Our Team

Judith Humphrey
Bart Egnal
Brenda Allen
Rob Borg-Olivier
Cynthia Ward

Jessica Chmilar
Elena Kovarsky
Fang Yu

Judith Humphrey President

Judith is founder and president of The Humphrey Group. In 1988 she launched The Humphrey Group as the first Canadian firm to focus on teaching top executives to be effective speakers. The firm has grown and the range of courses has broadened, with an increasing emphasis on teaching leaders at all levels how to influence and inspire. Judith received an M.A. in English from The University of Rochester and taught communications at York University before entering the business world. Judith's vision drives the company and makes it the brand of choice for so many leaders.

Rob Borg-Olivier Vice President

Rob is a member of our management team and is based in Toronto. He is a strong business builder who develops enterprise-wide programs for leaders and their teams around the world. In addition to his work in Canada, Rob has worked with clients in Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. He is a superb coach and instructor who has delivered group seminars, one on one coaching and communications consulting to organizations including Goldcorp, TAQA, TD Bank, CIBC, Enbridge, PSP Investments and others in both private and public sectors. Rob is spearheading our expansion into Latin America, and is leading and developing our team of consultants based in Mexico City. Before joining The Humphrey Group in 2006, Rob spent several years with a Canadian investor relations firm, where he worked with executives to help them communicate more effectively. Previously he had been at a major Canadian bank. He holds an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto.

Cynthia Ward Vice President

Cynthia builds business partnerships for the firm. She was instrumental in developing The Humphrey Group's partnerships with The Niagara Institute and with Women in Capital Markets. She has brought Taking the Stage® to global clients and Canadian customers. She has been with The Humphrey Group since 2000, and previously was a sales executive at Nortel Networks and a director of marketing at Bell.

Vanessa AvRuskin Senior Consultant

Vanessa is an outstanding instructor who provides inspiring seminars and one-on-one coaching to The Humphrey Group's clients. She has developed strong relationships with the public and private sectors, notably the Office of the Auditor General of Canada, Hydro One, Bell Canada, and CIBC. She has also led a variety of programs, including Taking the Stage, Speaking as a Leader, Persuasive Presentations and Communication for the Senior Leader. Vanessa joined The Humphrey Group in 2005. She is a graduate of McGill University.

Linda Griffiths Senior Consultant

Linda is a superb course director, instructor, and one-on-one coach who has worked extensively with the firm's clients in a broad range of industries and on several continents. She has won rave reviews as a course director for the firm's seminar for women, Taking the Stage®. She has been with the firm since 1995. Linda is an accomplished playwright and an experienced stage and film actor, Linda has written twelve published plays, including the iconic Maggie & Pierre. Her unique writing experience is invaluable when working with our clients.

Adam Growe Consultant

Adam works with the firm's clients and is a talented and engaging instructor who brings presence and a sense of humour to the seminars. Adam owes much of his gift for leading seminars to his extensive background as an actor and comedic performer. He is a Gemini-nominated TV-host, with more than 20 years experience in radio, comedy and television. Adam has been with The Humphrey Group since 2008 and graduated with a B.A. from the University of Toronto.

Nicky Guadagni Senior Consultant

Nicky is an inspiring course director, one-on-one coach, and voice specialist. She is a lead instructor for The Humphrey Group's Taking the Stage and Succeeding on Stage programs for women. She has also taught Speaking as a Leader and other courses offered by The Humphrey Group. Her teaching has brought her to clients as far away as Mexico and Ireland. She has worked with Wal-Mart, Google, HSBC, Bruce Power, TD and RBC, among others. She has been with The Humphrey Group since 1995. Nicky is a graduate of Dawson College in Montreal, and studied theatre arts at R.A.D.A. in London, England.

Jason Weinberg Senior Consultant

Jason provides private coaching and group workshops for the firm's clients in a broad range of industries. He has been with The Humphrey Group since 2006, and holds degrees from McGill University and the Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at Harvard University. Jason has also worked extensively in stage and television in the United States and Canada. His television credits include The Sopranos, Law and Order, and NYPD Blue.

Jocelyne Zucco Senior Consultant

Jocelyne is Senior Consultant with The Humphrey Group, providing group and private instruction to the firm's clients. Fully bilingual, Jocelyne works across Canada and in Mexico coaching clients in both English and French. She has been with The Humphrey Group since 2006. She is an accomplished actress, performing across Canada in theatre, film, radio and television. Her credits include the feature film "Funkytown" and "Sister Mary Explains it All" and appearances in the television series "18 to Life", "Doc" and "Urban Angel." Jocelyne is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario.

Adam Bradley Consultant

Adam Bradley is a Consultant with The Humphrey Group. He joined the firm in 2010, and provides seminars that engage and inspire participants. In addition to his work with The Humphrey Group, he is an actor, writer, director, and teacher of both acting and voice. Prior to joining The Humphrey Group, Adam worked for a Toronto-based investment bank. He holds a Diploma from the Atlantic Acting Conservatory in New York, as well as an M.A. in Philosophy from the University of British Columbia.

Jennifer Deane Consultant

Jennifer provides one-on-one coaching, group training and consults on ancillary projects for the firm's clients. Before joining The Humphrey Group, Jennifer spent several years as an executive coach, facilitator and consultant to a broad spectrum of North American clients. Jennifer's experience in the design, implementation and assessment of employee and leadership development initiatives enables her to support clients in executing coaching and training programs that will achieve maximum impact in their organization. Jennifer earned her BA from The University of Western Ontario in Sociology and her Professional Certified Coach designation from The Coaches Training Institute.

David Ferry Consultant

David works with the firm's clients as a course leader and seminar instructor. David, who joined the firm in 2007, brings tremendous energy, warmth, and intellect to his teaching. In addition to his work with The Humphrey Group, David is also one of Canada's most respected actors and theatre directors, and has played on and off Broadway. He is also a three-time DORA winner, for acting, directing and design and is a GENIE-nominated film actor.

Maggie Huculak Consultant

Maggie is a coach, instructor, and voice specialist. Her main focus is the firm's Taking the Stage® program. Maggie has led the firm's seminars for women in Hong Kong, the US, and Mexico. Maggie has been with The Humphrey Group since 2004 and has an acclaimed acting background in theatre, television, radio and film. She earned her B.A. and teaching degree at the University of Saskatchewan.

Kate Lynch Consultant

Kate provides speech coaching, voice coaching and group seminars to the firm's clients. She is a talented and vibrant instructor, who has been with the firm since 1996. She is also an award winning actress with years of experience in film, television, and on stage. Besides working with The Humphrey Group, Kate also teaches voice and text at the Stratford and Shaw Festivals. She has an honors degree from the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, England.

Bart Egnal Senior Vice President and Partner

Bart heads the firm's Vancouver office, where he has developed a talented team and built impressive relationships with a broad array of distinguished clients in western Canada and the US. He designs and delivers customized communications courses for leaders and their teams, and is responsible for leading the firm's growing practice in regulatory communications. He graduated with high distinction from the University of Toronto, earning his Honours B.A. in History.

Brenda Allen Vice President

Based out of the Vancouver office, Brenda provides one-on-one and group training to clients while also building relationships globally. Since joining The Humphrey Group in 2010, she has worked with senior leaders at major companies such as Suncor, Microsoft, KPMG, HSBC, CP Rail, FortisBC, Agrium, and Cenovus. Passionate about developing women, Brenda has played a lead role in helping organizations such as HSBC, Microsoft and Goldcorp support their female talent through The Humphrey Group's Taking the Stage® program. Prior to joining The Humphrey Group, Brenda spent several years consulting corporate and Government organizations in the area of strategy, organizational development and communications. She has a BA in psychology from Saint Mary's University and an M.B.A. in Management Consulting from Royal Roads University.

Aram Arslanian Senior Consultant

Aram is a Senior Consultant with The Humphrey Group's Vancouver office who provides one-to-one coaching and group training, while also building relationships globally. Prior to joining The Humphrey Group Aram spent 10 years working as a Clinical Counsellor in British Columbia's not-for-profit sector. He also founded a successful record label. Aram's performance background - he is an experienced public speaker and musician who has performed internationally makes him uniquely capable of helping clients achieve a confident presence. He has a B.A. in English Literature and Psychology from the University of British Columbia and is in the process of completing his M.A. in Counseling Psychology.

Dan Dumsha Senior Consultant

Dan is a Senior Consultant with The Humphrey Group, leading seminars, workshops and one-on-one sessions. Dan has been with the firm since 2009. He studied theatre and education at Queen's University and holds a BAH and B.Ed in Drama and English. Dan has performed with theatre companies across Canada. He continues to pursue work in film and television.

Diana Pavlovská Consultant

Diana Pavlovská is a Consultant, who provides group training and coaching to clients, with a primary focus on the firm's Taking the Stage® program for women. Based in Vancouver, Diana draws on many years of experience in film, television (where she was nominated for a Gemini) and theatre to help clients achieve a polished, confident presence. Diana studied Drama at the University of Regina, and advanced acting, voice and movement programs in both Canada and the United States. Diana also owns a professional teaching company that continues to train actors across Canada.

Ben Leavenworth Consultant

As a Senior Consultant (Consultor Sénior) Ben Leavenworth teaches courses and provides coaching in Spanish for The Humphrey Group's clients. Based in Philadelphia, Ben has been delivering exceptional training since 2008, and has built strong relationships with the firm's clients in Mexico and Latin America. In addition to his work with The Humphrey Group Ben is the Honorary Consul of Chile.

Patrick Larrea Consultant

Patrick is a Consultant with The Humphrey Group, and is based in the firm's Vancouver office. Patrick provides group training and one-on-one coaching in English and Spanish. He has delivered programs and built relationships with the firm's clients in North America as well as Mexico and Latin America. Patrick has a BA in Architectural Design and earned his MBA from Simon Fraser University. Prior to joining The Humphrey Group he managed a real estate development and construction firm in Ecuador-South America.

Gregor Jeffrey Senior Consultant

Based in Calgary, Gregor leads seminars, provides private coaching and builds business relationships in Alberta. With a background in proposal management in the high technology sector, he brings a commitment to clear and persuasive communication to his teaching. Prior to joining The Humphrey Group, Gregor founded a consulting practice in Europe that helped major defence and aerospace contractors identify and win new business in the United Kingdom, France and Spain. He holds an Honours B.A. in History from the University of Calgary.

Jessica Chmilar Manager of Corporate Services

Jessica Chmilar is The Humphrey Group's Manager of Corporate Services. Based in the firm's Vancouver office, she handles the company finances while also working with management on budgeting, forecasting and tracking. She also is responsible for ensuring the firm has sound business practices in crucial areas such as hiring, onboarding, compensation, and IT. Prior to joining The Humphrey Group Jessica spent 10 years working in the oil and gas sector. She has a BA in Psychology from the University of British Columbia.

Fang Yu Communications Coordinator

Fang is the Communications Editor for The Humphrey Group. Based in the Toronto office, she provides administrative and editorial support to the President, Judith Humphrey, and handles the logistics and registration for all open enrollment courses in Eastern Canada. Prior to joining The Humphrey Group, Fang worked on various publications such as Ladies Home Journal and Paper magazine. She earned her BA in Fashion Theory and Communication Design from Parsons the New School of Design in New York City.

Kristine Sostar Communications Coordinator

Kristine is a Communications Coordinator with The Humphrey Group. Based in the Vancouver office, she is responsible for handling all the logistics required for the successful delivery of the firm's programs. She was drawn to The Humphrey Group after learning about their Taking the Stage® program which empowers women as leaders in the workplace. Kristine studied English Literature at the University of British Columbia (where she earned her BA) and is currently completing her Master of Publishing degree from Simon Fraser University.

Elena Kovarsky Communications Coordinator

Elena is a Communications Coordinator, based in The Humphrey Group's Vancouver office. She works with clients and the firm's consultants to coordinate course logistics, ensuring courses and programs run smoothly. Building strong client relationships is fundamental to her work. Prior to joining The Humphrey Group, Elena worked in the not-for-profit sector. She holds a BA in International Relations from the University of British Columbia, and is fluent in English and Russian.

Elissa Lansdell Consultant

Elissa Lansdell is a Consultant with The Humphrey Group. Drawing on her performance background, she helps the firm's clients achieve a leader's presence in both one-on-one coaching and group seminars. Prior to joining the firm, Elissa was a host, writer and producer for Country Music Television. She holds an Honours BA in Political Science and English from the University of Toronto.

Devon Bolton Senior Consultant

Based in Calgary, Devon leads group seminars, provides one-on-one coaching and forges business relationships in Alberta and beyond. Devon's extensive business background in brand strategy and communications is strengthened and diversified by his years of experience as a writer and director for film and television. This unique background allows Devon to understand real-world business challenges as he helps clients develop strong messages and a leadership presence. Devon holds a B.A. in History from the University of Calgary and is currently completing his M.B.A. at Queen's University.

Christophe Leroy Consultant

Based in Mexico City, Christophe is a Consultant with The Humphrey Group who delivers group training and one-on-one coaching to the firm's clients in Mexico and South America. Christophe has an extensive background as a business and strategy consultant and has worked with senior leaders both in government and the private sector. He is a native French and English speaker and is fluent in Spanish and Dutch. Christophe earned a Master of Arts degree in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and a B.A. in Applied Economics magna cum laude from University of Antwerp in Belgium.

Francisco Cassina Consultant

Based in Mexico City, Francisco is a Consultant with The Humphrey Group. Fluent in both Spanish and English, he delivers seminars and coaching to the firm's clients in Mexico and Latin America. Francisco has a degree in Law from Universidad San Martin de Porres (USMP) in Lima-Peru, and has earned the designation of certified Business Coach with the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches.

Noah Drew Consultant

Noah Drew is a Consultant with The Humphrey Group based in Montreal. Drawing on his performance background, he works with clients through group programs and one-on-one coaching to help them achieve a confident and authentic leadership presence. Noah has worked in North America and Europe as an actor, teacher, director and sound designer, and is a certified vocal coach. He has a B.F.A. from Simon Fraser University and an M.F.A from Temple University.

Sarah Gravel Consultant

Sarah Gravel is a Consultant with The Humphrey Group, delivering group programs and one-on-one coaching to the firm's clients. Based in Montreal, she is a native French speaker. Sarah has a strong performance background, having performed on the stage and screen in both French and English. Drawing on her theatre skills, Sarah works with our clients to enable them to develop and express a confident and strong leadership presence. She has her B.A. in Acting from UQÀM.

Rae Farrer Consultant

Based in Calgary, Rae provides group training and private coaching to the firm's clients. Rae blends a strong background in business where she spent a decade in the pharmaceutical industry with a strong set of acting credentials. This union of skills enables her to help clients achieve business results by communicating with a confident yet genuine presence. In addition to her work with The Humphrey Group Rae continues work in film and television. Rae has a BSc in Biological Sciences and a BA in English Literature from the University of Windsor.

Irene (Quiti) Vera Consultant

Quiti is a Consultant with The Humphrey Group. Based in Mexico City, she provides group training and courses for the firm's clients in Mexico and Latin America, with a focus on Taking the Stage® and Succeeding on Stage® for women. In addition to her expertise as a coach and instructor, Quiti draws on her artistic background as a composer, singer and producer to create a powerful learning experience. Quiti has a CBC designation from WABC (Worldwide Association of Business Coaches) in Executive Coaching. She is fluent in Spanish, English, and French.

James Ramsay Consultant

James provides one-on-one coaching and group training for the firm's clients. He is passionate about helping clients to develop their communication skills and draws on his extensive experience as a freelance writer and editor when doing so. Before joining The Humphrey Group, he held a series of progressive roles in pharmaceutical marketing agencies, working with clients to design and deliver continuing medical education programs. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from McGill University and recently completed the Canadian Securities Course with Honours.