Our team at Sandbox Events

Email: luisam@StrategicSiteSelection.com
Tel: 226-704-3260
Language spoken: English

Luisa is a seasoned hospitality professional boasting over two decades of experience across diverse domains such as front office operations, meetings and events planning, food and beverage, as well as holding leadership positions as a Director and Regional Sales Manager within different hotel brands. The significance of building and cultivating relationships resonates deeply with Luisa. She firmly believes that comprehending and actively listening to clients' requirements are vital aspects of demonstrating genuine care and aligning their vision with hers.

1. What keeps you motivated and optimistic?  What motivates me is setting new goals and surrounding myself with positive people who encourage me. Being optimistic is all about seeing the silver lining, being confident in oneself and seeing the good in others.
2. What is the best piece of professional advice you ever received?  The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvellous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day. - Albert Einstein
3. Tell us about the item in your photo. One of my passions is the love of kayaking. I find that it's soothing to the soul, almost meditative like. It feels great to be on the bay or lake and enjoy the natural surroundings and really connect with self. And just like in life, the waters are sometimes calm and sometimes rough, but you just have to keep paddling and learn from the experience.

Email: alisham@strategicsiteselection.com
Tel: +1.403.667.0651
Language spoken: English

With over 20+ years in customer-facing roles, Alisha is a passionate hotelier who loves connecting with people. She is driven by making a difference and creating experiences. Her professional background spans food and beverage, event management, and group sales. Alisha thrives in an environment where every day presents a new challenge and finds excitement in knowing she is making an impact.

Outside of work, her time is mainly spent with their husband and two boys enjoying activities such as binge-watching Netflix, engaging in family colouring sessions, baking, and crafting.

1. Tell us about the item you chose for your photo.  I love getting out and about! Whether it's running around on the playground with my boys, gym training and cycling, or hiking/running trails in the Rocky Mountains. I also have a fondness for Classic Black and White Chuck Taylors.
2. What keeps you motivated and optimistic?  Positivity and passion.
3. If you were leaving on a jet plane tomorrow where would you go? Mexico with my husband and two boys making memories and indulging in the finest tacos!

Email: lindsayw@strategicsiteselection.com
Language spoken: English

Lindsay joins Sandbox with over 5 years of corporate event experience. From in person to virtual, social to educational and from small to large scale events, she is passionate about producing thoughtful and memorable experiences for guests and stakeholders.

In her spare time, you can find Lindsay enjoying the local restaurant scene, drinking copious amounts of coffee, or planning the next camping trip.

1. Favourite item I bought this year: All of my plant babies! My condo has turned into a jungle over the last year.
2. Tip for combatting distractions:  Once my mind starts to wander, I like to get up for a 1 minute micro break. It helps refresh my mind and I always think more clearly when I get back.

Email: sheenab@strategicsiteselection.com
Language spoken: English

For the past 6 years Sheena worked at a private college specializing in commercial vehicle training.  Her role required her to wear many hats, but the two areas she enjoyed the most were accounting and customer service.  Sheena looks forward to focusing on those core areas with her new role at SSS.

In her free time Sheena enjoys playing volleyball and ringette, completing DIY home renovation projects, or spending time with her completely spoiled cats.

1. You’re leaving tomorrow on a jet plane, where are you going?  My next bucket list trip is to travel to South America to visit Machu Picchu.
2. Are you more productive in the mornings, afternoons or evenings? Why?  For as long as I can remember I have been a night hawk, in University I completed most of my course work in the early hours of the morning. With a strict routine (and a lot of coffee) I have learned to adapt to typical business hours, so my peak performance now would be in the afternoons.
3. Tell us why you chose a volleyball in your photo?  I’d likely be on the court playing if I’m not working or sleeping.

Email: ashleyh@strategicsiteselection.com
Tel: TBD
Language spoken: English

Ashley prides herself on always doing the absolute best she can by giving her work all that she’s got. She comes to SSS with 10+ years of administrative and customer service experience and enjoys helping her customers.  With her new SSS family she is looking forward to personal and professional growth, continual learning, along with deeper understanding and new love for this industry.  

After work, you can find her building memories with her two children.

1. How would you describe your work ethic in 3 words?  Dedicated, Reliable and Supportive.
2. What is one thing you would tell your past self pre-Covid?  Take time to soak it all in and enjoy because everything can change at the drop of a hat.
3. What is your number one tip for combating distractions when working from home?  When I start to feel distracted, I make myself a large cup of tea. Helps me get comfy and stay focused.
4. Tell us why you chose a game in your photo?  I think it is important to never take life so seriously, playing games brings people of all ages together, lets down everyone’s guard, helps people stay in the moment, and reminds all of us to have fun and feel like a carefree kid again. Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition too?

Email: hilarym@strategicsiteselection.com
Tel: +1.226.314.0393
Language spoken: English

Hilary started her journey with SSS as an Office Administrator and has since grown into her current role. Hilary is proud to be part of a company that has seen such growth and success over the years. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Trent University and a certificate in Human Resources Management from Durham College. She is passionate about finding the best talent to join our team and helping to facilitate our company's continued growth. 

Hilary is grateful to be part of the SSS team and looks forward to contributing to our ongoing success. 

1. If you could learn one new professional skill, what would it be?  Public speaking! I tend to be a fainter in these situations.
2. What is your most memorable travel experience and why?  Getting engaged in Iceland! Pretty self explanatory
3. Tell us about the item in your photo?  In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my husband Chris and our dog Murphy. We love hiking the beautiful trails Newfoundland has to offer and taking in the stunning natural scenery. In the summer months, you can find us whale watching and indulging in delicious local seafood.

Email: virginiaw@strategicsiteselection.com
Language spoken: English and French

Virginia has recent experience working in the real estate industry as a client care coordinator helping individuals navigate the ever-changing buying and selling process. Prior to working in real estate, she worked in fine dining restaurants and made the transition to planning large scale events with Oliver & Bonacini in Toronto and Muskoka. 

Creating relationships with her clients and different suppliers has been so fulfilling and rewarding, and she is excited to continue that with SSS.  Outside of work, Virginia enjoys spending time on the lake, swimming in the summer and skating in the winter, with her husband, two young boys and Frankie (their very large puppy).  

1. What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?  A quote I read not long ago but that definitely resonated with me and how I live my life is to ‘find a way to say yes to things’. Say yes to invitations to a new country, say yes to meeting new friends, say yes to learning something new.  Yes, is how you get your first job, and your next job, and your spouse, and even your kids!
2. If you could learn one new professional skill what would that be?  I would love to learn as many languages as I can. I love to travel and learn about different cultures – knowing the native language would make things that much easier!
3. What made you choose the item in your photo?  One of my other passions is floral design and learning about all things botanical.

Email: reneet@strategicsiteselection.com
Languages spoken: English

As a passionate member of the hospitality industry, Renee’s number one goal is the satisfaction of her clients. She is always striving to make sure that any one she works with is happy by collaborating to meet their goals together. Renee believes that relationship-building is key in working in this industry. Making someone feel truly at home and in good hands is something she leverages, as that skill comes naturally to her.

Renee is a driven team-player who wants to see everyone win and will always jump in to lend a helping hand.

When Renee is not working, she is teaching the next group of hospitality professionals, binge watching Netflix cooking, baking, crafting, or spending time with her family.

1. What are your hidden talents?  My #1 hidden talent is that I’ll make it before I buy it! I craft a lot year-round (hence the scissors). I’ve made teacher gifts, birthday décor for the kids, or pretty much anything I see and don’t want to buy because I feel I could make it much better. Favorite thing I’ve made? Cake toppers and birthday invitations for my daughter’s birthdays. If you need something custom let me know *wink*
2. You must sing karaoke, what song do you pick?  Single Ladies. Does it matter that I’m not single? It’s still Single Ladies.
3. Are you more productive in the mornings, afternoons or evenings?  Why? Is “anytime I’m alone” a time of day? But seriously with a busy household of 3 kids and a husband with varying levels of needs, if the house is empty, you can expect me to be productive morning, noon and night!

Email: saras@strategicsiteselection.com
Tel: +1.416.999.1787
Languages spoken: English

Sara joins the SSS team with over 15 years of hospitality and sales experience, including planning, operations and most recently hotel front office and reservations. Her passion for customer service drives her to create exceptional experiences for clients from beginning to end. 

Sara and her husband are proud parents of two daughters and their puppy, Kallie - a Beabull. Outside of work you can find her enjoying time with her family and friends, working on home renos and improvements and enjoying the sunshine. Summer, sun and fresh air are what make her smile.

1. How would you describe your work ethic in 3 words?  You’re leaving tomorrow on a jet plane, where are you going and who are you bringing? I am going anywhere warm.... sun, sand and heat and I am bringing my family... my husband and two girls. Spending time together and creating memories brings me so much happiness!
2. What do you hope clients say about you?  I hope my clients would say that I am always there to help in any way that I can and that they trust me to provide the service they need.
3. What made you choose the item in your photo?  I love yoga, fitness and feeling healthy. Taking time to stretch, breathe and release the daily stresses of life are important.
4. What keeps you motivated and optimistic?  What keeps me motivated personally and professionally is doing a great job. When you see all your hard work pay off... time, dedication, expertise, and care, it motivates me to keep going and feeling confident in the job I am doing.

Email: amandan@StrategicSiteSelection.com
Tel: +1.226.916.1886
Language spoken: English

One of Amanda’s colleagues shared with her recently that her calm disposition is like no one that she has ever worked with before.  She agrees and believes it comes from her number of years experience in the hospitality industry especially working in the front office department where you must remain calm, cool, and collected – even under a crisis.  Amanda cares deeply for all her clients, partners and teammates and works hard to give them her all to ensure everyone is happy!

Amanda LOVES a good cup of joe! She is a true coffee fanatic constantly drinking a mug and sipping on water – a balance of both.

1. Who is your favourite artist?  Nelly: I just love Nelly! Any of his songs. Might surprise a few people
2. You’re leaving tomorrow on a jet plane, where are you going and who are you bringing?  If its tomorrow, somewhere warm with whoever can come along!
3. Tell us about your love of books.  I normally don’t leave home without a book. Author Beth Pattillo sums up my love of books nicely in this quote “I took my time, running my fingers along the spines of books, stopping to pull a title from the shelf and inspect it. ... It was better than meditation or a new pair of shoes… Lots and lots of books…  A refuge. A solace. Each one offering the possibility of a new beginning.” 

Email: heatherh@strategicsiteselection.com
Tel: +1.519.341.4148
Language spoken: English

At SSS since 2016, Heather’s clients have always appreciated her enthusiastic and detailed approach. She takes pride in delivering the very best results and will go the extra mile to help her customers achieve their goals. Heather believes that the secret to personal growth is helping others grow, so supporting people in achieving their goals is the driving force behind everything she does. She truly loves problem solving and has the can-do spirit and critical thinking ability to back it up.

1. What keeps you motivated and optimistic?  There is nothing that motivates me more than having a hand in a solution. I love helping people succeed and feel most rewarded when delivering an amazing result
2. What made you choose the item in your photo?  When not at my desk, I love enjoying the company of others! This often includes good food and a big ol’ glass of wine.
3. What is the best piece of professional advice you ever received?  For best results, approach with empathy.
4. What do you hope clients say about you?  I want all of my clients to say that I made their job easy and I hope to be recognized for my enthusiasm, reliability, integrity, and detailed approach. 

Email: joycep@strategicsiteselection.com
Language spoken: English

As a seasoned professional with extensive experience in Hospitality Sales and Events, Joyce brings to Strategic Site Selection her growing expertise in strategic sales, marketing, event management, creative digital strategy, and client relations. Joyce has had the privilege to work with several companies throughout her career including elite corporate organizations, national associations, and international corporate and social brands. Her focus is to continue to nourish her career and add value to her clients by being an active partner in the success of their meetings and events.

Joyce enjoys living downtown where she often explores the newest spots where she can enjoy great food and a good latte. Her time is also spent mostly with her 2-year-old cocker spaniel, Bella Rose. Joyce loves to travel and always looks forward to the company of her family and friends. Always trying to maintain balance to her busy schedule, she loves to host dinners and attend live events. After a long day, you can find her curled up on the sofa with Bella and a glass of wine while watching one of her favourite shows.

1. What is the best piece of professional advice you've ever received? "When you do something do your best and do it with integrity. It's fine for others to be proud of you but its more important for you to be proud of you.
2. How would you describe your work ethic in 3 words? Ambitious. Resourceful. Client-focused
3. Tell us about why you chose a mug in your photo? I chose coffee because its both my strength and my weakness.

Email: DanaA@strategicsiteselection.com
Tel: +1.647.992.8941
Language spoken: English

1. What are you most passionate about professionally? I am passionate about building meaningful and lasting relationships not only with clients, but also suppliers and colleagues.
2. Favorite Quote? You're in competition with one person only, and that is the individual you know you can become.
3.  One word people use to describe you? Energetic.

Email: tinaw@strategicsiteselection.com
Language spoken: English

Connecting with people and creating unforgettable experiences are Tina’s professional passions. Her approach to collaboration is anchored in delivering superb client experience that maximizes return on investment, delivers on goals, and elevates events.

Tina’s professional experience spans over 20 years across hospitality, food and beverage retail, digital media, consumer engagement and horticulture industries.  She spent nearly a decade of her career in the hotel and meetings industry, from front of house at a boutique hotel to group sales for a large hotel and convention center. 

1. What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?  The one breakthrough for all leaders is constant, never-ending improvement. Your most important investment is in developing yourself in mindset, mentality, and actions so you can do more, give more, and change more.
2. Describe your work ethic in three words.  Reliable. Committed. Positive Attitude.
3. What made you choose the item in your photo?  I spent ten years in the radio industry and adopted a love of audio from music to listening to live speakers as it’s where I find my inspiration.  I’m a lifelong learner and a voracious consumer of podcasts, TED Talks, and lectures from MasterClass.  

Email: jaye@strategicsiteselection.com
Tel: +1.343.204.2790
Language spoken: English and French

Jay joins the SSS team with over ten years experience working with hotels, in destination marketing, and event audio-visual sales. As graduate from Bishop’s University with a BBA in Entrepreneurship and Economics, Jay has currently served as Vice-President Communications on the MPI Ottawa Board of Directors, started his own side-hustle web design business during the pandemic, and is fluent in English and French.

Jay prides himself on his dedication to client satisfaction, his diverse professional background, and his ability to foster meaningful business relationships with both suppliers and clients. He is especially passionate about giving back within the industry and helping his partners navigate the intricacies of meetings and events. Jay and his wife love to travel and get lost in foreign places and are parents to two kids.

1. What are you most passionate about professionally? I want my clients to feel like I’m part of their team. My most meaningful professional relationships are ones that are built on honesty, trust, and my ability to bring tangible value-adds to areas that would otherwise be stressors.
2. Where is your favourite place you have travelled and why?  Anywhere new. Getting lost in another country, culture, and its people is the best way to grow as individuals.
3. Tell us about why you selected an airplane in your photo? There’s nothing quite like the planning process of travel. You can sometimes get more out of researching where you want to go, and consequently not go, and what you want to do when you get there, than the time-limited travel itself. I absolutely love visiting places all over the world and picked an airplane to highlight my passion.

Email: sabineh@strategicsiteselection.com
Tel: +1.514.574.4496
Languages spoken: English, French and Spanish

Sabine has always been passionate about the Hospitality industry. Before joining SSS, she held various roles in hotels including sales/marketing/housekeeping. Having also worked in marketing for world renowned products companies and promoting global health initiatives for community organizations, the transition to Strategic Site Selection was a perfect career segue! 

Parents of three, Sabine and her husband are passionate travelers. They dream of taking the family around the world for a trip someday. She speaks and writes French, English and Spanish. As much as she enjoys talking, Sabine knows how to listen and understand other people needs, she cares.

1. What keeps you motivated and optimistic?  I’m a solution-oriented person but I also like to help. When I see that my work truly has an impact on someone or something that’s when I feel my biggest sense of purpose and it encourage me to keep going.
2. What made you choose the item in your photo?  I chose a candle as my object because for me they represent a lot of feel-good moments. Not only do they smell nice and create a nice ambiance, but they also are festive and easy to carry when you travel. My life is often very intense, and I sometimes need to re-center and ground myself. For a complete relaxation, I like to light a candle and take a few minutes to step out of the chaos to mediate or do a reenergising yoga session.
3. What do you hope clients say about you? Mostly they feel I understand their needs and that I am able to proactively provide the best solutions. My clients feel that my various experiences have allowed me to develop a large network in many industries and they appreciate my ability to solve most situations with creative solutions. Quality experience and client satisfaction are always my priority.

Email: silvias@strategicsiteselection.com
Tel: +1.905.862.3186
Language spoken: English

With close to 30 years of experience in the industry, Silvia is not afraid to face the elephant in the eyes.  Her colleagues know her as the person with many questions. When she is not turning over every rock for answers, she is trail walking or reading the paper over a hot cup of coffee.

1. What is your number one tip for combating distractions when working from home? Ignore everything around you and just focus on the task in front of you. One minute at a time. Take all the drinks and snacks you’ll need for the day and keep them by your side just as you would if you were going to work. Also take a nice walk at lunch time to rejuvenate your mind and body so you don’t get cabin fever.
2. You're leaving tomorrow on a jet plane, where are you going and who are you bringing with you? I'm headed to Bora Bora with my soul sister. Guaranteed to laugh all day long with her by my side.
3. Tell us about the item you chose for your photo.  Family means everything to me. The plate in the picture was part of my late grandmother’s first set of dishes, so it has a lot of sentimental value to me. The plates were hand made and painted in Portugal. Gathering with my family around a delicious homecooked meal and sharing great stories makes great memories in the kitchen that last for years to come!

Email: tanyaf@strategicsiteselection.com
Tel: +1.604-833-5565
Language spoken: English

Tanya has been a proud member of the SSS family since 2017, having joined after 20+ years working in the hospitality industries in both Europe and North America. Though reviewing contracts and negotiating hard for her clients excites her, she was drawn to this career because of the people. The relationships and friendships she has built with clients and suppliers along the way has brought her immense joy. 

In Tanya’s spare time you can catch her playing slo-pitch softball, crafting, and drawing with her daughters.

1. Best professional advice you ever received? This isn’t advice I received personally, but Richard Branson’s mother had always told him to never look back in regret – move onto the next thing. Failures are inevitable, its what you do with it that matters. This stuck with me!
2. You have to sing Karaoke, what song do you pick?  Hold On, Wilson Phillips
3. Tell us about the item you chose for your photo.  While I don’t play hockey, I love rooting on my favourite sports teams: the Canucks, Broncos and Blue Jays. Sports talk is always welcome, and highly encouraged with me!

Email: heleneg@strategicsiteselection.com
Tel: +1.416.268.9809
Language spoken: English

At Strategic Site Selection since 2011, Helene’s clients would describe her as a relentless negotiator, and greatly appreciate her knack for finding the most perfect home for all meetings, big and small. She is straightforward and fair. 

Helene loves sipping wine on her cottage dock while reflecting on how thankful she is for all the close relationships she’s developed during her 12+ years at SSS.

1. Are you more productive in the mornings, afternoons or evenings? Why? My kids have always been early risers, so I learned to be an even earlier riser! I started waking up at 5 am so that I could have some time to myself before I had to put on "MOM hat". It is a habit that stuck with me over the years because I can be productive and get so much done by 9am!
2. What is your favourite item you’ve bought this year? You don’t really know me until you’ve uncovered my love for COSTCO Slippers! I’m now on my second pair and they bring me so much happiness. Everyone needs a pair of these slippers in their life.
3. Tell us about the item in your photo: Having worked in this industry for over three decades, I’ve found joy in bringing hospitality into my own home.   

Email: jodim@strategicsiteselection.com
Tel: +1.604.990.7730
Language spoken: English

From working on cruise ships and hotels, to spending many years at Strategic Site Selection, Jodi brings her passion for the Hospitality Industry into every interaction she makes. She is truly thankful for the partnerships and people she has the opportunity to work with each and every day. 

When she’s not reviewing contracts, floor plans and proposals, you’ll find her entertaining her two wonderful kids, and trying to get them to still listen to her!

1. How would you describe your work ethic in 3 words? Work Hard, Play Hard…okay this is four words but that also shows I like to go above and beyond!
2. What is the best piece of professional advice you have ever received? I have two! One of my favourite quotes with advice as it relates to how I live and work is to “Be yourself, everyone else is taken”. The other is; “Dream big. Start small. But most of all start”.
3. You’re leaving on a jet plane tomorrow, where are you going and who are you bringing with you? I just want to be traveling and with the people I love most at my side; my family, friends and colleagues!
4. Tell us about the item you chose for your photo. For me, it’s the smallest things, like catching up with friends over a coffee, creating memories with my kids over a hot chocolate and resting after a long day with a nice cup of tea, can be the most meaningful and fulfilling.

Email: angelav@strategicsiteselection.com
Tel: +1.647.342.3482
Language spoken: English

Angela is a Director of Global Accounts who uses her two decades of travel, hotel, marketing, and food & beverage experience to help find that gem location for her clients. She is best known for her collaborative approach, sincerity, and transparency. 

Angela loves travel, live music, is a serial renovator, paddleboard junkie and prioritizes opportunities to give back to her local community and industry through volunteerism.  

1. Tell us about the item you chose for your photo. I love watching my passport fill up with stamps and visas from around the world.
2. What is the best piece of professional advice you ever received?  To trust in my intuition. Energy doesn’t lie.
3. If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be? Long live the banana clip!
4. What is your most memorable travel experience and why? The first time I was on an airplane was when I was a teenager, traveling to Moscow on a school exchange and living with a Russian family who took the time to show me their world. I’ll never forget what it was like to stroll the streets of Moscow and St. Petersburg soaking in the architecture and vibrant colours. 

Email: markd@strategicsiteselection.com
Tel: +1.519.821.0666
Language spoken: English

The founder and CEO of Strategic Site Selection, Mark started the company in 2005. He has over 20 years of experience within the hospitality industry, over half of which has been spent in site selection services. Mark is recognized for his enthusiasm, honesty, and dedication to his clients—all values he maintains as he continues to grow the business and build a dynamic team of individuals: the SSS family. 

Outside the office, Mark enjoys sports, listening to all genres of music, reading, travelling, and spending quality time with his three children.

1. What does your ideal clients say about you? Mark is a steadfast, loyal, and enthusiastic professional who works hard for us, and always prioritizes our needs. His ethical and trustworthy approach makes us comfortable counting on him always. He has a phenomenal work ethic and a strong reputation for delivering results for his customers.
2. What’s your favourite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon? Hanging out around the house with great tunes and enjoying time with my kids after a busy week of work.
3. Favourite quote? “I will do today what most men won’t, so I can have tomorrow what most men can’t.” 
4. Tell us about why you chose to hold a guitar for your photo: One of the things I've always wanted to learn is guitar. While I am very much a work in progress, I'm loving it. Weekly taking lessons over video and making time to learn has brought me immense joy and a new hobby outside the hustle and bustle of work.