Meet the Grant Advance Team
Adam Ikari
Client Success Manager
(Deputy of Details)
Adam Ikari
Adam is driven by helping others find solutions and ticking tasks off on his to do list. His genuine and caring nature makes him a client and staff favorite to work with. Adam brings kindness, reliability and focus into work with him every day.
In another life I’m pretty sure I was:
A medicine man! I love everything to do with healing on many levels. I have a lot of fun figuring out how to resolve issues/botherations.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee is my favourite hot beverage, I enjoy the smell, the taste and the culture of the delicious drink.
Cats or dogs?
You can leave me with any animal and we will become best friends, but I must admit that I cannot guarantee this with reptiles and fish, I have some learning to do in order to understand their eyes better haha!
Iphone or Android?
I prefer using an iPhone, because it comes with fantastic support and that is very valuable to me.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is:
Focus on personal growth, as this would naturally elevate everything and everyone in my life.
What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team?
Be yourself, that is exactly what makes you a great asset to the team!
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
The most inspiring part of my job is knowing that I am a part of an organization that is focused on the success of many non-profits around the country with an impact that extends globally. Evidently, this is the most effective way for me to contribute to such a vast and diverse group of charities.
What is the best compliment you ever got?
“You inspire people, they naturally want to do right by you”.
Ajay Sidhu
Research Coordinator
(Conversation Collector)
Ajay Sidhu
Cats or dogs?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is
Name your most recent favorite read?
Amber Roy
Administrative Assistant
(The Voice of Reason)
Amber Roy
Amber has worked with nonprofits for years with a specific focus on animal welfare. She has a love and enthusiasm for all of the organizations she works with as she can empathize with their struggles. Amber is a great team player as she brings her authentic self to the table every day.
In another life, I’m pretty sure I was:
Royalty.
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
Working with people so passionate about their cause.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
Own my own animal rescue, see the Louvre, be fluent in another language.
How do you prefer to start your day?
Extremely late.
What energizes you at work?
The people.
Are you messy or organized?
Both. My messes are somewhat organized.
Favorite motto or personal mantra?
“Courage does not always roar. Sometimes, courage is a quiet voice at the end of the day, whispering ‘I will try again tomorrow’.”
What is the best compliment you ever got?
That I am an excellent leader.
Calvin Ng
Research Coordinator
(Inspiration Instigator)
Calvin Ng
Groups or one on one?
One on one, because there is nothing more satisfying than claiming victory over an intense staring contest.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
Go to the San Diego Comic Con, Meet Bo Burnham, and make my parents proud
What is the nerdiest thing you do in your spare time?
I like to collect vintage cloth
Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?
Every person that I’ve ever met has had a role in shaping my approach towards my work. I’ve come to learn that most people carry with them a passion towards something uniquely their own, and this passion drives them forward towards mastery. I look at my work the same way, a journey towards mastery
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Practicing gratitude, being grateful for the things in my life and writing them down everyday.
If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?
An astronaut on the International Space Station for just one day would be incredible!
Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?
Tanzania. I worked in a small town for half a year while I was in Africa, on the weekends I got to take a bus and go to other areas of the country meeting locals and eating all sorts of delicious food. Before coming back to Canada I decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, after seven days of hiking, standing at the peak of the mountain on summit morning was perhaps the most remarkable feeling I’ve had in my life. I felt so accomplished and so incredibly small at the same time
Which would you want most Robot housekeepers, a time machine or a magic carpet.
I believe that humanity can eventually figure out how to build a time machine, and the Roomba will eventually evolve to be the ultimate housekeeper. Now a magic carpet, that sounds like a whole lot of fun with minimal repercussions compared to time travel. Maybe find an oil lamp, defeat Jafar, the whole nine yards!
Conner Christmas
Research Coordinator
(Dream Weaver)
Conner Christmas
Conner has been a wonderful addition to our team. He works hard and makes us laugh harder. While Conner is known to keep us giggling, we know how much he cares about the work we do and people we serve. He is a great example to us all on staying humble and not to take life too seriously.What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
The fact that I get to connect with organizations that change the landscape of Canadian culture and help make the world a better place.
What is the best compliment you ever got?
I look like Tilda Swinton, but more feminine
What would you like people to know about you?
I love to joke around to make people laugh & feel comfortable
What is the nerdiest thing you do in your spare time?
Play D&D, or sing showtunes around the house
What’s the strangest talent you have?
I can sing with my mouth closed
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
Sky Dive, Go to Japan, Perform Comedy in New York
My dad. His work ethic taught me to work hard, but not as hard as him.
Dennes Venancio
Lead Developer
(Captain Code)
Dennes Venancio
Dennes is our workhorse when it comes to updating the site and moving it into next phases. He is a lifelong learner and brings new concepts and ideas to the table at every turn. Dennes is originally from Brazil but we have been lucky enough to recruit him and are more than happy to help him obtain his citizenship.
Cats or dogs?
For sure dogs. My girlfriend says that I am too much like a cat to like them.
Iphone or Android?
Android, I like to have the abilities to make my wrong decisions.
At which store would you like to max-out your credit card?
Not a store but I’ll go wild once I visit comic-con.
What energizes you at work?
Music, it plays 100% of the time I’m working.
Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?
Canada, because it’s amazing and people are just nice, lots of things to do.
One line from a movie
“We accept the love we think we deserve.”
― Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Are you messy or organized?
Organized. I cannot start working until the office is organized, I just cannot focus.
Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?
I had a teacher in college that always showed me that I should be looking for more knowledge and never stop studying if I want to keep up in this market so I followed his advice.
Diogo Jayme
Developer
(Brogrammer)
Diogo Jayme
Diogo is an incredibly valued member of our team. He is a brilliant developer and our resident problem solver, with his up to date skills and knowledge base. He is always willing to jump in and help where he is needed. His amazing team player attitude makes him a wonderful person to work with.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is:
Be patient, persistent, it will keep you focused when you face a big challenge ahead. Start small and take it one step at a time.
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
When I am learning something new.
What is the nerdiest thing you do in your spare time?
Watching Animes.
What energizes you at work?
When I have a very difficult and challenging problem to solve.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Set aside my time for important things and leave out social networks.
If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?
Photographer
Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?
Canada. The country has wonderful, nice people and a culture that looks like me. And the most important thing, the weather is cold when it should be cold, and hot when it should be hot.
Guy McPherson
Co-founder & President
(Chief Cook & Bottlewasher)
Guy McPherson
Guy is the visionary behind the scenes. His passion lies in figuring out how to turn ideas and dreams into reality. He knows what he wants and knows how to pull a team together to make it happen. His passion and generosity help push the team to step outside of their comfort zones and see their potential.
Cats or dogs?
Dogs rule…but cats rule better.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is
“It’ll feel better when it quits hurting…”
How do you prefer to start your day?
Coffee, book, bath.
What was your first job?
Picking dew worms.
One line from a movie
“Never give up, never surrender”
Name your most recent favorite read?
Lilith by George MacDonald.
Favorite motto or personal mantra?
“In a world where you can be anything, be kind”.
James Candy
Senior Developer
(Code Wizard)
James Candy
James is the genius that helped put the founders ideas into practice. He was our first employee and the developer that first turned Grant Advance Solutions into a reality. James’ out of the box ideas and solutions are a huge part of the foundation of what we are all about.
Jasmine McPherson
Director of Operations
(Corporate Therapist)
Jasmine McPherson
Jasmine is everyone’s go-to person. She brings the calm to the storm and has been dubbed our “Corporate Therapist”. She also knows just about everything there is to know about our platform, features, policy, and mission. Besides being overall awesome as part of the team, she is the super-mom to 3 great children. We’re not sure how she fits it all in but everyone always feels they get her best when they reach out to her.
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
Hearing people talk about their passions, successes and the hurdles that they’ve overcome.
What was your childhood nickname?
Oobie…Thanks to my sister Pookie Bear.
Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?
I have been lucky to work with so many great and diverse people. I’ve learned the most by far from my co-worker Katherine. We’ve worked together for close to 10 years and she’s taught me more lessons than I can count about work ethic, integrity and choosing kindness. Some of my biggest takeaways are to always be honest even when it’s hard, put your heart into your work and if you’re going to do it, do it right even if it means you have to skip a very convenient or appealing shortcut.
What is the nerdiest thing you do in your spare time?
I love playing video games with my kids…and even on occasion after they’ve gone to bed.
What energizes you at work?
Seeing the people around me feel empowered, motivated and working as a team.
One line from a movie
Just remember that in every pothole there is hope. Well, you see, pothole is spelled P-O-T-H-O-L-E. So if you take the P, and add it to the H, the O, and the E, and rearrange the letters… or contrariwise, you remove the O, T, and the L, you get “hope”. So, just remember, in every pothole there is hope!
Favorite motto or personal mantra?
Every morning my kids and I say “Today is my favorite day.”
What books are at your bedside?
Dare to Lead- Brene Brown, Untamed – Glennon Doyle
Jessica Hanna
Senior Research Consultant
(Research Rockstar)
Jessica Hanna
Jessica has been with Grant Advance Solutions since 2016. She is known for her inquisitive mind, attention to detail and her ability to take the reins to be the voice for the little guy. Her belief in doing the right thing is only one of the amazing strengths she brings to the team.
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
I’m inspired by talking every day with people who are devoting their time and energy to causes they believe in, and by my amazing coworkers.
At which store would you like to max out your credit card?
I’d be tempted to go somewhere that sells ultra-lightweight gear for hiking and camping.
How do you prefer to start your day?
I wake up with the sun, and I like to relax and take my time getting up. Then I usually put some music on and text with a coworker about our goals for the day.
What was your first job?
My first “job” was selling ice cream at the gymnasium concession stand, to raise funds for my middle school sports teams, even though I wasn’t on any of them. I was paid in ice cream.
What energizes you at work?
Feeling engaged and connected with a client.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Meditating every day before work.
If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?
I would love to experience being a snorkel tour operator in the Caribbean or a neurosurgeon saving lives.
What books are at your bedside?
The books on my bedside table right now include The Art of Asking, by musician Amanda Palmer, which is the story of how she learned how to ask people for help and achieved a record-breaking crowd-funding campaign, The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle, which is a book about the importance of living in the present moment, and The Assassination of Hole in the Day by Anton Treuer, which is the story of an Ojibwe chief who I found out was one of my ancestors and wanted to learn more about.
Katherine Reyklin
General Manager
(Process Protagonist)
Katherine Reyklin
Katherine’s background in administration and management is what brings our team together for success. She is a rare gem as she is an expert in detail, process and creativity. Katherine is the motor that keeps all parts of the organization running smoothly.
Coffee or tea?
Chai tea latte.
Cats or dogs?
Both.
iPhone or Android?
iPhone all the way. Anything left 4 feet underwater for 8 hours and still works gets my vote.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
Visiting Iceland, ziplining, retirement.
At which store would you like to max-out your credit card?
None!
Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?
A previous manager who taught me that errors are rarely the cause of the person, but the process.
How do you prefer to start your day?
Full tilt!
What was your first job?
Janitor for my Dad’s business.
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
It’s okay to make mistakes; it’s how we learn.
If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?
Pathologist
Mel Pingul
Director of Finance
(Director of Beancounting)
Mel Pingul
Mel is the master of minutiae. His ability to notice the smallest details means that nothing falls through the cracks on his watch. Mel can spot an issue before it becomes one and is typically one or more steps ahead of a problem. His warm-hearted nature and contagious laughter make him approachable and fun to have around.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee
Cats or dogs?
Dogs
Groups or one on one?
Groups
Iphone or Android?
Android
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is:
The only person that will take care of you is yourself
What’s the strangest talent you have?
I have Quite a sensitive nose (can smell the weirdest stuff lol)
What was your childhood nickname?
Meng
At which store would you like to max-out your credit card?
Anything watches and shoes
What was your first job?
Site Engr , housing development
Michael Mitov
SEO & Online Marketing
(Digital Dynamo)
Michael Mitov
Michael is a team player that works to beat Google algorithms and bring the site higher in the search engine result pages. He brings to the team his endless optimism and smiles, His kind nature and can-do attitude make him an absolute pleasure to collaborate with.
Iphone or Android?
Definitely Android. It’s nice, compact and reliable.
What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team?
Be yourself, support the team, and let us work together to achieve our goals.
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
To see that the work I am doing is not in vain, but helps and encourages others.
How do you prefer to start your day?
With a smile, big optimism for everything I have to achieve this day, and a strategy on how to do it.
What energizes you at work?
The various challenges I go through in my daily tasks and the joy at the end of the day that they have been successfully resolved.
Are you messy or organized?
Very organized. Nothing bothers me more than a messy place, business, or a website.
Favorite motto or personal mantra?
From Strategy to Success.
Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?
Székesfehérvár in Hungary. A beautiful and indescribable historical place where the first Hungarian kings were crowned and the previous capital of Hungary. It is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited as a place, people, and a culture.
Nick Maltchev
CTO
(Technical Overlord)
Nick Maltchev
Nick is an experienced executive with over 25 years of technology experience that likes challenges and getting things done. Nick is one of the more recent additions to the team and is excited to help with the expansion of GA to the US and beyond. Previous success in the technology, cyber security, manufacturing, distribution and investment industries. https://www.linkedin.com/in/maltchev/
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
Knowing that what I do serves higher purpose. Our work makes it possible for someone’s great idea to go through, be successful and make meaningful change in many people’s lives.
What would you like people to know about you?
I like when people are straightforward with me or else it feels like we are wasting each other’s time.
At which store would you like to max-out your credit card?
Not really a credit card person. I like to live within my means.
Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?
I have had great bosses and mentors throughout my career that gave me opportunities, let me make mistakes and learn, and were my biggest cheerleaders along the way. It is my time now to give back and ensure that other people feel the same.
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
One line from a movie.
Try not. Do… Or do not. There is no try.
How do you take your coffee/tea?
Usually with nothing in it – I like to savour the flavour.
Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?
Every place is great in its own way. I love to travel. Period.
Raissa Ferreira
Quality Assurance Analyst
(Bug Hunter)
Raissa Ferreira
Raissa is the glue that keeps administration and IT teams together. Her contribution allows us all to have a better understanding of each others needs, wants and abilities. She tests the system inside and out to ensure that our clients are working with an efficient and easy to use system. Raissa helps us deliver dreams into perfectly planned out realities in the development our system and tools. Her amazing contribution is always appreciated and valued.A cat because I’m a big fan of taking naps
Learn from your mistakes. We shouldn’t be so hard on ourselves; every mistake is a lesson and a learning opportunity.
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
I try to find all the bugs in the system so the users have the best experience with our platform. It makes me happy, to know that I am part of the reason that the users have the best experience in our website.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
skydive, live near the beach, and travel a lot
What energizes you at work?
Knowing that I work in a nice place, with amazing people and doing what I like it’s the best feeling.
What books are at your bedside?
All the Harry Potter books.
Which would you want most Robot housekeepers, a time machine or a magic carpet.?
Magic carpet so I can go anywhere at anytime
”Daissa” because that’s what my sister used to call me when she couldn’t pronounce the letter ”R”.
Roland Torres
Research Coordinator
(National Inquirer)
Roland Torres
Roland comes to Grant Advance with an extensive history of working to support clients. His eagerness to learn new ideas and grow is one of the greatest strengths he brings to the team. The value he places on listening and understanding a client’s needs makes him a wonderful asset to any team.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is?
Love and take care of yourself.
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
To be able to help people and communicate with different walks of life.
What is the best compliment you ever got?
That I am a good listener.
What would you like people to know about you?
That I have big dreams and that I love my family so much.
What is the nerdiest thing you do in your spare time?
Play video games and read history books about conquerors.
Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?
My Grandpa.
Name your most recent favorite read?
Count of monte cristo.
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Listen to your parents, study well, have a dream, and act on it.
Samuel Lane
Senior Research Consultant
(Chief of Cheer)
Samuel Lane
Samuel was one of the first employees at Grant Advance Solutions. He brings motivation, passion and drive to the team every day. Samuel’s passion to learn about all people, places and ideas make him a wonderful person to know and work with.
What is the best compliment you ever got?
“You are consistently improving yourself”
What is the nerdiest thing you do in your spare time?
I love to watch Star Trek while cooking.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
No.1 Create a bucket list.
How do you prefer to start your day?
I start my day at 4:00 AM and I go to the gym, read, journal and then have a coffee while doing my emails by 7:00.
What was your first job?
I started picking berries and mowing lawns when I was 12.
What energizes you at work?
Inspirational people, this job brings up a lot of them!
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Getting into nature each day.
Name your most recent favourite reads?
The Alchemist, The Richest Man in Babylon, and Mindset: Psychology of Success.
Sigga Mekkinosson
Senior Research Consultant
(Wizard of Ozsome)
Sigga Mekkinosson
Sigga is the first of our research consultants to come on board. Her sense of honesty and compassion drive her to work hard for any organization that she connects with. She has been working directly with non profit organizations for several years through employment and volunteerism.
Cats or dogs?
That’s like asking me to choose my favourite child – impossible to do!
Where is the best place you have traveled to and why?
Iceland, because it encompasses my whole heritage and sense of belonging.
What is the nerdiest thing you do in your spare time?
Refinish furniture.
How do you prefer to start your day?
Coffee and a dog walk
Favorite motto or personal mantra?
“Worrying is like praying for something you don’t want”.
What would you like people to know about you?
I am sincere and honest.
What is the most inspiring part of your job?
The great people I get to talk to across the country.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
Ride horses in Mongolia, visit the Shetland Islands for Up Helly Aa (the Viking fire burning festival) and create a work of art.
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Be proud of who you are and be the first to smile.
Sue Warner
Research Coordinator
(Opportunity Optimizer)
Sue Warner
Sue’s ability to look at the bright side brings light to us all daily. She is enthusiastic, kind and passionate about the non profits that she talks to. Sue truly invests her time and energy in those she talks to and oftentimes relays their struggles and passions with the rest of the team.
Coffee or tea?
Tea girl all the way!
What is the most inspiring part of your job?
Helping non-profit organizations see hope beyond what they thought was possible to receive grant funding. Also, getting to know interesting people in our beautiful country!
What would you like people to know about you?
Family is everything. I love animals, nature, oceans/lakes, travel and sports. I try to think outside of the box.
What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team?
Working together, being considerate of others and reaching beyond our comfort zones is what makes this company, GA, spectacular!
What energizes you at work?
People. I really like everyone on the GA team, we all encourage one another. Also, the people I contact who engage in conversation where I get to learn more about them and their organization.
What is the strangest talent you have?
I can use a weed eater for hours and not get tired.
One line from a movie?
“There’s no crying in baseball.”
What is your favorite number and why?
13 because everyone else thinks it’s an unlucky number. It’s also Steve Nash’s jersey number.
Tessa McPherson
Social Media & Marketing
(Brand Warrior)
Tessa McPherson
Tessa brings a fresh perspective to the team with her ability to view things in a different light and her appreciation of art in all forms. She is a champion of being inclusive in all areas of our organization and pushes us to do better at every turn. Her passion for creating a sense of community and finding new avenues to do so makes her a driving force in our organization.
What is the nerdiest thing you do in your spare time?
Spin yarn from wool and weave cloth from string.
What was your childhood nickname?
Do I have to say this outloud? Pookie-bear.
What energizes you at work?
I love new projects and looking for new ways of doing things! (Sorry everyone)
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Completing lists before making new ones.
What is an ability you wish you had?
Gardening. I feel like if I could grow my own food and beautiful flowers my life would naturally be in balance. Alas, all my gardening attempts turn into botanical graveyards.
Cats or dogs?
Both! But cats definitely match my energy more.
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
Knowing that at the end of every day I have contributed to making the world a little better.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
Visit Iceland, Move to the ocean, start a hobby farm.
Finn
President of Scraps and Naps
Finn
How do you prefer to start your day?
With a snuggle and a snack.
What was your first job?
Model in Bougie Pups Weekly.
What energizes you at work?
Squirrels.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Giving a smile instead of a growl.
Favorite Movie Quote:
It’s just the most amazing thing to love a dog, isn’t it? It makes our relationships with people seem as boring as a bowl of oatmeal. – Marley and Me
The best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Mess with a raccoon and you’ll get a cone.