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: 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
Phone: 902-496-8775
Fun Fact: I used to be on the radio!
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
Phone: 902-496-8740
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: Kirkland Lake, Ontario but I’ve lived in Nova Scotia most of my life. Now in Lawrencetown.
Pronouns: She/her/hers
How do you identify? As a mother, auntie, friend and cat mom.
Role details: My role allows me to work directly with students to support their accommodation needs while collaborating with colleagues and faculty to promote accessibility across campus. I value the opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive learning environment and to support students in reaching their academic goals.
Favourite thing about working at SMU: Working alongside students and celebrating their growth, resilience, and successes—big and small.
Contact info: beth.mcara@smu.ca
Phone: 902-420-5838
Fun Fact: I’m a Justice of the Peace and have officiated lots of weddings—I’ve seen everything from backyard ceremonies to big celebrations!
From: La Paz, Mexico
Pronouns: he/him
How do you identify: as a son, middle sibling, partner, teacher, theatre kid, cinephile, immigrant, and part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Role details: I'm one of the Exam Accommodations Administrator and I help coordinating students' bookings to their test accommodations so that they can access more accessible testing conditions.
Favorite thing about working at SMU: the FSC team! and that I get to meet interesting people frequently.
Contact info: david.nerio.romero@smu.ca
Phone: 902-420-5431
Fun Fact: both of my great-grandfathers immigrated to Mexico (from China and Lebanon), and I feel I'm following their footsteps by also living in another country.
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
Phone: 902-491-3344
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
Phone: 902-491-6557
Fun Fact: I love watching live sports, all of them! I also enjoy camping, my doggy Miley and music!
Student Team
From: Originally from Nigeria, now living in Halifax.
Pronouns: She/her
How do you identify? As a sister, daughter, student and person living with an invisible disability.
Role details: Assist students with their transition to university and help identify strategies that support students' academic goals. Help coordinate and host events throughout the year.
Favourite thing about working at SMU: Working with so many people from diverse backgrounds and getting to hear how impactful being a resource has been.
Contact info: PeerCoaching@smu.ca
Fun Fact: I love to sing and I am in a choir!
Our History
Saint Mary's University has a long history of championing accessibility. In 1968, the university constructed a residence designed to reduce mobility barriers for students. This was followed by a 1975 initiative to create a tape library that supported learners with visual disabilities. By 1980, the university had begun implementing a range of accommodations to support the diverse needs of all students with disabilities. 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.