My Work Sits Where People Meet Public Systems.
I'm Maddi, a social services professional in Guelph-Wellington. I help individuals find their way through programs and services, and I care just as much about making those systems clearer, fairer and easier to use.
My Path
My path started in front-line public service. I spent five years with Primaris Management at Stone Road Mall, first in guest services and then in operations, where I managed large-scale property projects and improved internal processes. I've also served as a Deputy Returning Officer with Elections Canada in 2019, 2021 and 2025.
In 2023, I joined 2nd Chance Employment Counselling, where I spent two years running the employment resource centre in our downtown Guelph office, which serves more than 5,000 people a year. Since November 2025, I've worked as a 1:1 Employment Counsellor under Ontario's Individualized Employment Services program, supporting a caseload of 250+ people through programs like Ways2Work, Women2Work and Better Jobs Ontario.
That work showed me how much a person's next step depends on whether the systems around them are within reach.
Along the way, I built a foundation in public policy and social services management, so I understand both the person in front of me and the system around them.
How I Work
Before anyone is an employee, they are a human being first.
I keep that in mind in every conversation. My approach is trauma-informed, strengths-based and client-centred. I meet people where they are, listen closely, and connect them with the right resources to move forward, whatever that looks like for them. I believe in transparency, authenticity and leaving people better than I found them.
Why This Work Matters To Me
I grew up navigating the impacts of poverty and mental health challenges, so I know firsthand how systemic and personal barriers can shake a person's confidence and sense of what's possible. That experience is a big part of why I do this work, and why I meet every person where they are.
You can't choose the cards you were dealt, just how you play the hand.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts, Social and Applied Human ScienceUniversity of Guelph
- Public Policy and Administration CertificateUniversity of Guelph
- Graduate Certificate, Community and Social Services ManagementMohawk College
- Career Development Professional courseworkConestoga College
What I'm Working On Now
- Building toward a leadership role in community and public services
- Growing my skills in public policy, nonprofit leadership and advocacy
Recommendations
I've had the opportunity to work alongside Madison for the past few years, and honestly, she never stops amazing me. She's incredibly intelligent and knowledgeable, especially when it comes to politics, management, marketing, and content creation. She has this natural ability to turn ideas into something meaningful and engaging, and you can truly see the passion she puts into her work.
What stands out even more than her talent, though, is the kind of person she is. Madison is a genuine leader, someone people naturally gravitate toward because she's caring, supportive, collaborative, and authentic. She leads with both confidence and compassion, and she always makes the people around her feel valued, heard, and supported.
One of the things I admire most about Madison is her passion for working with vulnerable people. She approaches everyone with empathy, understanding, and respect, and she has a unique ability to connect with people in a way that makes them feel safe and empowered. Her collaborative nature and genuine care for others make her not only an exceptional professional, but also someone who truly makes a positive impact in the lives of the people she works with.
It's rare to meet someone who is not only exceptionally talented, but also such a genuinely good human being. Madison brings creativity, heart, integrity, and purpose into everything she does, and anyone who works with her is better for it.
Colleague
I have had the pleasure of working alongside Maddi for almost two years now, and I can confidently say she's an indispensable part of our 2nd Chance team. Maddi wears many hats, and somehow makes it all look effortless.
Her Canva skills are nothing short of exceptional; every resource she creates is beautifully designed, thoughtfully written, and perfectly formatted. (Let's just say, if Canva had a Hall of Fame, Maddi would have her own wing.)
Former Colleague
I've had the pleasure of working alongside Maddi at 2nd Chance for the last 2+ years, and I can confidently say she is one of the most dedicated and resourceful professionals I've encountered.
Maddi brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her role as the first point of contact in our resource centre. Her ability to connect clients with the right tools, services, and training opportunities is outstanding. Whether it's resume support, job search strategies, or navigating community resources, Maddi approaches each task with professionalism, patience, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.
Manager
I'd love to hear from you.
Whether it's a role, a partnership or a project, let's talk.