Meet The Team
At NIEFS, we believe in the power of building strong, positive and productive connections and we hope this page helps you get to know some of the talented and passionate people behind the great work we do.
Many thanks to our participating team members for sharing their photos and short bios and for giving us insight into your expertise, interests, and what inspires you.
Shannon Baikie, Executive Director, MA, CCDP
Hello North Vancouver Island and beyond! My name is Shannon Baikie and I am the Executive Director here at North Island Employment Foundations Society otherwise known and NIEFS. After 15 years working in the technology start-up space in senior VP Human Resource positions in Victoria, I moved back to my hometown of Campbell River in 2008 to be with my husband and raise my newborn son.
I had no idea what I was going to do career wise given there were very limited opportunities in senior human resource positions so I began to consider my options after parental leave. Fortunately, I saw a posting for a Career Advisor with NIEFS and in my heart felt it was a right fit so I applied and got the job.
Fast forward 16 years, with a Master’s in Community Economic Development and a Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP), I’ve pretty well done it all at NIEFS and now have the absolute privilege to lead an amazing team of professionals every day! The Career Development sector is growing quickly and is recognized nationally through rigorous certification demonstrating the skill and competence of those in the field. If you haven’t connected with a Career Development professional you are missing out. No matter what age or stage you are at in your career we can help in your journey!
Chelsey Collins, Youth Employment Specialist
I’m Chelsey, a Youth Employment Specialist at Foundry Campbell River. I work with young people ages fifteen to twenty-five, supporting them as they navigate their paths in education and employment.
With more than a decade of experience working with youth through the school district and non-profits, I’m passionate about making young people feel at ease and comfortable, even in situations that can (sometimes) feel a little awkward. I like to bring humor into our conversations, helping to break the ice and help to make those moments easier.
As a mom, small business owner and long-time Campbell River resident, I’m proud to call this community home. I’m grateful every day for the energy and optimism I get from working with the youth in our community.
Julie Mills, Specialized Employment Counsellor, Disability Services Team, CCDP
As a CCDP with a background in mental health, I bring unique skills, knowledge and experience to my role as a Specialized Employment Counsellor at North Island Employment Foundations Society.
With a deep appreciation and respect for the challenges service participants might face in their daily lives, I am able to provide a safe space for them to explore career options, gain tools to build employability skills and get the support needed to achieve sustainable work.
As an employment counsellor I am trained to help with disability disclosure, to provide information on employee rights in the workplace and to providing access to specialized assessments that can aid in finding a career or training pathway.
I am entering my third year at NIEFS and the role continues to grow and change daily as we strive to support our clients. Our crew is open and welcoming and we hope you connect with us soon.
Rachel Gildersleeve, Employment Counsellor
Hello! I’m Rachel, an Employment Counsellor at NIEFS in Port Hardy.
This role has been a new career change for me, and it couldn’t have been a better fit.
Prior to me joining the WorkBC family I’ve worked as an Administrator in Municipal Government, Wind Energy and the Oil Industry.
Born and raised on the North Island, I have spent a large part of my life living in the remote community of Port Hardy. I have been involved in various volunteer organizations, church and school events. I’ve always had a deep passion for helping out others and my community and I am proud to call it my home.
I am grateful to work for such a wonderful organization, and the chance to be able to do real helpful work in my community.
Serena Gill, Employer Services Coordinator
Hi! If we haven’t met before, I look forward to meeting you! That’s my jam…meeting people and making connections! I love hearing stories, learning history of our community and finding out how I can help move things forward. I might not remember statistics and numbers, but I will always remember a face, a name, or a voice!
As a born Campbell Riverite, my roots have brought me back home to support the growth of our unique community. I have absolute gratitude for my daily role at NIEFS/WorkBC where I am able to provide a platform for employers to share knowledge and network with each other so we can all contribute to our region’s economic development and community improvements!
Come talk to me about your business idea, the struggles your business might be facing, the knowledge you would like to share with other businesses, or jobs you might be trying to fill!
Dianne Hawkins, Skills Bridge Program Coordinator
With extensive corporate business experience working and advocating on behalf of local businesses, and possessing a background in Adult Education, I find the role as Project Coordinator inspiring and life giving. Creating opportunities for international professionals, connecting clients with professionals in their field, making connections and building collaboration is what I love! It has been encouraging to see the welcome response from the Campbell River and N.I. region business communities in making room for newcomers to the region.
It is an honor and privilege to work with immigrants and help them acquire the necessary credentials they need to secure work in their chosen profession in Canada. To date, NIEFS has helped over 60 clients gain much needed financial assistance to pursue credential recognition etc. Much thanks goes out to the NIEFS board for committing to extending this project beyond the initial funding provided.
I enjoy the role of helping others, providing resources and assisting with navigating challenges. Working with the team at NIEFS and seeing the contributions we make in the lives of others is very rewarding. The Skills Bridge project is a “win-win” for our community, our businesses and the individuals who now call Canada home.
Sussana Hill, Receptionist
Let’s introduce you to Sussana, the warm and welcoming face of our organization. She is the first person whom all of those looking for work, going through a change of career or experiencing job loss, see as they come in the door. She greets everyone with a huge smile and a genuine, heartfelt welcome. Sussana is one of those special kind of people who can immediately make everyone feel as if they are the only person in the room.
Sussana has been the face of NIEFS since April 21, 1998. For 26 years, she has greeted and made comfortable thousands of job seekers; and 10 and 20 years later many individuals returning to our building still remember her. Her role is pivotal in the career development field as she ensures that everyone, no matter how low they are feeling or how confused, anxious or afraid of the changes that they are experiencing, feels engaged, supported, and that they have come to the right place. She listens to what they have to say, and answers their questions if she can. If she cannot, she connects them to someone who can.
Sussana is a mother, and a grandmother. Like many others on the NIEFS team, she is a born Vancouver Islander, growing up in Black Creek/Oyster River area and has made the Campbell River and surrounding area her home. She has chosen Quadra Island as her retirement location and when a place came available, she snapped it up. Although she is not retired, she did not want to miss a chance to live out her dream. She has been living on the small island for several years now. She is a musician, a folk singer and entertainer. She enjoys taking in live performances when she can, and she loves being at the beach, cooking her dinner and ocean swimming.
Karen Bishop, Employment Counsellor
Hello from the North Island
I am Karen and I’m honored and grateful to be able to live, work and play in the unceded Kwakiutl Territory.
As a past resident of the area it’s wonderful to be back. Here on the island I get to enjoy bird watching every day from my yard, beach combing with friends and their fur babies or curling up with my feline friend watching the trees sway on a stormy day. These are my favorite things.
I am employment counsellor in my second year with NIEFS, and came from a background of Occupational Health and Safety management, Health Care and Human Resources.
Working in the field of employment services for a non-profit is extremely rewarding and I look forward to assisting our north communities any way I can.
I invite you to drop in and say hello to our team in the Port Hardy office.
Colleen Wilson, CCDP, Marketing Coordinator
It’s hard to believe that three decades have passed since I first stepped into the world of employment services. The journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Over the years, I’ve worn many hats – youth worker, facilitator, employment counselor, and program manager, to name a few – each role adding a new layer of depth to my experience. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with a remarkable array of talented, passionate, and caring individuals who have not only inspired me but also taught me invaluable lessons about empathy, growth, and community.
My time with NIEFS has been a true game-changer. I have taken on an amazing full-time marketing role, immersing myself in a whole new world of creativity, strategy, and innovation. The challenges have been invigorating, and each day brings an opportunity to learn new skills and grow.
When I’m not at work, you’ll usually find me outside with a camera in hand. As an avid photographer, I’m known internationally as “The Crowtographer” for my unique close-up shots of crows. But now, in the stunning surroundings of Campbell River, my focus has shifted more to the awe-inspiring whales and bears that call this place home. It’s a new chapter, and I’m loving every moment of it – always chasing the perfect shot and trying to capture the many wonders of this breathtaking part of BC.
Jen Hamilton, Employment Counsellor
Hi my name is Jen and I am one of the newer staff members at NIEFS. My background was spent working in the Anti-Violence sector, and I am passionate about helping others and working with and for non-profit organizations. When it was time for me to make a career change I was thrilled to come across a job posting for NIEFS.
Although I joined the team only 6 months ago, I can confidently say that my coworkers are some of the best people I’ve ever known. As a team we support folks in navigating their individual career paths while assisting in connecting them to any external resources they may need such as counselling, skills training, financial supports etc. I appreciate the holistic lens through which we approach our work, and I feel so lucky to have landed in an organization that understands the importance of this. The level of care our team shows on a daily basis makes such a large impact on our program participants. I feel privileged to play a small role in all that we do here. I have a passion for Psychological Health and Safety in the workplace, and enjoy connecting with coworkers around how I could be supporting them day to day. A workplace that is supportive and inclusive is important to me; I have found this within our office walls.
In my down time, you can find me spending time with loved ones, reading, lifting weights, walking my dog, practicing TRE (Trauma and Tension releasing exercises), and reading. I’m always reading. I have recently felt a spark of interest ignite around travel, and my family and I are starting to plan some international trips for the years to come. I am grateful to have found a career with amazing work/life balance, and look forward to coming to work every day.
Ashley Slade, BA, B. Ed., Employment Counsellor
Hi, I’m Ashley! I’m a wife, mom, and educator currently holding the role of Specialized Employment Counsellor for Immigrants.
As a kid, I was constantly inspired by my teachers, who took me under their wings and helped me realize my own potential. I wanted to do the same for others. So, I became a teacher. Since getting my teaching license, I have worked in a variety of settings - public and private schools, with children and adults, and even overseas.
Prior to having kids, I was the Principal of a private international school in Vancouver. One of my favorite memories here was designing and implementing a "Happiness" course inspired by Harvard’s curriculum, focused on the science of happiness.
While on maternity leave, I moved my family back to Campbell River, where I started a digital marketing business to work from home. I coached entrepreneurs on growing their brands using digital tools and business systems.
When I saw a position at NIEFS, I knew I had to apply. I am so thankful for the opportunity to work here, where I get to work alongside such passionate people and meet folks from all around the globe who share a sense of resiliency and determination that inspires me each and every day.