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EN
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President and Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Sally Zhao is the President and CEO of The Immigrant Education Society (TIES). Since joining TIES in 2005 as a volunteer ESL tutor, she has advanced through various roles, becoming President and CEO in 2014. She holds a Ph.D. in ESL Testing and Assessment and multiple degrees in language and education from universities in the UK and China. Her academic expertise and experience as a newcomer herself have fueled her commitment to empowering everyone who walks through TIES' doors. An active community volunteer, Dr. Zhao has served on several boards, including the Alberta Mental Health and Addictions Council and ATESL. With 20 years in the nonprofit sector, she has earned numerous honors, including the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal and the Women of Inspiration Award. Her work continues to champion equity, inclusion, and community empowerment.
CFO & Change Management Committee Co-Chair
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Wei has worked with TIES since 2015, including previous roles as Finance Manager, and Manager of Finance & Operations. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration in China. In 2002, he came to Canada as an international student and obtained his Master of Arts in Economics at the University of Ottawa in 2004. Before joining the Society, Wei had worked in financial reporting, auditing and tax for over 10 years. He also holds Chartered Professional Accountant and Certified General Accountant designations. As a first-generation immigrant, he received a great amount of community and government assistance after his family became immigrants, and as such, Wei’s goal is to give back to the community and the country that first helped him succeed. He is grateful and pleased to work for TIES, an organization that serves communities and helps newcomers.
Chief Program Officer
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Suman Khanal's career is a compelling testament to his commitment to community economic development and aiding immigrants and low-income groups. His academic achievements, including a Master's in International Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University, an MBA from Lincoln University, California, and a post-graduate diploma from St. Francis Xavier University, Nova Scotia, have significantly influenced his impactful initiatives. As the CEO of the National Federation of Community Credit Unions in Nepal for over seven years, Suman played a key role in enhancing the socio-economic conditions of rural areas. In North America, he furthered this impact as the Financial Literacy Program Director at America’s Credit Union Museum, focusing on educating middle school students in financial literacy, and worked in various non-profits to aid immigrant integration in the U.S. over five years. Globally recognized for his consultancy in community economic development, Suman has offered his expertise in African, Asian, and North American countries. He has been a Certified Development Educator with the Association of Asian Confederation of Credit Unions since 2003. Joining TIES in 2013, Suman advanced to the position of Director by 2018 and became Chief Programs Officer in 2022. In this role, he oversees programs dedicated to the smooth settlement and integration of newcomers and aims to uplift the socio-economic status of everyone in Canada. His efforts are driven by a mission to empower marginalized communities, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to creating sustainable, positive societal change.
Senior Director, Research and Program Strategy
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Katerina was born in the Czech Republic and came to Vancouver in 2011. In 2017, she moved to Calgary and joined TIES as a Drop-In ESL volunteer. Since then, she held multiple roles, including Supervisor, Research & Program Development. She holds an M.A. in Media, Peace and Conflict Studies from UN-mandated University for Peace. Katerina has previously worked for governmental bodies in the international relations field and in the corporate sector as an employee engagement consultant. She is passionate about helping newcomers settle and succeed in their new home country.
Senior Financial Controller
Wei came to Canada in 2005, and received her Bachelor of Accounting degree (with distinction) from the University of New Brunswick. She has held CPA, CGA designation since September 2011. With over 13 years of accounting experience, Wei ensures the accuracy, reliability and integrity of TIES’s financial information through maintenance of effective controls and timely collecting, processing, analyzing and reporting of operational and financial data. In September 2021, she joined TIES as the Financial Controller.
Director of Human Resources
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Ime brings over two decades of experience practicing and teaching Human Resources across the non-profit, education, and public sectors. She has spent over a decade working in HR and organizational leadership within the non-profit and social services sectors, focusing on building inclusive, engaged, and high-performing teams. She holds a Doctor of Education with a focus in Leadership Development and Strategic Organizational Change from Western University, and a Master’s degree in Managerial Psychology. Ime is also a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL). She is recognized for her strategic, people-centered approach to leadership, advancing equity, engagement, and organizational effectiveness through collaboration, leadership development, and intentional change management. Under her HR leadership at a previous non-profit, the organization was recognized among HRD’s Best Workplaces. A passionate mentor and educator, she believes in empowering others through learning, reflection, and shared leadership. Outside of work, Ime enjoys writing, storytelling, traveling and exploring Calgary’s arts and food scene with her family.
IT Director
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Ian Smith is the IT Director, responsible for guiding technology strategy, infrastructure, and digital improvement. With over 30 years of experience in information technology across the non-profit, energy, and professional services sectors, he takes a practical and people-focused approach to creating secure, reliable systems that support staff, learners, and the organization’s work. Ian oversees IT governance and cybersecurity, and works closely with teams to continually improve the digital tools that help everyone do their best work.
Senior Manager, Language Programs and Childminding
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Jana Ciobanu is the Senior Manager of Language Programs and Childminding at TIES. In this role, she oversees the LINC Program, the Literacy Centre of Expertise, Care for Newcomer Children support service and provides oversight of EAL programs, ensuring the planning, development and delivery of language programming, including the implementation and monitoring of Portfolio-Based Language Assessment (PBLA). Jana Ciobanu has over eighteen years of experience at TIES, during which time she has held a diverse range of roles including volunteer, English language instructor, PBLA Lead, and, in 2016, LINC Program Manager. She has taught across all CLB levels and, as a PBLA Lead, has supported instructors and led the implementation of PBLA at TIES, demonstrating a strong understanding of the CLB framework and its application in classroom planning. With her ESL/LINC teaching background, Jana has worked with a wide variety of students from diverse backgrounds. She has taught ESL with English Programs for Internationals in the USA and Translation and Interpretation at the Free International University of Moldova, and has also contributed to program management with international organizations. In addition to her extensive professional experience, Jana has a strong educational background. She graduated from the Faculty of Education at the University of Calgary and holds a Master’s degree in TESL. She also studied Adult Education at the University of South Carolina and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and French from Alecu Russo University in Moldova. Jana is committed to supporting newcomers in their language learning journey and is dedicated to helping clients build the skills and confidence they need to call Canada home.
Senior Manager, Centre for Immigrant Research
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Kreisha Hilario was born in the Philippines and moved to Calgary in 2016. Since 2020, she has been actively involved in the immigrant-serving sector in different roles, developing expertise in immigration support and community development. Holding degrees in Business Management, Urban Studies, and Geographic Information Systems, Kreisha combines academic knowledge with hands-on experience to drive meaningful change. Drawing from her expertise and lived experience, Kreisha is dedicated to developing evidence-based initiatives that uplift immigrant communities, providing the resources and support needed to thrive while fostering broader community empowerment and social good.
Manager, EAL and Foundational Learning
Irina has been with TIES since 2013, and has fulfilled different roles in the LINC and Drop-In ESL programs including: LINC Program Supervisor, LINC Program Instructor, LINC Program Coordinator, Volunteer Program Coordinator, Calgary Learns Programs Coordinator and Drop-in ESL Program Coordinator. Besides supervisory experience, Irina has vast experience teaching English at the primary, secondary, and university levels and has successfully completed SIT TESOL and CCLB PBLA certificate courses. Irina holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and French Linguistics, a Master’s Degree in English Linguistics/International Studies from Moldova State University and acquired an A.E.C. certificate (Program Scholar) at the Centre for Continuing Education at Vanier College in Montreal. Currently, Irina holds the position of Manager, Drop-in ESL and Volunteer Programs and is delighted to provide support to clients and volunteers at TIES.
Manager, Computer & Accounting Programs
After earning his Bachelor Degree in Sciences in Senegal, Racine pursued and graduated from the Specialized in System and Software program at EPITA-France (School of Computer Sciences and Advanced Technologies). Racine started teaching computer software and applications to youth and adults, as well as in corporate settings, in Paris, before moving to Canada in 1995. Driven by his passion for IT and a profound desire to help others, Racine has more than 10 years of experience as a computer and network instructor in several educational institutions in Canada, such as I.S.I. (Institute Superior Informatique), Institute Demers, Delta College and CDI College in Montreal. Before joining the Society in February 2013 as Computer Programs Coordinator, he worked as IT System Analyst at BELL and at Guest-Tek, and IT Support Analyst at HP . He has been Manager of Computer and Accounting Programs at TIES since March 2014.
Manager, LINC Program
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With over 8 years of experience at TIES, Kerry Howard has held numerous roles prior to taking on the role of LINC Program Manager including LINC Program Instructor, PBLA Lead, and LINC Program Supervisor. Through these roles, Kerry has developed a detailed understanding of all CLB levels through the courses he has taught as well as the instructors that he has coached as a PBLA Lead and supervised as a LINC Program Supervisor. Kerry has attained a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and English Literature from Memorial University of Newfoundland as well as a Master of Arts (TESL) from the University of Birmingham. Kerry is committed to assisting TIES’ clients in their path to settlement in any way that he can.
Manager, E-Learning & Special Projects
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Whitney has worked with TIES since 2016, including her previous role as Supervisor, e-LINC & Special Projects. She holds a B.A.(Hons.) in English and History from the University of Manitoba, a Diploma in New Media Production and Design from SAIT, and is currently enrolled in a Certificate in Adult Learning specializing in e-Learning at the University of Calgary. Whitney has worked across a diverse number of organizations in Winnipeg and Calgary, and possesses extensive experience in social marketing and research. She has had a lifelong desire for travel and for learning from other cultures, and is passionate in her drive to help newcomers make a successful start in Canada.
Manager, Settlement & Financial Literacy
Noha joined TIES in 2016, where she held various roles, including LINC Coordinator, RENW Counsellor, Settlement Counsellor, Financial Literacy Counsellor, and Team Lead. Currently, she works as the Settlement Services Manager. Having immigrated to Canada from Egypt in 2004, Noha is driven by a passion for helping others and giving back to the community. She leverages her diverse skillset, including a Bachelor of Laws degree, Crisis Intervention Training, a Settlement Services Certificate, a Leadership Certificate, and a Financial Literacy Certificate, to support newcomers in navigating their new lives in Calgary and building a strong foundation for successful lives in Canada.
Manager, Employment & Career Development Programs
Mayssoun was born and partially raised in Syria, and moved to Canada as a teenager. She joined TIES as a volunteer for Empowering Syrian Refugees (ESR) program in 2016 before she was hired as a program coordinator for the Economic and Social Integration of Syrian Refugees and Other Youth (EASSY) and later Empowering Youth through Employment (EYE program. She took on different additional projects in the Employment and Settlement Department and then became Employment and Settlement Supervisor in 2019. Mayssoun volunteers for various organizations and charities in Calgary. Mayssoun has a Business Administration Diploma from Lambton College in Ontario. Mayssoun is passionate about empowering newcomers and helping them integrate smoothly into their new home, hence her work at TIES is a channel to put that passion into action.
Media and Relationships Strategist
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Tomasia is a multi-award winning journalist with 3 decades of experience covering news in Alberta, BC and Saskatchewan. Born in Portugal, Tomasia immigrated to Canada in 1974 and has always been a strong and passionate advocate for newcomers. She is excited to be able to put her background and experience to work for TIES.
Mental Health & Settlement Manager
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Azita was born in Iran and moved to Canada in 2008. With over 20 years of experience in leadership, counselling, and trauma-informed care, she has dedicated her career to supporting children, youth, and families—particularly those from immigrant and marginalized communities. With a background in Clinical Psychology, Azita has led programs focused on child abuse prevention, youth advocacy, and family well-being, both locally and internationally. Her collaborative work with law enforcement, government agencies, and community organizations reflects her commitment to holistic, culturally responsive services. Azita’s dedication has been recognized through multiple awards, including the Bhayana Award for leadership and innovation, the MCKILLOP Award for exemplary frontline service, and the You’re Rock! Award for youth advocacy. Drawing from her professional expertise and lived experience as an immigrant woman, Azita continues to champion inclusive, client-centred initiatives that promote safety, empowerment, and long-term well-being for the vulnerable population.
Digital Marketing and Communications Manager
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Rikka Pastorfide brings over 10 years of experience in marketing and communications, working with international brands and purpose-driven organizations to help them share their stories and connect with the communities they serve. With a degree in Advertising Arts, she applies a strategic marketing mindset to website management, content creation, brand development, audience engagement, and advertising campaigns, supporting nonprofits, social impact initiatives, and businesses worldwide. She combines creativity and analytics to deliver meaningful results and strengthen brand presence. Originally from the Philippines and now based in Calgary, Rikka brings an international perspective and a personal understanding of the immigrant journey. She is passionate about using digital marketing to advance TIES’ mission by promoting inclusivity, empowering individuals, and building connected, supportive communities.
Entrepreneurship Program Manager
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Nash Chaparro is a business and entrepreneurship professional with hands-on experience building and leading her own ventures. At TIES (The Immigrant Education Society), she supports newcomers as they navigate the Canadian business landscape, helping them transform ideas into sustainable, market-ready businesses. Her work combines entrepreneurship education with community building, creating spaces where newcomers connect, collaborate, and learn from one another. Through program delivery, mentorship, and partnerships, she helps foster inclusive entrepreneurial communities that strengthen local economies. She is committed to empowering newcomers with confidence, clarity, and real-world tools to build resilient businesses and long-term economic opportunity across diverse cultural backgrounds.
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We acknowledge that we are gathered on the ancestral and traditional territory of the Blackfoot Nations of the Siksika, Piikani and Kainai First Nations; the Îethka Nakoda Wîcastabi First Nations, comprised of the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations; and the Tsuut’ina First Nation. The City of Calgary is also homeland to the historic Northwest Métis and to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, Métis Nation Battle River Territory (Nose Hill Métis District 5 and Elbow Métis District 6).
