OCAS Crew
The OCAS team is a dedicated group of professionals committed to enhancing the college application experience for colleges and students across Ontario. Our team blends a deep understanding of the post-secondary landscape with innovative technology to create learner- friendly platforms that simplify the application process. With a shared vision of making higher education more accessible, we work hard to support prospective students and our college partners.
As we continue to innovate and collaborate, our mission remains clear: to support our post-secondary partners and empower students on their educational journeys.
Top Employer
It’s official: For a full decade straight, OCAS has been recognized as one of Waterloo Area’s Top Employers! It's a recognition that reflects our unwavering commitment to creating an inspiring workplace environment. The annual competition recognizes Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, and Cambridge organizations that lead their industries in providing exceptional places to work.
What is the Top Employer Competition?
The Waterloo Area’s Top Employers competition is organized by the same editorial group that runs Canada’s Top 100 Employers. Along with the Waterloo Region, they hold competitions in major metropolitan areas across the province, including Hamilton-Niagara, the Greater Toronto Area, and Ottawa, where some of our college partners have earned Top Employer awards in their respective regions.
Organizations are evaluated on eight criteria:
- Physical Workplace
- Work Atmosphere and Social
- Health, Financial, and Family Benefits
- Vacation and Time Off
- Employee Communications
- Performance Management
- Training and Skills Development
- Community Involvement
OCAS Named a Southwestern Ontario Top Employer!
OCAS was also named a Southwestern Ontario Top Employer for the second straight year. Debuting in 2024, the competition uses the same criteria as Waterloo Area’s Top Employers but covers a wider area. You can learn more about us, other winners, and the award on their website!
Service Awards
Every year at OCAS, we recognize when employees hit important milestones with the organization. It’s a way to highlight our employees’ dedication to our mission: delivering application management services that support the journeys of prospective students and providing tailored solutions that contribute to the success of Ontario’s public colleges.
Without further ado, here are our 2024-25 OCAS Service Award recipients:
- Amy Hopkins, Senior Contact Centre Representative
- Ben Pavey, Team Lead, Brand Experience
- Breanna Schnare, Office Assistant
- David Wickland, Data Scientist
- Ed de Graaf, Manager, Technology Solutions
- Erin Babbey, Business Planning Specialist
- Kayla Brohart, Group Product Manager
- Mathew Knott, Software Developer II
- Michelle Dunlop, Manager, Applied Research
- Rebecca Patten, Senior Partner Success Manager
- Vishal Naik, Quality Analyst II
- Adam Gibson, Senior Contact Centre Representative
- Darren O'Shea, Senior Software Developer II
- Dave Lemon, Infrastructure Architect
- Nadia Novikova, AI and Data Innovation Program Manager
- Tiffany Corrigan, Project Coordinator
- Emma Wilkinson, Communications Specialist
- Geraldine Eastwood, Client Support Specialist
- Robb Blacquiere, Manager, Governance, Risk and Compliance
- Tracy Kingsley, Manager, Information Technology Services
Retirees
At OCAS, we value and celebrate the contributions of our team members as they transition into retirement. Retirement marks the culmination of years of hard work, commitment, and passion for serving the college system and our partners.
Carolyn Braund
Supervisor, College Support
Carolyn joined the OCAS Contact Centre in 2018. She started by answering phone calls and chats on behalf of OCAS and Mohawk College, and then was promoted to Supervisor, College Support, for the team supporting Mohawk. Carolyn cultivated a strong working relationship with our partners at Mohawk College and was highly respected by the Contact Centre associates on her team.
One of Carolyn’s more notable accomplishments involved establishing in-office coworking days that eventually spread to the entire Contact Centre, who joined in and enjoyed many fun potlucks and other special events. As Supervisor, Carolyn held weekly mini meetings with her team to connect and keep them up to date on everything Mohawk. With her colleagues on the Supervisor team, Carolyn developed a quality score card and rubric for Contact Centre associates based on competencies and skill levels.
Carolyn was passionate about engaging students, their families, and educators about the benefits of a college education. She attended many applicant-facing in-person events, including college open houses, the Ontario College Fair, and the Skills Ontario Competition.
In retirement, Carolyn has enjoyed visiting provincial parks with her partner and stays active by walking, playing pickleball, and spending time with family and friends.
Volunteering
Here at OCAS, we genuinely care about supporting our community. Thanks to our amazing Volunteer Committee, we have many opportunities to do just that. In 2024-25, we sorted food items, planted trees, and donated clothing – all for great causes.
