To all our volunteers.... welcome to the volunteer network... and... THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO! It is you who inspires the next generation... so... Let their success be your inspiration!

Birthplace: Edmonton, Alberta (born and raised!)

First Big Break: Getting hired by the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce in 1996 at 25 years old to develop and launch the BrightNights Light Park down in Hawrelak park

Career highlights at JA: Having been at JA since May of 2000, I have many... but my top three are 1.) Watching 10 year grade 5 student Matt Grenier deliver a 5 minute speech to 1000 people at the very last Edmonton Oilers/JA dinner in 2002. 2.) Watching that same student return to the stage, as a high school graduate along with his mom, to deliver an emotional tribute to JA at the 2008 Alberta Business Hall of Fame Gala Dinner. 3.) Every single class I have ever delivered... I love teaching JA programs and meeting kids and teachers. It is how I stay so inspired on my job.

Special interests/hobbies: I am a Fishing fanatic. I love to fish and be on the water (or ice) especially with my children. They enjoy it too and I take great pleasure in that quality time I spend with them. I also have a passion for hockey... I play whenever I get the chance on outdoor rinks near my house in winter. My son, who is 5, is in his 2nd year of minor hockey and I get to lace up the skates twice a weekend with his team as an assistant coach. I also have the greatest part time gig in the world: since 1996 I have been working for the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club on game nights managing the press box with 4 other guys. During the 2009/2010 season I am handling all PA announcing duties in the press box.

What I do at JA: On a day to day basis here at JA, my number one task is to ensure that the needs of the amazing JA team are taken care of and to be the bulldozer that breaks down any barriers to their success. This includes making emergency caffeine runs to Tim Hortons, putting paper in the photocopier, watering half dead plants and providing advice on girls to a certain part time staffer (who shall remain nameless to protect the identities of the girls he usually double books himself with on any given Saturday night).

As the chief cook and bottle washer here at JA I have an amazing job. I steer a growing local Junior Achievement chapter that is part of a worldwide organization that reaches 10 million kids in 112 countries each year. I also work with incredibly talented people who care about what they do. I have been with JA since the spring of 2000 and I can honestly say that JA changes kid’s lives...I have witnessed it many, many times. I am alos grateful that I have had the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally during my time here at JA.  I have learned that there are lessons and learning moments waiting for each of us every day. Every great moment... every great mistake... leads to success.

How big is the JA team? We have 4 full time and 4 part time leaders on the team and we now have very staff representation in BOTH the NW and NE rural Alberta for the first time... ever. Our push current push into the Alberta’s northern communities will ensure that ALL students have access to our amazing programs. This year we will reach 16,000 students. We have come a long from 2003 when we reached only 5000 kids!

Advice to first time volunteers: NERVOUS? Of course you are! You are about to walk into a class of 25 + kids... to inspire them while trying to hold their attention for about an hour (or an entire day for JH programs!). Try doing THAT in a boardroom full of suits. Just go for it! I teach many programs each year (elementary are my favorite)... and I still get nervous before I walk into each class. I try to minimize the stress be simply being prepared and making time to review all materials before the class begins. Don’t forget... our team are pros at teaching JA programs.

If you have questions just call us.. our goal is too make sure YOU have an amazing experience.