ABOUT US
At TEAM Work Cooperative... We’ve helped people secure and maintain employment for over 25 years. Our clients’ best interests are at the core of everything we do. We're a one-stop shop for both the job seeker and the employer.
For clients we offer case management, career counselling, job development, employment maintenance and more; for employers, our services focus on recruiting talented workers, training programs and employee support.
MISSION
Inspiring and supporting all people on their journey toward employment.
VISION
Accessible and equitable employment services for all Nova Scotians. Advancing inclusive workplaces.
MEET THE TEAM
Management
Marcus Jamieson
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Coming from a small Nova Scotia town, Marcus has always had a connection with people. His family were very involved in their small community and this has translated into his work at TEAM Work. You will often see Marcus running around the office helping both staff and clients!
Hannah Hefler
GO-3D PROJECT COORDINATOR
Born a Prairie girl in Alberta, raised a Maritimer, Hannah has called Nova Scotia her home for over 30 years. Her dedication and passion for helping others comes from her own personal experiences. Hannah believes that everyone deserves to have a meaningful career and will help you think out of the box to achieve it if that’s what it takes!
Daniel Riley
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Originally from the U.K., Daniel grew up with a keen interest in helping others. He is also an avid soccer fan, and if you can’t find him in the office he is likely out on the soccer field. As with most things, the key to success comes down to teamwork, and he gets a kick out of working in collaboration with others to help them reach their goals.
Rob Casey
CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER
Rob has a big heart, a big laugh and a big beard! When you walk into our office, you can probably hear his laughter coming from down the hall. Rob enjoys spending time with his family and hiking in the woods. Rob has over 20 years experience in working with people with disabilties in educational, employment and residential settings and is ready to help you too!
James Smith
CASE MANAGER TEAM LEAD
Born in Halifax and raised in the small town of Middle Musquodoboit, James learned that neighbors are important and should stick together, and thus he decided he wanted to help people for a living. Whether critiquing a resume or helping a friend move, James is always game and always smiling.
Pratibha Popat
EMPLOYER SERVICES MANAGER
Pratibha is a trusted Career Practitioner with solid knowledge of current, local human resources and employment practices. She applies her extensive Human Resources expertise and knowledge of the public, private, and non-profit sectors, to develop and connect with inclusive and supportive employers. She's known for her warmth and humour, and loves dogs, helping people, travelling and playing cards with her Dad.
GO-3D Self Employment
Mike Little
SENIOR BUSINESS COACH
Horses, Harley’s and Hockey- watching his grandson’s play- are some of Mike’s loves. But honestly, he’s been around for a while and he has got the stories to prove it! Mike has a wealth of experience in career development and is perfect for supporting both clients and employers.
Abigail Rogers
BUSINESS SUPPORT PRACTITIONER
Abby was originally a co-op student from Dalhousie. Her experiences working with multiple community organizations led her to TEAM Work and we were lucky to keep her! Abby grew up in the beautiful Annapolis Valley but now considers Halifax to be her home. Walking into Abby’s office, you’ll feel vibrant but peaceful energy from the many plants she has squeezed in! She feels the right environment is a crucial aspect of working through goals. In her free time, you’ll find Abby gardening, reading a good thriller, or cooking something new.
Administration
Michelle Barnhill
ASSISTANT FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
As a busy mom of two, juggling competing demands comes as second nature. Michelle is the oil that keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes here at TEAM Work. With strong organizational and administrative skills Michelle knows exactly what to do and where to find things. When something needs doing, we can always count on Michelle to say, “That’s fine, no problemo!” Her helpful nature and willingness to support the team are greatly appreciated.
Jeanette Paynter
FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
For the majority of her career, Jeanette has worked in the accounting field in a not-for-profit organization. Her love of spreadsheets and reconciliations is widely known by those working with her. You will often hear her saying “I can create a spreadsheet for that."
Tyler Field
OPPORTUNITIES FUND MANAGER
Born and raised in Halifax, Tyler enjoys being on or beside the ocean, travelling around the world, and sharing food with family and friends. From a family of counsellors his dedication to helping people started at home, continued through financial planning and now through coordinating access to equipment, training, and wage support funding for underrepresented individuals seeking employment.
Employment Support
Angela Bryden
INFORMATION RESOURCE SPECIALIST
With roots from the Rock, Angela is a rock solid administrator. She has a calm and compassionate manner when greeting job seekers. Built up by a family of carpenters hard work is nailed into her personality. Angela believes in bringing compassion and empathy to her job and strives to provide an experience that enhances the lives of each person she encounters.
Jonathan Hall
CAREER COUNSELLOR
What is your next step? Talk to Jonathan. Jonathan is a strategist, researcher, and career counsellor with a holistic perspective on career development. He believes in meeting you where you are in life. Jonathan works collaboratively to co-create a holistic employment plan that includes your values and vision. Jonathan’s perspective and approach is informed by his experience and education in research, psychology, positive youth development, human services, human centred design, adult education, and career development. He can help identify potential assessments and supports, provide assessments, information and resources, and assist with ideas and decisions.
Randy Reede
COMMUNITY RESOURCE NAVIGATOR & WORKPLACE SUPPORT ASSISTANT
With over 17 years of experience supporting the non-profit community, Randy brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. Giving customers the right resources to make informed decisions is important to him. When Randy is not busy making connections within the community, you can find him at the gym, near the ocean or listening to music.
Hoon Choi
WORKSHOP FACILITATOR
Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Hoon moved to Canada at the age of 9 with his family. He recently graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and is thrilled to bring his knowledge and experience from school to our organization! Hoon is always a team player who has a smile for everyone and enjoys collaborating with others to overcome different challenges and tasks.
Dave Wareing
MENTORABILITY REGIONAL COORDINATOR
Dave believes that one of the most important connections a person can have to their community is through employment. He is always happy to support initiatives that further inclusive employment. In his spare time he enjoys being outdoors and listening to some good rock and roll music.
Jarett Burke
SKILL DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Jarett is a big believer in inclusive employment and giving everyone a chance to live up to their inherent potential. He likes to focus on what people "can do" instead of what they "can't." With experience in editing, writing, marketing and administration, you'll find Jarett behind the scenes at TWC doing a little bit of everything.
Nina Nersesova
EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST
Nina is originally from the sunny city of Tbilisi, Georgia. She moved to Canada to pursue her Master's degree and has recently graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University. Throughout her career, Nina has worked closely with the disability community in medical, residential and recreational settings. A firm believer in the holistic approach to any dilemma, she always strives to look at the bigger picture, conduct thorough research and come up with creative, personalized solutions. When not at work, Nina tests her skills at recreational sports, plays video games or explores beautiful Nova Scotian nature.
Matt Jamieson
SCHOOL LIAISON
Matt hails from Nova Scotia but he loves to travel and experience new cultures. Although he holds space in the office, you will rarely find him there as he’s well known in the community for supporting people on the job. His career spans twenty years supporting people with disabilities across the country, but today Matt calls TEAM Work his home. You’ll find him spending time with his family and gaming with his 3 nephews during his off time.
Denise Dunn
EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT PRACTITIONER
Denise hails from Halifax and having both parents with disabilities, has always been a strong advocate for persons with disabilities. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from Mount St Vincent University; and she also has over 25 years of management/supervisory work experience including 15 years in supported employment in a social enterprise. Denise enjoys going for walks in her Dartmouth neighborhood and having chats with her neighbors and exploring Nova Scotia. Denise will always lend you a helping hand.
Maram Salman
INCLUSION SPECIALIST & FUNDING COORDINATOR
With over 10 years of experience in teaching and Facilitating, Maram’s wealth of knowledge, resourcefulness and interactive presentations in employment topics make her a great asset to our clients and our team. Maram encourages open communication, strives to help clients reach their full potential and is a big advocate for people with disabilities. Maram’s colourful office aquariums (and beautiful fish) create a calming and happy environment for staff and clients alike. Maram loves her faith, her family, and fishkeeping! When not in the office, you will find Maram spending time with her rather large family, being the coolest Auntie and taking long walks.
Case Management
Marie-Josée Crawford
CASE MANAGER (DEAF CLIENT SPECIALIST) & WORKPLACE SUPPORT ASSISTANCE
MJ is deaf since birth, and for the past 25 years, she has worked as a passionate advocate with deaf/hard of hearing individuals. When engaging with her clients and colleagues, she loves to discuss accessibility, deaf culture awareness and American Sign Language. Being strategic and creative in accommodations, MJ strives to tackle challenging employment paths; and, as an enthusiastic person and a dedicated volunteer, MJ enjoys playing some sports, travelling, watching movies and socializing with friends and family.
Cymone Farmer
CASE MANAGER
Born in Halifax and raised on the peninsula, Cymone has spent many years supporting youth and has a passion for helping people reach their full potential. She is actively involved in the community, and is dedicated to breaking down barriers for minority groups. In her spare time, you can find Cymone coaching competitive cheerleading at Halifax Cheer Elite, reading crime/mystery novels, or going on long walks.
Kysha Bowden
CASE MANAGER /
LEAD - WOMEN'S SERVICES
Born and raised in Halifax, working with clients has always been a passion. With a big heart, kind soul and thirst for knowledge, she is dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals. When she is not at work, you could find her by the water reading, and taking in all the universe has to offer.
Alex Hill
CASE MANAGER
Not one for sitting still, Alex is always bopping around looking for new experiences and new things to learn, especially languages to speak, books to read, and foods to try! A transplant to the east coast, she has been loving exploring the coast, the forests, and the beautiful small towns and communities with her partner and dog. And as someone with a meandering career path herself, Alex enjoys helping others unearth their own meaning in work and life.
Kayla Williams
CASE MANAGER
Kayla has a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Youth Studies and has a genuine desire for helping people. She takes great pride in listening and assisting with goals to achieve a beautiful success story. She is passionate about inclusion and diversity and believes in opportunities for all. In her free time, you can often find her sitting on a sports field, cheering on her son or having a family movie night — surrounded by lots of snacks.
Manpreet Kaur
INTAKE /CASE MANAGER
Born and raised in Amritsar, India, Manpreet moved to Canada in 2019 with her family. She recently graduated from NSCC in the Administration program and have more than 10 years of experience in mentoring a variety of age group ranging from children to seniors. With these skills and experiences, Manpreet is looking forward to assisting TEAM Work Clients to blossom and attain their dream job. As an immigrant, Manpreet believes in diversity and hopes to provide inclusive employment to her fellow immigrants.
Job Development & Programs
Lloyd Thomas
CAREER LINK COORDINATOR
After almost a decade as an Employment Support Practitioner here at TWC, Lloyd has now taken on the role as a Business Coach with the GO-3D team. He’ll help you explore your business ideas and get you started in the right direction, while providing a safe space for you to talk openly about your experiences. Client centered, he takes looks at your strengths and supports you in finding the path that is right for you!
Rozina Saeed
JOB DEVELOPER/CASE MANAGER
A highly organized, dedicated and professional individual who is extremely passionate and enthusiastic about working/supporting and building a thriving community that provides programs, services and support families, seniors and community members. Rozina is a strong visionary leader and manager who can motivate & inspire my team to be the best they can whilst focusing intently on the strategic aims of the organization.
Board Members
Robert LaPierre
CHAIR
Bio Coming Soon!
Margaret Schwartz
MEMBER AT LARGE
Conscious Communications Consultant A natural connector and storyteller, Margaret believes that language has the power to hurt or to heal. And that healing is best actualized when loving words are reflected with informed action. Margaret holds a degree in Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University, and most recently, a certificate in Trauma-Informed Approach to Creating Safe Space from the Radical School of Healing. With ten years of experience across the social impact sector and provincial government, Margaret recently launched her own conscious communications firm, Margaret Schwartz Consulting to bring stories of impact to life and prompt thoughtful communication strategies that deepen relationships across community. Recently, while working with Placemaking 4G, she supported the development of the online,11-module self-led course, Foundations of Belonging in the Workplace, which was co-created with the Nova Scotia Career Development Association to introduce diversity, equity and inclusion as a fundamental approach for building safer workplace cultures. Margaret serves on boards and committees for both TEAM Work Cooperative, and the Macphee Centre for Creative Learning. You can also find Margaret infusing the arts through poetry with traditional strategy work.
Roger Boychuk
MEMBER AT LARGE
Roger is a registered professional engineer (P. Eng. - Civil) specializing in transportation and municipal infrastructure. With over 25 years of progressive experience in the consulting world, he has also served in many different roles through his career. His engineering journey has resulted in the successful completion of many projects throughout Canada, and internationally in the United States, Mexico, South America and Africa. Parallel to engineering, Roger is heavily involved in the hockey world serving in numerous coaching and high-performance skill development roles. He has a Masters Certificate in Project Management, is an avid practitioner of personal and organization leadership development, and is an active public speaker and facilitator in the leadership and sports arenas.
Dave Divine
MEMBER AT LARGE
David is a change agent, consultant, academic and researcher with over four decades of experience in collaborating with and advising government bodies and organizations on social issues in the UK and Canada. David specialises in social work, community health, affordable housing, race relations, diversity and inclusion. Through speaking engagements, coaching, consulting and research he works with clients to resolve complex and sensitive issues.
Cheryl Newcombe
BOARD TREASURER
Cheryl is an executive with 40 years’ experience, holding senior corporate roles with the Mathers Group of Companies and Quest Society. Cheryl is currently the Chair of Beacon House Interfaith Society and the Chief Financial Officer at Quest Society. Cheryl is a Past Chair of Halifax Water, CPHR NS and CCHRA
Aja Joshi
MEMBER AT LARGE
Born in Nova Scotia and raised in an immigrant family, Aja has always been an advocate for diversity and inclusion. She has certainly found her outlet as Board Member with Team Work Cooperative. Aja's career spans work in both the public sector and the non-for-profit sector, in areas such as immigration, culture and heritage, youth retention, human resources, and equity. When not working, Aja is usually travelling, eating spicy foods, going to the beach, and hiding from the cold.
Monique Thomas
MEMBER AT LARGE
Monique Thomas, from Preston, NS, is a driven individual with a passion for entrepreneurship and a talent for bringing energy and clarity to her projects and community work. After graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing from Dalhousie University in 2011, she now works as the Director, African Nova Scotian Community Engagement at the university. Monique is also an advocate for the advancement of women in business and operates a Digital Marketing and Consulting firm that works with businesses and non-profit organizations in Atlantic Canada.
Deborah Sanni
MEMBER AT LARGE
Deborah is Nigerian born with Yoruba roots who grew up in the Republic of Benin, Nigeria, and Kenya. With a background in Kinesiology, Disability Management, Human Resources, and Operations, Deborah is passionate about projects and opportunities that make the world we live in more accessible to people of all abilities, socio-economic backgrounds, and origins. She is currently the Operations Manager at Tribe Network and maintains a long-term passion for helping others and providing avenues for them to explore their fullest potential. In her personal time, Deborah can be found spending time with her friends and family, trying out new recipes, or exploring new borders.
Paul Williams
MEMBER AT LARGE
Paul grew up in Prince Edward Island. His passion for technology started at a very young age. His career has spanned several industries which has been highly focused on Information Technology Operations. Paul currently owns and operates a business that is highly focused on addressing the labour needs in Atlantic Canada.
Brain Tapper
MEMBER AT LARGE
Brian is a native of Dartmouth, graduating from Acadia University, obtaining a Masters of Education (Counselling). Prior to retirement in May 2020, Brian was a Registered Social Worker and Registered Counselling Therapist. He has worked as a member of interdisciplinary teams at the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Center Site of QE II Health Sciences Center serving individuals with various health issues. Brian was appointed through an Order in Council to be a member of the Nova Scotia Disabled Persons Commission and served for fifteen years. Brian has also developed a therapeutic work program for people with disabilities in partnership with New Leaf Enterprises, an Easter Seals Program.
Catherine Fogarty
MEMBER AT LARGE
Catherine has lived in Nova Scotia most of her life and is very proud to call this Province home. As a finance expert, mortgage broker, and small business owner, Catherine is well aware of the specific challenges of balancing work life and family life. She is passionate about community and helping others achieve their goals, with guidance, from her own experiences. Her beagle Marley forces her to take breaks daily and you can be sure to find them power walking through Point Pleasant Park where he is known as the "squirrel whisperer". He sings and they run!
CHAMPIONS
Charbel
Amanda
Sharon
Ability Employers
Dave
Chris
Joey, Eileen and Mike
Olivia
Mari
Donna
Scott Guthro
Colin
HUMANS OF TEAM WORK
Louise
Lesley
Sharon
DJ Ace
Karsten
Anil
Will
Emma
Bonnie
Wyndolyn
Tyler
Emmy Lou
Ali
Danielle
Duncan
Shelly
Alica
Nicole
Carrie
Saida
JAMES BARTLETT FUND
Overcoming financial barriers to employment goals.
In today’s job market, some employers require that employees provide certificates, background checks and necessary equipment prior to starting work (such as first aid, safety training, criminal background check and certified safety wear). Such extra costs can be a significant barrier to employment for some. The James Bartlett Fund gives us the ability to help these clients when other funding options are not available.
Who was James Bartlett, and how was J.B. Fund established?
James Bartlett was a specialized employment counsellor at TEAM Work Cooperative from 2002 to 2007 that passed away due to health issues. He was passionate about advocating for clients who didn’t meet the criteria for funding, so he started an employment support fund of his own to help bridge the gap. James wanted to ensure people didn’t lose out on job opportunities when they were so close to reaching their goals. In memory of James and his idea, the Kin Club Halifax presented TEAM Work with the first donation to the James Bartlett Fund in June 2007. We continue to administer this fund guided by James’ original intention.