Staff

Mari Kozar - Executive Director | m.kozar@portagecrc.com | 204-240-6471

Mari Kozar (she/her) is the Executive Director responsible for the entire team. Mari provides leadership and management of the organization. Mari is in charge of planning and management, community relations/communication, human resources, and financial planning and management for PCRC. With the direction of the board, Mari directs PCRC to be the community initiative that all of the programs make it up to be.

Sherri Walker - Office Administrator | s.walker@portagecrc.com | 204-240-8567

Sherri Walker (she\her) is the Office Administrator for PCRC. Sherri works reception, assists with financial management, and provides administrative support to all staff.

Rachel Templeton - Community Facilitator | cf@portagecrc.com | 204-240-4043

Rachel Templeton (she\her) is the Community Facilitator for PCRC. Rachel engages community members and stakeholders in planning and execution of programs/projects, facilitates public education and community activities, supports fundraising and development. Rachel finds and applies for grants to benefit the community.

Rachelle Sissons - Community Engagement Coordinator | r.roteliuk@portagecrc.com | 204-240-8563

Rachelle Sissons is the Community Engagement Coordinator at the Portage la Prairie Community Revitalization Corporation. With a passion for creativity and a deep commitment to community, Rachelle thrives in her role. She loves making community connections, empowering citizens, and enhancing the vibrancy of Portage la Prairie.

Tawnee Kowerchuk - Reaching Home Coordinator | t.kowerchuk@portagecrc.com | 204-240-8532

Tawnee Kowerchuk (she/her) is the Reaching Home Coordinator. Reaching Home is a product of the National Housing Strategy to strengthen and support the community. Reaching Home’s purpose is to reduce homelessness and to ensure that every Canadian has affordable housing. Tawnee works with clients based on a comparative model to the coordinated access system.

Alexa Kowerchuk - Wawokiya Coordinator | a.kowerchuk@portagecrc.com | 204-240-8531

Alexa Kowerchuk (she\her) is the Wawokiya Coordinator. Alexa has a background in direct services as she was a Reaching Home Case Manager and a Case Manager at the former Portage Community Shelter. As the Wawokiya Coordinator, Alexa organizes The Wawokiya Table and Wawokiya Support Teams to mobilize and coordinate existing resources across sectors to give individuals/families the support they need so they can prevent and permanently stabilize crisis situations.

Pauline Johnston - Reaching Home Community Auntie | p.johnston@portagecrc.com | 204-240-7272/ 204-240-0036

Pauline Johnston is the Reaching Home Community Auntie. The Community Auntie program is based on the Ask Aunty Program. Pauline provides direct support like identification & banking, health & wellness, education & employment, transportation/accessibility, housing and advocacy for Portage's vulnerable and Indigenous populations. Pauline prioritizes advocacy and community collaboration to best meet the needs of those she serves within the partnership of Reaching Home.

Kimberley Sharp - Reaching Home Intensive Case Manager | k.sharp@portagecrc.com | 204-240-8561

Kimberley Sharp (she/they) is the Housing Intensive Case Manager. Kim provides wrap around supports and find resources to help individuals meet their goals and be successful in sustaining and maintaining their housing.

Taylor McCarson - Youth Hub Coordinator | t.mccarson@portagecrc.com | 204-240-8530

Taylor McCarson (she/her) is the Youth Hub Coordinator. Taylor plans, organizes, and oversees programs and activities designed to support the development, engagement, and well-being of youth. She manages program logistics, collaborate with staff and community partners, and ensure that programs are safe, inclusive, and impactful.

Justine Richardson - Youth Mentor | j.richardson@portagecrc.com

Justine Richardson (she/they) is the Youth Mentor at the Youth Hub. Justine will provide guidance, share life experiences, and help youth develop skills, build confidence, and make positive life choices. She acts as a role model, offering emotional support, listening, and helping them navigate challenges in their personal, academic, and social lives.

Sierra Myran - Cultural Support Navigator | s.myran@portagecrc.com

Sierra Myran (she/her) is the Cultural Support Navigator at the Youth Hub. Sierra bridges cultural gaps by helping youth to understand, appreciate, and navigate diverse cultural identities and experiences. She promotes inclusivity, cross-cultural understanding, and respect by creating safe spaces for dialogue and learning. Sierra encourages youth to explore their own cultural heritage, engage with others' traditions, and develop empathy and social awareness, fostering a sense of belonging and unity in diverse communities.

Mitch Tilk - PLIP Program Coordinator | plip@portagecrc.com | 204-240-2871

Mitch Tilk (he/him) is the Local Immigration Partnerships (LIP) Program Coordinator. Mitch supports the development of local partnerships and community-based planning around the needs of residents and newcomers. Mitch’s goals are to help make Portage a more welcoming community for everybody.

Abosede Jogunonsinmi - PLIP Cultural Connector | a.jogunosinmi@portagecrc.com | 204-240-8560

Abosede plays a crucial role in supporting newcomers to the community, helping them integrate smoothly and access the resources they need to thrive.

Lauren McKay - PUIPC Indigenous Community Coordinator | l.mckay@portagecrc.com | 204-240-8559

Lauren McKay serves as the PUIPC Indigenous Community Coordinator with the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation. She is dedicated to making strong connections within the Indigenous community, working to enhance cultural understanding and ensure that Indigenous voices are represented and respected within the community.

Randy Lilley - Indigenous Seniors Coordinator | r.lilley@portagecrc.com | 204-240-8568

Randy serves as the Indigenous Seniors Coordinator for the Portage la Prairie Community Revitalization Corporation. In this role, he is committed to supporting the well-being of Indigenous seniors, ensuring they have access to the resources, community connections, and care they need to lead fulfilling lives.

Want to speak with someone on the phone? Call us at 204-240-7272 and we can direct your call, or call the direct line of the person you wish to speak to.