Susan Arscott is our Custom Training Partnerships Lead and an experienced advisor on professional development, upskilling, and management and leadership development. She manages our relationships with employers and partners and is committed to supporting growth and excellence within these organizations.

Susan works with employers and associations from all industries to develop training programs and courses for groups who have similar training needs. Susan is skilled at working with employers to identify training needs and propose solutions to advance the skill set of the group.

Prior to joining Gardiner Centre, she worked as an Investment Advisor for 5 years.  Susan enjoys exploring Newfoundland and Labrador in the company of family and friends.

Pearce Burton is our Professional Development Advisor and a graduate of the Bachelor of Business Administration program at Memorial University. He is currently pursuing his MBA and is committed to providing excellent service to both new and existing clients, always striving to identify the best strategies to support growth and excellence within their organizations.

Pearce has a background in customer service, having previously worked with RSA Canada, Johnson Insurance, and NL Classifieds. He is also a former MUCEP student with Gardiner Centre and spent time with Memorial University’s Conference & Events Services team, where he further developed his marketing, research, and technical skills.

Originally from Torbay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Pearce enjoys playing video games and spending time outdoors, with interests including soccer, golf, and snowboarding.

Chelsie Coles is our Training Coordinator with experience in experiential learning and program coordination. She is committed to delivering high-quality professional development and creating engaging learning experiences for employees and employers across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Chelsie holds a BA and Certificate in Indigenous Studies from Memorial University, a BFA from NSCAD, and a Diploma in Textiles from College of the North Atlantic.

Prior to joining Gardiner Centre, Chelsie worked in a non-profit event and training social enterprise, with experience in business administration, manufacturing, and sales. They also spent several seasons working with their father as a lobster shareman, shaping their practical, community-focused approach.

Comfortable in both a boat and a boardroom, Chelsie is from the Great Northern Peninsula and enjoys sports, home renovations, and time with her Great Bernese, Imogene.

Valerie Howe is our Director and an experienced leader skilled in strategic planning, business development, strategic marketing, team building.  She is committed to excellence in professional development teaching and learning and focused on meeting the needs of employees and employers across throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Prior to joining Gardiner Centre, Valerie worked in business development and account management for an IT company and as an industrial benefits specialist and economic policy advisor with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Valerie is a Memorial University alumna and started her career at the university’s P.J. Gardiner Institute.  She returned to Team Memorial after 24 years in the public and private sector. She is an avid community volunteer and a current and past board member of a number of not for profit organizations.

Tanya is our Training Assistant, providing essential administrative and coordination support to ensure the smooth delivery of Gardiner Centre’s professional development courses and programs. With a strong background in Tourism & Hospitality Management and Human Resources Management, she brings an organized, people-focused approach to supporting learners, instructors, and the broader team.

Tanya’s experience and education equip her to manage logistics, communications, and day-to-day operational details that contribute to a positive and efficient learning experience.

Outside of work, Tanya is an ultra-marathon runner and a proud dog mom, often balancing long training runs with quality time outdoors with her four-legged companion.

Melissa Kelly is our Open Enrollment Partnerships Lead bringing many years of experience in project management, operations, business development, sales, and marketing to the team. She is committed to building and maintaining partnerships with new and existing open enrollment clients, organizations, and industry associations by providing expert advice to support both strategic organizational growth and individual career advancement.

Melissa began her career at Gardiner Centre and has significant experience in all areas of the centre’s business.

Melissa is a Memorial University alumna and enjoys travelling, hiking on the East Coast Trail, and spending time with her two dachshunds.

Robert McNeily is our Accounting Clerk bringing decades of experience in accounts payable, accounts receivable, and financial reporting. He is committed to excellence in customer service and ensuring timely and accurate transactions.

Prior to joining Gardiner Centre, Robert provided accounting services in the private sector and is a dedicated community volunteer.

Robert is a Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic alumna. He resides in the downtown area near Signal Hill Campus and his great grandfather was a tower keeper at Cabot Tower before Newfoundland joined Canada. He enjoys woodworking and repairing and replicating antiques. 

Ashley Wright is our Marketing Advisor bringing years of experience in branding, social media and website management, content development, and marketing planning. Ashley is dedicated in presenting Gardiner Centre offerings to our market in a clear and meaningful way. She skilfully presents information on courses, programs, and events to assist learners in matching training to their professional development needs.

Prior to joining Gardiner Centre, Ashley worked as Marketing Advisor for Memorial University’s Botanical Garden and Johnson Geo Centre. She also taught at an elementary school level for 2yrs.

Ashley has been involved in Girl Guides of Canada (GGC) for 3 decades. Currently the PR Comms Adviser with GGC-NL, she recently finished a 4-yr term as Deputy Provincial Commissioner. She also serves as Marketing Communications Director on the Board of cheerNL. Ashley is a trained ballroom/Latin dancer, a Disney enthusiast and mom to 4 cats.