Dr. Marlene Ruck Simmonds

Executive director,  African Canadian Services branch, Nova Scotia, Department of Education 

Dr. Marlene Ruck Simmonds is from the West Indian/Caribbean community of Whitney Pier in Sydney, Nova Scotia.  She is the proud daughter of the late Hazel (Roett) and Winston Ruck.  
As a Black educational leader living within the Nova Scotian landscape, her professional gaze spans over 28 years and across multiple disciplines including, early childhood, elementary education, school psychology, student services, school administration and educational leadership. 
Dr. Marlene is currently the Executive Director of the African Canadian Services Branch, where she provides strategic advice, direction and leadership to senior officials on matters pertaining to African Nova Scotian Education.