Who We Are: The Mentor Works Team

  • Bernadeen McLeod, President & Owner

    Bernadeen McLeod, Canadian Government Funding Expert

    Bernadeen McLeod is the principal behind Mentor Works Ltd. As a corporate mentor and specialist in government grants and loans, she helps executives and business owners redefine their organizations in new and exciting ways – to build engaged teams and increase profits.

    After 18 years as an executive and general manager, Bernadeen began coaching other organizations on small business financing options once she realized that being a successful company is about more than financial results, net profit, ratios with trend lines and return on investment. It is also about thinking strategically and growing the business with the help of government capital funding, wise investment and training.

    “Individuals and organizations that are good react quickly to change.  Individuals and organizations that are great create change”
    – Robert J. Kriegel

    Bernadeen operates her business out of Cambridge, Ontario with clients throughout the region including Toronto, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, and Burlington. Bernadeen is also an active member of many online social forums. Be sure to stay informed of the latest government funding opportunities and business resources by following her on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

    LinkedIn

    Chris Casemore, Director of Client Management & Development

    Chris Casemore helps companies learn about and leverage government funding on a daily basis, while managing the Mentor Works website, social media strategies, and employee development. He graduated from the University of Guelph with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce. Majoring in Marketing Management with a Co-op designation, Chris was able to integrate his personal passion for marketing and technology with both academic theory and practical work experience.

    Chris was hired by Mentor Works via a Canadian government funding program for recent Commerce graduates in January 2010. His internship involved a complete redesign of the company website, creation and execution of social media strategies, and online marketing initiatives. Over the course of this project, Chris was able to gain a broad understanding of the various Canadian government funding programs available to small businesses to help accelerate their growth.

    “Knowing How to Think Empowers You Far Beyond Those Who Know Only What to Think.”
    – Neil deGrasse Tyson

    Given his strong interest in strategic planning and business development, he took the opportunity to expand his responsibilities to business consulting, funding support, and internal employee development. Chris currently lives in Waterloo, Ontario and enjoys playing guitar, snowboarding, camping, and motorcycling in his spare time. Please add Chris to LinkedIn , Twitter, and Google+ in order to stay up-to-date on the latest news and resources on Canadian government grants, loans, and tax credits.

     Martin Rerak, Team Lead

    Martin Rerak is a Team Lead with Mentor Works. Prior to joining, Martin has progressive experience in various positions within the Financial/Operational Management disciplines in healthcare manufacturing/distribution, healthcare services, and renewable energy industries.

    His responsibilities have extended beyond traditional financial reporting & analysis, with specialization in business process improvement and strategic business planning. He has delivered many successful projects in various stages from initial development to execution, for a variety of initiatives, across many platforms; ERP, MIS, and CRM systems, as well as home grown solutions. In supporting sales and operations teams to secure  RFQ/RFP’s and extend customer relationships, Martin also has experience in competitive analysis, product analysis, and the importance of digital and social marketing mediums. Martin’s success can be attributed to his drive to find optimal business solutions with a comprehensive approach to staff, skills, & available technologies, coupled with sound financial skills. His tenacity has resulted in strong relationships with clients and internal teams from line staff to executive management.

     The People who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.
    – Apple Computers, 1997

    Martin has obtained the Certified Management Accounting designation. Martin also holds a Bachelor of Business from the Wilfrid Laurier University with specialties in finance and insurance, as well successful completion of the Canadian Securities and Life License accreditations.

    Anne Toner, Business Development Executive

    AnneTAnne brings a diverse background in business development, economic development and business ownership to the Mentor Works team. She knows first-hand that business owners make critical decisions every day, often with incomplete information and in the face of accelerating change.

    Anne understands the impact under-capitalization can have on a company’s ability to grow and prosper and she is excited to help business owners access the funding they need to follow through on strategic priorities.  As a strong believer in lifelong learning, Anne feels that business ownership is one of the most powerful learning experiences anyone can have; so she’s not disappointed to see her children become budding young entrepreneurs in the technology and services sectors.

    “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.”
    -Henry Ford (1863-1947), Founder, Ford Motor Company

    Anne holds an Executive MBA from Queen’s University and is a Certified Financial Planner
    (CFP) and Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP).  These combined areas of specialty give Anne the ability to draw from different perspectives when analyzing business needs and opportunities.

     Alexandria Barlow, Team Lead

    Alex Barlow has always been interested in helping people. At Mentor Works, she combines this desire with her past experience in grants administration and economic development to provide strategic advice to companies looking to leverage government funding.

    Alex graduated in 2010 with a Masters of Arts, Political Science, from the University of Guelph. Her interests were always in economic development and business development, which led her to work for a regional innovation centre and FedDev Ontario. Most recently, she worked for the provincial government managing a $40M portfolio of infrastructure funding, as well as a consulting agency focused on assisting municipalities with their strategic development. She was pleased to join Mentor Works in the summer of 2012 as Team Lead, assisting a wide range of clients with their strategic initiatives.

    “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”
    – Charles Darwin

    Currently living in Guelph, Alex enjoys cycling and walking her dog Eddie. Please add her to your LinkedIn Network to stay up-to-date on the latest news and resources on Canadian government grants, loans, and tax credits.

     Jennifer Bleakney, Team Lead

    jennAn advocate of economic development, Jenn was instantly drawn to the role of Team Lead at Mentor Works. Jenn’s background in History (BAH from Acadia University and MA from York University) coupled with an MBA from Ryerson University prepared her well for this role. Jenn applies her solid understanding of business strategy to devise tailored funding programs for her clients and draws upon her research, analytical, and writing skills in writing government grant applications. Prior to joining the Mentor Works team, Jenn worked at a municipal foreign investment attraction agency where she deepened her knowledge of economic development and strategic international business expansion. Having recently relocated to Waterloo, Jenn sees a bright economic future for the region, given the wealth of commercial, residential and transit development currently underway. In her spare time, Jenn enjoys running, playing soccer, exploring cities, and baking.

    “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.”
    – Franklin D. Roosevelt

    Jenn is excited to assist SMEs in growing their businesses and increasing their competitiveness through government funding. She believes that business and government should leverage one another for the common good. Please feel free to contact Jenn on LinkedIn or follow her on Twitter to stay current on government funding opportunities.

     Sarah Babin, Business Funding Analyst

    Sarah graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2011, with an Honours degree in English, minoring in French. While attending Wilfrid Laurier, Sarah took full advantage of the involved school culture to channel her inner academic, sitting as an Executive on the Laurier French Club Board of Directors.  One of her primary objectives in that role was to foster an environment of learning and knowledge exchange that was free of intimidation for a broad range of language skills—a challenge that she faced with creative thinking and innovative mentoring methods.

    Sarah enjoys challenging herself and brings her best tools forward when approached with difficult tasks.  In her role as Business Funding Analyst, she understands the importance of strong language skills for effective communication, both verbal and written.  She is a strong believer that knowledge is power and takes every measure to keep her clients well informed.

    “Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp.  Or what’s a heaven for?”
    – Robert Browning, English poet and playwright

    In her spare time, Sarah enjoys fitness activities such as jogging and tennis, as well as reading, cooking, and channeling her creativity on canvas through abstract paintings.

     Fiona Parascandalo, Business Funding Analyst

    fionaFiona graduated in 2011 from Wilfrid Laurier University with a M.A in Cultural Analysis and Social Theory. During her time at Wilfrid Laurier Fiona developed a passion for performing research as a Research Assistant in the Global Studies department. She worked closely with peer and professors to create an atmosphere of continuous learning and open communication in all aspects of her education. Fiona also possesses an honours B.A with a double major in Cultural Studies and Critical Theory, and Peace and Conflict Studies. While at McMaster Fiona created close ties with her community through volunteer work and continues to volunteer with community development organizations.

    “Instead of thinking outside of the box, get rid of the Box”
    – Deepak Chopra

    She now carries her passion for research and assisting people into her position as a Business Funding Analyst at Mentor works. Prior to joining Mentor Works, Fiona supported municipal government grant initiatives and ensured funding was properly allocated to achieve the best results possible. Fiona brings her positive attitude, analytic thinking skills, and research abilities to assisting businesses achieve their funding goals.

     Kim Arnold, Research Analyst

    kimKim Arnold joins Mentor Works as a Research Analyst. With a varied background including work in several industries, Kim brings 14 years of experience to her role. Kim has an Honours BA in History as well as a Masters Degree.  In recent years, determined to define a new path for her career, Kim went back to school part-time working to acquire Certificates in Technical Writing and Editing. Kim has a passion for helping people and determination to grasp a full understanding of matters related to her work. She excels at managing details, organizing complicated information into usable pieces, and finding more effective ways to communicate.

     

     

    Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you did not do than by the things you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.  – Mark Twain

    Kim has lived in the tri-cities area for almost 20 years and currently resides in Cambridge, Ontario with her partner, 4 children, 4 cats and a dog. When she finds some free time, Kim enjoys cycling, genealogy, quilting and curling up with a good book.

     Ryan Weaver, Marketing Analyst

    Ryan Weaver - Canadian Small Business Funding Grants, Loans ExpertRyan is a native of the Niagara Region, and a graduate of the University of Waterloo. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, a Master of Science Degree in Management; and has several published works including two non-fiction books, and several magazine, newspaper, and online articles. Having spent the better part of a decade living in Asia, Ryan returned to Canada in 2011 with a wealth of valuable personal and professional experience, a broader world view, and a desire to help small and medium-sized businesses in Ontario and across Canada to become world-class companies. As Marketing Analyst at Mentor Works, Ryan enjoys communicating with business owners & executives regarding opportunities to take advantage of government grants and other funding to help overcome obstacles to growth.

    “It is only in our decisions that we are important.”
    – Jean Paul Sartre

    Ryan is a regular contributor and editor of Mentor Works’ Government Funding Blog, and also shares updates and information about Mentor Works and Canadian government funding programs and events via the web, social media, and press releases. Ryan is a former member of the varsity tennis team at UW and continues to enjoy playing tennis at a competitive level; he also spends time playing hockey, skiing and exercising. Please connect with Ryan on Twitter.

     Rosemarie Greer, Executive Assistant

    rosemarie2Rosemarie works directly with Bernadeen in order to optimize time management, research Canadian government funding opportunities, and manage client relationships.

    “You can’t always get what you want.  But if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need.”
    – Rolling Stones

    Originally a Graphic Artist and CG Animator, Rosemarie evolved into the Administrative field gaining valuable experience in Corporate and Municipal sectors. Residing in Campbellville, Ontario, she enjoys raising, training and competing horses for Dressage and spending time with her dog AEdwyn.

     Mike Pearce, Business Funding Analyst Intern

    Mike is a business development intern and one of the fresh faces that Mentor Works has decided to acquire to better assist and support our expanding client base. He is currently undertaking his second co-op workterm with Mentor Works from the University of Waterloo where he is majoring in Environment and Business with a specialization in Economics and Environmental Finance. Mike is very enthusiastic and passionate about helping our clientele by providing advice and support to businesses throughout their expansion and development efforts.

    “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work”– Aristotle

    Mike takes a special interest to projects and programs that focus on improving industrial metabolisms or increasing a business’ competitiveness by adopting aspects of corporate social governance. In his spare time, Mike is an avid cross country and mountain bike rider, as well as an experienced skier and snowboarder. Mike can be contacted via Email, Twitter or Facebook.

     Cynthia Woo, Business Funding Analyst Intern

    Cynthia Woo is a passionate individual that attends Wilfrid Laurier University. She is currently working towards an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration with a Minor in Economics, and is expected to graduate in June 2014. Once attained, she is interesting in pursuing her International MBA abroad.

    From an early age, she learned the importance of a strong work ethic, dedication and maintaining innovative. Cynthia is an active member of Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union (WLUSU) as well as the School of Business and Economics Students’ Society (SBESS). Her expertise includes strategic planning, interpersonal leadership and she possesses a strong interest in event planning, healthy recipes, and local and international traveling. She is an aspiring entrepreneur who enjoys developing businesses and organizations internally and externally.

    “Every great business person should have both a mentor and a protégé”
    – A. Loeb/S. Schiff

    She is currently working as a Business Funding Analyst intern with Mentor Works Ltd. During her placement, she has supported various businesses by creating funding applications and has helped systematize the company internally. Additionally, Cynthia has worked diligently in maintaining the online content for the business. Please contact Cynthia on LinkedIn and follow her on Twitter to stay up-to-date on all the latest business funding grants, loans, and tax credits.