Meet

Our Team

Meet the people behind micro boutique

Take a look behind the scenes and meet the people running MICRO Boutique on a daily basis.

Alyson Roberts - CEO & OWNER

Alyson is the ‘get-it-done’ CEO & Owner of MICRO Boutique. She brings exceptional leadership, human resource, managerial accounting and marketing skills to the MICRO team. Alyson joined MICRO Boutique in 2014 after a successful career as the co-owner of Portland Physiotherapy Health & Wellness Center, a private interdisciplinary rehabilitation clinic in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Alyson holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary’s University. She worked in marketing, branding and sales before returning to university for a degree in Occupational Therapy, graduating as class valedictorian. In 2001 she joined Portland Physiotherapy and became co-owner in 2008.

Alyson is passionate about the power of education, community, mental/physical well-being and equality. Outside of her role as CEO, she is a yoga instructor and has been involved with many organizations with a focus on empowering women, including 100 Women Who Care and Junior Achievement. She also served as the Chair of the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission and was the driving force in their major rebranding campaign. In 2013 and 2014 she was nominated by the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur – Women of Influence program. When Alyson is not working with the MICRO team she can be found outdoors hiking, cycling or playing pickleball with her husband and business partner, Chris Galea. She loves traveling, yoga, reading, cafés, squash and walks with her dog, Ruby, as well as spending time with friends, family and people who make her laugh.

CHRIS GALEA - FOUNDER/PRESIDENT & OWNER

Chris Galea is the entrepreneurial Founder and President of MICRO Boutique. He developed the concept of living in small but high design, high efficiency spaces while visiting more than 50 countries.

Chris was a Professor of Business Administration for over 25 years and taught in universities across Canada. His focus was on sustainable development and he has published a number of books on the subject. In 2013 he resigned his tenured position to focus exclusively on expanding MICRO Boutique throughout Atlantic Canada.

Prior to his academic career Chris launched a number of entrepreneurial ventures, ranging from the food and catering world to the tourism and hospitality industry. In addition to living and breathing all things MICRO, Chris is also a husband to MICRO Boutique CEO Alyson Roberts, father to Martha and Norah, an avid reader and active outdoors person. He loves being on or near the ocean, tackling any hiking trail, playing beach volleyball and pedaling fun, two-wheeled vehicles.

RHYANNA HAWES - Sales & Administration Manager

Rhyanna brings exceptional customer service, strong organizational skills and a can-do approach to MICRO Boutique as the Sales & Administration Manager. Her positive attitude and friendly, yet professional personality leaves everyone who encounters her with a smile. Rhyanna has worked for MICRO Boutique’s owners for more than 16 years, starting out as a part-time employee with one of their first businesses, South Side Vacation. Rhyanna takes great satisfaction from her work and enjoys her role in providing customers with an exciting living space that they can truly enjoy. She thrives as a key part of MICRO Boutique’s vibrant and supportive team. When Rhyanna is not on the phone or behind her laptop, she enjoys spending time with her family, chasing waterfalls, hiking or spending time at the beach with a good book. If you have any questions regarding sales, leasing or customer service, Rhyanna is only a phone call or email away.

Chad Schader - Director of Operations

Chad is a big picture thinker with exceptional problem solving and leadership skills, honed through a degree in Computer Science from Acadia University. Upon joining the team in 2014, his impressive skills, initiative and solutions-focused approach quickly led to a promotion to the core management team. Chad enjoys rolling up his sleeves and partnering with vendors and contractors to create exceptional experiences for MICRO Boutique guests and tenants. When Chad is not problem solving or finding new ways to improve MICRO Boutique’s operations, he enjoys spending time with his family and volunteering at the Wolfville Fire Department where he serves his community as Deputy Fire Chief. If you have a question or concern regarding building operations, please feel free to contact Chad.

Victoria Brubacher - Accounting Manager

Victoria is an integral part of the MICRO Boutique team as Accounting Manager. With more than 16 years of experience in accounting, she is skilled at managing numbers to ensure MICRO Boutique is operating at its peak. When she’s not crunching numbers, processing payroll, updating budgets and preparing financial statements, Victoria’s days happily revolve around her two small children. She enjoys swimming, reading and exploring the mountains.

Nick Gunn - Website Developer

MICRO Boutique was one of Nick’s first Canadian clients when he moved from England to Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia in 2011. Since then, he’s been actively working on website development, design and marketing, helping the business evolve to where it is today.

Having grown up in the city, Nick is now enjoying the rural life and spends his spare time driving a tractor and making trails through forest. He’s also gained a reputation in the community as the go-to expert for tech issues.

Linda Whitman Property/Hotel Supervisor - Wolfville

Linda has been integral to MICRO Boutique’s Wolfville operations since she joined the MICRO Boutique team in 2014. She brings excellent attention to detail and an impressive ability to stay on top of her role, drawing on more than 20 years of experience running an in-home daycare and small-business in the local community. She is dependable, customer service-oriented and enthusiastic. When Linda is not connecting with guests and tenants and working to ensure Wolfville customers are 100% satisfied, she enjoys quilting and sewing. She adores her grandchildren and enjoys spending time camping and attending sports events with them.

David Whitman General Maintenance - Wolfville

David’s stellar work can be seen throughout MICRO Boutique’s Wolfville location. He goes above and beyond to ensure guests and tenants have the best possible space to enjoy. His pride in his work shows in every repair and his impressive problem solving skills make him a highly valuable member of the team. After running a repair shop and working as an automotive mechanic for 25 years, David joined the MICRO Boutique team in 2015 where his impressive skills and quiet leadership are greatly appreciated. David enjoys the diverse tasks that keep his job interesting. He also looks forward to conversations with guests and tenants and hearing more about what brings them to Wolfville. When David is not taking on projects at home or at friends’ homes, he enjoys attending sporting events with his grandchildren and taking them camping.

Paul Lucas - General Maintenance - Antigonish

Paul brings more than 25 years of experience in building construction and maintenance to his role at MICRO Boutique Antigonish. His knowledge, exceptional attention to detail and the pride he takes in his work keeps the suites in top condition and supports the company’s customer-focused approach. He enjoys contributing to the supportive team at MICRO Boutique and looks forward to coming to work every day. When Paul is not hard at work, he can be found outdoors, coaching hockey, remodeling his lakefront cabin or spending time with his family.