Staff

Kristian Suen,

PhD AFHEA, Community Relations and Research Lead
Dr. Kristian Suen is the Community Relations and Research Lead at the Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Medicine at Dalhousie University. With extensive expertise in education and training, program design and evaluation, leadership, and community engagement, Kristian brings a multidisciplinary perspective informed by his doctoral training in Psychology from the University of Birmingham and diverse professional experience across educational and community settings. Before joining NSHPCA, Kristian served as a senior leader in the education and training industry, where he earned recognition as an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK). Specializing in project management using Agile and Waterfall methodologies, he led cross-functional teams through sprint cycles and milestone-driven deliverables, while implementing OKR-based performance management and 360-degree evaluation systems. His expertise spans curriculum design for clients, training development for staff, and organizational development across the full project lifecycle—balancing client needs with capacity building. Holding an IAP2 Certificate in Public Participation, Kristian excels in partnership building—establishing strategic collaborations with healthcare systems, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and diverse cultural communities. His work prioritizes trauma-informed, person-centered approaches that center the voices of Mi’kmaq and other Indigenous communities, African Nova Scotian, Francophone, migrant, 2SLGBTQIA+, and other equity-deserving populations. His research interests span grief, emotional wellness, healthcare leadership, end-of-life care, and health system constraints. Grounded in true and meaningful partnership and allyship, Kristian’s leadership combines research design, statistical analysis, and lived experience to empower communities and support grassroots initiatives. His commitment to EDIA principles shapes his approach to breaking down systemic barriers, ensuring all individuals can access the support and care they deserve.

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Kristian Suen,

Dr. Kristian Suen is the Community Relations and Research Lead at the Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Medicine at Dalhousie University. With extensive expertise in education and training, program design and evaluation, leadership, and community engagement, Kristian brings a multidisciplinary perspective informed by his doctoral training in Psychology from the University of Birmingham and diverse professional experience across educational and community settings. Before joining NSHPCA, Kristian served as a senior leader in the education and training industry, where he earned recognition as an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK). Specializing in project management using Agile and Waterfall methodologies, he led cross-functional teams through sprint cycles and milestone-driven deliverables, while implementing OKR-based performance management and 360-degree evaluation systems. His expertise spans curriculum design for clients, training development for staff, and organizational development across the full project lifecycle—balancing client needs with capacity building. Holding an IAP2 Certificate in Public Participation, Kristian excels in partnership building—establishing strategic collaborations with healthcare systems, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and diverse cultural communities. His work prioritizes trauma-informed, person-centered approaches that center the voices of Mi’kmaq and other Indigenous communities, African Nova Scotian, Francophone, migrant, 2SLGBTQIA+, and other equity-deserving populations. His research interests span grief, emotional wellness, healthcare leadership, end-of-life care, and health system constraints. Grounded in true and meaningful partnership and allyship, Kristian’s leadership combines research design, statistical analysis, and lived experience to empower communities and support grassroots initiatives. His commitment to EDIA principles shapes his approach to breaking down systemic barriers, ensuring all individuals can access the support and care they deserve.