Photo by Arianna Pardi

Sandra Summerhayes is the founder of Sandra Summerhayes & Associates and the visionary behind the Leadership Expo - Niagara's premiere Leadership Skills Conference.  A commitment to personal and professional development has been the cornerstone of Sandra's career journey.   This dedication has been transferred to her current work as a leader in training and development.

Early in her career, Sandra had the opportunity to work with Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) as an Employment Counselor.  This is where Sandra's commitment to customer service was thoroughly engrained in her working style.  During her twelve-year tenure, Sandra designed and facilitated training programs for both internal and external customers, focusing on change management and the development of employability skills.

The move from public to private industry came naturally to Sandra.  In 1996 Sandra was hired as a member of the pre-opening Management team at Casino Niagara to research, develop and deliver customized training programs for over 3500 newly hired Associates. Within this role, she led the development of an internal Management Certificate Program, Step Up to Supervisor Program, Performance Management Program, Career Counselling for Recruitment Staff and other knowledge, skills, and development training programs. Under her leadership, Casino Niagara's training department won both regional and provincial awards including the Misty Award, a coveted award in the service industry.

Sandra's reputation for excellence in employee, team and organizational development inspired her to create Sandra Summerhayes & Associates. As an independent Training Consultant, Sandra designs and delivers training for various organizations throughout the province. Her first contract was with the Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation where she designed and delivered the pre-opening Human Resource Training and Team Leader Training for Racetrack Slots and Charity Casinos in Ontario. Some of Sandra's clients include:

Metroland Media Group
The Regional Municipality of Niagara
Niagara Workforce Planning Board
The Hamilton Training Advisory Board
Niagara Region - Ontario Works
Niagara Women's Enterprise Centre
Environment Canada
Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services
Community Living
Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation
The Ministry of Transportation
Niagara Region, Public Health
The City of Hamilton
The City of Brantford
The Business Education Council of Niagara
Brock University Career Services
Level Five Strategic Partners
CUMIS
Canada Customs & Revenue Agency
The Town of Niagara-on-the Lake
White Oaks Resort & Spa
Vintage Inns

She has also worked with individual supervisors and managers in private industry to develop individual learning plans to strengthen their leadership abilities.  Sandra works closely with organizations to meet their individual needs and create improved working environments by facilitating strategic planning sessions, assisting management to identify departmental gaps and to form action plans.

Sandra leading edge public speaking skills have been showcased at various national and international conferences, including NATCON, Opportunities and the World Gaming Congress in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sandra is also the innovative voice and founder of the Leadership Expo - Niagara's premiere Leadership Skills Conference. 

A dedication to the Niagara community is evident in Sandra's commitment to participate in various community oriented organizations and groups.   She proudly supports area charities and the development of local entrepreneurs.

Affiliations:

Leadership Niagara Curriculum Committee Chair
Port Colborne Wainfleet Chamber of Commerce Board Member & Chair of the Industry & Education Committee
Canadian Society for Training & Development Member
American Society for Training & Development Member
OAAPT - Ontario Association for the Application of Personality Type Member
IdeaShare Member
SBCN - Small Business Club Niagara & WIN - Women in Niagara
CIBPA - Canadian Italian Business Professional Association of Niagara
National Storytelling Network
World Laughter Tour