Our Staff

Professional Staff

Marne Svennes Team Leader

Marne has over 11 years management experience in the non-profit sector as well as 21 years experience working for non – profit organizations. She holds a Diploma in Life Skills Coaching and Counselling and has a proven track record of accomplishments in community development. Marne recently moved to Port Hardy after a 30 year stay in Campbell River.

Shane Field, Employment Advisor

Since 1998, Shane’s passion has been to help people set and achieve employment goals. With extensive training in employment and career counselling, he has helped hundreds of North Islanders build a personalized Action Plan. Step-by-step Action Plans help clients navigate around barriers and act as a key to open doors into the future.

Rayna Bates RPC, Employment Advisor

Rayna has over 12 years of counselling experience and is one of our newest employment advisors at North Island Employment. She holds a Diploma in Counselling and is currently taking courses in the Career Practitioner Program. Rayna’s passion is to assist clients with job search, career planning and exploring their training options.

Kelly Kennedy, Skills for Success/NEWS Coordinator

As North Island Employment’s Skills for Success (SFS) Coordinator, Kelly Kennedy provides and monitors work experience placements and skills development workshops for youth ages 15-30. In addition to the SFS Program, Kelly also works closely with employers to coordinate the New Employee Wage Subsidy Program (NEWS) for clients who require additional training or skills to find work in their area of interest. Kelly holds a Diploma in Criminology and is currently taking courses in the Career Practitioner Program.

Fern Duperreault: Client Advisor / BC Employment Program and Community Assistance Program Coordinator

Fern serves as a client advisor for the BC Employment Program and works closely with other community agencies to coordinate the Community Assistance Program (CAP) for North Island Employment. With 10 years’ experience in various guidance counselling roles, Fern brings a wealth of academic experience as a teacher / facilitator in industry, secondary and post-secondary settings.

Kate Demers and Debbie Menzies: Office Administration Staff

North Island Employment's highly credentialed office staff provide continuous service, including the lunch hour, for clients on Monday-Friday from 8:30 am- 4:30 pm. Team members ensure that clients can easily navigate our services, including fax, phone and Internet supports for career and job search, as well as scheduling appointments and addressing any other client needs.