Nancy was born and raised in Montague, Prince Edward Island, Canada. She completed her MA in drama at the University of Toronto, after receiving a BFA in drama from the University of Calgary. An actor, director, and playwright, Nancy is the founder and artistic director of Homefree Productions, an Island-based professional theatre company. In addition to writing plays for adults and children (e.g. Temporary Insanity, Laugh Lines, The Case of the Missing Mirth, Off Her Rocker), Nancy co-created, directed, and designed the musical productions For The Love O' Burns, A Nightingale Sang, and Special Delivery. As well, she has collaborated on several original musicals with composer/performer Pamela Campbell. They have toured with Wingin' It!, which Nancy directed and designed, and for which she wrote the book and lyrics. Wingin' It! has been seen in various cities in Canada and the USA, including an Off-Broadway run in New York City in the spring of 1998. As an actor, Nancy has appeared on the Island in numerous productions, including Harvest Moon Rising, White Weddings, Jewel, The Strike at Putney Church, and Scenes from a Wake.

Since the fall of 1999, Nancy has been performing A Rowboat in the Attic across Prince Edward Island. She also appears in Amazing Gracie.