Tomorrow's Heroes - Our Advisors

Erin Kusluski, Web Designer / Animator, A Touch of Splash
(http://www.splashme.ca)

Erin Kusluski is a web designer / graphic artist that caters to the small business industry. Now finished educational training to become a computer animator, she is looking to incorporate those skills into her work on the web. She is the owner of A Touch of Splash, a company that provides freedom and productivity solutions on the web via customer-friendly technology, superior customer service, and common sense. Prior to establishing A Touch of Splash, she cultivated a diverse range of business knowledge and experience in a number of different industries; from graphic design and educational institutions, to corporate and industrial/manufacturing. She is a highly organized professional, who believes firmly in on-going learning and development, as displayed in her latest adventure of returning to school for Animation at the post-diploma level. While Erin's web design and development skills have contributed to Tomorrow's Heroes on the web, her technical knowledge and business expertise are also utilized to have us keep growing and developing as well.

Ingrid Melichercik, R.G.D., President, UpwardBoom
(http://www.upwardboom.com)

Ingrid Melichercik is a Registered Graphic Designer with over 8 years experience in design, advertising and production. She is the Principal Designer and owner of UpwardBoom, a consulting and creative studio that provides marketing communications pieces based either on an existing corporate brand or new brand created and developed specifically for her clients. Previously, she worked at TMP Worldwide as the Senior Designer, designing and producing various North American projects for clients such as CIBC World Markets, Children’s Miracle Foundation, Sunnybrook & Women’s College Health Sciences Centre, Lang Michener Law Firm, and Central Park Lodges Long-Term Care just to name a few. Ingrid has also been involved in various advertising and marketing campaigns such as Air Canada Vacations, Pioneer Electronics, Canon, Sporting Life, LCBO, and Motorola. Ingrid received a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) from York University. As Creative Strategist, she brings forth her strategic planning, creative development and client service expertise to develop and produce a new brand image for Tomorrow’s Heroes. Marketing communication pieces are being developed in both print and web formats. Ingrid’s passion and dedication to Tomorrow’s Heroes is based on her commitment to make a difference for children in the world by positioning Tomorrow’s Heroes as the leader in the promotion of technological safety and security services for children.

Brian Simon, President, Better Business Systems
(http://www.betterbusiness.biz)

Brian Simon is the President of Better Business Systems specializing in financial, tax and computer services geared towards small to medium size businesses. He has 25 years of practical business experience having been involved in a variety of business enterprises. Brian has worked in the private (Lubemobile™, Global Products) and the non-profit sector (Ecuhome Corp.) overseeing capital budgets, creating bookkeeping and cash systems, and the day-to-day operations of small to medium size organizations. As Financial Consultant and Administrator, Brian works closely with management teams and front line staff in establishing the best approach in improving every facet of an organization with the introduction of innovative financial systems and equipment. Inspired by Tomorrow’s Heroes special mission, Brian contributes his vast expertise in financial and computer systems to optimize operations and company’s fundraising goals.

Krisa Manoukas, Computer Graphics/Digital Web Designer

Krisa Manoukas is a Computer Graphics/Digital Web Designer with over three years of experience in the Web design field. Krisa joined the Town of Markham, where for over two years she was responsible for the implementation, design and development of over 200 webpages for the Development Services Commission, including the Small Business Self-Help Office and the Town of Markham store. Prior to that, she spent six years at the Law Society of Upper Canada as the Bar Adminisions Administrator. Krisa’s diverse skills and extensive knowledge in project management will assist in the on-going maintenance and navigational features of Tomorrow’s Heroes website. Krisa holds a Computer Graphics Honours Diploma from the International Academy of Design, a Digital Web Design Certificate from Digital Media Studios and a Diploma in Law Enforcement from Seneca College.

YMCA Markham Business Centre Coaches
(Ontario, Canada)

Vanessa Christodoulou, Business Coach/Trainer

Vanessa Christodoulou is a business coach and has been employed with the YMCA in Employment and Community services for 8 years. Vanessa is a business professional with experience in business ownership and management. She has worked in both the public and private sectors. She has been involved in the hospitality industry for the past 12 years where she has played and active role in two family businesses. Vanessa received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology at York University.

Susan Sommers, Marketing Business Coach/Trainer

Susan Sommers is an award-winning journalist, marketing consultant and trainer with over 25 years experience in the communications field. She has been a successful entrepreneur since 1982, when she created her firm, Susan Sommers & Associates Inc. to design marketing and publicity programs for a variety of clients. As a journalist and author, Susan has written weekly columns for "The Globe and Mail" and "The Toronto Star", as well as feature articles for a variety of consumer and trade publications. She is the author of the book, "Handmade in Ontario", published by Van Nostand Reinhold in 1976. She has completed her second book, "Building Media Relationships" which became available in bookstores March, 2002.

Jannet Waddington-Finch, Business Coach/Trainer

Jannet Waddington-Finch is a business consultant with over 17 years of training, business ownership, and management experience in both the public and private sectors. Since 1985, Jann has been a successful trainer and entrepreneur running her own company, Come Monday. She worked with small and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) as co-founder of Durham Small Business Association, then with the Business Advisory Centre Durham and Durham College. Jann has designed and delivered workshops and training seminars in many diverse areas for manufacturing companies, professional services, retail, non-profit, hospitality, franchises, tourism, and agricultural ventures. These include business start-up, small business marketing and promotion, human relations, personal success, labour relations, administration and financial planning. Jann received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology at the University of New Brunswick, her Masters Degree in Philosophy at Dalhousie University and her Ph.D in Psychology at Boston University. Her thesis deals with the Entrepreneurial thinking process.

Brenda Smallman, Business Coach/Trainer

Brenda Smallman is an accomplished business professional with a dynamic background that includes progressive positions in banking, business development and ownership, sales, marketing and franchise consulting. Brenda has been an entrepreneur since 1984, when she founded a construction service company. She was nominated in 1988 and 1995 for the prestigious Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year award. Brenda received an Honours B.A. in Business Studies at the University of Western Ontario and Certification in Family Business Management and Strategic Planning from Durham College.

Maureen Catania, Markham Business Centre Coordinator

Maureen Catania is an accomplished business development specialist with over 20 years of building and leading small and medium size firms. In 1990, Maureen established her own consulting company, where she provided business expertise aimed at increasing the efficiency, growth and profitability to a variety of small owner-managed businesses. Maureen’s expertise is in general management, promotional marketing and financial accounting. Maureen joined the YMCA Markham Business Centre in 1999 as a Business Coach/Trainer. Prior to that she ran a franchise operation that became the fastest revenue growth unit in Canada, achieving #1 in sales in Canada in 1997 and 1998. Maureen’s education background is as a Training Generalist and Instructional Designer.

Marcelle Alves-Allen, Business Coach/Trainer (http://www.bpmsource.com)

Marcelle Alves-Allen is a graduate of the MBA program at the Schulich School of Business, York University, with a specialty in Strategic Management, Organizational Behaviour and Financial Services Management. She also holds a Bachelor of Administrative Studies Degree from York University, and Certificates in Adult Education and Human Resources Management. She has over 15 years experience, including five years working for the Inter-American Development Bank, an Intellectual Lending Organization. She has worked for Honda Canada, Bell Canada, Martineau Provencher, and York University. Marcelle is President of MarMaxCom, a management-consulting firm designed to provide human resources and business strategy consulting (including market research) to small businesses. She is a member of the Human Resources Professional Association of Ontario (HRPAO) and is a member of the Board of Directors of Warden Woods Community Centre and a Volunteer Recruiter at the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Bob Lecour, Business Coach/Trainer

Bob Lecour is a seasoned business professional with an extensive and diverse background in field operations, sales/marketing, finance, credit/collections, and human resources. Bob heads his own recruitment agency, specializing in permanent and contract positions. He is also a Business Development Consultant for an agency that staffs call-centre operations. Bob has designed courses for secondary education and community college to be taught through the Distance Education Division. His experiences have involved mainly the automotive industry, where he worked with manufacturers and automotive financing institutions. Bob has extensive coaching experience. After his career as a baseball player, Bob coached at the elite baseball level. He has received numerous awards for his achievements. He is presently on the coaching staff at Team Ontario. Bob received a Business Administration degree, majoring in Business Management. He holds professional designations from the Credit Institute of Canada and the Canadian Institute of Management.

Please note: all advisors/supporters participate on a voluntary basis and no fee is charged for their business service.

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