About Us
It all started when…
We launched in 2005 as an educational program design company called Bridging the Gap. We began designing second language and international student programs and then expanded into the design and delivery of intercultural training for both corporate and not-for-profit clients. In 2007, we moved into the career development and employment services industry and two years later changed our name to Purposeful Careers.
Today, we design career and employment support programs for traditional and non-traditional workers specializing in the design and delivery of career support for independent workers (freelancers, contractors, consultants and portfolio careerists).
We have recently expanded our design chops and have taken on projects that provide HR training to employers interested in hiring independent workers.
Our design philosophy is rooted in marrying exceptional learning and visual design principles to create beautiful and effective career support programs that meet deliverables and outcomes.
Meet Our Design Team
Moving Clockwise…
Gail Kastning B.Ed., CCDP, CSS - Gail is the owner of Purposeful Careers. She specializes in the design and delivery of career supports for non-traditional workers. She also helps organizations evaluate, conceptualize & build effective career development & industry engagement programs. She has been a portfolio careerist for over 20 years and prefers to have multiple income streams.
Brittney Brown - Brittney recently graduated with honors in Social Media and Digital Marketing. She has worked on and off for Purposeful Career as a freelancer since 2019 providing educational material design for DIY Career School, video editing and social media content. She also works at Pet Smart and Calgary Golf Carts.
Sarda Sahney, Ph.D. - Sarda is an independent worker who specializes in creative design projects. She is the instructional designer for the Branch Out Workshop Series. She also brings her marketing and business experience to the team. She also has a theatre company and writes plays.
Myriam Nickel, B.Ed., CCS - Myriam is an independent worker who specializes in project management, employment program consulting and proposal writing. She is the project manager for the Branch Out Workshop Series and brings her years of employment bridging experience to the team. Myriam also works as a acting director for Sundog Theatres.
Our Workshop Delivery Team
Heather Sturdy, ACC - Heather is our Virtual Workshop Facilitator. She is an independent worker who is a compassionate career coach and talented workshop facilitator. A central theme throughout her life has been providing compassionate service to others. She is at her best when coaching clients through life and career transitions or facilitating groups to build skills and confidence.
Kellie Evetts - Kellie is our Virtual Workshop Moderator. She is an independent worker with experience as an administrative assistant, both in office and virtually. She also has a passion for Community Management and Virtual Event Management. She loves helping others connect and grow a community.
Our Consultants
Debbie Harper Pollitt, MBA - Debbie is a Human Resources Consultant who specializes in hiring, succession and workforce planning. She has worked across industries and brings her vast knowledge of hiring practices to the Branch Out Workshop Series.
Joy Ulrich, BBS, MRE, LSCC - Joy is a Career Development Specialist who is an expert in career planning, psychometric assessing and portfolio careers. She has been a portfolio careerist for most of her career and is a consultant for the development of the Branch Out with a Portfolio Career Workshop.