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Job Search and Support Services in Montreal

Guiding seasoned professionals from diverse professional career and cultural backgrounds

Founded in 1990, La Passerelle is a non-profit organization offering job search and support services in Montreal. Since 1998, we have been working in partnership with Services Québec to offer a fully subsidized job search assistance program including workshops and personalized career coaching sessions. Our program is specifically designed for experienced professionals aged 40 and over who are unemployed and underemployed, in various fields and sectors of activity, and/or are looking to reintegrate into the labour market.

Our Mission

Our mission is to offer personalized support and guidance to people seeking to reposition themselves in the job market while adapting to new trends.

Support Us

To help us achieve our mission, we rely on the support of Services Québec and the generosity of donors. They both enable us to offer the best job search and support services in Montreal to assist our participants in their job search efforts. Make a difference today, make a donation.

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Job Search & Support Services in Montreal / service de transition de carrière Montréal

Our Board of Directors

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Norman A. Jones Acting President and Treasurer
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Lisa Boyle
Vice-president

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Mark Kmec
Secretary

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Marianne Donaldson Administrator
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Lorraine Loubier Administrator
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Frederick Tobin Administrator

Our Team

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Leslie (Laszlo) Acs
Executive Director

Rhina-Escoto

Rhina Escoto
Volunteer Administrative Assistant

Stephane=Grenier

Stéphane Grenier
Certified ACC Career Coach

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Line Delisle
Certified ICF Coach

Lucia-Rossi

Lucia Rossi
Career Coach, Employment Expert Support Services

Tania-Chomyk

Tania Chomyk
Certified Personal & Professional Coach (PPCC), Workshop Facilitator, HR Advisor

Laurie-Paterson

Laurie Paterson
Certified Personal and Professional Coach (PPCC), Workshop Facilitator

Nicole-Keefler

Nicole Keefler
Certified ICF Coach

Reine-Khantchand

Reine Khantchand
Workshop Facilitator, Employment Expert Support Services

Dale-H.-Bernier

Dale Bernier
Workshop Facilitator

Gail-Griffith

Gail Griffith
Career Coach, Workshop Facilitator

Valentine Gauthier

Valentine Gauthier
Career Advisor, 
Counselor, Workshop Facilitator

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Veronika Brelivet

Certified Professional Coach (NLP), Personal Coach, Career Coach

Special Guest

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Gregory Cecchin Leger
Workshop Facilitator
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Human Resources Advisory Committee

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Julie Dubien

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Rosina Felice
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Umit Oktamis

Connie-Roy-Raspa

Connie Roy-Raspa

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Gabriel Wagner

Our Partners

La Passerelle and its subsidized job search assistance program are made possible with the help of Services Québec. Services Québec’s mission is to contribute to the development of employment and the labour force and to fight against unemployment, social exclusion and poverty in order to better serve the economic and social development of Quebec. It manages public employment services as well as social solidarity services.

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Our Service Partners


At La Passerelle, we also build strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations to provide you with the best possible. job search and support services in Montreal.
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A not-for-profit organization founded in 1990 and located in the heart of Montreal, La Passerelle is an employment and career transition and center for mature professionals.
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Find us

La Passerelle
1255 Phillips Square #903
Montreal, Quebec H3B 3G1
(514) 866-5982

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Norman A. Jones
Acting President and Treasurer.

Norman A. Jones is a partner in the Audit and Assurance Services practice in the Montreal office of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. He specializes in services to private companies and high net worth clients.

He has extensive experience in the manufactured product, real estate and new technology sectors. He became a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (1983) and Alberta (1988) and is currently a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia (1994) and the Ordre du Québec (2007). In Alberta, he placed first in Canada on the Handbook examination. Mr. Jones graduated from the University of York (England) in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Economics.

He is very active in the community, volunteering with several local organizations.

Lisa Boyle
Administrator

Lisa Boyle is a higher education professional working with the College Development Office at John Abbott College. Lisa helps facilitate ongoing learning and professional development and growth, working from the individual to the organizational level to support change.

Her areas of expertise include working with leaders and others in the assessment of key institutional processes to promote continuous improvement and innovation. Her experience also includes program design and development (academic/training) in continuing education and other sectors. She specializes in career coaching and was also the Executive Director of La Passerelle.

Lisa has a Master’s degree in Human Intervention Systems, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Business, and is currently taking Master’s level courses in Education. She has also earned certificates in evaluation and leadership. She is Vice-Chair of the West Island Community Resource Centre Board of Directors and a member of the Board of Directors of La Passerelle.

Mark Kmec
Vice-president

Me Kmec studied at McGill University in the Arts program, with a speciality in Industrial Relations, graduating in 1980. Me Kmec attended the University of Ottawa, where he studied Civil Law and Common Law, graduating in 1983 from the Civil Law program with honors, and graduating in 1984 with a Common Law degree.

Me Kmec was admitted to the Quebec Bar in 1985. Me Kmec practiced law with several Montreal firms where he was exposed to various personal and commercial matters including business law, employment law and civil litigation. In 1997, Me Kmec left private practice and acted as senior legal counsel with a publicly-listed company for three years after which he returned to private practice.

From 1994 to 2004 Me Kmec acted as Honorary Consul to the Slovak Republic, which involved representing the Slovak Republic for the district of Quebec before the Canadian and Quebec governments, the Montreal diplomatic community, with the Slovak government representatives and Slovak community.

Me Kmec has acted as a past member of the Quebec Bar Committee in liaison with the Quebec Court, a past member of the Comité ethno-culturel du Barreau de Montréal and is currently an arbitrator with the Arbitration Committee of the Barreau du Québec respecting lawyers’ accounts.

Me Kmec has also served as an administrator of a 54-unit condominium for one year from 2015-2016. In 2019 Me Kmec was accredited as a civil, commercial and labour mediator.

Me Kmec currently practices general civil and commercial, and employment law.

Me Kmec has been and continues to be active in the local community acting in the past as hockey and soccer coach and manager of local minor sport teams.

Marianne Donaldson
Secretary

For the past 30 years, Marianne has been a consultant and senior partner in human resources. She was President of the firm “HR/RH”. Her experience in executive search spans several functions in general management, finance, human resources, marketing, communications, public relations, insurance, investment and real estate.

As a Trustee of Concordia University for over twelve years (1989-2001), she chaired the Collective Bargaining and Human Resources committees. Ms. Donaldson is actively involved in community organizations and is a member of the special boards of St. Mary’s Hospital, Les Amis de la Montagne and La Passerelle. She has also served on the Board of Directors of the Financial Post and Tambrands Canada.

Lorraine Loubier
Administrator

Over the course of her career, Lorraine Loubier has held many different roles such as cashier, office manager, business owner, counsellor, executive director, and general manager. Following her retirement, she decided to stay active, and started a non-profit organization. A few of the areas she has touched on are retail, medical, healthcare, manufacturing, and private senior living. So, are skills transferable? Lorraine responds with a resounding “yes”!


The role she played at La Passerelle as executive director was one that she has cherished in her career. Previously, Lorraine had worked for both private and public organizations that offered job search, career development, and placement services. She believes that La Passerelle is uniquely different because it works with people first. La Passerelle collaborators take care of the participants’ well-being so that the end goal – a job – has meaning and enriches their lives.


Lorraine is honored to be a member of La Passerelle Board of Directors and she looks forward to applying all her experience to the growth and development of this organization. 

Frederick Tobin
Administrator

Frederick Tobin is an organizational effectiveness coach, trainer and consultant. His advice and solutions enable companies to significantly increase employee engagement, work efficiency and customer satisfaction. Frederick addresses communication, interpersonal management and leadership style as the key competencies for improvement.

He has developed his expertise in small and large companies in a multitude of industries, from pharmaceutical to aeronautics, from banking to industrial services.

Fluently bilingual, Frederick quickly puts people at ease and actively engages them in developing solutions. Frederick is an iLead Certified Coach since 2016 and teaches Organizational Development at Concordia University’s Department of Applied Human Sciences. He has taught marketing at Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business since 2015.

Leslie (Laszlo) Acs

Leslie (Laszlo) Acs has several years of diverse management and human resources experience gained in multiple industries in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. His specialties include: leadership and team building; workforce development and optimization; motivation and engagement; recruitment and retention; project management and mature workers career services.


Mr. Acs holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Bishop’s University. While studying for his Master of Science in Management at HEC Montreal, his research interest focused on the relationship between organizational performance and the work environment.


In 2007, Mr. Acs participated in the La Passerelle program where he embarked on a career change. For several years, he played an active role as a volunteer at La Passerelle, and in 2011, he returned as the Executive Director.


As part of his role at La Passerelle, Mr. Acs is constantly searching for new ways to assist mature workers’ re-entry into the workforce and to promote public awareness of to the effects of ageism in the workplace.

Community engagement has always been important for Mr. Acs. He has been actively involved with several community organizations, serving in various capacities.


“We all have a special gift that makes us unique. It is my wish that La Passerelle provides you with the opportunity to discover the magic that is in you.”

Rhina Escoto

Rhina is an experienced administrative assistant, with significant accounting and administrative skills.

As a valued member of the team, Rhina has been generously donating her time to La Passerelle since 2016. She is often the first point of contact for many of our participants. Welcoming them with her warm and courteous smile, Rhina is there to explain our program or to answer any questions the participants may have.


Rhina’s generosity, kindness and experience is very much appreciated by both her teammates as well as by the participants.



“As a former participant of La Passerelle, I know how relevant this program is. I know that participants need to be welcomed with care. The experience they will have will be great, and I want to guide them as best as possible from the moment they arrive.”

Stéphane Grenier

With a career spanning more than 17 years as an operations and customer service manager for a multinational airline, Stéphane has distinguished himself in human relations, customer service and especially in his leadership. Over the years, he has coached and mentored hundreds of employees and managers to a high level of performance.

Given his previous professional experiences, coaching was the field that attracted him. He then followed a professional training recognized by ICF (International Coaching Federation) and obtained his certification. He has since created his own business and coaching brand. In 2018 he joined the La Passerelle team as a coach and responsible for coach training and support. He has developed coaching processes and tools to facilitate change at the professional and personal level, while guiding his participants towards their full potential and the achievement of their goals.

“I am convinced that the changes participants make at La Passerelle are lasting. Why? Because they chose them.”

Line Delisle

A graduate of ATM (Art and Technology of Media) in radio and television, Line has worked in sales (representation and management) in various media in and around Montreal. Active listening and the ability to allow others to find their own solutions without judgment have always been a natural part of her professional and personal relationships. She therefore decided to refine her skills by enrolling in a coaching course recognized by the ICF (International Coaching Federation). She has been a certified coach since 2017, and in September 2019 she joined La Passerelle team, her second family!

“And why not” is the thought that guides Line in her work as a coach and in her everyday life.

Lucia Rossi

Lucia has over 20 years of experience as an executive with Merrill Lynch Canada and Laurentian Bank. Over the years, she has successfully delivered customized, high-performance business solutions and operational support.

Results-oriented, she has demonstrated effective management, leadership and resource development within cross-functional teams.

In 2018 she participated in the La Passerelle program, and was inspired by its significant contribution to the community, so much so that she decided to join the organization.

“I feel privileged to be a part of this inspiring organization. Client-focused, I take to heart each individual’s story and how it has shaped their values, development and journey. My desire is simply to be a helpful and supportive resource for our clients and for La Passerelle.”

Tania Chomyk

Tania Chomyk has spent an enriching 25-year career in higher education providing human resources expertise across all functional areas, recruitment & selection, performance management and organizational development and training.  Her desire to teach and philosophy of continuous learning was rooted at a very young age steering her in the direction and simultaneous pursuit of her degrees (Bachelor of Vocational Education and Masters of Education – Human Relations and Family Life) and career in education.   Fostering a culture that puts “human” resources first, Tania helps to strengthen the value that people bring to an organization through the design and delivery of initiatives that enhance employee engagement, performance and personal well-being.


An avid lifelong learner and believer in living our truth, in 2017 Tania completed her coaching certification and embarked on a reinvention journey to deepen her self-awareness – the key to one’s success – and embrace opportunities of change extending the helping role in a much more authentic and meaningful way.  Tania’s vision to thrive alongside an organization that takes a humanistic approach and has a genuine desire to help every single person discover their own recipe for success, came to fruition when she recently joined the wonderful team at La Passerelle.


“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve”.  When you believe in yourself and in your abilities, you can make anything happen.   At La Passerelle, we can make it happen for you.”

Laurie Paterson

Certified Personal and Professional Coach (PPCC), Workshop Facilitator

 

For over 25 years Laurie worked at a large financial institution specializing in adult education and financial literacy. She created and delivered group education sessions, conducted one-on-one financial check-ins, hired, coached and motivated employees and teams, and lead them through continuous change management. She’s an enthusiastic life-long learner that is curious about the human body and mind, and all of its complexities. This has led her to study and practice healing modalities such as reiki, reflexology, and mindfulness and meditation. She’s a certified coach who specializes in mid-life transitions including career changes, starting a business, and pre-retirement lifestyle planning.

 

Laurie joined La Passerelle in 2022 and supports her clients through their career transformation, in making new habits and getting rid of those that no longer serve them, by integrating coaching and change management techniques through mindfulness and self-awareness.

 

‘If not you, then who? If not now, then when?’

Nicole Keefler

As a Certified Coach, Grief Recovery Specialist and member of the ICF (International Coach Federation), Nicole is passionate about helping her clients achieve their potential.

With an educational background in art education, Nicole has had long careers in television and mental health which eventually led to her career of the past 6 years as a coach. Nicole approaches coaching from a whole person perspective. Whether it be in the areas of job search, career transition or recovery from loss, Nicole approaches her clients from a place of deep care. Her priority is to ensure that their well-being is supported through integrity and the profound respect and compassion that she has for their experiences.

Nicole joined the team at La Passerelle as a coach in the Fall of 2020. Having been through the program herself in the past, Nicole knows firsthand its tremendous value. She was delighted to have the opportunity to support her clients as they approach their job search and career transitions with not only job search tools but greater clarity and self-awareness.

Nicole is passionate about working with people who have the courage to change and grow and become the better versions of themselves that they want to be… these are the participants who come through the doors of La Passerelle.

Reine Khantchand

Reine holds a degree in languages. Throughout her career, she has completed several certificates in organizational settings on Leadership, Change Management, Project Management, etc. She also has a certification in training design.

Reine has more than 30 years of experience in various fields, such as aviation, call centers, automotive, health services, financial sectors, etc. She has worked in private and public industries as well as in non-profit organizations.

“My motivation is human development in all its possibilities. Being able to combine my two passions, human potential and learning, is a privilege! At La Passerelle, thanks to the team members and our participants, I learn much more than I teach!”

Dale Bernier

Dale is a theater manager, improvisor and communications consultant. For over eight years he has facilitated workshops on how to use improvisational techniques to help people become better communicators. He has a background in marketing, public relations and broadcasting.

During his workshops, Dale shows participants how to progress in their job search by making simple changes to their communication style. His sessions energize and encourage people to reconnect with their spirit of play, while teaching them the soft skills that are sought out by employers.

“Improvisation teaches the power of active listening and silencing the inner critic that judges what we think or say. Similarly, La Passerelle helps people to actively listen to themselves and find their way to their best professional and personal selves.”

Gail Griffith

Gail Griffith has over 15 years of experience in Canada and the United States of America, working with diverse communities in the field of human relations and social services. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Relations and a Certification in Professional and Personal Coaching.


Gail joined the family of La Passerelle initially as a participant and became a Career Coach in 2023. There are three driving forces in her life “purpose, passion, and people.” At ABC, she has the opportunity to experience this trifecta.


As a Coach, Gail feels privileged to work alongside clients to help them accomplish their goals, overcome the barriers to their success and develop an action plan for the life they envision.


She is also passionate about helping others improve their mental health and manage their stress and anxiety. By utilizing her coaching, mentoring, and compassionate leadership skills, Gail guides her clients to successfully achieve their personal and professional goals.


“I discovered that one of the keys to success is to use each experience as a learning opportunity. At La Passerelle we share our wealth of knowledge, resources, experiences and skills. We learn from each other to enrich our personal and professional journeys. I am grateful to be part of an exceptional community!”

Valentine Gauthier

Valentine possesses extensive experience as a human resources professional, trainer, coach, mentor, and international recruiter. She is adept at communicating, understanding the needs of others, guiding, supporting, providing information, counselling, delivering training, and enhancing skills in diverse developmental environments.

 

Her degree in international business, which she obtained with honours, and her certificate in NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) enable her to interact with a wide variety of people.

 

Passionate about helping others, Valentine believes that the key to motivating, coaching, mentoring, and developing someone is to build a quick bond, create a personal connection and relate empathically to their specific challenges.

 

Everyone is unique, with their own journey and challenges. Ultimately, most people benefit from guidance, tailored tools, and support as they prepare to make important life choices. You can count on the dedicated team at La Passerelle and Valentine to be there for you every step of the way.

 

“Let’s write this exciting new chapter of your career and life together.”

Veronika Brelivet

Accompanying people has always been Veronika’s passion. Her career has led her to manage human resources for more than 20 years. She has worked as a resource manager and director in the advertising industry, where she had the opportunity to support creative teams through difficult growth and in challenging contexts of growth and decline. The well-being and evolution of each member of these teams has always been at the heart of his concerns.


All these years spent guiding teams naturally led her to take a 1000-hour professional training course, recognized by the International Coach Federation (ICF), to become a certified professional coach in July 2020.


Today, Veronika’s priority as a coach is to establish a safe, caring space where empathy, curiosity and humor reign – values that are fundamental to her. She welcomes you in a climate of openness conducive to creating an inspiring partnership. Her mission? To optimize your full potential, both personally and professionally, through a creative process of reflection. Her coaching will help you define your strengths and values, inspiring you to take action to discover your own solutions and achieve your goals with confidence and determination.


“I look forward to accompanying you on your journey with La Passerelle.”

Connie Roy-Raspa, CPC

With a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Relations and a Public Relations Certificate from McGill University, Connie Roy-Raspa has built a substantial 38-year career in the staffing industry, culminating in her current role as Regional Vice President at Quantum Management Services Limited. Since joining Quantum in 1986, Connie has showcased her strengths in recruitment, candidate engagement, and market insights. Managing both temporary and permanent recruitment, from mid-level to senior positions, Connie’s approach is marked by a consistent dedication to client relationship management and strategic recruitment. Her efforts have led to significant milestones in her career, including the achievement of arranging over 75,000 successful placements. 

 

As a Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC), Connie’s leadership has been key to Quantum’s success, particularly in handling complex national and multinational accounts, ranging from Crown corporations to federal government projects. As such, her vision has been instrumental in supporting the next generation of talent, making her an invaluable asset to both Quantum and the industry. 

 

Connect with Connie on LinkedIn