Our People

Linda Brunet

Director General

"What could be more enriching than to work in an environment where we celebrate Canadian values, are surrounded by exceptional volunteers, and strive for the development of our future leaders?  Together, we seek to know...to better understand.  I encourage Canadian youth to find their unique place, as it is the source of great fulfillment.  I've had the immense pleasure of leading this exceptional program since 2000, and I'm as passionate today as I was on day one."

Lola (Our Mascot)

A fixture at EWC, Lola is the canine Diva that wins everyone's hearts...and treats.

Join Lola’s Fan Club - Register for the EWC Alumni Community.

Denyse Marion

Administrative Coordinator

"Throughout my career, I have always wanted to become more involved with young Canadians – and now I am. I am eager to learn about your visions and goals, and help you reach them in any way I can. The Encounters with Canada program affords you a wonderful opportunity to meet other teens such as yourselves from across our great nation. I am personally inspired and motivated to be working within such a creative, social and cultural environment. I am proud to be part of the EWC team!"

Daniela Mognon

Administrative Support Officer

"I truly enjoy being a part of the Encounters with Canada team. It allows me to appreciate our country's cultural diversity through the teachers and students I meet on a weekly basis."

Sylvie King

Division Controller

Francine Jobin

Program Director

"I am very pleased to be a part of the Encounters with Canada team. Having teens of my own, I know how important it is to give them a voice - and this is what this program delivers. I am looking forward to meeting you all!"

Chantal Villeneuve

Program Coordinator

"In 1995, I jumped into the Encounters with Canada adventure as a participant without knowing what I was getting into. I had the opportunity to meet wonderful young people from all across the country and also learned more about myself.  Who would have been able to predict that some years later, I would be part of the team and would have the chance to allow other teenagers to live this extraordinary experience."

Isabelle Renaud

Junior Program Coordinator

"Working at Encounters with Canada is more than just a job. It is also an opportunity to see young people, our future, come together, regardless of race, language or religion. And I value seeing the dynamism, creativity and enthusiasm of our participants, each week."

Bridgit Muldoon

Evening Program & Resource Coordinator

"Encounters with Canada is an awesome program, which gives youth from across the nation a chance to experience our vast country while visiting Ottawa, the nations capital! They get to met new people and make memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. The best advice I could give to any new participant would be to jump right in, because this week will be over before you know it! And have fun!"

Marina Mognon-Loyer

Weekend Youth Coordinator

"Having recently joined the Encounters with Canada team, I truly appreciate the rewarding experiences that I have lived, and wish to share them with youth from all over Canada. Having myself participated in the program, I truly understand what they experience, as well as the bonds they form. I am happy to have joined the team that makes this happen."

Connie Brock

Nurse

"For a nurse, it is great to work with healthy enthusiastic teens. There are some bumps, bruises or colds, but it's wonderful to meet the future leaders form all parts of Canada, and help them enjoy this awesome adventure that is Encounters with Canada."

TBA

FYI New Media & Web Coordinator

Eric Saxton

Director of Recruitment and Transportation

"Since joining the Encounters with Canada family, I've had the privilege of working and interacting with incredible students and staff.  I never cease to be amazed at how the program has the ability to create lasting friendships and change the lives of its participants!"

Andréanne Woodbury

Information Officer

"I've been part of the Encounters with Canada family since 2004.  I'm always amazed at how fast friendships are made and how in one week, these participants create a bond that will forever bind them together.  I wish all students could be part of this "once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Chris Browne

Ontario Recruitment Officer

Sharlane Crepin

Weekend Driver

David Morrow

Weekend Driver

Larry Rochon

Weekend Guide

"As a long-time (over 20 years of service at the Centre) as well as reliable and devoted member of the Encounters' team, I have missed only three days of work during that time span. I am a team leader on Sundays and a vocal advocate of the EWC program."

Natasha Lim

Weekend Guide

Chrissy Paterson

Bytown Travel, Transportation Officer

"Encounters is the ride of a lifetime!"

Charles MacLean

Bytown Travel, Transportation Officer

Jacinthe Benoit

Director of Communications

"EWC is a moving human experience. Being surrounded by youth whose enthusiasm and determination are limited only by their imagination is personally fulfilling! Even after almost five years, I continue to be impressed by the stories of new participants and Alumni. It's stunning to see how in the space of a mere week, the program opens windows to possibilities never before imagined!"

Judy Gill

Director of Development and Alumni Relations

"As an educator for 36 years, I came out of retirement to join the incredible Encounters with Canada team. I am an avid believer in its mission of reinforcing Canadian values and institutions with our youth, developing our country's future leaders and assisting students in making their future career choices. I welcome the opportunity to work with all who make this possible - EWC staff, alumni, volunteers and supporters, educators from across the country - and most particularly, our young participants."

Chantal Gagnon

Media Relations & New Media Coordinator

"I have been a member of the EWC team since 2007, working from Toronto on the organization’s websites and in media relations. My favourite part of my job is the weeks that I have spent in Ottawa working with the participants on photo and video projects for FYICanada.ca!"

Candace Bezoine

Alumni Officer

“I am very pleased to be part of the EWC team. I recognize the particular importance of our alumni community, and thus, I am enthusiastic to be involved with them and the activities of the alumni department.”

Elie Kreidi

Computer Coordinator

Jean Thériault

Executive Chef

"Cooking is my passion. My view of the work has completely changed since I started here two years ago. The food must not only be nutritious, but also simple and to the youth's tastes. As I take their health to heart, I try to ensure they develop proper eating habits during their stay. It's a lifestyle that I hope they maintain, as these youth are the future."

Chantal Gauthier

Sous-chef

Charles Olivier Jury

Sous-chef & Kitchen Aid

"What I like most about my work is the exposure to youth from all cutures. They are what motivate me every morning. I've only been here a few months, and I've found that because of these youth there is a warm, friendly environment here that you don't find elsewhere."

Benoit Gauthier

Kitchen Aid

Pierre Lortie

Kitchen Aid

"I have worked in kitchens since the early 1980s, from the North Pole to the Far East, where every day brings new adventure. Working for the Historica-Dominion Institute and with Encounters with Canada has renewed my sense of adventure, and gives me the chance to share experiences with caring and experienced co-workers. It makes the days, weeks and months enjoyable and go by so fast!"

Roger Clairmont

Security Team Supervisor

Ben Rochon

Security Officer

“I have been working at Encounters with Canada since 1998, first as a weekend driver and now as a member of the security team. What I like most is seeing the participants have a great time while in Ottawa, and the camaraderie they share with the Encounters' staff."

Elizabeth St. Gelais

Security Officer

"I have been at Encounters for over 4 years now. It is always a great pleasure to meet the new group of participants staying here for a week, to see the familiar faces of returning Teacher-Monitors and to welcome the new ones."

Nicole Bergeron

Security Officer

Nicolas Tessier

Security Officer

George Thomas

Security Officer

Roxana Istratescu

Security Officer

Roger Lalonde

General Maintenance Supervisor

"Hello! I've been working at the Centre since 1998. I consider myself lucky to be afforded the opportunity to meet and engage with a multitude of young Canadians coming from the four corners of our nation."

Michel (Michou) Tanguay

Cleaning Attendant (weekday)

"I have been here since the very beginning of the EWC program. I've seen so many youth pass through in the last 25 years...they could fill an arena! Their messes don't scare me...they keep me employed!"

Monique Fortin

Laundry Attendant

Robert “Bob” Meunier

Proprietor

"My name is Bob and I've got the best job at Encounters with Canada! I feel privileged to be able to hang out with the students each day, share some laughs and listen to their stories. I run the little shop that carries my name!" 

Join Bob’s Fan Club – Register for the EWC Alumni Community.