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Meet the Team
We have a varying team of diversity and inclusion professionals who are available to assist you in achieving your career goals.
To connect with a member of our team:
For the St. John's office please email aei@avalonemploy.com or call our office
at: 1-709-579-4866
For the Clarenville/Bonavista office please email: clarenville@avalonemploy.com
or call our office at: 1-709-466-1670
Executives
Sean Whiltshire
(CEO)
Sean Wiltshire is an internationally respected diversity advocate, program innovator, and social impact strategist whose work has transformed how communities, employers, and governments understand inclusion. For more than three decades, he has built bridges between social purpose and economic opportunity, leading conversations on accessible employment, autism inclusion, and community development across Canada and around the world.
As the long serving Chief Executive Officer of Avalon Employment Inc. (AEI), Sean guided the organization through more than 34 years of continuous impact, developing one of the country’s most successful supported employment models for individuals with disabilities and autism.
Sean is the author of Canada’s National Autism@Work Program, which he wrote and successfully secured funding for in 2020. He led the pilot implementation across 10 locations in Newfoundland and Labrador, before navigating federal funding to develop a new cross-provincial autism employment model—bringing four provinces together in a collaboration that had not previously existed in Canada. Over the past five years, Sean has written and helped secure more than $12 million in project funding, translating vision into scalable, systems level change that continues to shape employment policy and practice nationwide.
Known for his powerful storytelling, Sean draws on experience ranging from garment factories in Bangladesh to national policy tables in Canada. His voice resonates from St. John’s to Kathmandu, pairing practical insight with humor, honesty, and an unwavering commitment to progress.
His contributions have been recognized globally. Sean is a two time recipient of the prestigious Zero Project Award at the United Nations in Vienna — honored first a part of a team for groundbreaking international diversity work, and later for an autism employment pilot now operating across four provinces.
Zach Baker
(CFO)
Zach is the Chief Financial Officer at Avalon Employment, where he manages financial operations and continually looks for ways to improve workflow, processes, and technology across the organization.
Zach is an avid gardener, gamer, and lover of houseplants and animals (especially dogs). After a long winter, he spends his free time planning the garden and researching new fruit bushes to grow.
In the summer months, he can be found tending to his plants, going for bike rides, or enjoying a beer on the deck.
Supportive Employment (SENL)
St. John's Office
Krista Hinks
(Employment Counsellor)
Krista is an Employment Counsellor with Avalon Employment Inc., bringing 25 years of experience in job development, client services, and project development. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about supporting individuals in reaching their goals and realizing their full potential.
Krista is deeply committed to building strong relationships and creating opportunities that align individuals’ strengths with work they truly enjoy. Seeing people succeed in roles they love continues to inspire her every day.
Outside the office, she enjoys spending time at the cabin with her family, embracing the outdoors, and adventuring with her husband and their dog, Lew.
Morgan Kelly
(Employment Counsellor)
Morgan is an Employment Counsellor dedicated to helping individuals achieve their employment goals. As a Certified Career Development Practitioner, she is passionate about supporting job seekers, particularly those facing barriers to employment. Morgan takes a strengths-based approach, working with each client to identify their unique skills, interests, and abilities to help them secure meaningful and fulfilling employment.
She works collaboratively with both job seekers and employers to foster positive, successful employment outcomes and ensure a supportive experience for everyone involved.
Outside of work, Morgan enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also loves caring for her collection of plants, her cat, Luna, and her hedgehog, Shadow.
Shelley Andrews
(Employment Counsellor)
Shelley is an Employment Counsellor with Avalon Employment Inc. bringing over 20 years of experience in job development and client services. She is NL’s Representative on the Canadian Association of Supported Employment (CASE) Board of Directors.
Shelley thrives on being busy and connected with the many individuals she meets throughout her day-to-day interactions and helping them to become full, inclusive members of their communities. Working in this field is not just a job, it’s a passion and Shelley strives to continue to bring that energy to the office every day.
When not working, she can be found curled up with a good book, going for a nice walk and hanging with her daughters (when their schedule allows).
Rija Zainab
(Project Manager for LMP)
Rija Zainab is the Project Manager for the Labour Market Partnership modernization initiative. She leads collaborative efforts to strengthen Supported Employment Services across Newfoundland and Labrador through enhanced employer engagement, improved school-to-work transitions, and data-informed service delivery.
Working with service providers, employers, government, and community partners, she supports the development of more inclusive pathways to employment and better outcomes for individuals requiring employment supports.
In her spare time Rija enjoys relaxing with a good book or watching movies.
Clarenville/Bonavista Office
Fred Russell
(Employment Counsellor)
Fred is an Employment Counsellor with Avalon Employment Inc. in the Bonavista office, located at the Bonavista Campus of the College of the North Atlantic. He supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in securing long-term, meaningful employment.
With more than 25 years of experience, Fred has assisted individuals facing a wide range of employment barriers. He finds great reward in seeing the positive impact meaningful work has on clients and their families.
In his spare time, he enjoys travelling throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and discovering new locations on the island each summer with his family.
Chantel Giles
(Employment Counsellor)
Chantel is an Employment Counsellor with Supported Employment at Avalon Employment’s Clarenville office. She helps individuals identify career goals, develop skills, and secure meaningful employment opportunities.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Memorial University and brings experience from several fields, shaping her adaptable, client-centred approach. Chantel also serves on the board of the Regional Action Committee on Housing (REACH) in Clarenville and sits on Town Council in her hometown.
When she is not working or volunteering, she enjoys reading and crocheting—often with “assistance” from her cat, Eleanor.
Trista Walters
(Employment Counsellor)
Trista is an Employment Counsellor with Avalon Employment, based in the Clarenville office. In her role, she assists clients in finding meaningful work while providing ongoing support to both employees and employers.
Alongside her direct client work, Trista manages behind-the-scenes responsibilities such as contract management, ensuring programs run smoothly and effectively. She has completed several professional programs, with Special Education being one of the most meaningful to her. Deeply committed to her community, Trista serves on the Board of Special Olympics and is actively involved as a coach.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her children, her dog and relaxing with a game of darts.
Autism@Work
St. John's Office
Megan Marshall
(Team Lead)
Megan is the Team Lead for Avalon Employment’s Autism@Work Program in Newfoundland and Labrador. She supports autistic job seekers in their employment journeys while advocating for neuro-affirming and inclusive workplace practices. She works closely with employers to develop strategies that promote accessibility, inclusion, and meaningful opportunities.
Megan is active in community volunteerism and social services, was a finalist for the YWCA Women of Distinction Award in 2020, and holds certification in Horticultural Therapy. She is passionate about creating inclusive environments where individuals can succeed.
In her spare time, she enjoys hiking with her two rescue beagles and dancing to rock and roll music.
Sherri Tucker
(Employer Engagement Specialist)
Sherri is an Autism@Work Employer Engagement Specialist with Avalon Employment. She provides neurodiversity education, awareness training, and HR strategy support to help employers create more inclusive workplaces and strengthen their approach to accessibility.
Her work is informed by her lived experience as a neurodivergent professional living with compounding disabilities, along with her background in cross-disability accessibility and inclusion. She has also supported accessibility efforts at music festivals and community events and is an active member of the DisAbled Women’s Network (DAWN).
Sherri enjoys creative pursuits in her spare time, including art, textiles, beading, digital media, and cooking—outlets that allow her to express appreciation in meaningful and personal ways.
Ashley Harris
(Employment Facilitator)
Ashley is an Employment Facilitator with the Autism@Work Program in St John's, bringing over 20 years of experience in the vulnerable sector. She is known for her compassionate, client-centered approach, supporting individuals with complex needs to succeed in their communities.
Her background includes developing inclusive programs that build life skills and employment readiness for individuals with diverse communication needs, alongside recognized strengths in leadership, staff training, and mentorship. Ashley works collaboratively with clients and their networks to create individualized, wraparound supports that promote growth, independence, and long-term success.
Outside of work, she enjoys exploring nature with her partner and two boys, spending time at the beach, swimming, reading, and going on vacations together.
Clarenville/Bonavista Office
Angie Harris
(Employment Facilitator)
Angie is an Employment Facilitator with the Autism@Work program at Avalon Employment in Clarenville. Her experience lies heavily in volunteering with various committees and groups, including Special Olympics and Port Blandford Recreation.
Angie is committed to fostering inclusion and making personal connections, and she believes everyone deserves to feel proud and fulfilled in their employment.
Outside of work, Angie loves to travel, read, and spend time with her family and two rescue dogs.
Corner Brook Office
Katie Hoskins
(Employment Facilitator)
Katie is an Employment Facilitator with the Autism@Work program at Avalon Employment in Corner Brook. She supports individuals as they explore employment options and work toward meaningful, sustainable careers.
Katie is passionate about inclusion and community, and she aims to build a career that reflects these values while helping individuals gain confidence and workplace success.
In her spare time, she can usually be found outdoors—either hiking with her dog or spending time near the ocean. She loves taking advantage of the natural beauty of the west coast.
Mentorability
St. John's Office
Courtney Abbott
(Regional Coordinator)
Courtney is the MentorAbility Regional Coordinator, where she leads the provincial program and helps build meaningful connections between employers and individuals experiencing disability. Her role focuses on creating opportunities that highlight ability, talent, and potential in the workplace.
She collaborates closely with employers, community partners, and job seekers to promote inclusive employment and strengthen connections that support long-term success. Courtney is passionate about helping organizations recognize the value of diverse talent and creating spaces where individuals can thrive.
Outside of work, she is dedicated to community involvement and has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters since 2018.
West Coast Office
Chloe Elliott
(Mentorship Facilitator)
Chloe is the Mentorship Facilitator (West Coast) with MentorAbility NL and brings a strong background in supporting others, including experience as an inclusion worker. She is passionate about creating spaces where individuals feel supported and empowered to reach their full potential.
Through her role, she enjoys helping to build meaningful connections and opportunities that promote inclusion and confidence.
Chloe is also a proud mom to a daughter living with Type 1 Diabetes, which fuels her commitment to advocacy and inclusion both personally and professionally.
In her downtime, she can often be found with an Iced Capp in hand and a book nearby. She is an avid coffee lover, reader, and music enthusiast who appreciates the small joys of everyday life.
Administration
St. John's Office
Emily Smith
(Reception/Payroll)
Emily is the Front Desk Receptionist and Payroll Assistant at the Avalon Employment office in St. John’s. She is often the first person clients see when they walk through the doors and takes pride in helping the office run smoothly each day.
She holds a Diploma in Office Administration with a specialization in Records and Information Management, which supports her work in both front desk operations and payroll.
During her spare time, Emily enjoys playing video games, going for bike rides in the warmer months, and spending quality time with her family and dogs.
Bernadette Conway
(Payroll)
Bernadette works in Payroll at Avalon Employment’s St. John’s office and has been part of the organization for approximately six years.
She supports payroll processes and helps ensure smooth administrative operations.
Bernadette enjoys being part of a team dedicated to supporting individuals in achieving meaningful employment and greater independence. Contributing behind the scenes to the success of clients and programs is something she values deeply.
Outside of work, she, her husband, and their two daughters enjoy seeking out the next great concert together, turning each show into a memorable family adventure.
Amanda Howlett
(Administrative Assistant)
Amanda joined the Avalon Employment St. John’s office in February 2023 as an Administrative Assistant and has since transitioned from working with a job coach to working independently. She enjoys contributing to the team and is known for bringing her lively sense of humour to the workplace.
She is actively involved in the community, serving as Secretary to the Board at Empower, chairing one of its subcommittees, and acting as a peer leader for the Empower Lunch Club. In December 2025, she received the Member of the Year Award for Independent Living and continues to advocate for accessibility and inclusion across Newfoundland and Labrador.
In her spare time, Amanda enjoys playing bingo on Sundays, spending time on the computer, watching Parliament, and working on family genealogy. She is also a proud aunt to two nieces and one nephew.
Clarenville/Bonavista Office
Wina King
(Finance and Administration Assistant)
Wina is a Finance and Administration Assistant with Avalon Employment in the Clarenville office. She brings five years of supported employment experience, specializing in payroll, bookkeeping, and administrative support to help keep operations running smoothly. Since joining Avalon, she has enjoyed being part of a supportive, team-focused environment.
Wina’s favourite part of the job is connecting with clients—greeting them and checking in always brightens her day.
Outside of work, she is a proud sports mom to two busy teens and a pet parent to two dogs and an opinionated cat. In her free time, she enjoys travelling, trying new foods, and staying active.