Our Speakers
Our speakers aren't just experts; they're here to share ideas that can change the game in long-term and continuing care. Expect to leave with fresh, practical insights on how to make a real difference in the lives of our seniors, in the senior care community.
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Kevin Chief
Kevin Chief is Principal of Chief Partnerships Manitoba Incorporated. He is currently Community Ambassador for the Southern Chiefs' Organization, chairperson for the Centre of Aboriginal Human Resource Development Inc., and Senior Advisor at True North Sports and Entertainment. Kevin brings a commitment to community and leadership development through his dedication to education, training, and employment.
Born and raised in Winnipeg’s North End, he has considerable public sector and community experience. He served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, representing Point Douglas, and was appointed to Cabinet as Minister of Children and Youth Opportunities in 2012, Minister responsible for the City of Winnipeg in 2013, and Minister of Jobs and the Economy in 2014. Following public service, Kevin was the Vice President at the Business Council of Manitoba. Chief is the co-founder of the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre.
Kevin and his wife Melanie have three young sons: Hayden, Kellan, and Daxton. He is a member of Minegoziibe Anishinabe First Nation (Pine Creek) and also known as a high steppin’ square dancer as a part of the Norman Chief Memorial Dancers.
Sharing our Diverse Journey in Foodservice
Brigitte Banman, Director of Support Services, Rest Haven Care Home
I have been working at Rest Haven Care Home for 32 years. Started in the housekeeping department, and for the last 20 years, I moved into the Director of Support Services position. We went through a large building project that took us from 60 residents to 143 residents from 2019 – 2023.
Laurie Cerqueti, Chief Executive Officer, Simkin Centre
Brian Emmerton, Preseident, Complete Purchsaing Services
Brian has been with the Avendra Group/Aramark for over 30 years and currently serves as President for Complete Purchasing Services Inc, Canada’s leading purchasing solutions provider, a company that specializes in saving time and money for clients through a combination of procurement & program solutions for their operations.
Brian Emmerton is a Registered Dietitian and a graduate of Ryerson University with a Bachelor’s degree in Food, Nutrition, & Consumer Studies. Brian also holds a diploma with honours in Food Service Supervision from the University of Guelph-Kemptville College. He is a credentialed Food Executive with the Canadian Association of Foodservice Professionals, a certified Long Term Care Administrator, and has over 30 years of executive leadership and management in food & support services for healthcare and senior living.
Brian is also the executive sponsor for Aramark Canada’s Nutrition and Wellness Task Force, a cross company multidisciplinary team that works on health initiatives to enrich and nourish the lives of our clients. He is also co-chair of the GS1 Foodservice board in Canada.
Jason Kohoko, South East Personal Care Home
Ronald “Jason” Kohoko, born and raised on Peguis First Nation. With over 10 years of nursing experience. Jason has worked at Southeast PCH his entire nursing career, along with other PCH’s and Selkirk Surgery. Prior to nursing Jason was a volunteer firefighter with Peguis Fire Department. Jason has coached many years in hockey. Jason has a passion for the outdoors and enjoys hunting and fishing. By combining all of these interests, Jason has used these experiences in his nursing career involving all the physical, spiritual and mental health of Aboriginal Elders of Southeast PCH. Jason is also the Chair of the Indigenous Cultural Committee. The committee gives suggestions on how to bring and enhance Aboriginal culture into the Elders' daily lives in their home at Southeast Personal Care Home.
Opening the Door for Rainbow Folks
Roberta Bishop is a proud member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and a lifelong advocate for inclusion, equity, and connection. With a B.A., B.Ed., and P.B.C.E., her career has spanned education, tech, and operations across both public and private sectors. She brings calm leadership and a practical, community-minded approach to everything she does—from managing complex systems to supporting safe, affirming spaces. With deep Maritime roots and international experience, Roberta now calls Manitoba home. She actively volunteers with organizations like Kids Fest, Vision Quest, TREC VOICES, and St. Luke’s Parish Council, and is passionate about building stronger, more inclusive communities for all.
Dene Guillas (he/they) is a proud Two-Spirit, transgender, and pansexual man, father, and husband. With over 20 years of experience in the education field—13 of those in the non-profit sector—Dene has dedicated the last 5 years leading the Rainbow Resource Centre's education team in driving meaningful change. A passionate advocate for reconnecting with his Indigenous culture, Dene also brings diverse expertise in sports, education, child and family services, family planning, adoption, older adults, childcare, industrial trades, and transgender healthcare. His storytelling and knowledge open doors to healing, reflection, and meaningful growth, fostering inclusivity in every space he occupies.
Enhancing Psychological Health and Safety Utilizing P.A.R.T Strategies
Jess Selby, Safety Advisor
Teaghan Sampson, Safety Advisor
Alvin Law
Alvin Law is an international keynote speaker, 2-time Hall of Fame recipient, Emmy Award winner, world-class musician, and best-selling author. In his 40+ years of public speaking, Alvin has entertained more than 2 million people across 5 different continents. His incredible true story inspires audiences to explore their lives with greater imagination and transform their obstacles into amazing opportunities. When he’s not on stage, Alvin loves mastering sports video games and prides himself on being the best driver in his family. He shares his life with his wife and business partner, Darlene; his adult son, Vance; and assorted pets. They all live in beautiful Calgary, Canada.