Speakers
Keynote Speakers
Conference Emcees
Session Speakers
CALL FOR PRESENTERS
We invite you to submit your proposal to present at the 21st Annual Contact Conference.
Deadline for submissions is October 1, 2025.
We invite you to submit your proposal to present at the 21st Annual Contact Conference.
Deadline for submissions is October 1, 2025.
Aaron Adair has been an educator for 23 years in K-12 and adult education. Currently, with the Saskatoon Industry Education Council (SIEC), he collaborates with his colleagues and community partners on career exploration and financial literacy programs for youth such as SaskMoney, employABILITY, Digitized, and various Spotlight on Careers events. Aaron also co-developed the Enough Already online training courses, Creating Harassment-Free Workplaces, and he recently led the creation of a youth-focused, blended learning entrepreneurship project—SaskMoney Start.
Prior to joining the SIEC, Aaron taught for 16 years with Saskatoon Public Schools where he developed a passion for maximising student engagement and facilitating practical professional learning. In the 2024-2025 school year, he has supported over 200 teachers around the province with the implementation of the new Financial Literacy 10 curriculum. Aaron has earned two graduate studies credentials: Master of Curriculum Studies (University of Saskatchewan) and Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design (Royal Roads University).
Namarta Kochar is a distinguished leader within the community, recognized for her exceptional leadership and commitment to volunteerism, community building and advocacy for diversity, equity and inclusion. She actively engages in a multitude of events and initiatives aimed at fostering a cohesive and inclusive society.
Namarta serves as public representative on the Drug Advisory Committee of Saskatchewan for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health and as a member of the TCU Place Board of Directors. Previously, she served as Chair of the City of Saskatoon’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee, and has been invited to speak on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion panels for local organizations.
Namarta’s community building efforts focus on empowerment, and her leadership has always been driven by a strong sense of respect for others. She has helped strengthen various spheres throughout Saskatchewan, providing valuable volunteer service for an array of organizations, including the Saskatoon Salvation Army, YWCA Saskatoon, Dress for Success Saskatoon, among many others.
She is widely respected for her dedication to community service and has been highly regarded, and sought after, as a master of ceremonies for numerous community and cultural events, including the Saskatoon Police Service Annual Diversity Breakfast, The Saskatchewan International Film Festival, The People Bridge Advocacy Champions for Change Gala, and the City of Saskatoon’s Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Month Proclamation and Flag Raising ceremony, and many more.
Namarta has been honoured with the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, the King Charles III Coronation Medal, the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal, the YMCA Peace Medal, the Leadership Saskatoon Community Leadership Award, and many others. Her leadership has been recognized by multiple organizations, earning her esteemed titles such as being named among Saskatchewan’s Women of Influence by SaskBusiness Magazine and a University of Saskatchewan Arts & Science Alumni of Influence
Dr. Norman Amundson is a professor emeritus from the University of British Columbia. He has worked in the career development field for over 40 years. During this time, he has published many books and articles. Most recently, he has co-authored Career Wayfinder: Discovering your career through delightfully practical projects. Most of his books and workbooks have been translated into multiple languages and are highly regarded in the Career Development field.
In his work, he emphasizes the importance of creativity, imagination, storytelling, dynamic action, metaphors, and hope. He has presented his work at many national and international conferences (in more than 30 countries) and has been recognized by many national and international professional associations for his leadership and contributions in the career development field.
Donnalee has led a wide range of national, provincial/territorial career and labour force development initiatives. She has represented Canada at the EU, edited an award-winning career magazine for youth, and has facilitated the development and implementation of several policy, service and organizational change frameworks for territorial, inter-provincial, and Pan-national bodies. She is a respected researcher who has authored many leading-edge reports featured in the Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, the Financial Post, CBC radio, and a CBC documentary on Generation Y. She is passionate about the career development field and works to bring its potential to the labour market and workforce development goals of individuals, communities, governments and organizations.
Laura Bence is the Director of Safety and Member Services at Service Hospitality, leading the delivery of safety programs and services that support member workplaces across Saskatchewan. She works closely with employers to build the capacity for effective and sustainable health and safety programs, while also championing initiatives that spotlight workplace safety for Saskatchewan’s young workers. Laura holds a Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety and is a Certified Psychological Health and Safety Advisor through the Canadian Mental Health Association. She is passionate about making workplace health and safety — particularly mental health — practical, engaging, and accessible for all workers.
Roxanne Brass is the Team Lead for SaskJobs at the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training and has over 21 years of experience in various roles within the Government of Saskatchewan. Roxanne is a proven leader dedicated to excellence. Her collaborative nature allows her to work well with diverse teams.
Roxanne has a deep connection to SaskJobs.ca, having spent over a decade helping clients use the job board and supporting employers and job seekers with recruitment, skills training, and retention strategies. In 2017, she participated in a citizen-centred focus group for the National Job Bank/SaskJobs.ca partnership, and in 2019, she became the Team Lead.
Outside of work, Roxanne enjoys life on her acreage with her husband and their fur babies, Leo, Taco, and Lyla.
Curtis Clements, BSc, BEng, BEd, MEd, has been with the Saskatoon Industry Education Council (SIEC) for eight years, implementating the CanCode program—an initiative that supports underrepresented students in developing digital skills in robotics, artificial intelligence, and computer networking. Prior to this role, Curtis worked for five years as an Environmental Engineer and spent twelve years teaching high school. He is passionate about hands-on learning and enjoys sharing that passion with teachers and students across Saskatchewan.
Kira is eager to expand partnerships and strengthen advocacy for the settlement sector in Saskatchewan in her role as Bilingual Urban Coordinator. Born and raised in Saskatoon, she brings a deep connection to the province alongside a global perspective shaped by her academic, professional, and travel experiences.
Kira’s appreciation for multiculturalism developed through working and studying in diverse environments where she was consistently made to feel welcome. These experiences inspired her commitment to fostering the same sense of belonging for individuals and families new to Saskatchewan. While completing a degree in Political Studies at the University of Saskatchewan, Kira spent a year studying at l’Université Robert Schumann in Strasbourg, France. During this time, she participated in a mock debate at the European Parliament—an experience that strengthened her interest in public policy, dialogue, and cross-cultural collaboration.
In 2018, Kira began her work in the settlement sector with Saskatoon Open Door Society, serving as a Volunteer and Program Coordinator. In this role, she supported newcomer integration initiatives, contributed to the Afghan Refugee Resettlement efforts, built meaningful partnerships, and played a key role in welcoming newcomers to the community. Her work reflects a strong commitment to collaboration, community-building, and responsive settlement services.
Proud to call Saskatchewan home, Kira also serves on the board of her local community association, demonstrating her ongoing dedication to civic engagement. Outside of work, she enjoys meeting new people and is always happy to strike up a conversation—especially if it’s about plants.
Bill Fahlman, BEd, UCCD(AU), has over 30 years of teaching experience focusing on the areas of Practical and Applied Arts, Career Education, and Science. This is Bill’s eighth year with SaskCode and sees SaskCode as a great ally to teachers who seek to incorporate coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, design and problem solving into their teaching.
Sherry Faris is the Program Manager at the Saskatoon Branch of SaskAbilities and oversees all Vocational, Recreation and Day Programming. She has over 15 years of experience in every aspect of supported employment. An innovative leader and thinker, Sherry leans on her background in psychology and philosophy to inform her person-centred approach. She is the program and creative lead of SaskAbilities interactive employment training resource, We Sell Donuts, An employment comedy of errors. In her spare time, Sherry enjoys time with her twin boys, long walks, and punishing workouts at the gym.
Ryan Fredrickson serves as the Provincial Director of Advocacy and Procurement at the Construction Associations of Saskatchewan, representing the Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw, and Saskatchewan Construction Associations. Committed to enhancing the construction industry in Saskatchewan, Ryan collaborates closely with stakeholders to drive positive changes. With a tenure of 5 years at the Construction Association, Ryan brings a wealth of experience to his role. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan, specializing in Operations Management and Human Resources. Before joining the Association, Ryan spent a decade working in various capacities for an excavating company in Saskatoon, building on a legacy of three generations in the construction field.
Andrea Fruhling is the founding director of Doubleknot Works, co-author of the recently published book Career Wayfinder: Discovering your career through delightfully practical projects, and an ICF-Certified Organizational Coach. Andrea is a Mentor Coach & Instructor for UBC’s Organizational Coaching certification program, and the developer and lead instructor for the 8-week Career Coaching Practitioner course at UBC. Andrea has the distinction of being the only certified expert trainer for the Hope-Action Theory and was instrumental in developing the Certification in Hope-Action Theory course, which has certified hundreds of career practitioners in the use of this theory. Andrea is a certified facilitator in the LEGO® Serious Play® Methodology, always embedding metaphor and creativity into all aspects of her work.
Bonnie Grove is the Senior Supervisor at SaskAbilities, Partners in Employment and a certified Supported Employment Practitioner. Her 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, combined with her background in counselling and psychology, inform every aspect of her approach. She is a best-selling author of fiction and non-fiction, including two novels and a forthcoming short story collection. She is a co-creator of the SaskAbilities employment skills video series, We Sell Donuts, An employment comedy of errors. When she’s not working or writing, Bonnie likes to read, hang out with family, and force herself to go to the gym.
Lori Hall is a project consultant with Career Enhancement Programs and Services in the Centre for Continuing Education at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Institute. Lori has been integrating Essential Skills for Success into training and learner development over the past decade, delivering employment programming to residents of Saskatchewan in a diverse, inclusive learning environment committed to innovative enhancement of fundamental workplace skills for success.
As Executive Director of the Canadian Career Development Foundation (CCDF), Sareena works in Canada and internationally to strengthen the reach and impact of career development. With her team at CCDF, she moves from ideas to action in areas of public policy, research and development, capacity building and advocacy. Sareena has been instrumental in a wide range of strategic leadership initiatives in Canada and internationally, including the development of our field’s Competency Framework, Code of Ethics, and approach to national certification. She is Chair of the International Centre for Career Development and Public Policy and is an active member of the Forum of Labour Market Ministers’ National Advisory Panel on Labour Market Information. In 2014, Sareena was awarded the International Gold Medal for Leadership in Career Development. Sareena lives, works, and plays (most of the time!) in Ottawa with her partner and a poorly behaved, but extremely sweet cat. Sareena can be reached at [email protected]
Trina is dedicated to expanding access to innovative career development approaches that empower individuals and communities. With over 20 years of experience in the career development sector as a front-line employment counsellor, facilitator and coach, she grounds her work in a client-centred, strengths-based philosophy that helps people move toward meaningful and sustainable futures.
At CCDF, she supports the national delivery of In Motion & Momentum+—training new facilitators, building partnerships with delivery sites and collaborating on research and policy development. A passionate facilitator and connector, Trina thrives on creating supportive spaces where growth and learning can flourish. She believes career development is about equipping people with the clarity, confidence, and momentum to live life with purpose.
Evan Jamieson is the Director of Program Development at the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission. He has several years of experience working in Alberta and Saskatchewan as a Construction Electrician, and is a Red Seal Journeyperson in that trade. As Director of Program Development, he manages all of the curriculum, assessments and supporting documents for trades training in the province. His team works with training providers and industry advisory boards to help deliver Red Seal training and assessments that incorporate relevant knowledge and skills for industry in the province. Additionally, the Program Development team provides quality assurance for trades training in the province and provides valuable information and reports to apprentices on their path toward journeyperson certification.
Melanie Lavallee Usselman has been an educator for 29 years, beginning her career with Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools in the elementary grades before moving into middle years education. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of roles, including classroom teacher, Treaty Catalyst Teacher, Learning Assistance Teacher, and teacher in a Grade 8/9 behaviour support program.
Since the fall of 2021, Melanie has been seconded to the Saskatoon Industry Education Council as a Mental Health Education Coordinator for the Mind Over Matters program. As part of this role, she facilitates and develops trauma-informed professional development for educators and community professionals. These sessions have been widely attended and consistently receive excellent feedback for their practical, neuroscience-informed approach and positive impact on professional practice.
As the Director of Labour Market Intelligence at the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training, Kemi brings over eight years of expertise in data-focused roles within the Government of Saskatchewan.
With a strong foundation in economics, public policy, and international affairs, she thrives in the dynamic and challenging environment of her role.
Beyond work, Kemi enjoys exploring new destinations and spending time with her family.
James Ouellette is a strategic leader specializing in partnership development and workforce initiatives for Indigenous agencies. With thirty-six years in human services, he combines deep community insight with practical strategies to connect employers and job seekers, strengthen collaborations, and drive sustainable workforce outcomes. As Senior Director of Employment & Strategic Initiatives and founder of i~Connect Consulting, James applies both traditional leadership principles and innovative approaches to build meaningful, results-driven partnerships.
David Potts-Schwinghamer grew up next to a potash mine and didn’t know anything about the careers mining offered or the vital role of mineral resources in Saskatchewan and beyond. Today, as Program Manager, Minerals Connected at the Saskatchewan Mining Association, David is passionate about sharing about the province’s mineral resources and the diverse, rewarding careers the industry offers.
David holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan, blending business acumen with an educator’s perspective. Beyond work, David serves on the Board of Directors of the Lung Foundation of Saskatchewan and enjoys long hikes with his basset hound, Copper.
About the Saskatchewan Mining Association (SMA): The SMA is an industry-driven organization representing the mining and mineral exploration industry within Saskatchewan. SMA’s mission is to advance a safe, sustainable, and globally competitive exploration and mining industry in Saskatchewan that benefits all residents of the province.
Tristyn serves as the Lead for the Indigenous Student Employment Readiness Program. As a proud Métis woman, she deeply values the opportunity to celebrate her culture alongside friends and family. With a rich background as a middle-year classroom teacher, Tristyn has dedicated her career to working with Indigenous youth, finding great joy in helping them explore and embrace their cultural identities.
A graduate of the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teachers Education Program, Tristyn holds a Bachelor of Education and is driven by a passion for deepening her understanding of her Indigenous heritage. She is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Indigenous Education, furthering her commitment to both personal and professional growth in this field.
In her spare time, Tristyn enjoys canoeing, getting lost in a good book, and practicing her skills in beading—a craft that connects her more deeply to her cultural roots.
Janvi Tuteja currently serves as the Saskatchewan Rural Coordinator at the provincial umbrella organization for immigration, where she provides comprehensive support to settlement organizations across the province. Her role focuses on fostering partnerships, coordinating resource sharing, and ensuring newcomers—particularly in rural and remote communities—have access to essential settlement services.
She has extensive governance experience, having previously served on the board of the India Canada Cultural Association (ICCA). She is currently a board member with both the Peoples Bridge Advocacy (PBA) and Crime Stoppers, contributing her leadership, community insight, and cross-sector perspective to support economic development, public safety, and community well-being.
In collaboration with the provincial government, she works on several strategic initiatives, including leading an international recruitment mission in September 2024 to India, the Philippines, and the UAE to attract skilled talent to Saskatchewan. She is also the provincial lead for the Temporary Foreign Workers project, overseeing strategies that support worker integration and retention.
An active community leader, she is deeply involved in organizing events with cultural associations across the province. Since 2016, she has served as the event planner for Saskatoon’s Annual Diversity Awards Gala. Her background also includes high-level experience as a mental health corrections officer, delivering youth empowerment workshops, advocating nationally on immigration and settlement policy, and contributing to GBA+ initiatives to ensure equity-informed programming.
