Biographies

BRENDA ROBINSON


Brenda is a speaker, trainer, writer and consultant with a passion for working with people. She has been addressing groups for over twenty years on topics related to communications, humour, laughter, positive working skills and wellness in general. It is Brenda's belief that we are on a life long learning journey and that it should be an enjoyable, exciting and interesting travel time.

Brenda grew up close to Minnedosa, Manitoba and continues to stay connected to her family there. She now lives in Sherwood Park, Alberta where she and her husband, Len have their training and development business. Brenda and Len have five children 3 boys and 2 girls and 4 grandchildren.

She enjoys travel, gardening, reading, movies and long walks. The family is only complete when you count the two dogs one sheltie and one big English sheep dog and three stray cats who have taken up residence.

Brenda received her Bachelor of Arts from Brandon University in Brandon, Manitoba (Major in English) and her Masters of Education from Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, B.C. in 1998.

Join Brenda to listen, laugh and learn about other people, about yourself and about other stuff we may need and want to know.

KAREN DOWSETT


Karen is a dynamic facilitator with a practical, down to earth approach. She works well in large or small group settings and uses an interactive, humour-based approach to present her ideas and information. She has an extensive background as a group leader and facilitator. Her emphasis has always been learner directed and community based. She has earned a reputation for her successful work with young people as well as adult learners. She has designed, developed and delivered a wide variety of programs for people in job readiness, entrepreneurial skills, parenting, and presentation skills as well as self- esteem, confidence building and assertiveness. Working with Karen helps people realize their full potential.

Karen is married, and the mother of four children. She has also worked extensively as a volunteer in training other volunteers in her own community as well as others. Karen’s key philosophy is putting “people” first!

LEIGH ROBINSON


Leigh is a presenter, program consultant, educator and counsellor with a passion for working with people. She has developed training programs, learning materials and presentations for a variety of organizations and work groups. She is particularly interested in Communications, Leadership and Group Dynamics.

Leigh recently completed her BSW and is working on a Masters in Education. Her approach in the learning setting is practical and down to earth. She has a wonderful sense of humour and connects with learners on a personal and professional level. Join Leigh to challenge your thinking and re-vamp your approaches to dealing with people.

You will most certainly enjoy Leigh’s energy, enthusiasm and delightful presentation skills.

DON BENCE


Don Bence is an independent facilitator/adult educator who has been affiliated with the Robcan Group for the past 12 years. Don has worked with a wide variety of public and private clients assisting them in addressing current work place and personal development needs in a lighthearted interactive environment.

Following graduation from the University of Calgary, Don spent several years in management with an international company before joining the Alberta Government as a Senior Manager and Program Director. During a 20 year career with the Public Service Don was actively involved in developing internal training courses to provide professional development to staff.

A resident of Sherwood Park AB for almost 30 years, Don does training and consulting on a part time basis and considers himself semi-retired. An avid but mediocre golfer, Don enjoys time with his two adult children and grandchildren and travels frequently to visit friends and relatives in the Southern U.S. and Western Canada.

Don’s fun loving interactive approach to adult learning is designed to amuse and enlighten you in a personally rewarding manner.

JAN FOX


Jan is a speaker, trainer, and consultant with a passion for working with people to achieve workplace wellness. She has more than 25 years experience as a senior manager in the public sector, where she continues to lead a large and diverse team of people. Jan has been addressing groups for 10 years on topics related to Leadership, Team Building, Conflict Resolution and achieving life balance. It is Jan's belief that leaders must "walk the talk" and that successful leaders are those who embark on a journey of continuous learning.

Jan grew up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She now lives in St. Albert, Alberta with her husband John and their two teenage children.

Jan enjoys travel, reading and down hill skiing. Jan can often be found cheering on her children in Hockey, Ringette and Lacrosse and she is an avid community volunteer.

Jan received her Advanced Bachelor of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan with a double major in Psychology and English. Jan has continued her education by pursuing courses in Human Justice, Mediation and the Queen's University Public Executive Program.

Join Jan to learn strategies to improve your workplace wellness, achieve work/life balance and stay positive through the use of humour.

DONI MILLER


Doni was born and raised in Saskatchewan, but has lived in Manitoba, Ontario, the Yukon Territory before settling in Sherwood Park, Alberta where she has lived with her husband and two children for the last eighteen years.

After ten years as a Licensed Practical Nurse, she left the medical field to pursue a degree in education and now celebrates over twenty year’s experience of teaching and coordinating programs in adult education. Her teaching career includes teaching a variety of adult upgrading courses in the Yukon, Pelly Crossing and Whitehorse and then Alberta Vocational College (now NorQuest College). She graduated from the University of Alberta with a B.Ed in Adult Education.

Doni’s diverse background is indicative of how she lives her life, which is to “seize the day”, being open to opportunities and enjoying life.

Doni loves traveling (to warmer climates), gardening, reading, physical exercise and tole painting.

Her passion in education and training is helping other people find their passion. Her philosophy is live, love, laugh and learn.

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