Experience

EmployAbilities

• Canada
• Professional Training and Coaching
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Employment Counselor

  • Apr 2018 - Present

  As a professional employment counselor, I specialize in assisting clients with disabilities or medical conditions to overcome employment barriers and secure long-term employment. My key skills and responsibilities include:• Personalized career counseling: Conducting assessments to create tailored career plans addressing clients' unique needs.• Training sessions: Facilitating workshops on topics like resume writing, interview techniques, and workplace accommodations.• Career fair representation: Promoting EmployAbilities' services and connecting with potential employers.• Conference presentations: Sharing expertise on disability employment issues at industry conferences.• Employer collaboration: Establishing relationships with employers to advocate for clients and facilitate workplace accommodations.• Ongoing support: Providing continued assistance to clients once employed, addressing challenges and ensuring access to resources.• Staying current: Updating knowledge on labor market trends, job search techniques, and disability-related legislation.• Networking: Collaborating with local organizations, agencies, and support services to access additional resources for clients.• Program evaluation: Tracking client outcomes and analyzing data to measure success and identify improvement areas.• Promoting disability awareness: Fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce by raising awareness of individuals' capabilities.By combining these skills and responsibilities, I strive to provide comprehensive support to clients and help them achieve their career goals. Show less

• Facilitator (Temporary Contract)

  • Sep 2017 - Apr 2018

  As a temporary contract facilitator, I played a crucial role in managing and delivering a youth program aimed at empowering individuals aged 15 to 30 to develop essential skills for successful employment and long-term career growth. My key responsibilities and accomplishments included:• Curriculum development: Designing and refining a comprehensive curriculum focused on essential job readiness skills, including resume writing, interview techniques, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.• Interactive workshops: Leading engaging, interactive workshops that fostered a supportive learning environment and facilitated hands-on skill-building activities.• Individual coaching: Providing one-on-one coaching and guidance to participants, addressing their unique challenges and goals while helping them navigate the job search process.• Monitoring progress: Assessing participants' progress throughout the program, offering constructive feedback, and adjusting the curriculum as needed to optimize learning outcomes.• Collaborating with stakeholders: Working closely with community organizations, educational institutions, and employers to create networking opportunities and source job leads for participants.• Tracking success: Collecting and analyzing program data to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and identify areas for improvement, ensuring continuous growth and development.• Mentorship: Serving as a positive role model and mentor for young participants, offering guidance and encouragement to help them build self-confidence and resilience in their job search journey.• Program promotion: Actively promoting the program to potential participants, community partners, and stakeholders to increase awareness and participation.Throughout this contract position, I successfully contributed to the personal and professional growth of numerous young individuals, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to secure and maintain meaningful employment. Show less



Winspear Centre | Edmonton Symphony Orchestra

• Canada
• Musicians
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Front of House

  • Mar 2016 - Dec 2017

  As a Front of House team member at the Winspear Centre Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, I played a versatile role in ensuring exceptional experiences for patrons during their visits. My key responsibilities and accomplishments spanned across multiple positions, including:• Concierge: Acting as the first point of contact for patrons, providing information about events, facilities, and services while delivering exceptional customer service and fostering a welcoming atmosphere.• Usher: Guiding guests to their seats, ensuring their comfort, and addressing any questions or concerns to create a positive and enjoyable event experience.• Bartending: Preparing and serving beverages to patrons while adhering to responsible alcohol service guidelines, maintaining inventory control, and ensuring the cleanliness and organization of the bar area.• Ticketing assistance: Supporting the box office staff with ticket sales, will-call, and resolving any ticketing issues, ensuring a seamless entry process for guests.• Crowd management: Monitoring and managing crowd flow, addressing any safety concerns, and assisting with emergency procedures if necessary.• Accessibility support: Assisting patrons with mobility or other accessibility needs to ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience for all guests.• Event setup and teardown: Contributing to the preparation and cleanup of event spaces, ensuring a smooth transition between events, and maintaining a professional appearance.• Team collaboration: Working effectively with other Front of House staff, security, and event organizers to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for patrons.Throughout my tenure, I enhanced my skills in customer service, communication, and teamwork, and contributed to creating memorable experiences for guests attending events at the Winspear Centre Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Show less

• Community Investment Intern

  • May 2017 - Jun 2017

  As a Community Investment Intern for the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and Winspear Centre during my 8-week university practicum, I focused on nurturing relationships with corporate and community partners while supporting the Director of Community Investment. My key responsibilities and accomplishments included:• Relationship building: Engaging with partners to establish and maintain strong connections that benefit both the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and Winspear Centre.• Partnership research: Identifying potential partners, researching their interests, and crafting targeted proposals to encourage mutually beneficial collaborations.• Event coordination: Assisting in organizing events, such as sponsorship activations, donor appreciation gatherings, and community outreach initiatives.• Fundraising support: Helping develop and implement fundraising strategies, including grant applications, sponsorship proposals, and donor stewardship plans.• Communication and marketing: Collaborating with the marketing team to create promotional materials and social media content highlighting partnership activities.• Reporting and analysis: Evaluating partnership activities to assess their impact and providing updates and reports to the Director of Community Investment and stakeholders.• Administrative support: Assisting with tasks like updating partner databases, scheduling meetings, and coordinating mailings for the smooth operation of the Community Investment department.This internship enabled me to develop skills in relationship building, event coordination, and communication, while gaining insight into the vital role partnerships play in the Arts and Cultural sector. Show less



The Grindstone Comedy Theatre & Bistro

• Canada
• Entertainment Providers
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Administrative Assistant

  • Mar 2016 - Apr 2017

  During my time at Grindstone Theatre, I served as an Administrative Assistant to the Artistic Director, focusing primarily on coordinating and marketing the organization's theatre classes. I completed two internships: the first one spanned eight weeks, from the beginning of March to the end of April in 2016, and the second one took place during the same timeframe in 2017. My key responsibilities and accomplishments included: • Class coordination: Managing and scheduling of various theatre classes, including improv, stand-up comedy, and acting courses, ensuring a seamless and engaging learning experience for participants. • Marketing: Developing and executing marketing strategies to promote the theatre's classes, performances, and events to a wider audience, increasing enrollment and attendance. • Event promotion: Assisting with the promotion of Grindstone Theatre's presence and performances at the Edmonton Fringe Festival, attracting visitors and generating positive publicity for the organization. • Community showcase organization: Helping to arrange a community showcase event for theatre class participants, providing them with an opportunity to perform live in front of an audience and showcase their talents. • Administrative support: Offering administrative assistance to the Artistic Director as needed, streamlining processes, and supporting the overall success of the organization. My work as an Administrative Assistant at Grindstone Theatre not only allowed me to contribute to the organization's growth but also enabled me to develop valuable skills in marketing, event coordination, and administrative support. Show less



Transitions Rehabilitation Association of St. Albert

• Direct Support Professional

  • Mar 2011 - Jun 2016

  As a Direct Support Professional, I played a vital role in empowering individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives within their communities. My responsibilities and accomplishments spanned across multiple aspects of care, including working with children and adults, fostering independence, and providing respite support. Key areas of focus included:• Children's program: Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement personalized care plans for children with disabilities, focusing on enhancing their skills, well-being, and social integration.• Adult support: Assisting adults with disabilities in daily living activities, promoting self-sufficiency, and empowering them to live independently in their communities.• Community engagement: Facilitating community involvement and socialization by accompanying individuals to appointments, recreational activities, and other community events, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion.• Skill development: Implementing tailored programs aimed at enhancing essential life skills, such as self-care, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving.• Behavioral support: Collaborating with healthcare professionals to address behavioral challenges and develop effective strategies for managing and improving behaviors.• Health and safety: Ensuring the well-being of individuals by administering medications, monitoring health conditions, and maintaining a safe and nurturing environment.• Documentation and reporting: Accurately maintaining records of individuals' progress, activities, and any incidents, while providing regular updates to relevant stakeholders.Throughout my tenure as a Direct Support Professional, I gained invaluable experience in providing compassionate care and support to individuals with disabilities, helping them achieve greater independence, integration, and overall quality of life. Show less

• Team Leader

  • Mar 2012 - Sep 2015

  As a team leader, I took on diverse responsibilities to ensure the smooth operation of the organization and support both staff and clients. My key duties and achievements included:• Staff scheduling and timesheet review: Coordinating staff schedules, ensuring adequate coverage, and reviewing timesheets for accuracy and compliance.• Budget and financial reporting: Preparing the house budget and generating monthly financial reports to monitor expenses and maintain fiscal responsibility.• Staff support: Providing guidance, mentorship, and assistance to front-line staff, ensuring they have the necessary resources to excel in their roles.• Team meeting facilitation: Organizing and leading monthly team meetings, capturing minutes, and fostering open communication and collaboration among team members.• Stakeholder engagement: Facilitating regular meetings with various stakeholders, such as parents and guardians, to address concerns, share updates, and strengthen relationships.• Healthcare liaison: Acting as a liaison between physicians and clients/guardians during hospitalizations or appointments to ensure clear communication and appropriate care.• Employment support: Assisting individuals in finding and maintaining suitable employment, including job coaching, employer outreach, and facilitating meetings with business owners.• Team Leader meeting chairperson (2013-2014): Leading and overseeing team leader meetings, promoting a collaborative environment for sharing best practices and addressing challenges.• Job fair representation: Representing Transitions Community Living Program at 2014 job fairs through Grant MacEwan University and the University of Alberta, raising awareness about the organization and its offerings.By fulfilling these responsibilities, I contributed to the effective operation of the organization, enhanced the support provided to both staff and clients, and facilitated meaningful community connections. Show less

• Certified MANDT Facilitator

  • Apr 2014 - Aug 2015

  I led a comprehensive 3-day training course designed to equip attendees with essential skills and knowledge for fostering healthy workplace relationships, providing trauma support, and understanding liability training. Key components of the course included:• Healthy workplace relationships: Educating participants on effective communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork strategies to create a positive and collaborative work environment.• Trauma support: Sharing best practices for recognizing signs of trauma, providing appropriate support, and fostering a safe and empathetic environment for those affected.• Liability training: Offering insight into the legal and ethical responsibilities of employees and organizations, ensuring compliance and adherence to industry standards.• Safe restraint techniques: Instructing attendees on the proper use of safe restraints when necessary, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of all involved.• Interactive learning: Engaging participants through hands-on activities, case studies, and group discussions to facilitate experiential learning and skill development.• Assessment and certification: Administering a test at the end of the course to evaluate participants' understanding of the material covered, grading exams, and awarding certificates to successful attendees.By facilitating this holistic training program, I contributed to the professional development of attendees, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to create a safer, more supportive, and collaborative workplace environment. Show less



Adult Literacy Society

• Whitecourt, Alberta, Canada

• Vice Chairman of the Board

  • Jul 2008 - Aug 2010

  As the Vice Chairman of the Board for the Whitecourt Adult Literacy Society, I held a vital role in supporting the organization's mission to improve adult literacy and promote lifelong learning opportunities in the community. During my tenure, I dedicated my time and expertise to the following key responsibilities and initiatives: • Board leadership: Assisting the Chairman in guiding the organization's strategic direction, ensuring that the board's decisions align with the mission, vision, and values of the Whitecourt Adult Literacy Society. • Policy development: Collaborating with fellow board members to develop and implement policies, establish procedures, and set priorities that effectively address the literacy needs of the community. • Financial oversight: Assisting with budget preparation, monitoring the organization's financial health, and ensuring responsible stewardship of resources. • Program support: Evaluating existing programs and identifying areas for improvement, ensuring that the organization continues to deliver high-quality literacy services to the community. • Community engagement: Building relationships with community stakeholders, partners, and sponsors to raise awareness about the organization's work and secure necessary resources and support. • Fundraising: Participating in fundraising efforts, events, and campaigns to generate funds required to sustain and expand the organization's literacy programs and services. As the Vice Chairman of the Board, I played a significant role in the success and growth of the Whitecourt Adult Literacy Society, contributing to the enhancement of adult literacy and the promotion of a learning culture within the community. Show less



E.C.H.O. Society

• Whitecourt, AB

• Direct Support Professional

  • Jan 2007 - Aug 2010

  As a Direct Support Professional at the E.C.H.O. Society, I played a pivotal role in assisting individuals with various disabilities to lead fulfilling lives. My responsibilities and accomplishments included: • Independent living skills: Supporting clients in enhancing their daily living skills to foster greater self-sufficiency and independence. • Employment assistance: Helping individuals find and maintain meaningful employment by offering job coaching, employer outreach, and ongoing support. • Community connections: Facilitating the development of natural supports and fostering connections within the community to promote social inclusion and engagement. • Fundraising projects: Volunteering in various fundraising initiatives (e.g., Relay for Life) to raise awareness and funds for the organization. • Committee leadership: Organizing and chairing monthly meetings of a volunteer management committee focused on preparing the agency for Level 2 C.E.T. Accreditation, which was successfully achieved. • Website management: Receiving training in website maintenance and collaborating with the receptionist to ensure the organization's website remained up-to-date and informative. Through my tenure at the E.C.H.O. Society, I gained invaluable experience in providing compassionate support and assistance to individuals with disabilities, helping them attain greater independence, employment opportunities, and a sense of belonging within their communities. Show less