SOUTHWEST EMPLOYMENT SERVICES - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Employment Support Practitioner
- Employment Support Practitioner / Yarmouth
Amanda Mackay, the Employment Support Practitioner has been with Southwest Employment Services since April 2018. Amanda works well with clients and puts everyone at ease.
Amanda has trained at the Nova Scotia Community College in the Systems Networking and Administration program, also at Acadia University in the Environmental Arts program. Prior to joining Southwest Employment Services, Amanda worked for over 13 years at Web.com/Register.com as website designer where she trained in all aspects of Website Development and Technology. Amanda received her Introduction to Employment Services and Career Development Certificate from Dalhousie University. She enjoys helping clients reach their employment goals by assisting them with unique strategies that support them while finding employment.
Job Titles:
- Secretary
- Secretary of the Board
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Chairman of the Board
Job Titles:
- Employer Engagement Specialist
Employer Engagement Specialist, Charlotte Scott, is new to Southwest Employment Services (SES), joining the team in December 2017. As an Employer Engagement Specialist, Charlotte will be working and networking with the business community, local Municipal units and community groups to deliver the many services offered to employers by SES. She looks forward to engaging with local employers; supporting and helping them to meet their recruiting, retention and staffing needs. She will work with employers from along the South Shore covering the area from the Town of Lockeport to the Municipality of the District of Barrington.
Before joining Southwest Employment Services, Charlotte worked as Marketing Coordinator at Oak Island Resort & Spa. She brings Tourism & Marketing experience with her. Charlotte lived in Halifax previously where she pursued her education in Tourism Management, majoring in Experiential Tourism. She then moved to The Netherlands & Florida where she travelled and enjoyed working at Disney World. Charlotte was then ready to move back, and make the South Shore her home and is grateful to live in such a vibrant and resourceful community.
Charlotte is looking forward to working with her new clients and being able to be a part of the progress and growth of the local business community.
Job Titles:
- Project Coordinator
- Project Coordinator / Yarmouth
Christine is a Project Coordinator at Southwest Employment Services. She has led contracted with Southwest Employment Services for client programming. She helps clients succeed by giving them skills, insight, passion and inner strength so they can advance in their careers.
Christine was born in New York and moved to Canada in 1970 to get her degree in Theology. She has a lifetime of vast experiences from being a business owner, an Executive Director of a local camp & retreat center for 25 years and as of late, a Certified Life Coach. She has traveled extensively in North America for the Board of Christian Camping International, presenting a wide variety of workshops to different groups.
Christine has an adult son and daughter, with amazing spouses as well as two semi-perfect grandsons and one newly adopted grandaughter. Her ability to connect with people and her gift of encouragement often brightens people's lives.
She loves quotes and has a vast number of different ones all over her home and office, but the one she often uses is, "The journey may not be easy but it's always worth it!"
Job Titles:
- CCDP - Case Manager Team Lead
Certified Career Practitioner / Team Lead, Denise Nickerson began working for Southwest Employment Services in 2006. Some of her day-to-day activities with clients include career decision making, assisting with resume and cover letter development, job searching, exploring training opportunities and the local labour market, and helping clients apply for funding programs. Denise is also the regional representative for the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities program and works with partnering Nova Scotia Works offices to assist their clients with disabilities and employers to access this program.
Denise was born and raised on Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia but moved to Toronto, Ontario to pursue her educational goals. In 2004 she graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honors Bachelor of Arts Degree in the Co-operative Arts Management Program.
Denise has completed the Introduction to Employment Services and Career Development Services (Level II) programs through Dalhousie University. In 2016 she successfully completed the requirements to become a Certified Career Development Practitioner through the Nova Scotia Career Development Association.
Along with her work at SES, Denise enjoys volunteering for local organizations and community groups. She is currently a member of the Shelburne County Learning Network, Barrington SchoolsPlus Regional Advisory Committee, Barrington & Area Chamber of Commerce, and was a founding member of Sou'West Nova Transit Association. She has volunteered for PET Projects/Beulah Burman Memorial Animal Shelter, Shelburne County Minor Hockey Association, Anthony Gosbee Rec Hockey, Canadian Music Week's Festival & Conference, among others.
Denise feels the most rewarding part of her job is when a client has reached their employment goal and have a new sense of fulfilment and pride in their life.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Board
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Board
Dustin was born and raised in the South Shore, kickstarting his career as a Project Coordinator in 2018. Currently, he works for Coldwater Lobster Association, a non-profit based in Yarmouth County that represents over 150 lobster license holders in LFA 34. He is responsible for coordinating and assisting in the administration of the projects the association undertakes. In July of 2022, he earned his CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) accreditation.
Dustin has had the privilege of experiencing first hand the positive impact Southwest Employment Services can have on job seekers and employers alike. He is keen on contributing to SWES's very important mandate of providing meaningful opportunities for all.
Job Titles:
- Employer Engagement Specialist
- Employer Engagement Specialist / Yarmouth
Gabriel Durling, was born and raised in Yarmouth NS attending Acadia university and returning to his hometown of Yarmouth Nova Scotia. Gabriel's experience includes working with small businesses and using his knowledge and experience gained over his years working to help the people of Yarmouth in their road to fulfilling employment. If you need any assistance as an employer, do not hesitate to reach out to Gabriel and he can register you and inform you of all the many services available at Southwest Employment Services.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Board
Job Titles:
- CCDP - Case Manager
- CCDP - Case Manager / Yarmouth
Gina d'Entremont-Muise has been with Southwest Employment Services since 2003. Gina works with the clients with their long-term employment goals, assists them with resumes, applying for employment or obtaining the training they require in order to secure employment. Having begun her career as the Administrative Assistant, and having over 30 years' experience working in an office setting, Gina has worked her way into what she calls a more demanding and satisfying position as Certified Career Development Practitioner within the organization.
Before joining Southwest Employment Services, Gina's past experiences include File Clerk, Customer Service Representative, Sales Clerk, and Administrative Assistant. Gina's past experiences have given her the confidence and skills necessary to assist clients with their needs. In 2016 she successfully completed the requirements and has become a Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP) through the Nova Scotia Career Development Association.
Gina truly enjoys her work with Southwest Employment Services and enjoys seeing the smile on the clients' face when they achieve their goals!
Job Titles:
- Case Manager and Workshop Facilitator
- Case Manager and Workshop Facilitator / Yarmouth
Jennifer Comeau joined Southwest Employment Services (SES) in July of 2016. She works as a Case Manager and Workshop Facilitator assisting clients to help them reach their individual needs and employment goals. Jennifer helps her clients with job search preparation, resumes, cover letter writing, interview skills as well as facilitates monthly employability workshops.
Before joining Southwest Employment Services, Jennifer worked with Digby Area Learning Association at the Career Resource Centre. She brings many years of experience providing employment services to individuals with multiple barriers. Jennifer provides her clients support and understanding and aids in helping every individual. She is a strong believer in putting clients first and working one on one to help clients reach their full potential.
She was born in Halifax, NS and raised in Middleton in the Annapolis Valley. Currently, she lives in Clare, NS with her husband and son.
Jennifer has completed her NSCDA certification training in Case Management, Career Development Services and Employment Services certificates from Dalhousie University, Adult Learning- Literacy Practitioner from Literacy Nova Scotia, Counseling Skills diploma from International Career School, and Arts and Communications diploma from Kingstec.
Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and friends and can be found boating at the lake, swimming, skating, skiing, hiking walking the beach and chasing hockey rinks.
Job Titles:
- CCDP - Case Manager Workshop Facilitator
- CCDP - Case Manager Workshop Facilitator / Shelburne and Lockeport
Jennifer MacIntosh joined the Southwest Employment Services (SES) in July of 2016. As a Certified Career Practitioner, Jennifer assists clients to identify their employment goals and the necessary steps to achieve them. She also assists clients with various job searching activities such as; resume & cover letter writing, interview preparation, and job applications.
Before joining Southwest Employment Services, Jennifer worked with the Nova Scotia Community College at the Career Resource Centre as an Employment Specialist. She brings thirteen years of direct experience in employment / career counselling & providing employment-related services in the local area, her expertise includes; a comprehensive knowledge of the region (services, organizations and businesses), experience with / in depth understanding of various employment / government programs, as well as a familiarity with / ability to utilize various assessment tools.
Jennifer was raised in Lockeport but moved to Halifax in 1992 to further her education. In 1996 she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Saint Mary's University and returned to her home community of Lockeport. She later completed a certificate in Human Services - Educational Support from NSCC, Shelburne Campus.
Jennifer spends her spare time as a volunteer for various community organizations, she has been on the board of Harmony Bazaar Festival of Women & Song Society and Shelburne County Women's Fishnet for the past 13 years.
Jennifer is excited to be part of Southwest Employment Services and to continue to provide employment-related services to the Shelburne and Lockeport area.
Job Titles:
- Financial Controller
- Financial Controller / Yarmouth
Financial Controller, Jonathon has been with Southwest Employment Services since August 2017. Jonathon is an innovative and driven accounting professional with over 8 years' experience. Jonathon is responsible for coordinating the financial planning and budget processes, evaluating financial reporting systems, accounting procedures, and monetary activities. He makes recommendations for changes to procedures, operating systems, budgets and other financial control functions to the Executive Director. Jonathon reports to the Executive Director concerning any trends that are critical to the organization's financial performance through up-to-date financial reports and required to submit monthly spending claims and revised cash flows.
Prior to working at Southwest Employment Services, Jonathon offered business accounting services around the local community by not only providing basic accounting needs but helped entrepreneurs build their business plan and scope. He offered solutions to common issues that small business' face and assisted in areas that created vision, growth, internal controls, and sound financial practices.
Jonathon welcomes the challenges that come with his position at Southwest Employment Services and enjoys working with the team as they strive to fulfill the mission, vision, and goals of the organization.
Job Titles:
- Vice Chairperson
- Vice Chairperson of the Board
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Board
Lynn Doucette joined the board of Southwest Employment Services in June of 2018, after she retired. She has worked in people service employment since she graduated from Acadia University. Her employment history includes working at the Hebron Residential Centre and Manager of the Yarmouth Golf and Country Club.
In recognition of her privilege of being born at this time and this place, she has been trying to pay back to her community, by being of service. She volunteers with the Lion's club working on TV Bingo, coach's Special Olympics, golf, and curling, President of BGC Yarmouth, and on the Yarmouth Refugee committee and has spent three years assisting a Syrian family with child care as needed. She recently joined the Yarmouth County Learning Network. Lynn is the mother of two and a grandmother of two granddaughters. In her spare time she plays sudoku and word games on her tablet.
Job Titles:
- Career Counsellor
- Career Counsellor / Yarmouth
Michael joined Southwest Employment Services in February of 2021 as a Career Counsellor. His primary focus is to help clients make career choices. This may consist of gaining self-understanding, identifying viable career options, deciding between various paths, or transitioning to a different career. He works in a relational, client-centred approach with clients at various career stages.
Before joining Southwest Employment Services, Michael enjoyed a successful teaching career for thirty years. During the last ten years of his teaching career, he served as the coordinator of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School. He was also an elected member and chair of the former Tri-County Regional School Board.
Michael's career focus has been helping people, typically within an educational setting. He is excited to bring this experience to working one-on-one with the clients of Southwest Employment Services.
Job Titles:
- Project Coordinator
- Project Coordinator / Shelburne
Michael became a Project Coordinator with Nova Scotia Works in November of 2022. In this role he facilitates a Job Readiness Program for unemployed adults who are facing barriers to employment. Participants spend three weeks in the classroom then six weeks at a work placement, developing skills for finding and maintaining employment, now and in the future.
He has lived, worked, and raised his two wonderful children in Shelburne County. He taught Junior High School for many years, mostly as a Physical Educator, but also for several years as a Special Education and Resource Teacher. He has a passion for helping others in his community, so he has volunteered extensively, in school and the community. He has organized, coached, and officiated many sports, and has played many leadership roles in other community organizations, including Special Olympics. Michael views his position with Nova Scotia Works as a new challenge and opportunity for him to keep helping his community.
Job Titles:
- Operations Manager
- Operations Manager / Yarmouth
Randy Fells was born and raised in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and has lived here his entire life. He has been in the Client Services' Field for the past twenty-five years. Randy is the Operations Manager for Southwest Employment Services, where he continues serving his clients and tries to ensure that all their needs are met. Randy enjoys the opportunity to make a difference in his client's professional lives.
Randy's varied work experience in his youth serves as an asset when helping people manage their career. Randy's first job as a Christian camp counselor was where he developed his love of working and helping people. Randy has also always valued hard work and determination.
Randy's career path has always led him back to working with people of all ages, which is what he enjoys doing most in life. He welcomes everyone to visit the Southwest Employment Services and meet the accommodating staff.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Executive Director / Yarmouth
Rhonda has been employed with Southwest Employment Services, a Nova Scotia Works Employment Centre since 2000. She reports directly to the society's board of directors. Some of her responsibilities are to plan, direct, evaluate and coordinate the society's operations of human resources and personnel activities, implement policies, programs and procedures regarding human resource planning, recruitment, training and development, and benefit administration. She is also responsible for all financial accountability of the society's finances, and relations between management/employees and the society's board of directors.
Rhonda was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba where she began her education. She later moved to Calgary, Alberta where she graduated from High School. Rhonda pursued post-secondary education at the University of Calgary where she graduated with a Certificate in Business Management. In 1990, she moved to Clare, Nova Scotia in large part to the beauty of the landscape and the friendliness of the residents. She then continued her studies with the University of Calgary long distance.
Rhonda's past work experience background is in the banking industry. Before joining Southwest Employment Services, she worked for the Royal Bank for a period of thirteen years. She also enjoys volunteering and acts as Treasurer on Yarmouth Life Skills for Disabled Adults, and Seafest Association. She recently joined the board of directors for Inclusion Clare, formerly Atelier de Clare. She also volunteers at local events when possible.
Rhonda really enjoys working for Southwest Employment Services as she finds her position very challenging. She feels the team and the board members work very well with each other. Inclusion is very important to Rhonda and stives for equity for all. She also feels her human relations' skills have improved during her employment as she tries to be sensitive to the different needs of others.
Sabrina Falls has been working in the employment services field for over 20 years. She works as a Case Manager and enjoys working with clients from diverse cultures and backgrounds to help them overcome barriers and challenges and to see the client move forward into obtaining satisfying employment. Prior to this, she worked as an Information and Resource Specialist/Administrative Support for over 15 years and has attended many professional development opportunities in order to advance her career and serve the community. Before entering the employment services field, she also worked for 7 years as a Customer Service Representative with TD Bank.
Sabrina graduated with an honours diploma in Business Administration and has completed the Employment Services Certificate program with Dalhousie University. She is currently working to complete her certification to become a Certified Career Development Practitioner with the Nova Scotia Career Development Association.
Sabrina loves her career and enjoys working with clients, making them feel at ease and putting their needs first so that she can assist them in achieving their employment goals.
Job Titles:
- Information and Resource Specialist
- Information and Resource Specialist / Yarmouth
Shannon McGirr grew up in Yarmouth Nova Scotia and is a proud mom of two children. Shannon has volunteered/worked within the Human Services field for 18 years. She has worked with individuals of all ages while supporting them in their day to day lives as well as building skills and confidence to gain independence. She recently joined the team at Southwest Employment Services (SES) as the Information and Resource Specialist and is here to assist you with getting involved and engaged with different team members at SES and building your resume. Shannon is eager to help you with your employment needs, whatever they may be. Please do not hesitate to stop in and book an intake and see how SES can support you.
Job Titles:
- Treasurer
- Treasurer of the Board
Sherry grew up in northern New Brunswick and graduated from Kingswood University with a Bachelor of Science in Christian Education. Following graduation she taught in private schools, and was the Assistant to the Dean of Students at her Alma Mater. Sherry's career has always been in the caregiving/helping people sector.
In 2007, Sherry and 4 parents founded an award winning , one of a kind, day program for intellectually challenged adults and is the Executive Director. In 2011, Sherry was awarded the "Regional Award of Excellence" from the Collaborative Partnership Network. In 2016, Sherry was able to export the day program model and programs to St Kitts in the West Indies. She went there for six months and worked with the staff and board of "Ades Place", transforming a small day center into a thriving program for the Kittian people with intellectual challenges.
Outside of work, Sherry's favorite thing to do is to spend time with her grandchildren. Being with them is her happy place.
Job Titles:
- Job Developer
- Job Developer / Yarmouth
My name is Tanika Seabrook, I have a loving husband and three beautiful children. I have a background in the Human Services Field, working with diverse groups of individuals. Three years ago I joined the team at Southwest Employment Services as their Information Resource Specialist, recently I have taken on the role as Job Developer. I am friendly and outgoing and I enjoy greeting people as they arrive to our center. I am available to assist and support your employment needs. Please don't hesitate to book an intake and see how we can help you on your employment journey.
Tiffany Saulnier works as the School Liaison for Yarmouth County. She travels within schools to guide students in choosing their career paths and exploring the labour market and /or assisting in applying for employment or post-secondary education. Her employment history consists of 4 years as a teachers assistant and volunteering in the learning centre of her high school. This has given her years of experience within schools in all grades with individuals who face various barriers. Tiffany is a graduate of the Mental Health Recovery and Promotion program where she learnt a variety of support strategies to better assist individuals of all ages, in both French and/or English. Please reach out to me with any further questions or if you need assistance choosing your career path post-secondary, I would be happy to assist you.
Job Titles:
- Project Coordinator
- Project Coordinator / Yarmouth
Tonya is a Project Coordinator at Southwest Employment Services and has been with the agency intermittently since 2009. Over the years Tonya has developed and delivered a variety of Programs for various groups of job seekers aimed at addressing barriers to employment. Tonya is an outgoing people person that enjoys seeing clients succeed through skill development, self-esteem building and personal/professional advancement.
Tonya was born in British Columbia and settled in Yarmouth in 2008 with her husband and three children. She graduated from Grant McEwan College in 1996 with a diploma in Correctional Services and has been blessed to work in a variety of settings within the Human Services field over the years.
In her free time, she enjoys travelling, motorcycles, Yoga and spending quality moments with friends and family as laughter truly is the best medicine. Tonya believes kindness is contagious and smiles are free and tries to always "Leave people better than you found them" - Marvin J. Ashton