2022 to 2024 Board
KATE SWALLOW YEE
(she/her/hers)
Chair
Kate views the world through a lens that looks at many sides of a situation in order to be able to understand consequences of action/non-action. This view does not slow her down, as she is driven to action and outcomes. She employs a holistic practice when dealing with people, understanding that choices will affect outcomes; and that the person must make intentional choices when they are ready in order to avoid ricocheting through life.
Kate has been involved with MACD since her return to Canada in 2014, sitting as the inaugural Secretary, then as a Member-At-Large and the Co-Chair of three successful Let’s Get To Work (LGTW) Conferences (2018, 2019, & 2022). In the role as Chair she wants to increase the reach of MACD into rural Manitoba in order to expand the career development practices to many populations including rural entrepreneurs, Indigenous communities, and the agricultural industry. She wants to see greater communication and sharing of career and employment information between practitioners. Manitoba can be better with intentional career choices and development in order to maximize every individual’s potential within the borders of this great province.
Kate has been involved with MACD since her return to Canada in 2014, sitting as the inaugural Secretary, then as a Member-At-Large and the Co-Chair of three successful Let’s Get To Work (LGTW) Conferences (2018, 2019, & 2022). In the role as Chair she wants to increase the reach of MACD into rural Manitoba in order to expand the career development practices to many populations including rural entrepreneurs, Indigenous communities, and the agricultural industry. She wants to see greater communication and sharing of career and employment information between practitioners. Manitoba can be better with intentional career choices and development in order to maximize every individual’s potential within the borders of this great province.
TARA ORCHARD
Vice Chair
Tara Orchard is a Career Coach and Business Consultant, Trainer and Freelance Writer who has a passion for helping people and organizations develop actionable strategies to navigate change. For over 20 years she has provided timely, tangible and insightful information, strategies and coaching to 1000’s of individuals and numerous organizations across Canada, the US and beyond.
Tara is the founder of her own career coaching and business consultancy (Career-Coach Canada and formerly ‘The Training Edge”) and has worked with numerous partner organizations including Canadian HR Solutions, NextJob Inc, Typefocus Inc. and lead the coordination of Career programs at a top Canadian University. She has been a featured writer for two business magazines (the “HR Insider” in Canada and Latin Business Today in the US). Tara offers coaching and training for individuals and organizations, including on career development, brand creation and management, organizational policy development, employee management, and social networking support and more.
Tara is a member of the Manitoba Association for Career Development, a Mentor with the Canadian Futurepreneur program and was previously a member of the Advisor Board for the Career Professionals of Canada.
Tara holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Psychology and is certified in numerous personality and psychology assessment tools.
Tara is the founder of her own career coaching and business consultancy (Career-Coach Canada and formerly ‘The Training Edge”) and has worked with numerous partner organizations including Canadian HR Solutions, NextJob Inc, Typefocus Inc. and lead the coordination of Career programs at a top Canadian University. She has been a featured writer for two business magazines (the “HR Insider” in Canada and Latin Business Today in the US). Tara offers coaching and training for individuals and organizations, including on career development, brand creation and management, organizational policy development, employee management, and social networking support and more.
Tara is a member of the Manitoba Association for Career Development, a Mentor with the Canadian Futurepreneur program and was previously a member of the Advisor Board for the Career Professionals of Canada.
Tara holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Psychology and is certified in numerous personality and psychology assessment tools.
RUTH STARGARDTER
Secretary
In her role as a Secondary School Counsellor for 27 years, Ruth believes that career education has the ability to increase resilience and empower students in their career life decision making.
For Ruth, the path to resiliency/persistence is by helping students and clients to understand themselves as well as develop the tools and capacity to find the resources that build their personal health and well-being. She believes that as educators, families, communities and government we must help to engage citizens in experiencing activities that create “hope”. One technique for building hope is to help students to see purpose and opportunities and to help them acknowledge the skills they have, and want to develop, to set goals and to help empower them to move in the direction of their goals, dreams and aspirations. We must support people to help them to develop and identify the skills and tools to help them choose the life they want to live and to create the world they want to live in to build a healthy society.
Ruth’s piece of the puzzle is to help all learners throughout their lifespans to become more self aware, explore pathways and career options, plus other critical information such as financial literacy (can we really believe in a path if we don't know how we can access the resources we need to get there?) If they identify an interest, the “village” around them can reach out to Manitoba Association for Career Development for valuable support including resources, professional learning and training opportunities as well as mentorship and a passionate learning community.
For Ruth, the path to resiliency/persistence is by helping students and clients to understand themselves as well as develop the tools and capacity to find the resources that build their personal health and well-being. She believes that as educators, families, communities and government we must help to engage citizens in experiencing activities that create “hope”. One technique for building hope is to help students to see purpose and opportunities and to help them acknowledge the skills they have, and want to develop, to set goals and to help empower them to move in the direction of their goals, dreams and aspirations. We must support people to help them to develop and identify the skills and tools to help them choose the life they want to live and to create the world they want to live in to build a healthy society.
Ruth’s piece of the puzzle is to help all learners throughout their lifespans to become more self aware, explore pathways and career options, plus other critical information such as financial literacy (can we really believe in a path if we don't know how we can access the resources we need to get there?) If they identify an interest, the “village” around them can reach out to Manitoba Association for Career Development for valuable support including resources, professional learning and training opportunities as well as mentorship and a passionate learning community.
MEGHAN LAVALLEE
Treasurer
Meghan’s passion for experiential learning and student success started as a student and staff member within student services in the post-secondary sector. From there, she turned her love of student development to leadership roles with Career Trek, an experiential learning career development not-for-profit that creates opportunities to catapult young Manitobans to career and education success. In her return to post-secondary institutions, she has utilized her experience in community settings to make access a driving force in the systems and programs available to learning communities.
Meghan Lavallee is the Director of Career and Student Engagement for the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology. This role includes leadership of MITT’s Adult Learning Centres, Career and Employment Services, and Domestic Recruitment. She believes that we all have a role within the educational ecosystem to create successful career pathways and equitable access to further education, training and/or employment for all.
Meghan loves volunteering in her community, practicing yoga, urban gardening, and hiking with her family and canine companion.
Meghan Lavallee is the Director of Career and Student Engagement for the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology. This role includes leadership of MITT’s Adult Learning Centres, Career and Employment Services, and Domestic Recruitment. She believes that we all have a role within the educational ecosystem to create successful career pathways and equitable access to further education, training and/or employment for all.
Meghan loves volunteering in her community, practicing yoga, urban gardening, and hiking with her family and canine companion.
GAIL LANGLAIS
Past-Chair / Member-At-Large
Gail Langlais has worked in the field of career development for over 30 years. She has worked with a broad range of client groups including individuals with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, EI recipients, social assistance recipients and individuals with mental health challenges. In 2006, she commenced work on Manitoba’s career development portfolio. In this role, Gail managed the Government of Manitoba cross-departmental strategy through which horizontal partnerships were developed between departments and community groups to facilitate a seamless integrated career development system within Manitoba. She is the past Director of Career Services for the University of Manitoba and is the owner and founder of Gail Langlais Consulting.
Over her years working in career development, she has participated on a variety of committees and working groups including the Manitoba Association for Career Development, 3CD, National Certification Advisory Committee, LMIC National Stakeholder Advisory Panel and the Let’s Get to Work Conference. She has also led numerous working groups related to enhancing the quality and effectiveness of career services through resource development, practitioner professional development and evaluation.
Gail has been fortunate to have had a variety of experiences at the provincial and pan-Canadian levels within the field of career development.
Over her years working in career development, she has participated on a variety of committees and working groups including the Manitoba Association for Career Development, 3CD, National Certification Advisory Committee, LMIC National Stakeholder Advisory Panel and the Let’s Get to Work Conference. She has also led numerous working groups related to enhancing the quality and effectiveness of career services through resource development, practitioner professional development and evaluation.
Gail has been fortunate to have had a variety of experiences at the provincial and pan-Canadian levels within the field of career development.
AHNIKO HANDFORD
Member at Large
Believing all human beings have the right to gratifying employment best suited to their skills and gifts, I help my clients explore “good-fit” career options, and to take proactive steps towards their job goals. Having transitioned from twenty years in the Information Technology sector into Career Development, I am no stranger to the “What comes next and how do I get there?” question!
Completing my Rhetoric and Communication degree (Gen.), I subsequently decided to specialize in the field of Career Development. Taking my Career Development Practitioner's certificate, I followed with Winnipeg Transition Centre’s Practical Workshop Facilitation Skills, and Career Professionals of Canada’s Advanced Resume, Employment Consulting, Employment Interview, and Work Life Coaching certificates.
As a seasoned Employment Specialist with broad experience ranging from assisting at-risk youth, to helping new Canadians seek employment, counselling individuals in mid-life transition, to supporting clients in vocational rehabilitation, I have always found joy in building inspired relationships with my clients while assisting in their job search.
What do I love about this work? I love walking the journey of self-discovery with my clients, as they come to understand and value their own unique package of skills, experience, and aptitudes. I take great delight in celebrating with them the joy of newly discovered career possibilities.
Completing my Rhetoric and Communication degree (Gen.), I subsequently decided to specialize in the field of Career Development. Taking my Career Development Practitioner's certificate, I followed with Winnipeg Transition Centre’s Practical Workshop Facilitation Skills, and Career Professionals of Canada’s Advanced Resume, Employment Consulting, Employment Interview, and Work Life Coaching certificates.
As a seasoned Employment Specialist with broad experience ranging from assisting at-risk youth, to helping new Canadians seek employment, counselling individuals in mid-life transition, to supporting clients in vocational rehabilitation, I have always found joy in building inspired relationships with my clients while assisting in their job search.
What do I love about this work? I love walking the journey of self-discovery with my clients, as they come to understand and value their own unique package of skills, experience, and aptitudes. I take great delight in celebrating with them the joy of newly discovered career possibilities.
DAVID DRIVER
Member at Large
David has been in the career counselling field since 2010. Having been with the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) since 2012, David has been central in the development and delivery of the Workskills Series, a collection of 4 mandatory, built-in workshops designed to develop industry-specific work skills and career development skills for students at MITT. In addition to providing 1-on-1 career services to prospective students, current students and alumni, David has implemented regular employer engagement events at MITT, including guest speakers, employer panels and networking events, for students to connect with their industry. David is passionate to help others put themselves in the best position to succeed their goals.
David holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba, a Career Employment Coach Certificate and Facilitation Fundamentals from Winnipeg Transition Centre, and a Career Educator Certificate from the Canadian Association Of Career Educators And Employers.
David holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba, a Career Employment Coach Certificate and Facilitation Fundamentals from Winnipeg Transition Centre, and a Career Educator Certificate from the Canadian Association Of Career Educators And Employers.
KRYSTLE PASKARUK
Member at Large
Krystle Paskaruk is the Coordinator for Career & Work-Integrated Learning at University College of the North (located in Northern Manitoba) and has been instrumental in the conceptualization, planning and development of the Centre for Career & Work-Integrated Learning (CCWIL) at UCN; she has led the implementation of a comprehensive institution-wide career development framework, which has become cornerstone to the UCN student experience. With over 18 years of experience in adult education, training, and community development, Krystle brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity and expertise to lead the CCWIL team, and has received national recognition for her work. She is passionate about supporting students to achieve career success and seeks to ensure the highest degree of professionalism and excellence through client-centered program delivery.
In addition to her duties at the Centre for Career & Work-Integrated Learning, Krystle has been an active participant with CACEE (Canadian Association for Career Educators & Employers) and CEWIL Canada, where she served two consecutive terms on the National Board of Directors as the Regional Representative for Manitoba/Nunavut.
Krystle is a life-long resident of Northern Manitoba and outside of her role with UCN, she devotes her time to Love Button Collection, her hobby-driven business which has been inspired by her love for crafting and baking!
In addition to her duties at the Centre for Career & Work-Integrated Learning, Krystle has been an active participant with CACEE (Canadian Association for Career Educators & Employers) and CEWIL Canada, where she served two consecutive terms on the National Board of Directors as the Regional Representative for Manitoba/Nunavut.
Krystle is a life-long resident of Northern Manitoba and outside of her role with UCN, she devotes her time to Love Button Collection, her hobby-driven business which has been inspired by her love for crafting and baking!
YVANNE CABALLERO
Member at Large
Yvanne Caballero (BBA, IEWP) is a passionate career development professional with over 10 years of career education and program management experience with a focus on serving youth, young adults, and diverse populations. Yvanne finds joy and purpose in empowering others through education, personal development, and community involvement so that they can rise to new levels and lead fulfilling and balanced lives.
Currently, Yvanne is a Cooperative Education Coordinator with the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba where she provides professional development advice, career coaching and facilitation to support co-op students while working in collaboration with business and community partners. As a committed lifelong learner, Yvanne holds memberships with Career Professionals of Canada (where she is pursuing certification as a Work-Life Strategist), CEWIL Canada and MACD. In 2012, Yvanne was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for her contributions in the areas of youth and community engagement, making her one of the youngest in Manitoba to have received this medal. Besides her work in career development, Yvanne is heavily involved in the performing arts as a vocal coach, singer and songwriter.
Currently, Yvanne is a Cooperative Education Coordinator with the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba where she provides professional development advice, career coaching and facilitation to support co-op students while working in collaboration with business and community partners. As a committed lifelong learner, Yvanne holds memberships with Career Professionals of Canada (where she is pursuing certification as a Work-Life Strategist), CEWIL Canada and MACD. In 2012, Yvanne was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for her contributions in the areas of youth and community engagement, making her one of the youngest in Manitoba to have received this medal. Besides her work in career development, Yvanne is heavily involved in the performing arts as a vocal coach, singer and songwriter.
LOUISE NEIL
Member at Large
Louise Neil is a corporate veteran with over 2 decades in IT, Finance, Project Management, and Business Intelligence who has not only reinvented her own career, but also coaches and consults with midcareer folks who are tired of being tired at the work they do. Credentialed career and leadership professional with the International Coach Federation, Louise has worked in industries such as social media, IT, biotech, manufacturing, payment card, non-profit, financial services and hospitality where the number one priority for business leaders and employees is to reengage with work. Louise runs her company Pivoting Point Career Solutions, is co-founder of Your Kickass Career Collective and podcast, speaker, and facilitator. Pivoting means it’s time to rediscover, reimagine, and relaunch your work life to make room for your life.
AMBER HICKS
Member at Large
After a lengthy and unexpected break from studying Career Development at University of Calgary, Amber’s passion for CD reignited upon returning to Winnipeg in 2009. Volunteering career services to members of the Urban Indigenous Theater Company led to the creation of a work readiness program for Indigenous youth in the Performing Arts. Amber then completed her Employment Counselor certification (University of Winnipeg via Winnipeg Transition Centre) and opened a private practice. Currently, she is the RINT Project Coordinator at Reaching E- Quality Employment Services (REES) in Winnipeg where she helps clients with physical disabilities/health conditions and employers create sustainable and inclusive work environments together. She also serves on Manitoba Supported Employment Network’s Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) committee.
Amber believes in lifelong learning (be it traditional education or experiential) and that all of life’s experiences are valuable in the workplace. Every journey is unique and a story to share! She welcomes this exciting opportunity with MACD to exchange knowledge with peers and further the career development of practitioners, workers, and jobseekers in Manitoba.
Amber believes in lifelong learning (be it traditional education or experiential) and that all of life’s experiences are valuable in the workplace. Every journey is unique and a story to share! She welcomes this exciting opportunity with MACD to exchange knowledge with peers and further the career development of practitioners, workers, and jobseekers in Manitoba.
SAMAR SEOUDI
(she / her/ hers)
Member at Large
Samar is an internationally trained business development and marketing professional with over 19 years in the Information Technology and telecommunications industries. Professional and career development has always been a key focus for her whether in creating her own career development goals or through mentoring and coaching junior professionals within the industry. Samar is a great believer that we all grow at our own pace, and through our own experiences.
Empowered by “If you think Education is Expensive, Try Ignorance” Samar, is committed to long life learning, and this reflected through her bachelor’s degree in linguistics and translation, an additional MBA degree in Business Marketing, Certificate in Life Coaching, and another in Human Resources.
Samar has been involved with MACD since 2019 as a member in the professional development committee, and recently as board member at large. Currently. Currently, Samar focuses on supporting international students and newcomers to sharpen their skills to be ready for employability within the Canadian work environment.
Empowered by “If you think Education is Expensive, Try Ignorance” Samar, is committed to long life learning, and this reflected through her bachelor’s degree in linguistics and translation, an additional MBA degree in Business Marketing, Certificate in Life Coaching, and another in Human Resources.
Samar has been involved with MACD since 2019 as a member in the professional development committee, and recently as board member at large. Currently. Currently, Samar focuses on supporting international students and newcomers to sharpen their skills to be ready for employability within the Canadian work environment.
MARNIE BICKERTON
(On Leave)
Member at Large
TROY MERCER
Past Chair (Inaugural Chair)
