About ALSO
Alternative Learning Styles and Outlooks (ALSO) has been serving Ottawa adults and families since 1981. We pride ourselves on being a small program doing great things. We offer support to adults who feel they may not fit into more mainstream programs. We are able to offer a flexible, person centered approach to learning and skill development. As a small organization, we are nimble, responding to community needs as they arise. ALSO is about moving forward, making changes and building community.
In addition to the contribution of our staff team, ALSO is guided by a passionate volunteer Board of Directors. ALSO is supported by a number of skilled volunteers across program areas. We are thankful to have the shared energy and expertise of all of these wonderful people.
Executive Director
Kim Oastler
Kim has been the Executive Director of ALSO since 2009. She has the privilege of providing leadership and guidance to the ALSO staff team and Board of Directors. Kim has worked in the social service sector for over 30 years. She has a B.A. Honours in Psychology and an M. ED in Teaching and Learning from the University of Ottawa. Kim has lived in Ottawa most of her life. She has 6 children (all grown up now!) who also live in Ottawa. Kim is a serial optimist with a passion for learning. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, meditation, gardening, trail walks with her dog, Sunny and spending time with her family. Email Kim.
Board of Directors
ALSO is fortunate to have a small group of committed, talented people guiding the work that we do. Our volunteer Board of Directors follow a policy-based approach to governance, focusing its attention on broad issues rather than on day-to-day operations. In addition to fulfilling an advisory role, Board Members also volunteer their time to provide ALSO with skills-based expertise on an as-needed basis. These ALSO Champions all give generously of their time and expertise and we are grateful for each of their contributions.
Laura Hillier, President
Laura holds a BSc in Biology, an MSc in Epidemiology and the Canadian Evaluation Society’s Credentialed Evaluator (CE) designation. She is currently the Director of Population and Public Health, Evidence and Evaluation with the Yukon Government. Laura has a keen interest in research, evaluation, and performance measurement methodologies and is committed to the principles of evidence informed practice. She is also an equity, diversity, inclusion champion and joined the ALSO board given its focus on literacy, math, and life skills for otherwise underserved populations.
Michelle Segger, Vice-President
Michelle has a B.A. Honours in Political Science and English and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. She speaks English and French fluently and is using ALSO material among other tools to learn ASL fundamentals. Michelle is a federal public servant with experience in administration, human resources, and several policy areas (government operations, corrections, and Crown corporations). She is organized, action-oriented and brings passion to the projects she takes on. Michelle is an avid reader who frequently reads more than 100 books per year, so it is no surprise that she was attracted to an organization that promotes literacy.
Robert Mawoko, Treasurer
Robert is an accounting professional who currently works as a Financial Services Representative at The Liberal Party of Canada. He recently completed his Accounting studies in Australia before working for a few years as an SAP FICO Consultant. He recently completed his Chartered Professional Accounting studies and is looking to establish an Accounting firm in the near future. Robert joins the ALSO team because of his desire to help people with disabilities, which is something he has had from an early age. ALSO will benefit from his vast accounting knowledge in providing guidance on strategy and financial issues.
Lynn Asselin, Member at Large
Lynn began volunteering for ALSO fundraising events in 2007 and became a board member in 2013. Lynn became interested in literacy when, as a high school student in her hometown of Sudbury, she volunteered with a literacy centre for Francophone adults. For over twenty years, Lynn has been a public servant with the Government of Canada where she has worked on policies related to radio broadcasting, accessibility issues, Indigenous reconciliation and Official Languages Minority Communities. Lynn graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Film Studies.
Pavithra Raja, Member at Large
Pavithra is a seasoned software professional with an Engineering background, having more than a decade of experience working in Senior Engineering roles across varied industries. She recently completed her Master’s in Business Administration at Sprott School of Business. She is serving the community by volunteering in Educational institutions and NPOs. She holds the position of Assistant General Manager at SSCG, a student-led consultancy which focusses on catering experiential learning. ALSO’s mission to provide literacy programs for needy adult learners gravitated her interest to join this board. Her expertise in STEM helps the organization head towards the enhancement of digital platforms for diverse learners.
Joyce Chamas, Member at Large
Joyce is a dedicated professional with a rich background spanning continents, industries, and disciplines. Born in Dubai to Lebanese parents, she moved to Canada to pursue her Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry at Trent University. Her active involvement in student associations, including serving as treasurer and co-chair for the Trent International Student Association, earned her the Jack Matthews Award for outstanding commitment to internationalization and inclusion.
Settling in Ottawa in 2009, Joyce spent 15 years in the financial sector, becoming a Certified Financial Planner. Inspired by the development of financial technology and artificial intelligence, Joyce transitioned to IT. She currently serves in the public sector with the Artificial Intelligence Centre of Enablement (AICoE) team at ESDC.
Joyce is passionate about education and increasing accessibility to learning. In addition to her numerous and ongoing volunteer activities, she serves as a board member for Alternative Learning Styles and Outlooks. Joyce enjoys learning languages, playing board games, reading, and swimming.
