About

Tessa lives in Steinbach with her husband Isi and their two daughters. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies from Providence College, TESOL certificate from Steinbach Bible College and worked in HR before starting the charity of Island Breeze Manitoba in 2009. She is involved in the newcomer community through her volunteer work with Cultures in the City each year as well as pioneering other events that feature the sharing of different cultural expressions in the community. Tessa finds joy in seeing people learn new things about other cultures for the first time, as well as learning herself.

Tessa has had many cross cultural experiences in the last 20 years spending time in Fiji (where her husband is from), Thailand, Ukraine, Australia, Cuba, and Nunavut to name a few examples. She is also connected to the business community and has served on the Steinbach Chamber’s Community Relations Committee for seven years and on the Board of Directors for two years. Tessa enjoys traveling, reading books on leadership and spending time with her family.

Olesja, born in Russia and raised in Kazakhstan and Germany, has played a key role in Manitoba’s settlement and immigration sector for over 12 years. After completing her education in Germany, she began her career working with immigrant children before moving to Manitoba. She coordinated settlement, employment, refugee support, SWIS, and integration programs, contributing significantly to the successful integration of newcomers into the community. Passionate about newcomer integration, Olesja believes effective immigration is vital for community success. She enjoys spending time with her two grown children and grandchildren and takes pride in her role as a marriage commissioner, helping to create new families.

Barb was born and raised in Canada but moved often as a child, learning to adapt to new environments and appreciate the unique culture of each place. She earned a diploma in Business Administration and worked for several years as an Administrator. Her interest in different cultures deepened through travel and her involvement with an international organization.

Now a trained TESOL instructor, Barb is passionate about helping immigrants improve their English and gain confidence in their communication skills. She brings a thoughtful, learner-centered approach to her work, drawing on both personal experience and professional training.

In her spare time, Barb enjoys baking, watching movies, spending time with family, and relaxing at home.

Iryna is originally from Ukraine and moved to Canada in 2023. She holds a Master’s degree in International Economics. In her spare time, she enjoys reading detective stories and exploring the beautiful nature of Canada. After living in Manitoba and experiencing firsthand that the province lives up to its slogan, “Friendly Manitoba,” she is inspired to support immigrants in finding jobs and introducing them to the warmth and beauty of Manitoba.

Magali is originally from Mexico. She emigrated with her husband and three kids to Canada in December of 2022, so they were introduced to Canadian winters immediately! Before starting with EIS as a HIPPY Home Visitor, Magali enjoyed participating in the HIIPY program as a client. In her spare time, she enjoys playing and watching Disney movies with her children. Magali says she loves living in Steinbach because it is a peaceful place and people in the community help each other.

With roots in Kenya and Rwanda, Sarah is currently married with one child and resides in La Broquerie, MB. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from Ste Mary’s University in Halifax, NS, as well as a Missionary and Evangelism Diploma from Mount Hope Bible Training institute in Lansing, Michigan, USA. Sarah is an author and has written two books, “Miracle Escape” and “The Teenager’s Progress.” She loves to help other people and her golden rule is “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Keitel is originally from the Philippines and has a Bachelor degree in Information Technology. She worked in various software development companies which focus on areas of quality assurance and project management. Keitel immigrated with her spouse to Canada in May 2013. She was introduced to Manitoba Start, an organization that helps newcomers settle, joined language training programs and employment preparation. Determined to do the same to others, she is paying it forward and serves as an Employment Facilitator at EIS (Eastman Immigrant Services), which has been momentous and transformative! Being of service to others is what brings true happiness.

Andrii grew up in Ukraine and also lived in Turkey, Istanbul briefly before moving to Canada with his wife in 2022. He received a degree in Computer Systems from Cherkasy Stage Technological University in 2017. Andrii loves living in Steinbach because of the kind people, the peacefulness, and the beauty of winter (when it’s not -35, of course!). He enjoys helping people and getting to know new people.

Tiffany lives in Landmark, Manitoba with her husband and two daughters. Born and raised in Manitoba, Tiffany moved to the Dominican Republic to teach English after graduating high school where she met and married her husband, Juan. They resided in the beautiful coastal town of Montecristi, Dominican Republic for 4 years before immigrating back to Canada. Tiffany received her TESOL certification from Providence University College and has worked as both an English and Spanish instructor. Most recently, she worked as an Educational Assistant for Hanover School Division. Having worked directly with newcomer students in schools, Tiffany is passionate about finding ways to help students find confidence and connection in their new schools while also celebrating the strength found in uniquity, language and culture. She has walked alongside friends, family and community members during their immigration journeys and wants to help facilitate this transition for as many newcomer families as possible. In her spare time, Tiffany enjoys creating art with her daughters, family movie nights and playing volleyball.

Camilo Garzon was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, and holds a professional degree in Politics and International Relations from Sergio Arboleda University. He relocated to Canada in 2022 with his wife and has been living in Steinbach since 2024.

His passion for teaching has driven his career in the education sector since 2018, where he has successfully helped hundreds of students and their families improve their academic outcomes. In Canada, he has channeled this passion into assisting newcomer youth and their families in navigating the Canadian educational system.

In his free time, Camilo enjoys playing the drums, engaging in volleyball, and traveling to experience new places and cultures. He is also a keen enthusiast of board games and video games.

Marjut is originally from Finland. She emigrated with her husband and three kids and dog to Canada on January 2024. She has a Bachelor degree in Business Administration and she also completed her studies as a practical nurse in field of Care and Upbringing of Children and Young People. She enjoys being in nature, participating in any sports activities, spending time with her family and meeting new people. One of her mottos is “Work for what you believe in.”

Emily was born and raised in Canada. Two of her greatest passions in life include music and learning about and experiencing different cultures. She completed her BA in Vocal Performance in 2017 and spent 5 years teaching voice lessons in Morden, Winkler, and Carman. While living in Morden Emily also worked for two years as a Settlement Worker in Schools with the Western School Division. Her passion for settlement work was ignited and has now led her to relocate to Steinbach/EIS. Working in settlement continues to deepen her love for culture and strengthen her commitment to supporting newcomer families. In her spare time, Emily enjoys singing and performing with choirs or small stage productions, as well as spending time outdoors or at home with her dog, Clove.

Jean – from the Philippines- moved to Canada all by herself in 2016. Before migrating, she was a university graduate with Science degree in Hospitality Management. Jean worked in a hotel industry at the age of 19. She was then 26, when she solely seized the opportunity to be a resident of Canada thru sponsorship. Jean eventually built a new life in Manitoba – got married, started a family, and found success. Now, Jean is paying it forward by helping people navigate their own journey just as she did and she had with Eastman Immigrant Services. Jean also has passion for cooking. In her spare time, she enjoys spending it with her husband and playing with her daughter- Cessna and dog named Tiny.

Ivanna was born and raised in Ukraine and lived in Georgia and Turkey. Her academic background is International Relations. She is a Graduate of Central European University (Budapest-Vienna), where she carried out research on immigrant integration in Portugal and Spain.

For over 10 years, Ivanna worked with university students in Georgia, helping them with registering for educational programs, exchange and scholarship opportunities in Europe and worldwide.

When Ivanna and her family arrived in Canada, Manitoba became their new home. She is immensely grateful to the people here for their kindness, support, and readiness to help. Being part of Eastman Immigrant Services is a dream come true for Ivanna, as she is able to contribute to the community that is now home for her. In her free time, Ivanna enjoys long walks in nature with family, hiking, travelling, attending ballet and theatre performances.

Donna is originally from England, where she achieved a BA Honours in Journalism. She started her career in the healthcare field working as a medical secretary, first in a medical center and then in a specialized cancer hospital. Donna emigrated with her husband and young son to Canada in the fall of 2017, which provided them with a short period of time to acclimatize before their first Canadian winter! Before joining the EIS HIPPY program, Donna was a stay at home mom, looking after her two young children. In her spare time, Donna enjoys reading, playing with her children and going on adventures to explore Manitoba and its wildlife.

Maria moved to Steinbach, Manitoba, in 2023 and has been building her life and career in Canada ever since. She is a proud mother of four boys and enjoys spending time with her family. In her free time, Maria loves going fishing with her husband and oldest son, as well as enjoying family outings and making memories together.

Maria has a background in education. She holds a degree in English Language Teaching and worked as an English teacher in Ukraine before moving to Canada. She previously worked as a Settlement Worker in Schools, supporting newcomer students and families and helping them feel more comfortable and connected within their school communities.

Maria has now transitioned into a new position within the organization. She is excited about this new chapter, continuing to grow professionally, learn new skills, and contribute to the community.