Instructor:

Barry Rosenthal

Training Experience:

25 years

With Computer Help:

14 years

Education:

University of Toronto, Philosophy

Teaches these Courses:

Micosoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook), InDesign, Publisher, Public Speaking, Customer Service, The Practical Trainer, Building Seft Esteem.

Background:

Barry combines his strong interpersonal skills with his dedication to learning and helping others learn. His vibrant personality outside the classroom has shone in many television appearances (in commercials and as host of two television series) and as emcee and keynote speaker. He brings these experiences and added skills to his love of teaching, making him a popular and effective trainer.

Barry has been a trainer for over 25 years. He has taught at the college level, in private-sector corporations, and for governments and their agencies. He has been teaching at Computer Help for 14 years.
As a facilitator, Barry uses his experience, knowledge of teaching and learning techniques and his ability to relate to a wide variety of situations and people to make his seminars a great experience for participants.

Student Feedback:

“Barry's subject knowledge is extensive. He navigates around screens easily in explaining point, and not once was fazed by any question. He deviated smoothly into tangential issues, including some quick & dirty tips on Word--also very helpful. Good sense of humour--kept things moving and entertaining as well. Cared about participants' individual needs. Pacing excellent.

I'm a professional trainer, and in my estimation, this was very well done. Good work, Barry.”

-Mike

Instructor:

Cynthia Whalen

Training Experience:

15 years

With Computer Help:

9 years

Education:

Masters in Education

Teaches these Courses:

Access VBA 1 and 2, MS Project, Excel VBA

Background:

Cynthia has had a career in information technology for over 15 years and has been delivering software application courses for more than ten of those years.  Cynthia has experience in all the Microsoft business application with a particular focus on MS Project and MS Access.  Cynthia also develops Access databases and teaches both the Access and Excel VBA courses.  She has a business degree with a major in Information Technology and her Masters in Education.

Student Feedback:

“The course was extremely helpful and very thoroughly covered.    The instructor was exceptional.   She was very patient, very helpful, and made sure we all understood each step as we went along.   As in depth and as complex as this course was, I came out of it feeling like I knew Access inside and out.   I am much more comfortable using Access to do just about anything I need at the office now.  Thanks for making this course available and for employing such an exceptional instructor to teach it.

Cheers!”

-Michael

Instructor:

Kristen Geminiuc

Training Experience:

15 years

With Computer Help:

11 years

Education:

Bachelor of Education

Teaches these Courses:

Micosoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook)

Background:

Kristen has been an educator for over 15 years. She has taught both adults and children in various capabilities throughout her career. She is a member of the Ontario College of Teachers and is a certified Special Education teacher. Kristen has developed, implemented and advised on curriculums, training programs and reference material in an interesting array of subject matter. Some include train-the-trainer workshops, employment-training programs for adults with cognitive learning disabilities, individual education plans for children, computer software training courses, as well as bookkeeping processes for a small computer consulting firm. Kristen combines her patient and congenial manner with a productive hands on approach to create a very comfortable and successful learning environment.

Student Feedback:

“I found the course to be very "user friendly", ie easy to follow.  The instructor was excellent....did not rush through exercises or explanations.  She made sure everyone understood before going on to the next point.  I have taken Excel before with another company, and went away not really confident with what I "learned". The course was "audio taught" and the students went at their own pace.  Although at the time, I thought I understood what I learned, in fact, I did not really retain much of the info.

Today I leave with understanding and confidence in what I learned.”

 -Dina

Instructor:

Donna Harwood

Training Experience:

6 years

With Computer Help:

2 years

Education:

Microsoft Office Specialist.  High Honours, Seneca College Adult Teacher/Trainer Program

Teaches these Courses:

Micosoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook)

Background:

Donna provides training in the Microsoft Office suite of products.  She has obtained Official Certification as a Microsoft Office Specialist and graduated, with High Honours, from the Seneca College Adult Teacher/Trainer Program.   Donna has been working with computers in many shapes and forms over the years, starting with testing systems on large main-frame computers for one of the major Canadian Banks.  She has continually been the “go to” person when someone needed training.  By combining her relaxed style and sense of humour, Donna puts her students at ease and makes sure they are getting all they can from their training session.  It is obvious to all that Donna loves what she does.

Student Feedback:

“Donna was a excellent instructor.  She was very knowledgeable in Word.  She took her time and was very patient. Always asked if I had questions.  Very good teacher : )”

-Nancy

Instructor:

Donna Mills

Training Experience:

16 years

With Computer Help:

7 years

Education:

Wilfrid Laurier University, Bachelor of Arts, Seneca College, Certificate – Adult Education and Staff Training

Teaches these Courses:

Micosoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook), Time Management, Professional Business Writing, BlackBerry, Essential Communication Skills, Working Smarter with Technology

Background:

As a facilitator since 1993, Donna has a long history of providing technology training and soft skills seminars with a professional, dynamic and engaging style. She balances an information-packed class with good humour and fun. She trains on, and has extensive knowledge of, the Microsoft Office Suite and is our BlackBerry expert. She also leads several soft skills seminars in a way that helps participants feel at ease, share their experiences and be fully engaged in the learning experience.

Student Feedback:

"I learned so much!  The instructor was very patient and willing to answer even additional questions that were outside of the topics covered for the day. I have definitely received full money's worth! The company I work for will reap the benefits of a much more efficient employee! It will take me 1/5 the time to get my reports done at my job (with a lot less frustration and less room for error).

Thanks so much Donna!”

-Susan

Instructor:

Ian Hawkins

Training Experience:

22 years

With Computer Help:

1 year

Education:

MBA from University of Toronto, Canadian Securities Course

Teaches these Courses:

Bookkeeping and Accounting, Finance for the Non-Financial Manager, Quickbooks, Simply Accounting

Background:

Ian owns an accounting, tax and bookkeeping firm in York Region. He is a member of the Intuit QuickBooks Pro-Advisor Program and a Sage Simply Accounting Business Partner. After a career in commercial and corporate lending which included the analysis of financial statements of major corporations, Ian worked as Chief Financial Officer for several companies. Ian has also taught courses on monetary theory, finance and economics at Seneca College (adult education). He has an MBA from University of Toronto, is a fellow of both the English and Canadian Institutes of Bankers and a graduate of the Canadian Securities Course.

In addition to his work experience Ian has served as a member of the board of governors of Holy Trinity School, Richmond Hill and as a member of the advisory panel of Executive Programs at University of Toronto. In his spare time, he is Treasurer of the East Gwillimbury Chamber of Commerce.

Student Feedback:

"This course was terrific! I learned everything I needed to know plus so much more! The instructor (Ian Hawkins) was very knowledgeable and very patient especially with the people who had no accounting background like me! He made the course interesting and explained everything in a manner that helped everyone to understand. I feel confident in using the basic functions of Quickbooks and would definitely take other courses offered by Computer Help if needed. Thank you!”

-Nicole

Instructor:

Janet Lowe Beauchamp

Training Experience:

15 years

With Computer Help:

8 years

Education:

Graphic and Fine Arts at SDSS, and Spec.Hon.B.Ed.(fine art) from University of Guelph

Teaches these Courses:

Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, QuarkXPress

Background:

Janet's specialty is in graphic design and owns and operates her own graphics company since 1990.  She holds a Specialized Honours Degree in Fine Arts and continues to paint and draw for both work and recreation.  As well as training several graphic artists through her company, Janet has trained students at Computer Help since 2001. She has been working with all the Adobe programs and QuarkXpress from the time the graphic industry moved to desktop production, and continues to use them on a daily basis with her company clients in both print production and web creation, producing magazines, websites, logo development, and more.

Student Feedback:

"I have been using Illustrator for about 8 months and was surprised at how much I learned from the introduction course. Janet was excellent with her instruction and I look forward to taking the Intermediate course later this month.”

-Tom

Instructor:

Jenny Kitson

Training Experience:

25 years

With Computer Help:

6 years

Education:

General Arts Degree (B.A.) in English, French and History from London University.

Teaches these Courses:

Micosoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook), Crystal Reports

Background:

Jenny has been teaching a wide variety of computer applications for more than 25 years. A programmer by background, she loves to demystify computer systems and pass on her enthusiasm to her students. Jenny has a special interest in database, spreadsheet and reporting applications. She also writes courseware and has conducted train-the-trainer courses.

Student Feedback:

“Excellent!! Jenny was a great teacher and I know have regained my confidence within excel. I will be back if I need any refreshing and will recommend this class to anyone!”

-Matthew

Instructor:

Katie Geoghegan

Training Experience:

15 years

With Computer Help:

9 years

Education:

Bachelor of Education and is Microsoft MOUS certified

Teaches these Courses:

Micosoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook), Anger Management, Building Self Esteem, Coaching, Conflict Resolution, Dealing with Difficult People, Essential Communication Skills

Background:

Katie has 15 years of experience in education, coaching and technology in both the private and public sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Education and is MOUS certified. Katie is also a trained coach through the Center for Right Relation and the Coaches Training Institute in California. Katie has run her own coaching business and lead team workshops for organizations such as McMaster University, Hamilton Health Sciences and Canadian Blood Services. Katie is passionate about technology and has been teaching corporate workshops on Microsoft technology since 1999.   Katie brings both her soft skills and her love of technology to the classroom. She has a warm and patient nature which fosters a fun and relaxed learning experience for her students.

Student Feedback:

“Excellent!! Katie was a great teacher and I know have regained my confidence within excel. I will be back if I need any refreshing and will recommend this class to anyone!”

-Matthew

Instructor:

Marie Meditskos

Training Experience:

12 years

With Computer Help:

7 years

Education:

BA and Diploma in Systems Analyst

Teaches these Courses:

Micosoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook), Acrobat, Visio

Background:

Marie Meditskos has been a trainer and project manager for 12 years. She has taught all levels of adult learners in such industries as Automotive, Insurance, Government Agencies and Educational Institutions. She specializes in Microsoft Office products and believes that learning should always be enjoyed.

Student Feedback:

“I thought that this was an excellent course.  I believe I have obtained knowledge on a number of subjects that will greatly assist me in using Word in my workplace environment.  Marie is an excellent instructor and has a great sense of humour.  I would definitely come to another course.”

-Sharon

Instructor:

Megan Parry

Training Experience:

7 years

With Computer Help:

1 year

Education:

Hospitality & Tourism Management and Business Administration, Ryerson Polytechnical University

Teaches these Courses:

Micosoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook), Anger Management, Business Etiquette, Coaching, Conducting Performance Reviews, Conflict Resolution, Dealing with Difficult People, Delegation, Entry Level Manager, HR for the Non-HR Manager, Motivation Training, Negotiating, Performance Management, Skills for the Administrative Assistant, Stress Management, Team Building

Background:

Megan has over 25 years of business experience, 12 of those as an entrepreneur; having established and sold two successful businesses, and 7 years as an education specialist.  She has overseen departments, managed, coached, and trained staff and handled HR issues, developing valuable hands-on experience with her own employees and she was instrumental in establishing an educational program for trade show management at George Brown College, developing and instructing several courses herself.  As a business owner, Megan recognized the benefit of extensive training in both software and soft skill courses.  She designed her own company's database and continued to supplement her experience dealing with staff, customers and suppliers with additional education.  Her vast knowledge of business and of various software programs make her an ideal instructor for both computer and soft skills courses. Megan encourages a light hearted approach to learning with lively discussion between students to create an interactive educational experience.

Student Feedback:

Megan was excellent. Quality of instruction A+.  The course itself was well put together. All areas were covered. Megan was an absolutely fantastic instructor. Very prepared and motivated to share her previous business experiences with the class.

-Tom

Instructor:

Paul Drye

Training Experience:

16 years

With Computer Help:

9 years

Education:

English BA, University of Toronto

Teaches these Courses:

Micosoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook), Project, Visio

Background:

Paul have been teaching computer courses since 1993.  Paul has been with Computer Help for 9 years.   His software knowledge is outstanding.  He has the extremely unusual combination of a very technical and logical mind, with an ability to communicate in a clear, and non-technical manner.  He teaching style is very relaxed, students never feel intimidated, and he consistently receives outstanding evaluations from clients.  

Student Feedback:

“Paul was very knowledgeable, friendly, in control, and addressed all my questions competently.  He seemed to recognize what I was looking for and made certain that the area I was interested in, in particular, was covered. 

This is my first course at Computer Help, but will definitely recommend your facility to fellow staff members and supervisors.

Thanks.”

-Deborah

Instructor:

Rob MacNeill

Training Experience:

23 years

With Computer Help:

18 years

Education:

B.A. (Hons) Trent University, 1980

Teaches these Courses:

Micosoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook), Dreamweaver, Flash, Crystal Reports, FrontPage

Background:

Rob MacNeill was born in Toronto and was raised in both Toronto and London, England. After graduating from Trent University in 1980, Rob worked as an actor, studying with "The Second City" for 6 years. Rob joined a computer firm in 1985, where he was promoted to Customer Support Representative, and then to Instructor in 1986. He joined Computer Help as a Senior Instructor in 1991. Rob has an advanced level knowledge of various word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, web page design and database programs. His great sense of humour, along with 23 years of PC Training experience, make learning in his courses easy and fun.

Student Feedback:

“I found this course excellent, I learned a lot. I have taken similar courses at other institutes and I feel I learned a great deal more at Computer Help. Rob MacNiell, was a great instructor, and was a great source of information. He had a great deal of background information, as well as a passion for his work.

I will definitely be back for another course.

Thanks!”

-David

Instructor:

Teena Dawson

Training Experience:

20 years

With Computer Help:

2 years

Education:

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Master Certification and her Microsoft Office Specialist Master Instructor Certification

Teaches these Courses:

Micosoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook)

Background:

Teena Dawson has been focused on training, education and communication for more than twenty years. She has obtained her Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Master Certification and her Microsoft Office Specialist Master Instructor Certification. In addition, she has obtained her Certificate in Instructing Adults from George Brown College and her Training and Development Diploma from Langevin Learning Services. She believes that we should never stop learning and that it should be a fun and rewarding experience.

Teena Dawson is a trainer and copywriter in Microsoft Office products as well as the retirement planning and investment industry.

Student Feedback:

“I was very impressed with the trainer, she made it fun and time went by very quickly. I will definitely take another course and it will be a bonus if I have Teena as my instructor again. Great Job, thanks a lot.”

-Ana