thing about working at SMU: I love working with our fantastic team to support student success! And sometimes, I get to bring my therapy dog, Meri, to work!
Contact info: becca.chaytor@smu.ca
Fun Fact: I used to be on the radio!
From: Sarawak, Malaysia
Pronouns: She/her/hers
How do you identify? n/a
Role details: I am responsible for coordinating exam adjustments for students with disabilities, ensuring proper accommodations, communicating with faculty, managing logistics, and maintaining records to support accessible testing environments.
Favourite thing about working at SMU: The people and the occasional free food!
Contact info: esther.tong.yi.zhen@smu.ca
Fun Fact: I like riding motorcycles, it makes me feel alive and I live for the thrill
From: Florence, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Pronouns: She/her/hers
How do you identify? As a partner, sister, auntie, daughter, friend, and dog mom.
Role details: I coordinate exam accommodations for students with disabilities by providing alternate testing environments. This helps level the playing field so students achieve success in all their studies. In my role, I work closely with students, faculty, and the rest of the FSC team.
Favourite thing about working at SMU: The people are the best!
Contact info: allison.denney@smu.ca
Fun fact: Over the past few year, my partner and I built our own cabin from the ground up!
From: Hantsport, Nova Scotia but living just outside Halifax now
Pronouns: She/her/hers
How do you identify? I Identify as a sister, auntie, spouse and dog mom
Role details: Greet and assist people at the front desk of the FSC and help students navigate the Canada Student Loan program with help applying for financial needs-based grants, services and equipment.
Favourite thing about working at SMU: Working one-on-one with students and seeing that the work our team does makes a difference in their university experience.
Contact info: kim.penny@smu.ca
Fun Fact: I love live sports, all of them! I also enjoy camping, my doggy Miley and music!
Student Team
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Pronouns: She/her/hers
How do you identify? A sibling, a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, an artist, cat mom, student and person living with an invisible disability.
Role details: My role entails meeting with students to help coach them through their first year and helping to coordinate and host events throughout the year.
Favourite thing about working at SMU: The people who work here are so amazing. I also love being able to meet so many new people and to help them in any way I can!
Contact info: peercoaching@smu.ca
Fun Fact: I am an artist; I love reading and I have three cats!
Our History
Saint Mary’s University has a long history of championing accessibility. In 1968, the university constructed a residence designed for students with mobility impairments, followed by a 1975 initiative creating a tape library for visually impaired learners. By 1980, accommodations for students with hearing impairments were underway. In 1985, these efforts culminated in the founding of the Atlantic Centre, led by Dr. David Leitch.
Renamed in 2015 to honor Dr. Fred Smithers, O.C.—a dedicated advocate, benefactor, and former Board of Governors member—the centre reflects his generous contributions, including a number of financial awards and the David Leitch Bursary.
Today, the Fred Smithers Centre is committed to advancing assistive technology, fostering education that is founded in universal design principles and delivering tailored support to help students overcome barriers and achieve their academic and career aspirations.