91Ô­´´

Susan Arscott is our Custom Training Partnerships Lead and an experienced advisor on professional development, upskilling, and management and leadership development. She manages our relationships with employers and partners and is committed to supporting growth and excellence within these organizations.

Susan works with employers and associations from all industries to develop training programs and courses for groups who have similar training needs. Susan is skilled at working with employers to identify training needs and propose solutions to advance the skill set of the group.

Prior to joining Gardiner Centre, she worked as an Investment Advisor for 5 years.  Susan enjoys exploring Newfoundland and Labrador in the company of family and friends.

Pearce Burton is an experienced advisor on professional development, learning needs assessment, and corporate training design. He manages client relationships and is committed to partnering with organizations to build training solutions that address real workforce challenges.

Pearce works with employers and HR and L&D leaders across a wide range of industries to develop custom training programs tailored to their organizational goals and operational context. He is skilled at identifying learning needs through structured consultation and proposing solutions that advance the capabilities of teams and leaders at all levels.

Originally from Torbay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Pearce enjoys playing video games and spending time outdoors, with interests including soccer, golf, and snowboarding.

Chelsie Coles is our Training Coordinator with experience in experiential learning and program coordination. She is committed to delivering high-quality professional development and creating engaging learning experiences for employees and employers across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Chelsie holds a BA and Certificate in Indigenous Studies from Memorial University, a BFA from NSCAD, and a Diploma in Textiles from College of the North Atlantic.

Prior to joining Gardiner Centre, Chelsie worked in a non-profit event and training social enterprise, with experience in business administration, manufacturing, and sales. They also spent several seasons working with their father as a lobster shareman, shaping their practical, community-focused approach.

Comfortable in both a boat and a boardroom, Chelsie is from the Great Northern Peninsula and enjoys sports, home renovations, and time with her Great Bernese, Imogene.

Valerie Howe is our Director and an experienced leader skilled in strategic planning, business development, strategic marketing, team building.  She is committed to excellence in professional development teaching and learning and focused on meeting the needs of employees and employers across throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Prior to joining Gardiner Centre, Valerie worked in business development and account management for an IT company and as an industrial benefits specialist and economic policy advisor with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Valerie is a Memorial University alumna and started her career at the university’s P.J. Gardiner Institute.  She returned to Team Memorial after 24 years in the public and private sector. She is an avid community volunteer and a current and past board member of a number of not for profit organizations.

Melissa Kelly is our Open Enrollment Partnerships Lead bringing many years of experience in project management, operations, business development, sales, and marketing to the team. She is committed to building and maintaining partnerships with new and existing open enrollment clients, organizations, and industry associations by providing expert advice to support both strategic organizational growth and individual career advancement.

Melissa began her career at Gardiner Centre and has significant experience in all areas of the centre’s business.

Melissa is a Memorial University alumna and enjoys travelling, hiking on the East Coast Trail, and spending time with her two dachshunds.

Sophia Lake is our Marketing Advisor (Acting), bringing creativity, strategy, and visual communication to marketing initiatives that resonate with diverse audiences. A recent Memorial University graduate, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in French and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing.

Prior to joining Gardiner Centre, Sophia worked as a Social Media and Web Manager, Digital Strategist, and Marketing Assistant, gaining experience across the arts, non-profit, and professional development sectors.

Sophia is also a visual artist who explores storytelling through a variety of creative mediums. In her free time, she enjoys thrifting, beachcombing for treasures, and developing her art practice. 

Robert McNeily is our Accounting Clerk bringing decades of experience in accounts payable, accounts receivable, and financial reporting. He is committed to excellence in customer service and ensuring timely and accurate transactions.

Prior to joining Gardiner Centre, Robert provided accounting services in the private sector and is a dedicated community volunteer.

Robert is a Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic alumna. He resides in the downtown area near Signal Hill Campus and his great grandfather was a tower keeper at Cabot Tower before Newfoundland joined Canada. He enjoys woodworking and repairing and replicating antiques. 

Ashley Wright is our Marketing Advisor bringing years of experience in branding, social media and website management, content development, and marketing planning. Ashley is dedicated in presenting Gardiner Centre offerings to our market in a clear and meaningful way. She skillfully presents information on courses, programs, and events to assist learners in matching training to their professional development needs.

Prior to joining Gardiner Centre, Ashley worked as Marketing Advisor for Memorial University’s Botanical Garden and Johnson Geo Centre. She also taught with NLESD for 2yrs.

Ashley has been involved in Girl Guides of Canada (GGC) for 3 decades. She recently finished the provincial Marketing Communications Adviser role with GGC-NL, after completing a 4-yr term as Deputy Provincial Commissioner. She also serves as Marketing Communications Director on the Board of cheerNL. Ashley is a trained ballroom/Latin dancer, a Disney enthusiast and mom to 4 cats.