Staff Biographies
Ottawa Office
Victoria Office
- Bianca Mathieu, Communications and Member Engagement Coordinator
- Erin Brocklebank, Communications Coordinator
- Rachelle McElroy, CSE Hub Knowledge Mobilization Specialist
Winnipeg Office
- Brendan Reimer, Prairies & Northern Territories Coordinator
- Lindsey McBain, Program Coordinator for the Prairies and Northern Territories
- Janielle Brooks-Smith, Rural Engagement Coordinator
- Kirsten Bernas, Policy Assistant
- Bre Woligroski, Learning Events Coordinator
CEDTAS
Ontario Office
Mike Toye
Executive Director
"It is at the community level where the failures of fragmented development approaches are most keenly felt. Community economic development integrates social, economic and environmental concerns into inclusive strategies which are not only more effective and sustainable, but improve the well-being of all citizens. CCEDNet is an inspiring and rapidly growing movement of people who recognize this reality, and are committed to a healthy, vibrant and more just future."
Michael Toye became Executive Director of CCEDNet in August of 2008, bringing a deep background in community economic development (CED) to the Director's chair. Upon earning his Master of Social Work at McGill, Michael helped set up two worker co-operatives that provide research, consulting and training services related to CED and the social economy.
Michael's involvement with CCEDNet dates back to 2000 when he helped organize CCEDNet's National Policy Forum while serving as a coordinator with the Coopérative de consultation en développement La Clé. In 2003 he joined CCEDNet officially as Community Learning Program Director.
As CCEDNet's program director from 2003 to 2006, Michael coordinated a 3-year action-research project funded by Social Development Canada exploring the links between social inclusion and CED. In addition, he led the coordination of CCEDNet's annual national conferences, which attract hundreds of CED experts and practitioners from across the country each year.
More recently Michael has deepened his knowledge of Canadian social policy and parliamentary process serving as a policy analyst at the Library of Parliament in Ottawa, while teaching courses on CED and social enterprise at Concordia University.
Michael has written a number of articles and other publications on CED and the social economy, including co-editing the book, Community Economic Development: Building for Social Change.
He lives and works from his home in Tingwick, Quebec, on a farm that has been in his wife's family for five generations. He enjoys exploring the land with his two dogs (a Newfoundland and a Labrador).
Bianca Mathieu
Communications & Member Engagement Coordinator
“I work in CED because I can feel the satisfaction of helping my community. I enjoy networking with CCEDNet’s members and am fascinated by the values and commitment that each individual puts into improving environmental and social conditions.”
Originally from Quebec, Bianca holds a Bachelor of Communications degree in Cultural Activity and Research from the University of Québec in Montréal (UQAM). Bianca has worked on movie sets, travelled extensively and has experience in all aspects of office management. She is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches and is driven by learning new things, exploring the world, enjoys surfing and planning events.
Erin Brocklebank (on parental leave)
Communications Coordinator
“I feel immense pride working with an organization whose values align so closely with my own.”
Erin joined the Canadian CED Network in 2006 as Communications Coordinator, and has since been handling all external and internal communications for the organization. With her education grounded in a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science (UVIC) and Public Relations post-graduate studies, Erin has gravitated towards the main-framing of social ideas and concepts. She believes that plain language, storytelling and strong branding are vital in raising awareness and building social movements.
Rachelle McElroy
Knowledge Mobilization Specialist
"I work in CED because it's about community and caring for each other, as well as the earth, in new entrepreneurial ways."
Rachelle loves being engaged in community for positive change. For the past 10 years she has been forwarding sustainability in many facets of community, including NGO's, government, business and institutions. Rachelle's interest in social entrepreneurship was sparked while conducting her Master's in Strategic Leadership Towards Sustainability at the Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH) in Sweden and while attending classes at the Kaos Pilots laboratory - the world's most adventurous entrepreneurial school. Rachelle continues to be amazed by the creativity and commitment of social enterprises and cooperatives around the world. Rachelle also serves as board chair of City Green Solutions in Victoria, BC. Rachelle, originally from Quebec, is bilingual and excited to be working in a bilingual organization.
Brendan Reimer
Prairies & Northern Territories Coordinator
“I believe that people want to help shape a holistically good life. It only makes sense that you’d get there through a holistic development approach.”
Brendan’s early days in Paraguay set the stage for his passion and commitment to social justice. His parents were actively involved in community development and social justice, and their influence echoes through Brendan’s life path. Brendan began working in the restorative justice field, and ran a social enterprise with men with various disabilities. Following that, he volunteered with CED organizations and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in International Development Studies and Sociology from the University of Winnipeg. He is a volunteer board member with LITE, a CED organization, and enjoys playing soccer, running, gardening and spending time with his family.
Lindsey McBain
Communications and Member Engagement - Prairies and Northern Territories
“We need to work toward more sustainable livelihoods through greater engagement with our neighborhoods and our democracy.”Lindsey McBain is a graduate of the University of Manitoba and has worked in both local and international development. His work in CED has re-rooted him in his own city, connecting him to people and ideas that bring inspiration and determination to the work of CED. He contends that CED's emphasis on capacity building and participation offer a solid proposition for the long-term stability of struggling communities.
Janielle Brooks-Smith
Rural Engagement Coordinator
"I work in CED because the economy does not stand still and neither should the rules that govern it. Growth must be fostered from the bottom-up. CED provides an alternative, holistic approach to traditional economic and social service systems."
Janielle has had a diverse experience growing up in Ontario, Guyana and Manitoba. She graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a degree in Economics and Business Administration, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Rural Development at Brandon University. Her graduate research explores micro-credit as a sustainability approach to rural livelihood strategies in Manitoba, with a specific focus on small-business development. Janielle strongly believes that rural communities across Canada comprise the engine of economic growth and is interested in the sustainability and viability of rural Canada in the face of today's complexities.
Kirsten Bernas
Government Relations and Public Policy Coordinator
"I am committed to the promotion of CED, because I believe that its participatory nature empowers even the most disadvantaged citizens to take collective action in pursuing the type of social and economic justice they hope to achieve in their communities."
Kirsten received a BA (Honours) in Economics from the University of Manitoba as well as an MA from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University in Ottawa. Her work experience in non-profit organizations as well as in federal and provincial governments has contributed to her interest in community economic development theory and practice. She hopes her experience with CCEDNet will develop and sharpen the skills and knowledge required to build a rewarding career in international community development.
Bre Woligroski
Learning Events Coordinator
Bre Woligroski is a community activist and perpetual student. She helped plan Winnipeg’s 2009 Take Back the Night March, founded Menno Simons College’s annual Social Justice Fair, and in 2006 helped establish Fair Trade Manitoba’s One Month Challenge – a now annual program in which over 5000 Manitobans commit to buying fair trade products for 30 days. She is currently working on her second Bachelor’s degree at the University of Manitoba in Women’s and Gender Studies. Bre loves Winnipeg winters, and avoids summer whenever possible.
Geoff Ripat
CEDTAS Program Coordinator
"I believe in CED because it strengthens the social and environmental dimensions of a community while building a local economy."
Geoff recently returned to Canada after 5 years in Bolivia, South America as a cooperant with CUSO where he was involved with strengthening the capacity of a large NGO which supported community development projects involving children and families. A graduate of the Master of Social Work program at the University of Manitoba where he did a thesis on the community kitchen movement, Geoff has worked and volunteered in community development and CED initiatives in Winnipeg's inner city for almost 10 years, and is excited to be able to continue to contribute to their successes. Geoff enjoys swimming, year-round cycling, street hockey, camping and time with his family.
Julio Rivas
CEDTAS Project Coordinator
"We are all longing to go home, or to a place we can call home - a place where hands welcome us into the community. I believe that CED provides us with the tools to do things together and build that community. I know that together, we can do better; so let's plant trees together, so that the next generation can enjoy the shade"
Julio brings over 12 years of project management expertise in housing and renovation from Manitoba Housing, where he worked in various capacities. Julio holds two Certificates in Management from the University of Manitoba, as well as a Building Construction Technician Certificate from Red River College. He also recently completed a Masters in City Planning from the University of Manitoba. As an accredited Spanish-English translator, Julio is very active in Winnipeg's Spanish speaking communities, and is dedicated to using his experience and education for the continued improvement and development of Winnipeg communities.
Paul Chamberlain
Director of Programs
"I work in CED because CED provides a path to economic justice for many who are marginalized in our society."
Before joining CCEDNet, Paul spent 18 years working as a department director with Dixon Hall, a multi-service neighbourhood centre in downtown east Toronto. Working to improve social and economic outcomes in one of Toronto’s most challenged communities; he focused on social enterprise and community economic development as well as self-employment and employment training. Paul also initiated and chaired the Downtown East Community Development Collaborative in Toronto, which created an inclusive, integrated and comprehensive model for the delivery of employment services.
He is looking forward to working with CCEDNET where his local policy and program experience can be brought to a broader arena. Paul is committed to issues of equity and inclusion, is an avid cyclist and is currently enjoying his recently acquired roll as an active grandfather.
Matthew Thompson
CreateAction Program Coordinator
“I work in CED because it realizes that healthy communities are those that are economically, ecologically, and socially vibrant and that everyone has important contributions to make in building this kind of society.”
Matthew is passionate about sustainable organic agriculture and social and economic equality. He holds a Bachelor of Philosophy from the University of New Brunswick's Renaissance College, where he studied leadership skills and public policy. His volunteer and work life has carried him to Jamaica, Italy, and France in diverse capacities from organic farming to building community with people with developmental disabilities to union organizing. Matthew is also an avid bassist and plays in a rock band in Toronto.