Selections Career Support Services (Selections) is a community‑based, non‑profit organization that supports Albertans with disabilities and other barriers to employment to enter and succeed in the workforce. Through personalized services we work alongside individuals to build skills, confidence, and pathways to meaningful, long‑term careers.

Selections Career Support Services

Selections Career Support Services (Selections) is a community‑based, non‑profit organization that supports Albertans with disabilities and other barriers to employment to enter and succeed in the workforce. Through personalized services we work alongside individuals to build skills, confidence, and pathways to meaningful, long‑term careers.

Selections Career Support Services

Our Vision

For all Albertans to have independent careers in workplaces that embrace diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Our Mission

To break employment barriers for Albertans by providing career support services targeting long‑term employment that contributes to provincial economic growth.

Our Values

Our core values inform our activities:

Empowerment:

Fostering a sense of independence and confidence within clients and staff.

Innovation:

Supporting a dynamic environment that fosters creative approaches to career support services.

Inclusion:

Encouraging clients and staff to develop a sense of belonging and contribute to their community.

Adaptability:

Building an organization that can proactively respond to evolving job seeker and industry demands.

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

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.

Pablo Castro

Program Manager

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

Program Coordinator

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 various elementary schools where she worked with students who needed extra support. Michelle transitioned into the Adult Education field through her work as a Facilitator for the North East Alberta Fetal Alcohol Network (NEAFAN). More recently she moved to Edmonton in 2021 and joined Selections as a Job Development Specialist where she supported individuals with developmental disabilities to gain pre-employment skills and to find a job that is meaningful to them. 

Sandra Duva

Senior Executive Support & Projects Coordinator

Sandra holds a University degree in Law from her country of origin and a Paralegal diploma from Canada. With a passion for making a difference, she is committed to supporting individuals and communities in achieving their goals and overcoming challenges.

As an Employer Relations Coordinator, Sandra empowers individuals in the construction sector by coordinating skill development programs, job placements, and providing ongoing support. She builds and maintains relationships with employers and industry stakeholders to create job opportunities and training pathways for clients.

Shourya Vaidya

Employment Relations Coordinator

Shourya’s career trajectory has been shaped by a unique blend of international exposure and a deep commitment to making a meaningful impact. Originally from the Netherlands, Shourya moved to Canada and earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Grant MacEwan University. With a solid foundation in business, he quickly carved out a niche in overseeing business operations, where he leveraged his management experience to drive efficiency and foster growth. 

Jake Bender

Employment Relations Coordinator

Jake is a University of Alberta Graduate, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in psychology in 2024. Jake has been working with people with barriers for much longer than that though; in high school Jake taught gymnastics and art class to children with Autism, Down Syndrome, Deafness, and other barriers in St. Albert. After graduating high school, Jake continued to work with people with barriers as a camp counsellor in Bragg Creek Alberta, where he taught: archery, hiking, swimming, and white-water rafting. Jake is passionate about improving the lives of everybody he meets and is very excited to rejoin the field working at Selections with new skills and knowledge that he learned in university. 

In his spare time Jake enjoys exercising and running, watching sports with friends, and spending time with his family and dog Mia. 

Margaret Eyo

Senior Accountant

Margaret Eyo is an accomplished Accountant with extensive experience in full-cycle accounting, financial reporting, and financial management. She brings a strong background in supporting organizations through accurate reporting, efficient accounting processes, and sound financial oversight.

Margaret holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance from Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, and a Master of Forensic Accounting degree from the University of Toronto. She is also a Chartered Professional Accountant, designated with CPA Canada and CPA Alberta; and a member of National Payroll Institute of Canada.

Jenry Perico

Job Development Specialist

Jenry earned his Bachelor of Science in Honours Psychology from Grant MacEwan University. Soon after finishing his undergraduate degree, he completed a certificate program in behaviour intervention and has dedicated his career to working with individuals with disabilities. Jenry is committed to advocating for his clients’ needs and rights, driven by his passion for making a positive impact in their lives.

In his free time, Jenry enjoys playing video games, chess, and basketball with friends. He also loves to travel and go on road trips!

Brodie Edwards

Career Intake Specialist

Brodie grew up in a small town but has now resided in Edmonton for about 13 years. She has years of experience in Customer Service and training involvement, then later moved into a Sales role where she enjoyed helping clients make important decisions throughout the entire process. Through her experiences, Brodie has developed a passion for building meaningful relationships and helping others succeed.

Brodie is excited to bring her enthusiasm for helping others to Selections! She can’t wait to bring her caring and outgoing personality to our clients and team members. She is looking forward to supporting individuals with opportunities for achieving success! Brodie loves playing music, singing, and anything artsy in her free time! She also enjoys fitness and has been boxing for a few years now!

Melody Atefi

Career Development Specialist

Melody graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Science in Honours Psychology. Post graduation, Melody has worked supporting adults with disabilities in their homes and creating activity programming for seniors. Her experience in these fields has led her to develop a passion for accessibility and inclusion that she brings to her work here at Selections. 

In her spare time, Melody enjoys curling, reading, kickboxing, and camping in the mountains with friends.

David Juarez

Career Intake Specialist

David recently graduated from Macewan University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in sociology. He found it interesting to learn about the different dynamics that pertain to creating society and how humans interact with one another. David has a passion for helping his community and strives to give back in any way he can. He gets his inspiration from his parents, where growing up, David would see them helping their community as much as they could even when they had very little time and resources to spare. This is why he chose to pursue a career in human services.

For fun, David loves to watch sports, go to the gym, play video games, walk his dog, and spend time with friends and family. 

Megan Rempel

Job Development Specialist

Megan is a recent graduate from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science degree. After finishing the program, Megan realized she was better suited to working with people and decided to focus her career path in that direction. Beginning by implementing and leading recreational activities in a senior’s home, Megan first experienced how rewarding helping individuals realize their own abilities and independence can be. This led her to begin her career at Selections as a Job Development Specialist. Megan aims to draw on her experience of adapting tasks in a way that makes them accessible for seniors, as well as her experience in coaching a basketball team for individuals with Down Syndrome, to help the people she works with lead with their most capable and confident selves.  

In her free time, Megan enjoys reading, playing pickleball, and spending time with family and friends.

Levi Myshak

Resource Centre Specialist

With a passion for supporting at-risk youth and individuals with autism and neurodiversity, Levi Myshak has dedicated his career to fostering inclusive environments and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. His hands-on experience has shaped his commitment to understanding and empowering those who navigate unique challenges.

Chelsea Calverley

Career Development Specialist

Chelsea is a recent graduate of MacEwan University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Spanish. With over a decade of volunteer experience supporting diverse community organizations and many years of working with marginalized groups, she is passionate about inclusion, advocacy, and helping people find meaningful opportunities, celebrate their strengths, and build confidence in their abilities. In her personal time, she enjoys spending time with her children and dog, and loves music, reading, traveling, and connecting with nature.

Allyson Froland

Employment Specialist

Allyson Froland is one of the many passionate team members at Selections, who brings a wealth of experience and heart to her role supporting clients on their journey to employment.

Originally from a small town in Northern Alberta, Allyson has called Edmonton home for the past 11 years. Over that time, she’s worked with people from all walks of life, and her commitment to helping others has only grown stronger. 

Valentina Perez

Job Development Specialist

Valentina spent her childhood in Venezuela and Costa Rica, and later moved to Edmonton to pursue her studies at the University of Alberta, majoring in Psychology and Economics. After graduation, she spent a few years supporting students with complex communication needs in the school system and became passionate about building spaces where everyone has the opportunity to participate and feel valued. Valentina brings an optimistic and creative approach to Selections and is committed to advocating for inclusion.

Nicole Mackenzie

Job Development Specialist

Nicole Mackenzie received a Business Administration Diploma from Grant MacEwan University, which led her into a lengthy career in customer service with a large financial institution. From there, she furthered her education and received a Diploma as a Life Skills and Career Development Coach from Bow Valley College. While completing her studies, she developed skills in life skills coaching, facilitation, job search, resume and cover letter development, and interview skills support.

Dennise Lladones

Job Development Specialist

Dennise earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from Ambrose University. Following graduation, she built her career in the human services field, spending four years working in group care where she supported children and youth in achieving their personal goals. Through her dedication and leadership, she advanced into a Program Coordinator role, overseeing program operations while continuing to advocate for the individuals and families she served. Dennise is passionate about empowering others, building meaningful connections, and helping people reach their full potential.

Shelley Leffers

Job Development Specialist

Shelley Leffers is a dedicated employment and career development professional with a strong background in career counselling, human resources, and recruitment. Originally from Nova Scotia, she graduated from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax with a diploma in Human Resource Management before relocating to Alberta.

Isabela Gonzales

Job Development Specialist

Isabela is a recent graduate of MacEwan University with a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Youth Care. Throughout her schooling, Isabela has worked in various environments including schools, group care, and legal settings. She has gained a strong passion for working with individuals living with disabilities and barriers and supporting them in finding ways to build joyful, successful lives.

In her free time, Isabela enjoys going on runs, travelling, and spending time with friends and family. 

Nuzara Nazar

Job Development Specialist

Nuzara Nazar is a Job Development Specialist who is passionate about helping individuals build confidence, discover their strengths, and achieve their employment goals. She works closely with job seekers and employers to create meaningful employment opportunities and support long-term success in the workplace.

Nuzara enjoys empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to recognize their potential and overcome barriers to employment. Through a client centered approach, she is committed to helping people achieve greater independence and reach their career aspirations.

Michelle Kulusic

Job Development Specialist

Michelle is a dedicated professional with a diverse background in employment development, event planning, disability services, and community networking. Throughout her career, she has built strong relationships with employers, community organizations, and stakeholders to create meaningful employment opportunities and foster inclusive partnerships.

Thomas Donnelly

Employer Specialist

Thomas was born and raised in Middlesbrough, England, before moving to Edmonton at the age of 16. Since making Alberta home, he has embraced the opportunities to grow, learn, and build connections within the community. Thomas studied Supply Chain Management at MacEwan University, where he developed a strong interest in problem-solving, relationship building, and understanding how people and organizations can work together to achieve success. 

Benson Babalola

Data Analyst Specialist

Benson traces the genesis of his career in Data Analytics back to an experience he had at 8 years old, when he asked his dad why some football (the one where hands are illegal) teams were better than others. His dad put it down to better players, better coaching. Even at that age, he knew there were deeper truths to uncover, and has essentially been running his own analysis ever since. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Nigeria and spent his university years moonlighting as a sports analyst, finally starting to make sense of that childhood curiosity. He realized that numbers could tell you things about a team that 90 minutes of watching simply cannot. 

Andres Marulanda

Administrative Assistant

Andres graduated from NorQuest College with an Administrative Professional Diploma. As an Accounting Assistant, he helps with accounts payable, invoices, payments, and other day to day accounting tasks.

Andres enjoys learning new things, improving his accounting skills, and finding new ways to support the Selections team. He is organized, detail oriented, and always willing to help wherever needed.

Alana Gersky

Social Events Attendant – Part-Time Casual

Alana is a long-term Selections participant. Alana lives with her roommates and life coaches and is the Social Events Attendant 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

Cleaning Assistant – Part-Time Casual

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. 

Back in 2021, Selections obtained a grant through the Labour Market Transfer Agreement, allowing us to broaden our services to assist individuals with disabilities and various barriers in their pursuit of meaningful employment. The program associated with Employment Skill Development concluded in 2023.

In the same year, Selections also launched the Electronic 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.

In 2022, Selections debuted the Get Ready in Trades Program, funded by Employment and Social Development Canada.

In 2023, Selections received the Career and Employment Information Services Grant from the Government of Alberta, leading to the creation of the program, 4WRD.

In 2024, the CRAFT Program was introduced, designed to empower individuals with the skills and confidence to build a successful career in construction.

In 2025, a new initiative called Moving 4WRD was launched as a foundational step that built upon the groundwork of the 4WRD program, expanding its range of services.

We are a

REGISTERED CANADIAN CHARITY

 

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