Meet
the Team
Sheffe Consulting Inc.
Our team at Sheffe Consulting Inc. keeps growing. We offer virtual, face to face, and hybrid facilitation services but have focused on virtual facilitation in the current context. We specialize in the design and facilitation of meetings, strategic and operational planning processes, AGMs, strategy sessions, debriefs, small group learning labs, and more!
Nora Sheffe
President, Chief Executive Officer, Lead Facilitator
Nora’s approach: “My goal is to help our clients have better discussions and make better decisions, faster. I’m committed to designing engaging and productive meetings. I love working with groups to navigate difficult conversations and complex issues where people can share their diverse opinions, interests, and goals and then together, we move toward clear outcomes. This requires an approach that is thoughtful, agile and creative. When a group is fully present and engaged, great ideas become actionable and achievable.”
Areas of Expertise: Facilitation design and processes, virtual facilitation tools and training, strategic planning, consensus building
Credentials:
- Certified Professional Facilitator/Master (International Association of Facilitators – IAF)
- Certified Virtual Facilitator (International Institute for Facilitation -INIFAC)
Strengths: Passionate, Innovative, Effective Collaborator
More about Nora:
- Founded Sheffe Consulting in 1998
- IAF Ottawa Chapter – Lead
- Bikablo Courses in Visual Facilitation and Graphic Recording
- Bachelor of Physical Education (McMaster University)
Lara Schroeder
Facilitator, Virtual Meeting Producer, Trainer
Lara reflects: “I enjoy facilitation because I’ve always been an analytical individual. Creating a process, implementing it and supporting others through such a process in order to meet their goals is rewarding.”
Areas of Expertise: Strategy and program development, virtual annual general meetings (AGMs), governance and organizational management
Education: Master of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Studies (University of Waterloo), Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Studies, Major in Sport and Recreation Management (University of Regina), and Diploma of Recreation and Tourism Management (Saskatchewan Polytechnic).
Strengths: Passionate, Determined, Creative
More about Lara:
- Member of the Saskatchewan Association of Recreation Professionals (also on the Board of Directors and the Chair of the Governance Committee)
- Level 3 Certified Volleyball Referee and Advanced Development Certified Coach – Volleyball Canada
- Certified in Bikablo® Visualization Methods
- Certified in LEGO® Serious Play® Methods and Materials
Manal Sayid
Facilitator, Virtual Meeting Producer, Trainer
Manal reflects: “I like being able to make people feel like a part of a community by creating an environment in which they feel welcomed and safe to share their ideas or discuss their needs. I also enjoy empowering people to find solutions to their own problems.”
Areas of Expertise: Strategic planning, virtual facilitation production, policy and program development
Education: MBA (Carleton University), BComm – Human Resources Administration (University of Ottawa)
Strengths: Active Listener, Empathetic, Conceptual Thinker
More about Manal:
- Registered Holistic Nutritionist
Jennifer Larson
Facilitator, Virtual Meeting Producer, Trainer
What Jennifer values: “I really enjoy the process of connecting with a group to achieve a common goal. I love learning from others, hearing their stories and telling a few of my own.”
Areas of Expertise: Strategic planning, large-scale virtual productions, virtual facilitation training
Education: Bachelor of Human Kinetics (University of Windsor)
Strengths: Creative, Focused, Flexible
More about Jennifer:
- Experience facilitating small and large group sessions in the not-for-profit, corporate and education sectors
- Part of the Team Canada mission staff at multiple Paralympic and Parapan American Games
Megan Foster
Facilitator, Virtual Meeting Producer, Trainer
Megan’s equation for success: “I believe connection + movement = growth. You will recognize that formula weaved throughout all of my engagements.”
Areas of Expertise: Strategic planning, change management, program development, organizational culture development
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Sociology (Brandon University) and Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (Royal Roads University)
Strengths: Creative, Passionate, Insightful
More about Megan:
- Master Coach Developer, NCCP
- Has facilitated workshops, from the local to national level, for more than a decade
- Specializes in developing culture, enhancing cohesion, increasing motivation, and promoting supportive environments
Vickie Lemire
Facilitator, Virtual Meeting Producer, Trainer
In Vickie’s words: “I have a great desire for unlocking a person’s or organization’s potential to maximize their performance. I believe this is very similar to the role of a facilitator, where we help an organization’s great ideas become actionable and achievable. As a facilitator, you get to learn a lot, meet new people and engage in meaningful conversations. I really enjoy the relationship-building side of facilitation.”
Areas of Expertise: Strategic planning, virtual Annual General Meetings (AGMs)
Education: Currently completing an MBA, Bachelor in Human Kinetics with a Concentration in Sport Management
Strengths: Adaptive, Energetic, Enterprising
More about Vickie:
- Varsity ice hockey player

Elena Bales
Researcher, Writer, and Data Analysis
Elena’s motivation: “As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.” — Rumi
Areas of Expertise: Strategic planning, surveys, data collection, analysis, research, and report writing
Education: MSc Sports Performance Analysis (Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg Germany) and B.A. Psychology (University of Ottawa)
Strengths: Analytical, Articulate Writer, Research
More about Elena:
- Digital Audio Certificate,
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) - Background in conference, tradeshow, meeting logistics, and AV
- Former National Team athlete in Modern Pentathlon (2004-2008)
Aimée-Lee Côté
Project Coordinator
Aimée’s drive: “Always give your 100% in everything you do.”
Areas of Expertise: Project management and coordination, technical support, use of virtual facilitation tools and materials
Education: Completing an Honours Bachelor in Sciences de l’activité physique (Human Kinetics) with a Concentration in social sciences (University of Ottawa), Diploma in Administration des affaires (Business Administration, Collège La Cité)
Strengths: Organized, Collaborative, Results-Oriented
More about Aimee:
- Certification in Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
- Certification in Sports Business Management, Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology
Joe Van Ryn
Chief Operating Officer / Director
At the heart of Sheffe Consulting: “Facilitation is the art of stimulating deeper understanding, fresh thinking, and tangible outcomes.”
Areas of Emphasis: Strategic advice, finance and administration, governmental and international relations
Education: Master of Public Administration (Carleton University), Honours Bachelor of Administrative Studies (Trent University)
Areas of Strength: Strategic, Focused, Diligent
More about Joe:
- Sheffe Consulting Chief Operating Officer / Director since its inception
- 30+ years of experience working in national and international sport with the federal government
- Member of the International Forum of Visual Practitioners
- Certification in Bikablo® Visualization Methods