Selections Career Support Services is a community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to individuals with disabilities and other barriers by assisting them in finding and maintaining opportunities for employment and volunteering. After four decades of serving individuals in the Edmonton area, the heart of Selections’ vision is the conviction that every individual possesses an abundance to offer their community. Selections strives to provide holistic services designed to support individuals to live fulfilling, enriched, and inclusive lives.
Our Vision
Empowered individuals attaining meaningful employment independently in workplaces that embrace diversity.
Our Mission
Selections is a dynamic organization that strives for excellence and promotes inclusive employment by removing barriers for individuals with disabilities.
Our Values
Our core values inform our activities:
Advocacy:
We help boost confidence through education so every individual’s voice is heard within their communities.
Empowerment:
We help foster a sense of independence and confidence within individuals.
Innovation:
We create inventive and dynamic strategies to promote and pursue employment opportunities.
Inclusion:
We encourage individuals to develop a sense of belonging and contribute meaningfully to society.
Our Team
Our Selections team comprises passionate career development specialists, administration professionals, and community-focused leaders. Each brings us their unique skills, experience, and energy to further Selections’ mission. To view our Board of Directors, click here.
Angie Amaris
Angie is a graduate psychologist and passionate advocate for human rights. She immigrated to Canada from Colombia in April 2010 with her husband and little 9-month-old daughter. Since arriving in Canada, Angie has rapidly built a successful career in the non-profit sector.
Angie has been active in the non-profit sector for over 17 years. Her experience includes combatting sexual abuse, commercial sexual exploitation, and homelessness. Most recently, her heart has led her to advocate for inclusion and equity in the Disability sector. Angie strongly believes in Selections’ philosophy of discovering every individual’s unique talent and ability.
Juliana Luna
Born in Colombia, Juliana immigrated to Canada from Argentina in October 2011. She has experience in administrative jobs and brings her positivity and valuable skills to our office through all administrative tasks. Juliana has a degree in Business Administration and speaks German, Spanish and English.
Currently, Juliana lives in Edmonton with her husband Jorge and daughters Sophie (8 years) and Nicole (7 years). When not working, she spends quality free time with her family and pursues her passion for cooking.
Pablo Castro
Pablo graduated from George Brown College in Toronto. He is a Community Worker and a Career Counsellor who believes in empowerment as the way to enhance the capacity of individuals to make choices and to transform those choices into desired actions and outcomes.
As an employment and settlement professional with more than 12 years of experience, he dedicates his career to assisting, coaching, and empowering diverse clients while always maintaining a non-judgmental attitude. Pablo bases his work on the idea that giving back will help strengthen those individuals and empower communities to reach their goals.
Michelle Chellew
Michelle is a University of Alberta graduate from the Bachelor of Education program focusing on Special Education. She spent most of her early career as a classroom teacher in an elementary school and worked with students who needed extra support during their day. Over the last few years, Michelle transitioned into the Adult Education field through her work as a Facilitator for the North East Alberta Fetal Alcohol Network (NEAFAN). While there, she promoted community education and awareness around Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder prevention. Drawing on many years of professional and personal family experiences with disabilities, Michelle now brings her expertise to Selections as a Job Developer.
Jason Jaffray
Jason graduated from CDI College Edmonton South Campus, where he subsequently took on a role as Practicum Coordinator. Helping individuals is a passion he explored at the Millet Volunteer Fire Department for five years, where he was the inaugural recipient of the Firefighter of the Year award in 2017. Jason gives everything 110% effort, including his advocacy for individuals who want to succeed. He reaches his personal career goals by helping people achieve their goals successfully.
Jenry Perico
Jenry graduated from Grant MacEwan University with a Bachelor of Science, Honours Psychology degree. Shortly after his undergrad, he completed a certificate program in behaviour intervention and has spent his time working with individuals with disabilities. Jenry continues to advocate for his client’s needs and rights and is passionate about making a difference in their lives.
During his spare time, Jenry likes to spend his time playing video games, chess, and basketball with his friends. He also loves to travel and go on road trips!
Laura Hyland
Laura is a recent graduate from the University of Alberta Human Ecology program with a major in Family Science and minor in Child and Youth Studies. She has had a passion for supporting individuals from a young age and has lots of experience with training individuals at work in a way that sets them up to succeed. She is excited to continue to build this passion at Selections as well as build relationships with other businesses to share the importance of an inclusive workforce and compassion for others.
Laura is a huge animal lover, in her spare time she can be found at the barn with her horse Hal, or at home with her puppy Juice!
Lucy Jones
Lucy graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in Human Ecology. In 2020, Lucy moved to Kelowna to become a community support worker, supporting adults with diverse abilities. There, Lucy promoted the wellbeing and inclusion of the adults she worked with, and learned valuable skills about how to support individuals who have faced barriers. Lucy has since returned to her home in Edmonton, and is excited to be continuing her passion working with adults with diverse abilities.
In her spare time Lucy enjoys watching movies, learning about history, spending time with loved ones, and planning her next trip abroad.
Bailey Dezutter
After graduating from MacEwan University with a Bachelor’s in HR, Bailey started working with a recruitment agency, where she found her passion in hiring and supporting diverse candidates. She helped guide employees through the hiring process by developing their various skills through training workshops. This quickly transitioned into a passion for inclusion, spearheaded by the belief that absolutely everyone has strengths to be uncovered. Bailey is excited to continue advocating for individuals with disabilities and empowering employees, while working with Selections!
In her free time Bailey enjoys playing boardgames with friends, baking and going to the gym. She also spends her time coaching children’s basketball and playing herself.
Bryant Nguyen
Bryant graduated with a Marketing degree back in 2018 at the University of Alberta. With a passion for Sales and Marketing he has moved up the sales ladder throughout his career and eventually began training employees to achieve their goals! At Selection Career Support Services his goal is to make it as easy as possible for individuals facing barriers when entering the work force.
In his free time, he likes to kickbox, watch comedy, and eat at new food places with friends.
Zamzam Musse
Zamzam has worked as an LPN/Psych Nurse for 7 years. In the last couple of years, she has transitioned from working in the healthcare field to social services. Zamzam has worked with individuals with a wide range of disabilities in an acute and community setting and found her passion working in the latter. She is looking forward to assisting individuals with disabilities gain and maintain independence. In her free time, Zamzam enjoys going for walks and finding new walking trails to explore.
Kuen Tang
Kuen (Quinn) is the first quadriplegic to earn a Bachlore of Education degree Elementary route in Canada from University of Alberta. She is passionate about developing and supporting business in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion movement as well as guiding the “how to” of inclusive hiring of persons with disability. Kuen is a motivational speaker, teacher, advocate and outdoor adventurer. Known as The Mighty Kuen, she is the first quadriplegic comic book letterer in the world to work for DC Comics and first to wheel the Great Wall of China. By day, she loves being a mother, adventure seeker and disability advocate. By night, she fights the evil villain called “inaccessibility” by creating comic strips that deal with disability issues.
Where will The Mighty Kuen head to next? Check out her TEDx video on the “The distance between my wheelchair and the wild” or check out her website at www.kuentang.com for more information.
Hardik Mahant
Originally From India, Hardik completed his studies at MacEwan University, receiving his Diploma in Accounting and Strategic Measurement. Since moving to Edmonton in 2019, he has contributed to the educational sector through active involvement with IDP Education. Personable and optimistic, Hardik enjoys interacting with and assisting people. In his role as an administrative assistant, he is looking forward to contributing to the growth of Selections and the people involved.
Hardik is an ardent promoter of fitness and a healthy lifestyle. His hobbies include playing ping-pong, listening to music, travelling, and exploring new places.
Ajay Thakur
Ajay is born and brought up in India. He completed his Master’s in commerce from Panjab University in 2018. Prior to moving to Canada in 2022, he was working with an employment agency as an administrative assistant. While working there he found a sense of joy because he was able to meet & interact with many different people as they moved through their employment journeys. After moving to Edmonton, he fell in love with the calm and peace of the city. Ajay has now joined our Selections team as an Administrative Assistant. He is looking forward to welcoming clients to our South location with his warm and approachable demeanor. Ajay can often be found in the kitchen or playing with his younger siblings Laddu & Gunnu during his free time. He loves to cook new dishes for his family & friends. He enjoys living a healthy and fit lifestyle where he often meditates to find and maintain inner peace & happiness.
Alana Gersky
Alana is another long-term Selections participant. Alana lives with her roommates and life coaches and is the Administrative Assistant at Selections. She lives with Down Syndrome and is hard of hearing, but she doesn’t let this get in the way of her opportunities and successes. Alana is passionate, sensitive, proactive, and positive and enjoys working at Selections!
Luigi Chiesa
Luigi is a longstanding and appreciated Selections client. He has worked at the Selections office for a few years, where he helps maintain the cleanliness of the office. Luigi is always willing to help with anything the staff asks of him.
His hobbies include bowling, going to the Fire Station, and keeping his car meticulously clean.
Our History
Since 1979, Selections has been serving individuals with developmental disabilities, evolving in response to the needs of our program participants, employment partners, and the Edmonton area communities in which we operate.
Selections started as a vocational program funded by the Edmonton Separate School Board. Our initial training program supported students with developmental disabilities to learn employable skills, strong work ethics, and confidence in their abilities. After completing the training, we assisted students in securing permanent employment or volunteer positions in their communities.
In 1989, Selections adopted a new, community-based service model to better meet our primary goals and accommodate a broader scope of program participant interests and desires. Fostering inclusive communities and workplaces and supporting the self-actualization of individuals with developmental disabilities became our focus.
More recently, in 2021, Selections received a Grant with the Labour Market Transfer Agreement that enabled us to expand our offering to support individuals with disabilities and many other barriers to help them find meaningful employment. Employment and Skill Development Program is that program.
In 2021, Selections also launched the Library Resource Center, providing clients with a space to work on their resumes and cover letters, attend workshops, obtain external certifications, or simply connect with their loved ones.
Over the last year, in 2022, Selections debuted the Get Ready in Trades Program, funded by Employment and Social Development Canada.
Angie Amaris
Executive Director
Angie is a graduate psychologist and passionate advocate for human rights. She immigrated to Canada from Colombia in April 2010 with her husband and little 9-month-old daughter. Since arriving in Canada, Angie has rapidly built a successful career in the non-profit sector.
Angie has been active in the non-profit sector for over 17 years. Her experience includes combatting sexual abuse, commercial sexual exploitation, and homelessness. Most recently, her heart has led her to advocate for inclusion and equity in the Disability sector. Angie strongly believes in Selections’ philosophy of discovering every individual’s unique talent and ability. In her role as Executive Director, she collaborates with the community and employers, empowering individuals with disabilities and other barriers so they may find employment and, ultimately, a rewarding career in a more inclusive workplace.
Angie is inspired daily by the individuals she serves and the team she leads. She is amazed by their work ethic, love, resilience, and dedication.
Angie lives in Edmonton with her husband, John, and children Angela (13 years) and Alejandro (7 years). She loves cooking Colombian food, dancing, singing, and spending time with her family. She brings her passion to Selections and empowers others to share the importance of celebrating even small successes, being happy in the moment, and never forgetting to laugh.
Haley Weiss
Program Coordinator
Haley completed the Disability Studies program at Grant MacEwan University and returned there to graduate with a Degree in Child and Youth Care. Following graduation, Haley rapidly accrued an invaluable skillset engaging individuals of all ages, using her experience working extensively with individuals with disabilities and high-risk individuals and their families. Haley is passionate and dedicated to the individuals at Selections and has been with the organization for eight years. Haley has had the privilege of supporting countless Selections individuals and watching them grow in their employment journeys.
Haley enjoys reading, watching movies, and camping in her spare time. With a passion for live theatre, she has seen countless shows and anticipates attending many more. Haley lives for summer, taking in all the many Edmonton festivals, including the Street Performers and Fringe festivals.
Pablo Castro
Program Coordinator
Pablo graduated from George Brown College in Toronto. He is a Community Worker and a Career Counsellor who believes in empowerment as the way to enhance the capacity of individuals to make choices and to transform those choices into desired actions and outcomes.
As an employment and settlement professional with more than 12 years of experience, he dedicates his career to assisting, coaching, and empowering diverse clients while always maintaining a non-judgmental attitude. Pablo bases his work on the idea that giving back will help strengthen those individuals and empower communities to reach their goals. Pablo’s passion for supporting those in need helped his career flourish in Toronto and the surrounding area, focusing on settlement and job development. His recent move to Edmonton allows him to pursue new challenges and learning opportunities.
Pablo is also a real soccer nut! He enjoys playing and watching soccer (Come on, You Reds!!!) and practicing snowboarding in his free time. He also enjoys painting, listening to music and looking for the next road trip adventure
Erin Lee
Job Development Team Lead
Erin graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Arts degree specializing in psychology and has since returned to school to further her education in HR Management. Before employment services, Erin worked with the Boys and Girls Club, cultivating her passion for community inclusion. Erin has rapidly accrued a wealth of experience from over five years in the human services sector. She started with Selections as a Career Development Coordinator, then specialized in Job Development and now leads the Employment and Skill Development Team. She also is involved with Selections’ social media accounts and loves to share the organization’s successes with the community. With a passion for helping others and building relationships, Erin is highly motivated to see Selections’ service recipients succeed and feel empowered throughout their employment journey.
Outside work, Erin spends time with loved ones and pursues her many hobbies, including being active, trying new restaurants, enjoying live music, hosting dinner parties, and travelling
Michelle Chellew
Job Development Specialist
Michelle is a University of Alberta graduate from the Bachelor of Education program focusing on Special Education. She spent most of her early career as a classroom teacher in an elementary school and worked with students who needed extra support during their day. Over the last few years, Michelle transitioned into the Adult Education field through her work as a Facilitator for the North East Alberta Fetal Alcohol Network (NEAFAN). While there, she promoted community education and awareness around Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder prevention. Drawing on many years of professional and personal family experiences with disabilities, Michelle now brings her expertise to Selections as a Job Developer. An enthusiastic advocate for inclusion, she has a passion for supporting individuals and is excited to connect with clients to help them meet their career goals. When she is not at work, Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband and teenage boys. They love playing games, working on puzzles, cooking together or listening to music.
Jason Jaffray
Career Development Specialist
Jason graduated from CDI College Edmonton South Campus, where he subsequently took on a role as Practicum Coordinator. Helping individuals is a passion he explored at the Millet Volunteer Fire Department for five years, where he was the inaugural recipient of the Firefighter of the Year award in 2017. Jason gives everything 110% effort, including his advocacy for individuals who want to succeed. He reaches his personal career goals by helping people achieve their goals successfully.
Jason has many passions, from fixing vehicles with his children to doing wood burning and drawing. He loves to watch hockey, and his favourite team is his daughter’s, where she continues to be an outstanding, top-tier goalie in her league. Jason values good moral values and ethics and instils them in his family life, presenting a very positive outlook in life.