Our team

An inspirational leader, mentor and collaborator, Natalie brings over 30 years of experience in the GC, including the military, Canada School of Public Service, Heritage Canada and Global Affairs Canada. She is a tireless and courageous digital champion dedicated to helping PSPC transform and improve its services by encouraging new digital mindsets and ways of working that always put the user first. When not leading digital change, Natalie enjoys being active outdoors, whether biking, trekking, sailing or kayaking.

Ryan’s been part of PSPC for two decades now, wearing many hats like leading the Communications Web and Social Media team and the DSB Web Centre of Excellence. During this time, he really got into human-centered design, accessibility, and digital transformation. But don’t let his professional side fool you—Ryan’s all about people. He loves bouncing ideas around and collaborating with anyone who’s up for it. 

 Outside of work, you’ll find him soaking up the great outdoors. Whether it’s a family trip or a solo adventure, Ryan’s all about getting out there. He’s a big fan of fly fishing and skiing, so you can bet he’s always up for hitting the slopes or casting a line with his loved ones by his side. 

André is the “glue” that makes PSPC’s Digital Innovation Network stick together. Before joining PSPC, he worked at Shared Services Canada on enterprise-wide IT transformation and procurement initiatives. He holds degrees in Agriculture Sciences and Computer Sciences. As he grew up on a farm, André is an outdoor lover and a true handyman who’s not afraid to roll up his sleeves to build or fix pretty much anything.

Passionate and confident, Natasha leads Digital Engagement with a mission to help PSPC embrace new ways of working, break down silos, and change the status quo. A warrior for innovation and making things easier for all, she loves to coach and mentor all things digital. Outside of work, Natasha is a multidisciplinary artist dabbling in acting, filmmaking, creative writing, and visual artistry.

Cynthia started her career at PSPC as a graphic designer and 10 years later she’s still using her artistic flair and creativity to help advance digital transformation at PSPC. Whether it’s facilitating Design Sprint workshops or creating the perfect graphics, Cynthia jumps in wherever needed and is always up for learning something new. Although she doesn’t drink coffee, Cynthia has more energy than her two young children and puppy Chico combined!

A storyteller at heart, Hazel is a multimedia designer producing videos and animations for the team. She has worked on digital operations and social media groups in the private sector, produced videos for the 2019 Canadian General Election and made an experimental horror film – Round Trip. Hazel also enjoys running tabletop roleplaying games such as Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder for her friends and family.

Passionate for creativity and problem-solving, Youjeen comes from the multi-media advertising industry. She is well-versed in thinking outside the box and thrives on finding innovative solutions to complex challenges. Outside of work, Youjeen is an avid cyclist and photography enthusiast. She’s a foodie who’s always searching for the best restaurants and bars in Halifax, and she is your go-to person for recommendations if you’re ever visiting the city.

As the team’s manager, Ueli fosters a fun and engaging workplace, where collaboration inside and outside the team is encouraged. Ueli is well-versed in all things UX (user experience), having previously worked as a product owner in CSPS’s UX directorate, IT team lead at ESDC and UX lead in Justice Canada’s Change Management and Business Transformation division. Ueli is a proud public servant by day and an author of educational music books by night.

Lisa joined the HDO team as a UX designer with a specialty in WET guidelines and accessibility. She started her career as a multimedia artist and web developer and, before coming back to her design roots, ventured into the change management realm of IM/IT. Her happy place is outside in nature, laughing with loved ones and running her side hustle as a holistic nutritionist.

Oluchi joined the HDO team at PSPC in 2021 as a User experience designer and researcher. With a masters in Human Computer Interaction, she has expertise in the principles of User Centered Design and ensures these principles are well translated into the design of digital products and services. In her free time, you can find her diving into the world of African literature and also cooking/baking up a storm in the kitchen.

Spase is a multidisciplinary designer who joined PSPC in 2019 as a design researcher. His work is guided by a strong belief in using design as a problem-solving tool and as a way to form relationships between ideas and reality and between people and services. By night, Spase is definitely not a superhero and instead spends his time watching YouTube tutorials for home renovations, DIY projects and 3D printing.

Neda joined the HDO team at PSPC, bringing her expertise in user research, data analysis, concept design generation and usability testing. Her background in Industrial Design (MDes.) and Information Technology (Ph.D.) along with years of field research enables her to deliver a positive user experience. She will never turn down a conversation on art history and culture.

Gabriella has over 20 years of experience in user research and user-centred design. She is highly skilled in creating desired experiences by bringing the end-user perspective to any project.

Colette is fearlessly leading her teams in providing personalized services, founded on empathy, to support clients and colleagues in the innovation space at PSPC. Colette brings decades of expertise in federal government IT, including communications, project management, business processes and strategic work – the list goes on! When not at work, Colette enjoys artistic pursuits, petting every animal she meets, country fairs and sitting in a chair, watching Netflix and drooling.

Marc brings a wealth of federal government experience, including change management and web publishing, to his role in the Exploration Lab. He is very service oriented and enthusiastic about helping clients succeed on their digital journey. When not working, he enjoys spending time with family, home improvement projects, cycling, playing golf and researching the latest tech toys.

Before joining the Digital Innovation Network team, Jean worked for the last 7 years with Web Centre of Excellence as a web coordinator and developer and previously with the Translation Bureau as a graphic designer, web developer and photographer for 15 years. He likes doing more than others expect, maintaining high standards, and striving for excellence. Computer science has always been his passion, as well as exploring new techno gadgets. He is a handyperson and enjoys helping others solve all kinds of problems. As a father of 5 wonderful daughters and married for over 29 years to an exceptional woman, spending quality time with his family is something very important to him. He enjoys outdoor activities a lot.

I’ve been working within the government for over 20 years, and for most of those twenty years, I’ve been in the field of accessibility. 
 
Outside of my government work, I try to find balance in my passions. I often spend my evenings playing the guitar. On weekends, I ride my motorcycle on the winding roads of the countryside, embracing the feeling of freedom that only the road can offer. 

A PSPC employee for 20+ years, Gwen started her career in web development/programming and then transitioned into the world of web accessibility testing.  PSPC is committed to providing web content that is accessible and barrier-free to all Canadians, including people with disabilities.  Contributing to this end has been a very rewarding and fulfilling job which Gwen takes great pride in being a part of.  During non-working hours in the spring, summer and fall Gwen and her family enjoy exploring the numerous provincial parks in the area and spend pretty much every weekend camping.  In the winter they hibernate. 

Passionate, driven and compelled to make digital experiences inclusive for all. Having a 20 year background in web development, designs and user principles, Colin has cemented himself as a proud member of the GoC a11y community. Before joining PSPC in 2017, Colin spent almost 2 years with SSC’s AAACT Program where he gained front line experience working with users from all walks of life. This only lead to a deeper level of passion for making all types of digital products truly accessible for all users. He is approachable and loves to share knowledge. You can ask him anything, anytime, any place, and he will be happy to engage with you. Just make sure your calendar is free cause he sure can keep a conversation going. In his free time he likes to hang at 4 Wheelies on his roller skates or spend the day with his three pups; Ruby the 3 year old 86lb Rottweiler/Bernese Mountain Dog (BMD), Rosy the 2 year old BMD and his baby Toby, a 1 year old BMD. 

With over 15 years of expertise spanning web development, programming, data architecture, and accessibility testing, Pierre-Luc has devoted his career to enriching the digital landscape for all Canadians. Renowned for his calm demeanor and love for logical discussions, he’s your go-to guy for healthy debates. Beyond the digital realm, he finds solace in the great outdoors, indulging in pursuits such as building his dream cottage, hitting the trails for a hike, paddling down rivers, shredding on skis, or just enjoying a long run.

As a seasoned member of the Accessibility team, Laurice brings a wealth of experience and passion for creating inclusive digital experiences. With a background in both development and web coordination, she seamlessly transitioned from the world of coding to championing accessibility initiatives. Starting her career in finance, Laurice swiftly recognized her calling in IT and joined the government in 2015 to embark on a fulfilling career in the field. 

Beyond the professional realm, Laurice finds solace and inspiration in the exploration of the world. A true aficionado of travel, she seizes every opportunity to immerse herself in diverse cultures and experiences. As a dedicated yogi and connoisseur of good food, she finds joy in experimenting with flavors and cuisines, further enriching her multifaceted persona. 

Lance is an elite Digital Accessibility Expert who got his start in web development. Known for his ability to break down complex issues into simple terms that anyone can understand, he is possibly the greatest accessibility SME in all of Sault Ste. Marie, and perhaps even the entire Algoma region! He enjoys volunteering for Easter Seals Ontario and experimenting with AI. 

Is that Elvis… No it’s Jamal Kassis! As a well known musician here in Ottawa and Montreal Jamal has played his instruments with major singers from Lebanon and has travelled the US and Canada performing at weddings, special events and more. Originally trained as a classical musician who once played for the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra in the US (among others), Jamal transferred his loose fingers to a keyboard and studied computer science as well as becoming a Certified Novell Engineer. Organized, detailed oriented and an all around nice guy, Jamal has been with PSPC since 2004 and has spent the last 20 years working to better the online presence here at PSPC. He has managed the implementation of the WET templates for PSPC internet, intranet and GC Intranet, liaisons with clients regularly and is often a first point of contact on our team. In his spare time he likes to keep active as a professional Ping-Pong player since the age of 18 but don’t let his calm and cool demeanor fool you, this musician turned programmer also holds a black belt in Karate and Taekwondo! Chop Chop! 

Tsige graduated from Carleton University with a double major in Computer Science and Math. WOW!! Immediately after graduation she began web development work at the Department of Justice Canada where she quickly excelled into the accessibility and usability sphere. Continuing this work at PSPC from 2015, Tsige has won several awards for her work in the digital a11y space where she has spent the last 20+ years of her career learning everything she can and expanding her digital horizon. When not on the front lines fighting for inclusive Digital access for all Canadians, our Tsige is at the pulpit as a well known preacher among her Remnant Generation Holiness Church (RGHC) congregation. She is passionate about her community and enjoys giving to others in need. Through RGHC and within her neighborhood, Preacher Kibret assists newcomers to Canada and helps them get settled and better integrated into Canadian society. Preach-on Sister Kibret!! 

A Carleton Computer Science graduate, Jackie has worked for five government departments and agencies, starting as a student with Service Canada and joining an accessible web project at Correctional Service Canada before ending up with the Web Centre of Excellence at PSPC in 2016. Now with Accessibility Services at Digital Innovation, Jackie hopes to continue using her over ten years of experience with web accessibility to improve the online experience for all Canadians. As an artist and writer active in many creative spaces, she has seen the kind of community that can be accomplished when accessibility is made a priority. She strives to bring that culture with her everywhere she goes. 

Elena began her career at ISED as a programmer analyst, applications development. During this time, she became aware of the importance of accessibility in technology and the impact it has on the lives of people. Transitioning to the accessibility field allows Elena to use her technical skills and knowledge to advocate for better accessibility. Beyond work, Elena finds joy in cooking and spending time with her 3-year-old dog, Teddy. She’s also passionate about perfecting the art of bread-making. 

Dynamic & visionary, Sophie guides change initiatives alongside dedicated coalition and team members. She is deeply interested in the human aspect of change, recognizing that true progress comes from understanding and empowering people. With a natural ability to connect and empathize with others, she works at creating an environment where individuals can thrive. Sophie lives her best life when travelling with her family, immersing herself in the sounds of music or indulging in wine and food tasting.