Meet Our Team

Amanda has been a valued member of the Columbia College team for over 20 years, making significant contributions across various areas, including Community Disability Services, Community Access Services, Residential Services, and Employment Services. With a strong educational background in Social Work, Amanda is deeply passionate about collaborating with community partners to create meaningful opportunities that improve the lives of the individuals we serve.

Her extensive experience and unwavering dedication to supporting the community reflect her commitment to making a positive impact within Columbia College and beyond.

Michael has been a dedicated member of Columbia College for over 30 years, making an incredible impact across a variety of roles. His extensive tenure includes serving as an Assistant Manager in Employment Strategies, an Academic Advisor in Academic Upgrading, and holding Department Manager positions in Student Services, Office Assistant, and Human Services, among others. Michael’s broad experience and commitment to excellence have played a key role in shaping and enhancing the college’s services and overall student experience.

For the past several years, Michael has been serving as the Services Coordinator for CSSD – Employment Services, where he continues to drive improvements and ensure the success of students and staff alike. His long-standing presence at Columbia College underscores his dedication to making the institution a better place for both its community and its future.

Fannie has been a valued member of the Employment Services Department for over a decade, bringing a wealth of experience and commitment to her role. Over the past 10 years, she has worked tirelessly to support and empower students, guiding them toward success through the development of essential workplace skills.

Fannie is passionate about helping students unlock their potential and achieve their career aspirations. Her dedication goes beyond teaching; she fosters an environment of encouragement and growth, ensuring each student feels supported on their journey. With her guidance, students not only gain the tools they need for professional success but also the confidence to navigate life’s challenges.

Fannie’s enthusiasm and determination continue to inspire those around her, making a lasting impact on both the students she serves and the Columbia College community.

Ann Samuel is a dedicated professional with a background in Education and extensive experience working with vulnerable populations. She has leveraged this expertise to make a meaningful impact in this sector.

For four years, she served as a Protection Officer with the International Committee of the Red Cross, working directly with displaced communities and individuals in crisis situations to provide essential services and help reintegrate displaced individuals into their communities. In this role, she demonstrated a commitment to upholding the dignity and rights of vulnerable people.

Building on this experience, she spent the last two years working at Trellis, a support organization focused on youth. Through her diverse work, Ann has honed her interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivities, and understanding of the challenges faced by the populations we serve. She is passionate about continuous learning and using her skills and expertise to drive change.

Passionate about teaching, Jose Luis enjoys tutoring students in mathematics and Spanish, offering personalized support to help them excel. Since joining the team at Columbia College, Jose Luis has discovered a new passion that aligns deeply with his values: teaching and supporting individuals with disabilities.

Outside of his professional life, he is a music enthusiast who loves playing music and singing. His adventurous spirit also extends to outdoor activities, particularly baseball and mountain biking.

Samuel Ohene-Asiedu is a graduate of Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC. He brings a wealth of experience from his roles as a personal support worker in private homes, a job coach through his church, and the store manager of TK’s Authentic African Products.

Samuel is recognized for his strong ability to support and assist both staff and clients while demonstrating cultural sensitivity in working with diverse communities. He is committed to collaborating with staff and clients to address their unique needs, contributing to the ongoing success of Columbia College.

Kaitlin Leveille brings over a decade of experience working closely with individuals with disabilities. She holds a diploma in Human Services and a degree in Human Resources, blending her expertise to foster positive connections and create inclusive spaces that support mental health.

Outside of her professional life, Kaitlin has a deep appreciation for nature. She enjoys camping, hiking, and spending time near water, all of which bring her a sense of peace and happiness. Above all, her greatest joy comes from creating meaningful memories with her family, where she finds true fulfillment.

Erwin is originally from the Philippines and migrated to Bournemouth, England, in 2004 before moving to Calgary in 2013. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Behavior Technology from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and completed a Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce at The City and Guilds of London Institute.

In August 2013, Erwin joined the Community Social Services Department at Columbia Training Center as a Community Support Worker. After a few months, he transitioned to Employment Services as a Job Coach and currently enjoys the role of Employment Specialist.

Alejandro Rios was born in Acapulco, Mexico, and immigrated to Canada in 2014. He began his professional education as a lawyer in Monterrey, Mexico, before completing a bachelor’s degree in International Relations at the University of Calgary.

In 2021, Alejandro joined Columbia College as a Community Support Worker and later transitioned to a Job Coach role within the Employment Partnerships program. Currently, he works as an Employment Specialist, where he utilizes his skills and experience to assist individuals in securing and maintaining meaningful employment. Alejandro is passionate about helping others reach their professional goals and takes great pride in supporting clients on their career journeys.

Trina Baidoo has been actively engaged in the social services field since 2014, contributing her expertise across various roles within the sector. Her professional journey includes experience as a support worker, team lead in 24-hour support homes, and employment specialist.

Trina is deeply committed to addressing each client’s or student’s unique needs with a tailored approach, ensuring their requests are met while fostering an enjoyable and supportive environment.

Outside of work, Trina is passionate about podcasts, music, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Jason, a proud father of two teenagers from the East Coast, has been a supportive roommate to an adult with a developmental disability for 20 years. He previously worked at the former VRRI (now Vecova) in a role similar to his current position at Columbia College as an Employment Specialist.

Jason is deeply passionate about his work, taking pride in helping others find success and feel included as contributing members of both their communities and the workforce. He believes that building strong relationships and rapport with those he serves is essential to matching their skills, abilities, and characteristics with the right employment opportunities.

Outside of work, Jason is an avid hockey fan, player, and coach. He also embraces his role as an “Uber dad” and provides roommate support. In his personal time, Jason plays on a men’s hockey team, enjoys hiking, and is an enthusiastic golfer. He also enjoys playing crib and backgammon.

Rumeet Kaur is a dedicated professional originally from Punjab, India, who moved to Canada in 2019 to pursue her passion for helping others. She graduated as a Disability Support Worker from Sask Polytech and currently works as an Employment Specialist. In this role, Rumeet applies her skills and experience to help individuals find and sustain meaningful employment. Her compassionate approach and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those she serves are at the heart of her work.

Rachel is an Inclusive Support Specialist. A graduate of Diploma in Disability Studies program with a great passion for providing connective human service support. As an Employment Specialist at Columbia Training Centre, matching students with roles that suits their skills, strengths, and interest is her priority. Haven provided various kinds of support in the disability sector for many years, she aspires to be a Social Worker that stirs up positive communal changes that benefits all people.

Clara has been a valued member of the CSSD team since 2016. With a background in Sociology and Recreational Therapy, her education ignited a deep passion for creating accessible and inclusive spaces that empower individuals with developmental disabilities. She brings a thoughtful, person-centered approach to her work, ensuring that every individual feels seen, supported, and valued. Clara is dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where each person’s unique strengths are celebrated, inspiring them to build confidence and reach their full potential. Her commitment extends beyond the workplace, as she actively advocates for greater inclusion and opportunities within the broader community.