CareerCycles Associates (read our Career Statements^TM too!)

Mark Franklin MEd, PEng is President of CareerCycles. He has helped over 2000 clients from 75+ countries become empowered in their career and life choices. With diverse career experience in engineering, management consulting, writing, teaching, and since 1998 in professional counselling, Mark is familiar with many work environments and with the challenges and rewards of change. Mark provides career counselling and coaching to individuals and leads groups and workshops on career and work topics in private practice, and formerly at York University and University of Toronto. Mark created and leads CareerCycles career renewal getaways and an active travel program, Cuba Unveiled. Mark holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Engineering and a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto, is qualified to administer and interpret the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), and is a member of the Association of Career Professionals International (ACPI), International Positive Psychology Association and Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO). In the community, Mark hosts the biweekly Career Buzz radio show on CIUT89.5FM, and was a Director of the Toronto Bay Initiative. At home, Mark is delighted to share his life with his teenage daughter. See Mark's Career Statement

Barbara Kofman is an Associate of CareerCycles. Barb is Principal of CareerTrails, has a passion for enabling individuals and organizations to resolve their career-related challenges. She is known as an excellent communicator and a results-oriented facilitator with strong analytical skills and a natural ability to motivate and coach. Barbara honed her expertise while working in senior roles in Human Resources, Outplacement, and Consulting, has broad teaching experience, and is a sought after speaker and writer. Prior to her career in human resources, Barbara worked in the publishing business and was a teacher. Barbara has facilitated and designed highly effective solutions for clients in the financial, educational and public sectors, taught university and college students and is currently developing the first career management program to be offered by the School of Continuing Studies at the University of Toronto, ‘Career Management by Design’. She is certified in both Human Resources and Career Management, completed her Masters and Bachelor degrees at Queen’s University and is qualified to deliver a number of psychometric assessment tools including MBTI. Barbara volunteers widely within the community as a member of the Board for the Toronto Chapter of ACP International as well as a mentor for the Rotman School of Management. She can be reached at bkofman@careertrails.com   Looking for more information? Check out www.careertrails.com See Barb's Career Statement.

Peggy Shkuda, M.Ed. My formal educational background includes a B.A. in Philosophy and an M.Ed in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto.  My post-graduate studies focused on career counselling as well as solution-focused and cognitive behaviour therapy.  I also hold a certificate in Industrial Relations from the same university.  Career Counselling is my second career.  In my previous career as a Producer/Director in the Canadian television industry, I interviewed a number of leaders and artists with diverse backgrounds in a multitude of disciplines.  The common thread they share and what sets them apart is their ability to overcome fear.  They were able to achieve their goals even when unsure of their initial direction.  I want to help my clients achieve their goals. My intention is to provide a safe environment in which my clients have the opportunity for self-exploration and discovery. See Peggy's Career Statement.

Julie Cachia MIR, DIM is an Associate of CareerCycles. She has twenty years’ experience as a Human Resources Professional having worked as a generalist in progressively senior roles. She graduated with a Masters in Industrial Relations from the University of Toronto and most recently completed a Diploma in Ministry from St. Francis Xavier University. Her passion and area of interests are career management and working with individuals through workplace change. Julie is qualified to administer and interpret the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). She is a current member of the Ontario Association for the Application of Personality Type (OAAPT) and the Association of Career Professionals International (ACPI). See Julie's Career Statement.

Leigh Anne Saxe is an Associate of CareerCycles. As a Career Counsellor, I assist students and new grads, both one-on-one and in Career Exploration workshops, determine for themselves what's most important and what their next steps are when it comes to their career. I have had many careers and opportunities that have paved the way to where I am today. It has not been a straight line by any means! I began my career working in marketing for Disney and soon realized that although I love films, my favourite part was working with people. Sponsor marketing and Human Resources support were some of the in-between positions for me as I figured out what I wanted for my career and life. From these experiences, I realized that counselling and coaching were what I enjoyed most and went back to school for my Masters in Counselling Psychology. I have been fortunate to have worked at the YMCA doing career counselling, as a Program Manager for ADLERCentre and as a psychotherapist in my own private practice before coming to York 's Career Centre. I am an associate member of the International Positive Psychology Association. See Leigh Anne's Career Statement

Geneviève Beaupré is an Associate of CareerCycles. She has over 10 years experience in the career development field. She has helped clients of all ages and of many cultural backgrounds discover their true passion in work and life and has coached them on pursuing their dreams. She has also developped workshops on career-related topics and has facilitated them to hundreds of people. She has a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto, a Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy from the Hincks-Dellcrest Institute, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology/Public Management and Public Policy from the University of Ottawa. She is a member of Ontario College Counsellors (OCC) and the Canadian Career Information Association (CCIA). See Geneviève's Career Statement.

Deborah Stewart Finestone RSW, MEd, RYT is an Associate of CareerCycles. She brings 18 years experience as a psychotherapist in private practice where she specializes in body-oriented psychotherapy. As well she has a solid background in teaching, facilitating and consulting in the arena of organizational development and management training for the health and education sectors. She is certified to administer and interpret the MBTI (Myers Briggs Type Indicator) and has led numerous workshops on understanding personality type in the workplace based on this reliable instrument. As well she is certified to administer and interpret the  Emotional Intelligence Assessment instrument (EQ-I). She also is trained and certified in the Leadership Coaching approach for working with Managers and Directors in Organizations. Always her passion takes her into learning and teaching, “living” interpersonal relationship at home and work. She is committed to recognize the “spirit” of home, work and community as part of her path. Following her own Cancer Journey in 2003, she facilitates for The Healing Journey Program, and Body Awareness and Relaxation, at Wellspring. Recently she became certified as a Kundalini Yoga Teacher. She teaches Immune System Yoga Series for Cancer Patients and Cancer Survivors once a week. Deborah belongs to the Ontario Association of Social Workers and is also a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She serves on the Board for the Karma Food Cooperative and acts as the Staff Liaison for the Board.

Kristin Jones is the Client Services Coordinator for CareerCycles. She is a recent graduate of the Career and Work Counsellor Program from George Brown College. Kristin has always wanted to work with people at improving their lives, and sees work-life as playing a major role in an individual's happiness. The idea of helping people fulfill their potential, or even just to start to see their potential, is what has brought her to this point in life. Before returning to school, Kristin had a varied career in offices and retail environments. She held positions of authority and developed her leadership skills. But she never felt as though she was where she was supposed to be, until she went about purposefully to find her place. The journey to this point has been filled with joy, pain and lots of learning; and it's only the beginning! See Kristin's Career Statement.

Jeff Richardson MA, ACC, is an Associate of CareerCycles. Jeff is Principal of Metamorphic Coaching and Consulting, which specializes in midlife/mid-career renewal. Jeff has a passion for helping people in their forties and fifties take action (at last!) on their dreams and desires that have been put on the back burner for many years. He supports each clients in creating an empowering vision for the next phase of life, then taking manageable steps to turn those dreams into reality. In public and private sector organizations, Jeff designs and delivers programs that address issues related to disaffected mid-career managers who may be adversely affecting morale, results and retention. Through workshops and team coaching, Jeff and his colleagues help individuals and teams reconnect with what’s truly important to them and align that, when possible, with the values and goals of their organization. Jeff is recognized as an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) by the International Coach Federation, having completed his intensive training with the Adler School of Professional Coaching. In his previous career, he worked as a communications consultant and writer for corporate and government clients. He has taught both business writing and creative writing, and designed and facilitated workshops related to creativity and spirituality. For more information, check out www.metamorphiccoaching.com  See Jeff's Career Statement.

Lori Gotlieb is an Affiliate of CareerCycles, focusing on volunteer possibilities and their role in the CareerCycles processes. Lori is a community and corporate resource specialist who has worked in the field of volunteer administration for over 15 years. Her experience includes managing volunteer programs and special events in a variety of sectors, including multi service agencies, addictions, special needs and homeless shelters. Lori has developed and taught to professionals and volunteers at the local, provincial and international level and works in both volunteer management and special events, as well with individuals and corporate/community groups. Lori is an expert on corporate volunteerism for LifeSpeak. Lori is the past president of the Toronto Association of Volunteer Administration, an editor for the International Journal of Volunteer Management and member and Past Chair of the Advisory Committee at Humber College, Fundamentals of Volunteer Management and the Enriched courses.   Lori has been published both nationally and provincially including the Rehab and Community Care Magazine, International Journal of Volunteer Management and the Canadian and Provincial Associations of Volunteer Resources online journals. Lori is also a founding member of Alli’s Journey, a foundation to raise funds for young people with cancer. Lori has a BA from York University in Sociology and holds a Marketing Management certificate from Ryerson University as well as a certificate in Coaching from Hincks Dellcrest. She can be reached at lori.gotlieb@rogers.com

CareerCycles Associates' Career Statements^TM

When you work with a CareerCycles Associate, we guide you through a Career & Life Clarification process. This is the first of two processes in becoming empowered in your career & life choices, and the result is a brief Career Statement that captures the essence of your present career clarity. Your Career Statement then acts like a compass in the second process, Intentional Exploration. Here are our Career Statements...

Mark Franklin's Career Statement

• DESIRES: I want to help people become empowered in their career & life choices. I want to work collaboratively in a small team. I want creativity, variety and intellectual stimulation in my work.
• ABILITIES: I want to use my verbal and written communication skills, people skills, counselling knowledge and systems thinking.
• TEMPERAMENT: I am part IDEALIST which means I tend to be enthusiastic, value authenticity and act as a catalyst for change; I’m part RATIONAL which means I’m logical, like abstract ideas and value knowledge.
• ASSETS: I bring with me a Masters in Counselling Psychology, engineering career experience and Professional Engineer designation, DEMONSTRATED INTERESTS in radio and active travel. OTHER SKILLS in Spanish, French and bicycle repair.
• OTHER PEOPLE: I’m mindful how my role as parent of a teen influences my career and life choices.
• POSSIBILITIES I'M CURIOUS ABOUT are: succeeding in the career services firm I’m leading; developing an active travel program in El Salvador; broadcast radio experience; private pilot's licence; cycle touring in West Africa; further education in Positive Psychology and journalism.

Barb Kofman's Career Statement

• DESIRES: I aspire— to be a catalyst, motivating individuals to realize who they can be in their careers and in their lives; to work in partnership with a highly ethical and knowledgeable team.
• ABILITIES: I would like to share my extensive expertise, use my creativity and intuition, apply my strong verbal and written communication skills and leverage my innate empathy.
• TEMPERAMENT: I am an IDEALIST which means I am an enthusiastic communicator, who searches for meaning and authenticity, sees the big picture, values harmony and positive interactions.
• ASSETS: I bring with me a Masters in Public Administration, B.A. in Education, Hons. B.A. in English, certifications in HR and in Career Counselling, extensive related experience in influential roles in HR, outplacement and consulting and have personally made dramatic and successful career changes.
• DEMONSTRATED INTERESTS: I love interactive travel and reading; enjoy facilitating, leading and inspiring others—through writing and speaking about my areas of expertise including Generations in the Workplace; OTHER SKILLS: skiing (run ski trips to Europe & the U.S), cycling (cycled as a means of transportation for over 20 years).
• OTHER PEOPLE: I’m appreciative of my supportive family, life partner and long-lasting friendships; that I’ve had the privilege of raising a son and a daughter, both independent Gen Ys pursuing their own courses in life.
• POSSIBILITIES I'M CURIOUS ABOUT are: succeeding in my own career services firm through working with Career Cycles to bring our shared and diverse experiences together to create a greater whole; continuing to study and learn in diverse countries; working within the NGO community to give back by leveraging my background in HR and in Teaching English as a second language.

Peggy Shkuda's Career Statement

• DESIRES:   I want to live life consciously and joyfully.  I want to empower my clients to do the same.  I want to help my clients break free of self-limiting thoughts so that they can live the life they desire.  I want to work with clients who desire change and have the courage to pursue their dreams.

• ABILITIES:   I’m highly self-motivated and somewhat entrepreneurial.  I’m able to see connections and relationships between people/things easily which enables me to see opportunities that others don’t necessarily recognize.  I’m creative, compassionate, curious  and bring these abilities to my counselling.

•  TEMPERAMENT:  I’m playful, reflective and an idealist. I relate easily to most people.   Living authentically and having work, which is in alignment with who I am, is imperative to my well being.

•  ASSETS:  An M.Ed in Counselling psychology, a BA in Philosophy and a certificate in Industrial Relations.   I am a member of the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychotherapists and Psychometrics, a Strong Interest Inventory and Myers Briggs practitioner and coaches training at the Coaches Training Institute.

•  OTHER PEOPLE:  My first mentor advised me when I was just 18 years old to make sure that I was having fun in whatever work I pursued.  I’ve followed that advice my entire career and have always had fun!

•  POSSIBILITIES I’M CURIOUS ABOUT:    I’m always curious about learning new techniques and approaches to counselling.  I’ve always dreamed about working abroad and exploring other cultures.  Mostly, I’m curious and excited about each day.

Julie Cachia's Career Statement

• DESIRES: I want to be passionately engaged in work and life that will touch, influence and change the lives of others. I want the freedom and the flexibility to express my authentic self to the world. I want to work with passionate and engaged professionals in an environment of trust, respect, fun and continuous learning.
• ABILITIES: I want to share my practical human resources experience in a variety of situations. I want to use my listening, counselling, and intuitive skills to help guide individuals to uncover their career and life masterpiece! I love to use my writing, researching and creative skills in an enlightening manner.
• TEMPERAMENT: I am a reflective and spiritual person with a need to find the authenticity, harmony and enlightment within people. I value structure and organization and love to embrace the richness of creativity and differences.
• ASSETS: I bring a Masters degree in Industrial Relations from the University of Toronto along with a Diploma in Ministry from St. Francis Xavier University. Other demonstrated interests: spirituality, parenting, dogs and gourmet cooking/baking and walking.
• OTHER PEOPLE: I am grateful to the many people who have walked my life’s journey with me. It is my genuine and sincerest need to give to others what I have been privileged to receive over the years.
• POSSIBILITIES I’M CURIOUS ABOUT: continue to work with like-minded individuals to unfold the genius and creativity behind Career Cycles. I want to further my knowledge and education around being a career coach. I want to balance my responsibilities between my career management work and my family. I want to develop and market the human resources services of my business.

Leigh Anne Saxe's Career Statement

• DESIRES: I want to assist people with their life and career decisions.  It’s important for me to have flexibility, independence and autonomy.  I want to work with an inspiring group of people who enjoy new, leading-edge ways of thinking and working. 
• ABILITIES: I want to use my law of attraction, positive psychology, appreciative inquiry and counseling knowledge and skills.  I want to continually develop my writing and speaking/presentation skills.
• TEMPERAMENT: I am IDEALIST which means I tend to be enthusiastic, value authenticity and personal growth.
• ASSETS: I bring with me a Masters in Counselling Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology, and varied career experience which includes: my marketing background at Disney, program management experience at ALDERCentre and my counseling/psychotherapy expertise from my private practice.  DEMONSTRATED INTERESTS spirituality, law of attraction concepts and processes and downhill skiing  OTHER SKILLS in marketing, inventing games and other products.
• OTHER PEOPLE: I’m mindful of how my role as a mother of two young children influences my career and life choices.
• POSSIBILITIES I'M CURIOUS ABOUT are: developing my own business in life/law of attraction coaching and inventing products that assist others in feeling better, continuing the inspiring work with Mark at Career Cycles, working to assist teachers and parents with children in an empowering and fulfilling way, continuing to present at conferences on career development, life decisions and law of attraction.

Geneviève Beaupré's Career Statement

• DESIRES: I want to continuously learn and grow in whatever I do. I want to guide and support people through career and life transitions. I want to have flexibility and variety in my work. I want to work with a cooperative and creative team.
• ABILITES: I want to use my communication, counselling, and organization skills as well as my ability to speak French fluently.
• TEMPERAMENT : I am primarily Idealist (I love the power of cooperation among people; I am fascinated with people’s stories; I love the idea of helping others reach their goals and dreams). I am also Guardian (I tend to be organized; I need some order in my work and life and I like knowing what is expected of me; family and a sense of security are important to me).
• ASSETS : MEd in Counselling Psychology, Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and BA Psychology/Public Management & Public Policy.
• OTHER PEOPLE: I’m aware of my mother’s influence on my need to continously learn and expand my knowledge by taking courses and reading as much as I can. My partner’s encouragement and support help push me beyond my comfort zone. Being a parent of a 7-month old influences my work and life choices.
• POSSIBILITIES I'M CURIOUS ABOUT: Some of the possibilities that have floated around in my head are - possible combination of part-time self-employment and part-time employee as a counsellor, volunteering or working in a third-world country or with children using my French-speaking ability, and travelling to Eastern Europe and South-East Asia. I am also interested in gaining further education in narrative counselling or other counselling approaches.

Kristin Jones' Career Statement

• DESIRES  I want to have a positive impact on the daily quality of life of individuals I work with and serve. I have a great passion for helping people enjoy their work or finding work they will enjoy. I want to never stop developing personally and professionally.
• ABILITIES   I am able to communicate effectively and relate with others, I am able to build rapport and keep trust with others. I am able to express myself very clearly and effectively, especially with my strong writing skills. I am able to focus on details, make things happen and keep many projects organized.
• TEMPERAMENT   I am energized by working in a collaborative environment. I am curious about other cultures, ways of life and new perspectives. I always focus on the positive and build on the good. I find it easy to maintain my composure and patience dealing with all people.
• ASSETS   I have a Diploma in Career and Work Counselling from George Brown College, which included two Practicum terms, hands on experience developing programs and delivering career counselling services. I have more than ten years of experience working in office environments. I am able to use many different computer applications for office administration tasks like maintaining databases, communicating effectively, staying organized and design.
• OTHER PEOPLE  Continuing to build relationships with my friends and family is of utmost importance to me, as is welcoming new people into my life. I am mindful of having the energy to continue being there for people when they need me, and gaining strength from those who give it to me so freely.
• POSSIBILITIES I'M CURIOUS ABOUT   I have at least three novels in me that are raring to be written. Professionally I want to learn how to write proposals and policy analysis, and continue to learn more and more about Career Counselling and Coaching approaches. I am also actively seeking new artistic outlets to express my inner life.

Jeff Richardson’s Career Statement

• DESIRES: I want to help people in midlife connect with what’s truly meaningful, rewarding and exciting to them, turning their passions and dreams into reality. I want to work with likeminded professionals who bring creativity, wisdom and—above all—heart to our work.
• ABILITIES: I want to use my people skills, intuition, creativity and ability to understand situations from a variety of perspectives. I want to use the skills I have gained over more than 25 years in writing, teaching, and facilitating group processes.
• TEMPERAMENT: I want to find the right balance of being with other people—both clients and colleagues—and being alone, for reflection, study and recharging my batteries.
• ASSETS: I bring with me certification as a professional coach; a Master’s degree in English; and training as a Grief Recovery facilitator. DEMONSTRATED INTERESTS in spirituality, wisdom and traditions of indigenous peoples, adoption, parenting, and travel.
• OTHER PEOPLE: Whatever work I do must always be balanced with my joys and responsibilities as a spouse and father of two children, and son of two aging parents.
• POSSIBILITIES I’M CURIOUS ABOUT: training other coaches in my approach to coaching for midlife renewal; completing my book (“Off the Backburner—Into the Fire”); adventure travel; getting back to dance class!