As Manitoba Possible kicks off our 75 year anniversary, we’re highlighting the people who make it possible. We began in 1950, grew to 80 staff by the mid-1960s, and today we’re a team of over 160, ranging from physiotherapists and speech-language pathologists to wheelchair repair technicians, recreation facilitators, and employment counsellors.

Our staff deliver client-centred care with unmatched dedication, making our communities and our province more accessible for all. We’re highlighting just a few of the amazing staff who make our work what it is today.

Introduce yourself! What do you do at Manitoba Possible?

I support a group of Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech Language Pathologists and an Audiology Team who work with children across the province in their homes, day cares and programs. I’ve been in this role for five years. Prior to that, I worked as a Speech Language Pathologist for 22 years at Manitoba Possible. One of my favourite parts of my job is meeting with staff to brainstorm how to best meet the needs of individual clients and families.

Can you share a favourite memory from your time working here?

There are so many. Professionally, I would say some of my favourite memories are when parents were taken aback by a new word or skill that their child did, especially when the parent made that happen. Those ‘aha’ moments are priceless. Personally, I am so grateful for the connections we’ve made with each other. A group of us travelled to a conference in Minneapolis many years ago. The content of the conference was incredible but we also shared so may laughs along the way.

If you could swap jobs with anyone in the organization for a week, who would it be?

I would swap jobs with Jaylene Irwin, Program Manager of Recreation, Leisure and Accessible Sport. That program touches lives in such a meaningful way, with the primary goal of people having fun. For me, I have always wanted our clients to be able to do the things they love with the people they love and Jaylene’s program fosters this in so many incredible ways.

As we celebrate 75 years, can you share your aspirations or hopes on our mission towards creating an inclusive and accessible society?

We have such a motivated and dynamic team at Manitoba Possible. This team, with strong leadership and a supportive board, is always advocating and looking at improving programs and services in an innovative way. Our new strategic priorities foster an environment that allows for growth through person centred service, innovation and sustainability. We have the opportunity to support people in doing what is meaningful to them and to be heard. By walking alongside our consumers, we can listen to what the barriers are and look for solutions together to make achieving their dreams truly accessible. It is an honour to walk this path.

Introduce yourself! What do you do at Manitoba Possible?

My role primarily focuses on accounts payable, month-end processes, and preparing financial reports. A typical day involves tasks such as reviewing and processing invoices, reconciling accounts and ensuring accurate financial reporting to support the organization's operations and mission.

Can you share a favourite memory from your time working here?

One of my favourite memories at Manitoba Possible is from my first year. I was excited to work on my first year-end process. It felt like a big milestone and a chance to prove myself. I put a lot of effort into making it a success. Looking back, it’s funny how my excitement has turned into a more experienced perspective. That first year taught me how important accuracy, hard work and taking on challenges are. It’s a memory that shows me how much I’ve grown and how meaningful my work is.

If you could swap jobs with anyone in the organization for a week, who would it be?

I’d choose to work as an Early Learning Consultant. It would be interesting to see how their role directly helps the people we serve. Trying their job for a week would give me a better understanding of how different roles in the organization, including my own, contribute to our mission.

As we celebrate 75 years, can you share your aspirations or hopes on our mission towards creating an inclusive and accessible society?

As Manitoba Possible celebrates 75 years, I hope we continue building a more inclusive and accessible community for everyone. I want to see the organization expand its reach and make a bigger impact. In my role, I focus on accurate and clear reporting to support our goals and keep trust strong.

Introduce yourself! What do you do at Manitoba Possible? 

In my role, I support newcomers with disabilities by helping them navigate essential services. Each day brings unique challenges and opportunities—whether it's guiding a client through the process of accessing a particular service or helping them communicate effectively with various systems. My goal is not only to assist them in the moment but also to empower them with the knowledge and skills to access these services independently in the future. 

Can you share a favourite memory from your time working here?

 Some of my favourite memories come from witnessing the incredible progress and life-changing moments experienced by the individuals and families I support. I’ve seen a mother and son communicate for the first time using sign language—a powerful and emotional milestone. I’ve celebrated with clients who had never attended school before, watching them graduate from high school and proudly receive their diplomas. One deaf client, who once faced significant barriers, is now working successfully as an auto mechanic. I’ll never forget the smile of a client who received a power wheelchair for the first time—gaining independent mobility and a new sense of freedom. And perhaps most touching of all are the smiles of children with autism when they connect meaningfully with their parents. These moments remind me every day why this work is so important.

If you could swap jobs with anyone in the organization for a week, who would it be? 

I would choose to work in the wheelchair department. I’m curious to see how they process applications and maintain the equipment. Mobility devices, especially wheelchairs, make a huge difference in the lives of our clients. When we’re able to provide someone with a power wheelchair, for example, it can be truly life-changing. I’d love to better understand the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making that possible.

As we celebrate 75 years, can you share your aspirations or hopes on our mission towards creating an inclusive and accessible society?

As we mark 75 years of dedicated service, my hope is that we continue to grow and expand our reach—ensuring that every Manitoban with a disability has access to the support they need, no matter where they live. My aspiration is that we secure the resources necessary to meet these needs and continue moving toward a truly inclusive and accessible Manitoba for all.

Introduce yourself! What do you do at Manitoba Possible?

A typical workday for me includes administering tests to clients, meeting with clients and their counsellors, scheduling meetings and assessments, writing and reviewing reports, and completing paperwork.

Can you share a favourite memory from your time working here?

Our team is close-knit and enjoys a good laugh, and our retired manager Erika had a great sense of humour. One time, I was chatting with a co-worker in her office when I heard Erika coming down the hallway to introduce the new admin assistant. In a quick moment of fun, I hid behind the door and then slowly emerged to surprise her. She laughed and jokingly said that if she'd known I was there, she would have slammed the door! And since that day, she always checked behind the door every time she went to that office!

If you could swap jobs with anyone in the organization for a week, who would it be?

If I could, I’d like to swap with one of the wheelchair technicians as their work makes a difference to thousands of wheelchair users every day and I quite enjoy hands-on work.

As we celebrate 75 years, can you share your aspirations or hopes on our mission towards creating an inclusive and accessible society?

As Manitoba Possible celebrates 75 years, I look forward to our continued progress in creating a more inclusive and accessible society. With our upcoming office move to a more accessible space, I’m hopeful it will further support equal participation and opportunity for everyone, regardless of ability.

**Krista**

Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor
25 years

Introduce yourself! What do you do at Manitoba Possible?

I am a Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor with the Westman Regional Office in Brandon. I have been working in this position and at this office for 25 years.

Can you share a favourite memory from your time working here?

My favourite memories are seeing the success of my clients who have reached their employment goals. I recently had the pleasure to work with a family who are new to Canada, originally from Afghanistan, and I was honoured to be able to support them with their plans/needs. They don’t have family in Canada or Brandon so I was very happy to be able to support them. They call us their Canadian family now.

If you could swap jobs with anyone in the organization for a week, who would it be?

If I could change jobs with anyone in the organization for a week I would love to do more work with Newcomers to Canada so I would pick the Newcomer Navigation Support Unit.

As we celebrate 75 years, can you share your aspirations or hopes on our mission towards creating an inclusive and accessible society?

My sincere hope is that there will be more services available in the future for people who live with a physical disability and that Manitoba Possible will be able to play a role in providing those services.

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