About Us

Mission

To empower people to find and keep the jobs they want, and employers to find the labour they need – to build better lives, better communities and a better world.

Vision

Creating prosperity and transforming communities through sustainable employment.

Values

Responsiveness, collaboration, inclusiveness, innovation, accountability.

What We Do

The Muskoka-Kawarthas Service System Manager (SSM) oversees all employment service providers in Haliburton County, City of Kawartha Lakes, District of Muskoka, Northumberland County, and Peterborough County and City.

Serving both job seekers and employers, the Muskoka-Kawarthas SSM assists our communities with locally responsive employment programs and services, with a goal to remove systemic barriers for clients and improve overall job retention.

By creating more opportunities for sustainable employment, the Muskoka-Kawarthas SSM aims to build prosperity within our communities and contribute to a strong regional economy that benefits everyone.

The Muskoka-Kawarthas SSM is funded by the Government of Ontario.

Meet Our Team

Shanthi Rajaratnam

Director, Workforce Development

Leads the SSM team/ Employment Service transformation at Fleming College. Over 10 years in Employment Services in Peterborough and Haliburton. Previous business owner in Haliburton County. MA in Leadership (UGuelph), B.Comm. (Ryerson)

Sarah Haase

Quality Assurance Specialist

Responsible for contract management, data and analysis, evaluation, performance management, systems (CaMS and Common Assessment)

Tammy Jinkerson

Career Content Curator

Provides best-in-class resources, enabling Service Providers in the SSM network to have the career and employment content needed to fully support their clients in gaining employment, and their employers in retaining workers.

Rebecca Wasson

Employment and Retention Specialist

Responsible for program and service development, implementation, and ongoing frontline support specifically for persons with disabilities and individuals with higher support needs.

Kanda Rodgers

Indigenous Career Consultant

Ensures cultural inclusion and appropriate content in SSM services and activities. Develops connections between Indigenous service providers and the SSM to improve employment services for Indigenous job-seekers.

Paula Walton

Public Relations Officer

Marketing and communications, employer/stakeholder relations and outreach, and event planning.

Joy Cyr

Administrative Assistant

Point of contact for employment service providers, responsible for frontline service for public inquiries and SSM team logistics.

Amritpal Singh

IT Analyst

Develops and implements technical solutions based on SSM business requirements and projects. Amrit has experience in IT infrastructure technologies and information security implementation and operations across private and public clouds.

Our Virtual Employment Advisors

Our Virtual Employment Advisors provide on-demand support to job seekers, employers, and community members via live chat and video conferencing. Advisors are available days, evenings and weekends to provide you with information about such topics as job search, resume and cover letter advice, job posting process, interview techniques, and many other career and employment related topics. Not sure if they can help? Just ask!

Serena Bevilacqua

Michelle Hennessey

Laura Hewitt

Lisah Palmateer

News

Muskoka-Kawarthas SSM expands local employment service with a new team of virtual advisors

(Peterborough, May 10, 2021) – With a high demand for employment support in the Muskoka-Kawarthas region and the need for virtual service throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Fleming College’s Muskoka-Kawarthas SSM has launched a new way for job seekers and employers to seek professional employment advice, online and on-demand. Read more

Fleming College launches new employment service for Muskoka-Kawarthas

Peterborough, ON (February 16, 2021) – A new employment service for Muskoka-Kawarthas takes a locally responsive approach to help employers find workers with the right skills, and job seekers find sustainable employment. As the Muskoka-Kawarthas Service System Manager (SSM), Fleming College has launched the Ontario Government’s prototype of streamlined employment services that will define the future of labour market support across the province. Read more