Anne-Marie Edgar
CEO
Anne-Marie Edgar is the chief executive officer for Make A Change Canada and has been with the organization since 2007. Reporting to the Board of Directors, she is responsible for the overall management of our programs and the effective administration of the organization. With a Master in Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Anne-Marie has led the organization through the development and implementation of two strategic plans. Her professional background includes working directly with people living with disabilities, leading and completing several large instructional design projects, and overseeing and operating several businesses.
With prior experience owning and operating a construction firm and as a management consultant, Anne-Marie knows first-hand the challenges in establishing a viable business. Anne-Marie has in-depth experience in workshop facilitation and the employment services sector. While working in the information technology field Anne-Marie developed online training, conducted training sessions, and managed courseware development teams. Clients included the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, Transport Canada, BNR, TRW, Workers' Compensation Board of BC, and Sprint. Anne-Marie calls Nelson, British Columbia, home. In her down time she enjoys weight training, skiing, and attending live performances locally and in neighbouring communities. Family pet to Anne-Marie and her family is Samy, their cuddly guinea pig.
Mary Alton
Program Manager
When you call Make A Change Canada, Mary is often the friendly voice you hear at the end of the telephone line. Mary has been with Make A Change Canada since 2008, bringing a wealth of experience in employment services, client care, and health services to our organization. As program manager, Mary oversees the daily operation of our programs and the quality and delivery of client services. Highly approachable and enthusiastic, Mary is a great listener and dedicates herself to coordinating between team members and clients to support positive individual outcomes for all our clients.
Mary enjoys her role immensely and is a strong believer in the benefit that continuing education provides. Mary holds a Diploma in Massage Therapy and certifications in Life Skills Coaching and E-Business Management with additional studies in Psychology, Pharmacology, Public Health, Counselling, and Small Business Management. Mary currently lives in Grand-Barachois, New Brunswick, where she enjoys reading a good book, spending time outdoors, and quality time with friends and family. Mary has two adorable rescue dogs named Irina and Hope.
JA ("Judy") Jonusas
Workforce Opportunities Specialist
Judy (or “JA” for short) has dedicated more than 25 years to helping entrepreneurs and job seekers achieve their professional goals. Originally from Ontario, at the age of nine JA relocated with her family to the Chicago area. There, JA found solace in sketching, reading, and creating floor plans of fantasy homes. This led her to earning her Degree in Interior Design. Upon completing her studies JA worked in a commercial design studio at theMART and as a freelance designer. Sometime during that period, she gained the name “JA.” In 1982 JA was invited to visit British Columbia.
Eager to return to Canada, JA packed her car with whatever would fit and landed in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. From there she moved to 100 Mile House where she earned her certification in Adult Education and, amongst other endeavours, became the community service provider for BC Works! in 100 Mile House and Williams Lake. JA developed her entrepreneurial drive during her formative years, working alongside her family in their cider mill, and at one time co-owned a welding and marine company in B.C. Today JA resides in Brampton, Ontario. Throughout her career JA has provided business coaching, employment counselling, and life skills training through a myriad of career services and educational organizations. JA has given her time through volunteerism to help at-risk youth and has helped support and supervise peer group grief facilitators. An avid learner, JA continues to enhance her skills and knowledge. Topics near to her heart include herbology, quantum theory, human potential, metaphysics, and thanatology. JA’s most cherished moments are those spent with her deaf rescue dog, Nova, a Central Asian shepherd from Israel. Nova’s unique look resembles that of a polar bear, and he is often called on to pose for photographs with strangers, something that JA always recalls with a smile.
Jenn Cloutier-Jury
Education and Training Coordinator
Jenn brings a real passion for helping people pursue their goals to her role at Make A Change Canada. Prior to joining the Make A Change Canada team, Jenn worked in municipal government, education, event planning, and marketing/design. Jenn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Psychology and Law and Justice from Laurentian University. She has also completed several graduate certifications in various fields.
As someone who feels strongly that each person has unique gifts and can contribute to society in a meaningful way, Jenn has devoted many years to volunteering, supporting, and advocating for persons with disabilities. Outside of work Jenn enjoys spending time in the great outdoors of Ontario where she resides with her husband, children, and very large dog named “Servo.”
George Papazian
Educational Lead
George originally joined Make A Change Canada in 2010. Besides teaching in our online programs and designing workshops on emerging and innovative technology topics, George helps guide the development of our web and digital training content, ensuring its currency and relevancy to industry and employer needs. With a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Simon Fraser University, George has a keen interest in organizational governance and international relations.
George has travelled far and wide to many corners of the world where he has enjoyed sipping a coffee in Lviv, Ukraine, delivering coding workshops in Yerevan, Armenia, and finding his way out of a labyrinth of heat-soaked ruins in Pafos, Cyprus. Closer to home, George can be found partaking in the odd anthropological observation on the humans of Vancouver or riding his bike from point A to point B.
Colin Keane
Instructor/TA
Colin joined Make A Change Canada as an instructor in 2017. Prior to this, Colin worked with us as a programmer and peer tutor. Colin resides in Surrey, British Columbia, and has worked in the tech sector for over 25 years. His educational credentials include several certificates and diplomas spanning the following areas: computer programming, information technology and management, and web design and optimization.
Colin also owns Keane Computing Solutions, a tech firm specializing in web development and web programming and is known for building “massive” websites. Students appreciate the wealth of knowledge and practical experience Colin brings to his role and his focus on the success of students needing assistance and support. Colin exemplifies our guiding principles through the dedicated service he provides to students in our programs. When he isn’t deep into problem solving or teaching students new skills, Colin enjoys travelling and especially going on cruises. With his great sense of humour, don’t be surprised if you hear Colin crack a joke or two.