In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have implemented mandatory work-from-home policies in order to comply with the strict social distancing regulations enforced by the Ontario Government, and most importantly to keep their employees and their families safe.

This means that a lot of us are dealing with an unusual challenge: working from home for the first time, full-time. If you are feeling overwhelmed, please know that you are not alone! Many individuals are now suddenly expected to transfer their 9-5 daily business pursuits online, all the while taking care of their children, ageing family members and households during these uncertain times.

The Barrie Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Sandbox are inviting you to join us this Wednesday, April 1st at 9:30 am on our FREE webinar panel to learn some tips and strategies on how you can effectively work from home with kids to help reduce stress, become more organized online, and feel motivated in your new (but temporary) work environment. There will be a Q&A session where you can have any of your questions answered!

About the Panelists

Arlinda Demiri, CEO
Scholarly Elite Tutoring

Arlinda Demiri is the CEO and founder of Scholarly Elite Tutoring, and recent creator of the interactive math help program FreeMathHelp.ca. Her mission is to support parents in empowering their children through education. She has created evidence-based programs designed to help students build confidence, reduce stress and succeed in achieving their academic and personal goals.

She is also the Chair of Governance on the Board of Directors at the Canadian Mental Health Association NSM, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at the Barrie Community Health Centre, a public speaker and a mental health advocate. Most recently she was also named the winner of the Barrie Chamber of Commerce's Woman of the Year - Young Entrepreneur Award.

Corey Shelson, MBA, President
44 North Digital Marketing

A driven entrepreneur with a strong leadership background, Corey founded 44 North Digital Marketing in 2015 with the vision of creating an agency that could do it all. Corey has become a trusted name in the industry through his work in roles including Digital Marketing Coach at Ryerson University?s Chang School of Business? Experiential Learning Exchange and Entrepreneurship Mentor at Georgian College?s Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre. Corey is a sought-after public speaker and digital marketing trainer who has spoken to audiences at the Richard Ivey School of Business, Western University Accelerator, Western University Propel Entrepreneurship Centre, the Inspiring Innovation Conference in Collingwood and Unlondon Forward Speaker Series.

Prior to his career in business, Corey served for 12 years as a Combat Engineer Officer with the Canadian Armed Forces. Corey is the recipient of the General Campaign Star, Canadian Forces? Decoration and Joint Task Force Afghanistan Commander?s Commendation.

Michele Kapteyn, Support and Service Manager
Empower Simcoe

Michele Kapteyn is a Supports and Services Manager at Empower Simcoe where she manages the Family Services department and leads a team of 45 staff. She manages a variety of programs including the Infant and Child Development Program, EarlyON Child and Family Centres, Family Support Program, Youth Program and the Family Home Program. Michele believes in the importance of strong relationships and the power of the community together supporting children, youth, adults and families to grow and thrive. Michele began her career with Empower Simcoe in 1988.