Next Step meets the standards for a Certificate of
Recognition in Workplace Safety (COR)
STAFF INFORMATION - BIOS
BRANDON THOMAS, B.C.R.
Executive Director
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Brandon has been with Next Step from the start. His education background
consists of a Bachelor Degree in Community Rehabilitation from the University
of Calgary, and he has been working with individuals with disabilities for 24
years.
His passion is playing guitar and he would like to record an instrumental
CD in the future.
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COREENA THOMAS
Accounts Manager
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Coreena moved to sunny Medicine Hat from Hinton where she was a Program
Coordinator at a Parent Link center. Her love for people and outgoing
attitude has resulted in her working in the human services field in various
positions for numerous years.
She enjoys her interactions
with all who come into the office. In her spare time Coreena enjoys
spending time with her family and enjoying the outdoors and the wonderful
weather that Medicine Hat has to offer.
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RHONDA MCKENNA
Human Resources Manager
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Rhonda moved to Medicine Hat 21 years ago with her husband, from Grande
Prairie. Since arriving in Medicine Hat Rhonda has seen her family
grow, with the arrival of her son and has grown to call Medicine Hat home.
Since arriving in Medicine Hat, Rhonda has worked in several non-profit
organizations and enjoys helping people be the best they can be.
Rhonda loves spending time outside in the wonderful sunshine Southern
Alberta offers. You can find her almost every weekend outside enjoying
the many activities Medicine Hat and Elkwater offer. She is particularly
fond of paddle boarding or hiking one of the many trails in Medicine Hat or
Elkwater with her camera in hand.
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JENNIFER NOBLE, Rec Therapist
Program Manager
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Jennifer was born and raised in Medicine Hat. She attended
Lethbridge College where she completed the Therapeutic Recreation
Gerontology Diploma Program. Jennifer has a passion for helping
others. As a Recreational Therapist, she acknowledges the signifiance
of leisure and recreation as integral components of optimal health and
well-being for individuals with illnesses and other conditions.
Jennifer joined Next Step in 2016 as a Program Coordinator.
Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family/friends, loves music/attending
concerts, and enjoys travelling when she can.
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TRACY SNOW, B.ScN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
Program Coordinator
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Tracy has completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and has
worked in hospital settings such as Ambulatory Care Units in Fort McMurray
as well as St. Albert. Prior to her Nursing Degree, she completed her
Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate and worked in Halifax at the QEII
Hospital. Preceding her LPN Designate, Tracy completed her Health Care Aide
Certificate, Laboratory Assistant Certificate, as well as a Medical
Administrative Assistant course. Tracy has worked in nursing homes in
Ottawa, ON as well as Halifax, NS and worked in a Transitional Care
Unit for individuals with specialized needs awaiting long term care
placement at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax.
Tracy stepped back from Nursing in 2012 as she needed to focus on her
daugher with special needs. During this time, Tracy focused on
community supports, a myriad of doctor appointments and surgical
interventions necessary for her daughter. It was during this time that
her focus on those living with disabilities became a passion of hers and her
career focus took a different direction. Tracy started with Next Step
in 2016 and brings experience as a Front Line Staff and Team Leader to her
position as Program Coordinator.
Tracy loves spending time with her three kids, attending music
festivals/concerts and travel. She is hoping to travel to Newfoundland
this year to see her family.
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CARRIE STOTZ, B.S.W., R.S.W.
Program Coordinator
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Carrie was born and raised here in Medicine Hat, Alberta. She
enjoys a variety of activities including acrylic painting, crocheting,
gardening, baking, reading and photography. She is an avid dart player in
the local league and volunteers with several organizations at a local,
provincial, and national board level.
Carrie started her professional career in the
Registered Nursing program, but decided to change her interests to Social
Work. She has completed her Bachelor Degree in Social Work from the
University of Calgary (2013) and is also registered with the Alberta College
of Social Workers. Carrie has worked in this field of disability services
for the past eight years and brings complex behavioural support experience
as both a Team Leader and as a Program Coordinator.
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FADI SHAWWA
Program Coordinator
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JIMMY TABLAN
Program Coordinator
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Jimmy was born in Abucay, Philippines and finished his BA in Philosophy at Mother of Good Counsel Seminary and Master in Business Administration (Regis Program) at Ateneo De Manila University. He moved to Edmont, AB as a graduate student in 2005, and completed his Masters in Religious Education (School Administration Program) at Newman Theological College. His thesis on school administration was published in 2008.
Jimmy worked as a teacher in high school anbd Executive Director of a Youth Foundation in the Philippines prior to his life in Canada. He volunteered as a teacher in Jr Á Sr High School while studying in Edmonton. He also worked as a Library Assistant Á Assist to the Registrar at NTC.
Jimmy moved to Lethbridge, AB in 2008 and started working in Disability Support Services as a front line staff, Team Leader and Supervisor. In March 2020, his family moved to Medicine Hat, where Jimmy started working at Next Step Residential Services as a Team Leader and at present a Program Coordinator.
Jimmy has been involved in sports organizations as a Board Member of Lethbridge Sports Council, volunteer coach in Minor Basketball League, and President of Southern Alberta Players Basketball League.
Having two sons and a wife who loves camping abd the outdoors, Jimmy is
always busy driving their motorhome "Homey" in different campgrounds around Alberta from Spring to Fall. When "Homey" is parked during the cold months, Jimmy and his young family would usually watch movies, cook new recipes, play riddles and board games, or sing karaoke. Jimmy is a lyricist by hobby and already recorded two songs in Tagalog.
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CONNIE BAUMANN
Program Coordinator
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Connie moved to Medicine Hat from B.C. 8 years ago with her son. Since
arriving to Medicine Hat, Connie has watched her family grow with the birth
of her second son, getting married and gaining a stepson. Connie has
worked in disability services for 12 years. She has previously worked front
line with persons with disabilities. She also worked for 2 non-profit
agencies in programs that focused on mental health, addictions, FASD,
behaviour modification and family support. Her son became ill with a rare
genetic condition and it reminded her that her passion is helping
Individuals with unique needs to live their best life. Connie is a
passionate person that puts her heart into everything she does. She loves
spending time with her family, camping, travelling and anything outdoors.
when the weather is nice. When the weather is cold and gloomy, she can be
found curled up by the fireplace reading a book or playing board games with
her children.
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Staff Info