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About Regina Work Prep

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The Regina Work Preparation Centre is a non-profit, charitable, community-based organization specializing in helping people look for, find and maintain work.  We have served Regina and the surrounding area for more than 40 years and have worked with over 20,000 clients.

Our Story

Many years ago, in 1973, Work Prep was born as a vocational rehabilitation arm of Regina Social Services.  It was then that Work Prep developed a work placement program known as REAP—the Regina Employment Assistance Program.  Soon after in 1975, the Contemporary Women’s Program (CWP) also began.  CWP was a breakthrough program for the women of Regina wanting to make healthy changes in their lives.  Women transitioned to treatment programs, counselling, stability programs, education and to employment.

Years later, in 1984 as part of the Welfare reform, the Ministry of Social Services launched new initiatives to provide opportunities for Social Service recipients to get work and training.  As a result, it was determined that Work Prep was no longer needed. However, this did not last long, and soon after, it was quickly apparent that a large number of individuals were not immediately ready for work and training, and instead required pre-employment services to assist them in moving forward.  As a result, Work Prep was contracted to deliver these services, and amalgamated the REAP and CWP programs to incorporate as a not for profit aimed at delivering services to clients experiencing challenges on their journey to employment.  We have been doing so ever since.

Over the last four decades, Work Prep has served over 20,000 individuals in Regina and surrounding area.  We pride ourselves in being client centered, and as a result are always committed to reviewing our services to ensure that they best meet the changing needs of our clients, the economy, and the labour market.   As a result, we have a diverse history of program delivery.

Read Our Complete History

Our Spirit

Reality Therapy/Choice Theory (RT/CT) has been a foundational counselling tool at Work Prep for many years. The RT/CT approach to counselling and problem solving focuses on a person’s here-and-now and his/her ability to create and choose a better future. Clients are encouraged to discover what they really want and to examine if they are currently choosing to do things that will help them reach their goals.  Read more about Choice Theory and Reality Therapy here:  hthttps://wglasser.com/what-is-choice-theory/

In 2012 Work Prep began exploring Motivational Interviewing (MI) as a complementary technique to RT/CT. MI is a goal-oriented, client-centered counselling style for eliciting behavior change by helping people explore and resolve ambivalence. MI helps people identify the internal motivation within themselves to tap into their own personal motivators for behavior. MI is now also a foundational counselling tool at Work Prep.  Read more about Motivational Interviewing here:  http://empoweringchange.ca/motivational-interviewing/

Our Team

Murry Giesbrecht

Murry Giesbrecht

Executive Director

mgiesbrecht@workprep.ca
306-757-9096 ext. 222

Murray has spent 17 years in the non-profit sector in various leadership roles, and he has also worked as an instructor for Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Murray has developed and implemented a wide range of youth and adult education and employability training programs, and he is greatly looking forward to working with the staff, funders, partners, and clients of Regina Work Preparation Centre to contribute to a vibrant city and provincial economy. He is passionate about history, travel, and various outdoor activities.

Shelly Christian

Shelly Christian

Director of Programs

schristian@workprep.ca
306-757-9096 ext. 233

Shelly joined the management team at Work Prep in October 2021. She comes to us with over ten years of management experience in the non-profit sector. Shelly supports our Team Leads and ensures that our programs are on track. She strives to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and encouraged.
When she is not at work you can find her googling random facts, painting, or spending time with her dogs.

Lisa Boryski

Lisa Boryski

Executive Assistant

lboryski@workprep.ca
306-757-9096 ext. 238

Lisa joined our team in 2020. As an experienced Executive Assistant with a history of working in the government sector, her organizational skills and ability to pay attention to detail makes her the perfect fit to support our Management Team. She brings with her experience in customer service, administrative support, executive support and a desire to make a difference. Lisa is goal driven and is known as a “get things done” person. In her time away from the office you can find her deep into a renovation, tending to her flowers, reading, taking her dog for a hike, relaxing at home or taking time to create an original cheese cake in her kitchen.

Chintal Patel

Chintal Patel

Team Lead

cpatel@workprep.ca
306-757-9096 ext. 242

Chintal joined the work prep team in the fall of 2022 with 5+ years of work experience in the non profit sector. She has a passion to work for people and create a difference in their lives. She is a strong believer of giving back to the community. She thinks “Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give”.
When not at work, Chintal enjoys cooking, listening music and watching TV.

Shayla Stephenson

Shayla Stephenson

Team Lead

sstephenson@workprep.ca
306-757-9096 ext. 228

Shayla joined the Work Prep team in 2022, after working in mental health and addictions for several years. Shayla has a passion for non-profits and the amazing work they do in the community so making the transition to Work Prep felt right.
Shayla hopes to foster a positive and safe space for individuals to come and meet their career goals and is grateful to be apart of those journeys.
Some of Shayla’s favourite things include her dogs, coffee, flowers and travelling!

Jessica Herhold

Jessica Herhold

Team Lead

jherhold@workprep.ca
306-757-9096 ext. 239

Jessica joined the Work Prep team in 2021. She has a background in non-profit project management and career development. With a passion for helping people and learning new things, she strives to support and innovate as Team Lead.
In her spare time, Jessica likes to spend time exploring the great outdoors on hikes, travelling, and testing out new recipes!

Daniel Price

Daniel Price

Project Coordinator, Made in SK Virtual Reality

dprice@workprep.ca
306-757-9096 ext. 247

The first thing that Daniel noticed when he walked through the doors at Regina Work Prep was the culture. “Everyone here is very passionate by what they do and you can really see that.” As a member of the Virtual Reality team he is fascinated by the use of technology and how it can be utilized in assisting both the individual as well as the organizations. Even at this early stage in the Virtual Reality rollout, the response has been terrific and I am really excited to see where this new technology goes.

Daniel has a passion for being outdoors which can be attributed to growing up in Regional Australia. “Having the Great Barrier Reef as your backyard makes it virtually impossible not to appreciate the beauty and complexity of nature."

Larissa Kwasnitza

Larissa Kwasnitza

Intake and Service Navigator

lkwasnitza@workprep.ca
306-757-9096 ext. 227

Larissa is our versatile Jane of all trades. Larissa first came to Work Prep as a client in 2009 while she was transitioning out of a career in the trades. She joined our team as a receptionist and then worked for years performing administrative reporting. She now has the pleasure of meeting with anyone who is interested in our services at Regina Work Prep. Having experienced Regina Work Prep from the client side, Larissa is passionate about supporting and motivating each and every person she works with. Outside of work you’ll find Larissa hanging out with “the funniest kid on the planet”, her daughter.

“I can completely relate to anyone who walks through our doors. It’s important for people to know that they’re not alone and that we are here to help!”

Melva MacDonald

Melva MacDonald

Intake and Service Navigator

mmacdonald@workprep.ca
306-757-9096 ext. 249

Melva first came to Regina Work Preparation Centre as a client. She then devoted over 20 years to the organization as an administrative coordinator. Melva has moved into an intake service navigator role where she treats every person who comes through the doors with an unrivaled warmth. She loves meeting new people and the aspect of working one-on-one with them.

“My number one focus is making our clients feel welcome, valued, and heard."

Sajida Parveen

Sajida Parveen

Group Facilitator/ Case Manager

sparveen@workprep.ca
306-757-9096 ext. 237

Sajida joins our team with over 15 years of experience in Academic and Career Development fields in a cross-cultural setting. Sajida loves working with clients in a respectful, professional and helpful manner. When she is not at Regina Work Prep Center, you can find her spending time with her husband, listening to music, cooking or taking care of her plants.

“My focus is to empower my clients to discover and pursue a path to a fulfilling career”

Cindy Leggott

Cindy Leggott

Group Facilitator / Case Manager

cleggott@workprep.ca
306-757-9096 ext. 232

Cindy is in the role of Group Facilitator/Case Manager for the Employment Pathways Program. In this role she helps develop employment skills with clients like interview prep, resume building, and much more in both group and individual settings. Cindy joined the Work Prep after a seasoned 16 year career working with the disability community, and dreams of writing a book about the challenges and successes from her own inspiring life. Cindy’s favourite job outside of work is raising her two children.

“I want to help people discover their best. Extraordinary people are just ordinary people who made a different choice.”

Tally Dufour

Tally Dufour

Case Manager

tdufour@workprep.ca
306-757-9096 ext. 251

Tally is thankful for Regina Work Preparation Centre and the opportunity to serve the community. Her goal is to make a difference in people’s lives. Tally brings a wealth of life experiences, which helps her relate to clients.
Tally was born into a family rich with gatherings, trips to the mountains, and Indigenous roots. She loves spending time with her children, learning, and being creative.
“Darling, you have stardust in your bones, the ancestors by your side, and the entire universe within your soul. Know your worth, act accordingly.” – Unknown

Rupal Joshi

Rupal Joshi

Case Manager

rjoshi@workprep.ca
306-757-9096 ext. 241

Rupal joined the Work Prep Team as a Computer Facilitator in 2022 and has just moved into a new role as a Case manager for the YOWW program. Her journey from client to employee has always been so exciting with all support from Regina Work Prep Centre. The outstanding support and acceptance makes Work Prep a great place to work. Rupal is a positive person who has an enthusiastic outlook on life. She brings in great bunch of Customer service and teaching experiences. She has developed great love and passion for teaching and she constantly focuses on supporting individuals life and career. From her personal and professional life she has learned to embrace the things that we can’t change, and turn them into opportunities to help. She believe “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”.
When she gets leisure time she loves listening to music, spending time with her children and trying new recipes.

Tracy Tomlinson

Tracy Tomlinson

Case Manager

ttomlinson@workprep.ca
757-9096 ext. 234

Case Manager
Tracy has worked at a number of non-profit organization with a focus on adult education and joined the Work Prep team in 2015. As a case manager, Tracy loves working with her clients who teach her something new every day. Tracy is a daredevil with a love for skydiving, a feat she’s managed 15 times.
“My goal is to give people a purpose and to help them realize their own potential.”

Alyssa Keulen

Alyssa Keulen

Case Manager

akeulen@workprep.ca
306-757-9096 ext. 226

Alyssa became a part of the Work Prep team in 2023, as a case manager for the Job Launch program. For the past decade, she has used her education in teaching as a tool to help clients with varying abilities and needs. This has been a gateway for Alyssa to move into social work, as she has a passion for helping individuals flourish. Alyssa works to create a safe and welcoming space where people can feel comfortable when asking for help. When not at work, Alyssa enjoys spending time exploring the world with her dog, practicing yoga, and cooking.

Viktoriia Ugnivenko

Viktoriia Ugnivenko

Computer Trainer and Computer Resource Centre Facilitator

vugnivenko@workprep.ca
306-757-9096 ext. 223

I am very fortunate to be able to have a job where I can come to work every day and do two of the things I am most passionate about: computers and teaching. I love working with computers, especially Excel and teaching is in my blood. Both my parents were teachers. So the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. I really enjoy teaching others and I always try to find a way to make things more interesting and fun for our clients. I love when I see their faces light up with a sense of accomplishment as they start to understand something or create something beautiful with their new acquired skills. I hope my passion and way of teaching continues to help inspire people to learn.

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." — Confucius

Christi Ranford

Christi Ranford

Group Facilitator

cranford@workprep.ca
306-757-9096 ext. 248

Christi joined the Work Prep team in March 2022. Her education and experience are in the mental health field. She takes a ‘people first’ and strengths based approach to her work. As the YOWW Group Facilitator She helps clients crate and hone their resume and cover letter writing skills, as well as the skills key to finding and maintain employment. Her passion for helping people is second only to her love of dogs and passion for rescues.

Eric Milos

Eric Milos

Virtual Reality Marketer

emilos@workprep.ca
306-757-9096 ext. 245

Eric Milos is a VR Marketer here at Work Prep. Eric spends his time connecting with people and educating about the benefits of using Virtual Reality as a career exploration tool, as well as guiding Job Seekers, Career Practitioners and employers through their first (or 50th) VR experience. Eric loves meeting new people and learning alongside them as they explore different career possibilities! Eric enjoys learning about new technologies and is very excited to bring technology to people in ways that can make a big impact on their lives.

In his spare time Eric is a hobby photographer, enjoys hiking, and hanging out at home with his family!

Daniel Cronan

Daniel Cronan

Virtual Reality Marketer

dcronan@workprep.ca
306-757-9096 ext. 246

Dan Cronan is a VR Marketer with Work Prep, bringing a uniquely blended background in both the technology field and human services sector. He has a passion for working with individuals and organizations alike, helping to bridge gaps with Virtual Reality, be it helping a person discover career paths they might not otherwise consider, or assisting organizations with unique training tools through simulations.
Outside of Work Prep, you can find Dan with his head in a book or reading up on the latest and greatest in technology. He also loves hiking, roller blading, and spending time with his family.

Nafisa Adeniji

Nafisa Adeniji

Job Developer

nadeniji@workprep.ca
306-757-9096 ext. 231

Nafisa recently joined the team with a background in communications and HR. She enjoys helping people and dedicated to assisting clients to learn and relearn basic employment skills relevant to their preferred job. She has also worked with diverse clients in the past and understands every client is unique and treatment may differ, so she spends her downtime learning how to serve the community better.

Outside of work, Nafisa enjoys spending time with family, and learning new things online.

“I have a constant focus on supporting others and helping them thrive; and I’m hoping to use my education, training, and skill set to help more people”

Nida Kashif

Nida Kashif

Job Developer

nkashif@workprep.ca
306-757-9096 ext. 244

Nida joined Work Prep. in April 2022 and she is currently working on the Mystartr project. Her academic background is in the Electronic Engineering field and she has worked with non-profit organizations and universities in the past. She has a passion to help people and make a difference in their life. In Regina Work Preparation Centre Nida is motivated to work with youth, connecting them with well-reputed employers and allowing them to learn and believe in themselves.
Outside of work, Nida loves trying new recipes, listening to music, and spending time with her lovely family.
“No one can believe in your skills, your passion unless you do!”

Ashley Belsey

Ashley Belsey

Job Developer

abelsey@workprep.ca
306-757-9096 ext. 240

Ashley started out as a client in the YOWW Program and is elated to join the staff team that got her started on her path to employment. She was inspired by the support she received, she saw first hand the benefit of the programs and wants to help youth find meaningful employment. When she is not at work she is at home with her family, playing out doors, doing a craft or just hanging out watching a movie. She loves plants and hopes to have a garden of her own one day.

Arpita Patel

Arpita Patel

Employment Skills Facilitator

apatel@workprep.ca
306-757-9096 ext. 225

Arpita joined the Work Prep team in 2022 as an Employment Skills Facilitator with 6+ years of experience in various areas of Information Technology. She comes with expertise in educating computer technology subjects to the people of diverse backgrounds and culture. Arpita has a passion for helping people in the community by providing vocational services that utilize digital technology to help build their career. She is committed to working with empathy and attentiveness to create and maintain a positive public space for all individuals who walk through our door.
“I believe in helping people in need and it gives me a great pleasure to assist with solving problems, by guiding and helping clients with the use of digital technology in building their dream career.”

Sharon Ledoux

Sharon Ledoux

Program Support Coordinator

sledoux@workprep.ca
306-757-9096 ext. 236

Sharon originally joined our team temporality, but we just couldn’t let her go! She wears a variety of different hats at Work Prep and can take care of almost anything that gets thrown her way. Sharon is a big-time movie lover, and even has a background in film production.

“I really enjoy it here. The people are great!”

Regina Work Preparation Centre@ReginaWorkPrep
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