Segue Career Options

Employment Services Team

Winkler Location

Art Friesen – Employment Facilitator

As employment facilitator, Art reaches to surrounding managers through emailing, phone calls and personal contacts in hopes of finding opportunity and employment for those in the Segue program. He feels that having past experience as a business owner and manager gives him a better sense of the needs of the manager and the challenges of the job seeker. His ultimate goal is to build trusting relations and to see those with employment barriers move forward in hope, healing and community. Art works in our Winkler office.

Louisa Longford – Vocational Assessor

Louisa holds a degree in Human Ecology and serves as the Vocational Assessor (VA) at Segue, where she finds fulfillment in guiding clients through the vocational assessment process and facilitating the formulation of tailored plans to achieve their objectives. In addition to her primary role, as the VA, Louisa actively contributes to administrative functions within Employment Services. Her responsibilities encompass receiving referrals, organizing electronic and physical client files, as well as coordinating and participating in intake and review meetings. Her duties as an Evaluator extend to delivering limited employment skills development, particularly in refining resumes and crafting cover letters. Furthermore, Louisa assumes the responsibility of managing the social media platforms for Segue Career Options Winkler. Outside of her professional endeavors, Louisa resides in a rural community, dedicating her leisure time to tending to yard work, engaging in home renovations, and cherishing moments with her family. Her personal interests span the realms of mushroom hunting and foraging, exploring mixed media art (inclusive of photography), and indulging in invigorating hikes within her local surroundings.

Theophilus Shofu – Employment Facilitator

He doesn’t just read résumés. He listens for the story behind them.

Theophilus brings a rare combination of academic depth and genuine human curiosity to every conversation. With a Master’s in Business Psychology and a foundation in Guidance & Counselling, he understands that the right job isn’t simply about matching skills to a description. It’s about connecting a person’s purpose to their potential.

As an Employment Facilitator at Segue’s Winkler office, Theo works with participants in the Employ-Next and the Employ-Opportunity Programme, drawing on international experience to build trust, bridge cultural gaps, and walk alongside people at every stage of their journey. Whether he’s supporting a newcomer finding their footing in Canada or a local resident ready for a fresh chapter, his approach stays the same: he sees possibility in people often before they see it in themselves.

Clara Ayeni – Employment Facilitator

As an Employment Facilitator Clara brings valuable experience from her previous role in employment services, where she supported individuals in identifying their strengths, enhancing job‑readiness skills, and preparing for meaningful participation in the workforce. Her background has provided her with a strong foundation in career development, client support, and facilitation.

Clara is committed to fostering a professional, encouraging environment where participants feel empowered to pursue their employment goals with confidence. She values collaboration, clear communication, and practical strategies that help individuals move forward with purpose.

Outside of work, Clara enjoys crafting and sewing, which allow her to express creativity and attention to detail. She also takes great pleasure in teaching and coordinating activities for young children, experiences that continue to shape her patience, leadership, and sense of community.

Steinbach Location

Grace Gunn – Employment Facilitator

Grace is a new member of the Segue Career Options team based in Steinbach. She brings 40 years of work experience, including 19 years in health and social care. With a Bachelor of Science in Adult Nursing and certification as a Rehabilitation Assistant, she brings a strong background in supporting people with care, compassion, and practical guidance.

She is looking forward to getting to know Segue participants and walking alongside them on their journey toward meaningful employment.

Outside of work, she enjoys exercising, reading, and spending time with family.

Program Director

Lavonne Kroeker

Having worked with Eden in various roles, Lavonne brings a strong background in employment services, facilitation and program development. In her role, she focuses on creating safe, welcoming spaces where people feel respected, and supported as they think about work and personal goals, whether you are a Segue participant or staff person. Lavonne believes that trust, clear communication, and working together are key to helping people feel confident and move forward at their own pace.

Outside of work, Lavonne enjoys spending time outdoors, travel and reading. Being active and getting fresh air at the same time helps her stay connected to what’s most important and she aims to bring that same calm and positive approach into her work.

Funding Provided by:
The Government of Canada The Manitoba Government