Staff
Experiences Canada staff are available Monday through Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm (Eastern Standard Time) to answer any and all of your questions.
Deirdre Laframboise
President and CEODeirdre is an executive leader with over 30 years experience working in the areas of education, sustainability, air quality, health, and related policy work. As Executive Director she led several national not for profits including Canadian Climate Forum, Canadian Water Resources Association and Canadian Organic Growers. She co-founded and led the award-winning charity Clean Air Champions over twelve years delivering programming to youth in schools focused on healthy living and the environment. Deirdre has served on several national science and research advisory bodies including Farmers for Climate Solutions’ Board, the National Lung Health Framework Steering Committee, University of Waterloo’s GET Facts/CIHR Knowledge Mobilization Steering Committee, and Catastrophe Indexes and Quantification Inc. Advisory Committee. Deirdre was awarded ‘Alumni of the Year’ from the Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo (2013) where she earned her Bachelor Environmental Studies (minor in Biology). Her Master’s degree in Environmental Resources Management (minor in Business Administration), is from York University. Deirdre was a member of the national equestrian team and continues to live an active lifestyle participating regularly in many outdoor sports. In her down time she enjoys gardening, family-time, exploring, science and books, and cooking.
Ellen Glouchkow
Director of Finance and AdministrationEllen’s passion for travel is what attracted her to Experiences Canada. Having had the opportunity to travel around the world with her family for nine months, she was thrilled to become the Director of Finance for an agency whose mission was to educate youth through travel. She has worked as a Director of Finance for over 15 years with agencies focused on child and youth development. Some of her passions are: hiking in the Gatineau Park with her family, friends, and her Australian Shepherd Maya; and eating dark chocolate.
Ginny Byrne
Finance AssistantGinny has been a part of the Experiences Canada team since the fall of 2010. Previously, she worked for 12 years in the finance department at United Way/Centraide Ottawa. Her interests include: theatre, music, anything mystery; and loves include: cheesecake and her little grandson.
Jamie McCullough
Director of ProgramsPrior to Experiences Canada, Jamie worked at the YMCA as a youth employment coordinator. Throughout her career she has had a strong interest in youth programming and most recently in developing a strong Indigenous youth exchange program. Jamie is currently working on her PhD in Indigenous and Canadian Studies at Carleton University. When she is not at work or studying, she is most likely at a hockey rink watching one of her four children skate.
Sandrine Thabet
Manager, Exchanges ProgramSandrine is a strong advocate of bilingualism and learning about multiple cultures. She is an outdoors enthusiast with a Baccalaureate in Philosophy, Literature and Foreign Languages. She loves music & candies – both in all genres and forms.
Lizzy Devine
Director of CommunicationsOriginally from Australia, Lizzy is passionate about travel and exploring new places. Having spent much of her youth travelling the world, she is thrilled to now be working for an organization that helps young people experience new cultures. Lizzy is a graduate of Algonquin College where she studied interactive media design. Previous to Experiences Canada she worked in the space sector. In her spare time, she enjoys DIY projects, swimming, and landscape photography.
Geet Pawase
Digital Designer & Communications AssistantMeet Geetanjali, or as she prefers to be called, Geet – a computer engineer turned media and marketing enthusiast with a passion for travel and exploration. With a love for exploring diverse cultures and experiences, Geet is a travel enthusiast at heart. Thrilled to be working at Experiences Canada, Geet is passionate about helping young Canadians connect with each other while discovering their country in unique ways. When she is not working or exploring new places, she enjoys painting, playing badminton, and spending time video-calling her furry best friend, Oscar. She is excited to see where this journey takes her and to continue learning, growing, and exploring new horizons.
Larissa Hirwa
Exchanges Program CoordinatorOriginally from Rwanda, Larissa has a passion for exploring other cultures through art, music, travel and cuisine. After completing her bachelor’s degree in international development and Globalization at UOttawa, she was thrilled to become a coordinator for an organization that helps youth discover the cultural and historical diversity of their country.
Sarah Marche
Communications AssistantMeet Sarah, a passionate and dedicated Communications Assistant with Experiences Canada. Sarah’s love for her job is evident in the innovative and engaging ways she uses social media to educate and interact with audiences. Sarah’s Indigenous heritage with the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation along with her passion for advocating and celebrating Indigenous culture and history is reflected in her work with Experiences Canada. She is committed to helping provide opportunities for Indigenous youth to learn about their heritage and culture, while also getting the chance to explore others. Sarah is very passionate about the environment and all things sustainable. Her love for sustainability and reducing waste is shown through her love for thrifting and all things vintage. When she’s not working, you can find her exploring hidden local gems such as coffee shops and farmers markets, having picnics in beautiful parks, or trying new restaurants and cuisines. But above all, Sarah’s favorite pastime is spending time with her feline fur child, Macy.
