Team Profiles

Meet Jessica, 

Build ON Director

Hello! My name is Jessica and I am the Director for the YMCA-YWCA Build ON program. I grew up with a parent in the Canadian Forces and moved around a lot, but I still consider myself an East coaster! I love my job and my Y family. I was an Information and Referral Specialist at the YMCA-YWCA Newcomer Information Centre before joining the Build ON team. My ultimate enjoyment is to travel and experience different cultures and languages. I strongly believe everyone has an amazing story to tell and I’m looking forward to helping you with yours as you settle in Canada! 

Meet Brianna,

Build ON

Program Coordinator

Hello! My name is Brianna Bailey and I am the Program Coordinator for Build ON. I hold a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language as well as a Master's Degree in Teaching.  Over the years I have worked with international students studying in Canada and taught English to working professionals abroad. I very much enjoy learning and experiencing different languages and cultures. Previously, I studied abroad in India and over the past few years I have been learning Korean. I appreciate how difficult it can be moving to a new country and my primary goal is always to do the best I can to make everyone feel welcomed and supported throughout their transition to Canada.  I am extremely passionate about working with newcomers and I am very much looking forward to helping you on your journey to settlement in Canada.  

Meet Adriana,

Build ON Employment Consultant

Hello! My name is Adriana Bannan and I am an Employment Consultant with Build ON. I have been working with newcomers for 7+ years in ESL Programs in Ottawa. I hold a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Applied Language Studies with a Minor in American Sign Language. The topic of employment has always been a favorite of mine when I was teaching. Seeing my students successfully achieve their goals in finding employment or volunteer positions, has given me confidence in making the decision to pursue my niche and become a part of the  Build ON Program. With Build ON, I am excited to fulfill my passion in continuing to help newcomers prepare to make their transition into Canada, while providing them with advice on how to meet their goals and needs for future opportunities.

Meet Ana,

Build ON Employment Consultant

Hello! My name is Ana Ortiz. I’m an Employment Consultant with Build ON. I am an Immigrant who arrived from Mexico about 10 years ago. I am familiar with the struggles of a newcomer to Canada. Arriving in a new country is not an easy task but it is a wonderful challenge. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in International Affairs and I have about 3 years of experience working with newcomers to Canada with the YMCA, providing advice about different settlement issues and offering a variety of pre-employment services. Helping newcomers to achieve their professional goals is my motivation and passion. I’m looking forward to meeting you and work together towards your new life in Canada.

Meet Jessica, 

Build ON Employment Consultant

Hello! My name is Jessica Thibault and I am an Employment Consultant with Build ON. In the past, I have worked in telecommunications and insurance however, in recent years I have been an ESL teacher in Spain, Thailand and South Korea. I love to travel and learn about different cultures and languages. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Multicultural and Indigenous Studies with a concentration in Diaspora Studies. Having lived in different countries, I understand the concerns you might have when moving to a new country. I love helping people and working with newcomers is my passion. I look forward to meeting with you and helping you with your arrival and transition to living in Canada.

Meet Saunia,

Project Facilitator- Pre Arrival Mentoring 

In Partnership with Build On, OCISO pre-arrival mentoring helps newcomers destined to Ontario prepare for employment within their chosen field. As Project Facilitator, Saunia connects internationally trained professionals (Mentees) with Professionals (Mentors) who live and work in the province of Ontario. She provides one on one orientation sessions with mentees, clarifies long and short-term career goals and matches those who are eligible with a professional who will provide one on one mentoring support online.