Our Team
Jennifer D Keith, PhD.
President & Sr. Consultant
Jennifer is president of JDK & Associates and brings over 20 years of experience working with Indigenous communities in the NWT and Manitoba on issues of self-government, research, strategic planning, policy development, organizational leadership and human resource support. Jennifer has led the development of legislation related to reconciliation, authored reports that critically evaluate programs and services provided by the Government of Canada and provincial and territorial governments, facilitated the development of strategic and operational plans, and drafted policies and processes.
Jennifer began her career with the Tłı̨chǫ Dene, first as a Band Manager for the Dechi Laot’i First Nation in Wekweeti and then working on the implementation of the Tłı̨chǫ Agreement. The experience of living and working with the Dene has provided Jennifer with unique insights into the strengths and challenges found in northern Dene communities.
Barbara J. Bowes, M.Ed.,B.Ed.
Project Manager, HR Consultant
Barbara brings over 30+ years’ experience in human resources, training, organizational development and executive coaching. Barbara’s many years of living and working in a northern Manitoba First Nation community led her to concentrate her consulting business on serving First Nation Band Councils, Indigenous social services, health and education agencies as well as working with individuals seeking personal coaching services. She has also taught human resources at two universities, she is the author of several books on human resources, and for many years was a newspaper columnist and radio host focusing on human resources and career management. Prior to selling her company, Barbara held professional designations with the Certified Management Consultant Association and the Certified Human Resource Management Association. Barbara is now consulting with JDK & Associates and is acting as a project coordinator for human resource projects.
Deborah L. Smith, B.Ed.
Consultant
Deborah is a highly skilled Indigenous leader known for her operations, economic development, strategic planning, project management and workplace facilitation strengths. Deborah is also very knowledgeable about band management and community development, gained from her four years of leadership experience as the Chief of her home community. Prior to this experience, Deborah was an economic development officer with her home community as well as the Manitoba Community Futures agency and also owned her own business for several years. Deborah is passionate about good operational management tactics and providing guidance to leaders, senior managers and management teams. Deborah is a member of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation in Manitoba.
Tara Petti, BA BSW, MSW
HR Consultant
Financial Administration
Tara has been a leader in the First Nations Child Welfare field for the past 20 years, including the roles as Chief Executive Officer for a Child and Family Services Authority and as a subject matter expert working on the planning of a new child welfare case management system in Manitoba. In addition, she is currently a board member of the Child Welfare League of Canada and chair of the Indigenous Committee.
Tara is skilled at program design and evaluation, data collection, outcome measurement and change management. She is committed to finding positive outcomes and developing operational and management practices that are grounded in cultural practices and reclaiming community customs in the area of prevention and childbirth. Tara is a member of Peguis First Nation in Treaty One territory and her family community is the George Gordon First Nation in Treaty Four Territory.
Evelyn Mayor, CPHR, AWI-CH, SHRM-CP, C.L.E.A.R.
HR Consultant
Evelyn is a senior HR professional and licensed workplace investigator with over 25+ years’ HR leadership experience in a variety of industry sectors. Evelyn is skilled in the areas of general human resources, workplace investigations, compensation and benefits, policy manual review and development, workplace accommodation, HR training and development and executive coaching. For the past five years, Evelyn has been providing services to Indigenous communities in NW Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Monica Cook
Consultant
Monica is a seasoned HR consultant with a background in psychology and management complimented by 38 years' experience in labour relations and general human resource management. Monica’s experience includes a number of years working with the faculty association at one of Manitoba's largest universities. More recently, Monica held the role of Director of Human Resources for Manitoba's northern university college, where she was responsible for both the main campus and all of the regional centres, the majority of which are located in First Nation and Metis communities. Currently, Monica is working as an HR consultant assisting clients with a wide range of human resource issues.
Rob Penner, BSc, MSc
Consultant
Rob recently retired as the Associate Vice-President of Community and Industry Solutions at University College of the North (UCN). Prior to this, Rob was AVP of Workforce Development, Executive Director of the Northern Manitoba Mining Academy, and Chair of Sciences within the Faculty of Arts and Science at UCN. He has also served UCN as the Dean of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeships, and Technology, Dean of Health and Applied Science, Head of the Department of Renewable Resources, and Ecotourism Project Manager within the Northern Forest Diversification Centre. His academic training and experiences are within the areas of ecology, participatory natural resources management, and community development.
In addition to his career in education, Rob has a diversity of experiences spanning from his start as a motorcycle mechanic to computer software technician, farmer, canoe guide, biologist, and instructor, among other jobs. This multiplicity of experiences has convinced him of the power of ‘cross-pollination’ in working with diverse groups and people.
Rob and his partner, Joanne, live at The Pas and try to keep track of three grown children that constantly move around North America. Jo and Rob love the outdoor adventures of northern Manitoba and can generally be found in the seasonal activities of canoeing and kayaking, snowshoeing and snowmobiling, or simply trying to get lost in the north country.
Carol Hourd
Payroll Management Certification Consultant
Carol brings 30+ years of payroll and HR management experience to the JDK team. For the last 20 years of her career, Carol worked as both Payroll and Human Resource Manager for an international manufacturing company. Carol was responsible for 230 employees, both union and non-union. She was involved in union negotiations for the last two contracts for the Winnipeg location, and for the last contract for the Vancouver location.
In 2021 the company closed its Winnipeg location, at which time Carol retired. She decided in 2024 that she missed the work and the people and decided to start her own HR consulting company. She was approached by Barbara Bowes shortly after to work with JDK & Associates, working with Northern communities. Carol is enjoying learning about the different cultures and experiences in these communities, as well as meeting the diverse group of people she encounters along the way.
Tammie Sorensen, CPHR
Certified Leadership Circle™ Coach Consultant & Leadership Coach
With 15+ years of experience in human resources and leadership coaching, Tammie has held key roles such as Director of HR, Senior HR Consultant, and VP of People & Culture. Tammie provides a comprehensive range of HR support for clients, including recruitment and onboarding, employee relations, performance management, and training and development. Tammie has worked across industries in both Alberta and the Northwest Territories, including emergency healthcare, manufacturing, professional services, and energy with more than half of her HR career spent in Yellowknife. Additional strengths in high performance teams, strategic HR planning, organizational development, and leadership alignment, help to ensure that HR initiatives support the client’s business objectives.
Actively involved in community leadership, Tammie serves as a mentor within the Women in Leadership Foundation, a committee member of Women Leading Philanthropy (WLP), and a dedicated Rotarian. Tammie is enthusiastic about collaborating with JDK & Associates to deliver customized HR support and solutions that drive success for their clients.
Katherine Short
HR Consultant
Marie Murdock
Marie Murdock is an Anishinaabe Kwe from Moose Deer Point First Nation, now living in Winnipeg. She brings extensive HR experience across healthcare, non-profits, and First Nation governments, with a focus on culturally grounded, practical solutions.
A dedicated Kokum and mother, Marie is passionate about supporting First Nation communities through inclusive HR practices that reflect and respect Anishinaabe values.
Katherine Short is an experienced Human Resources Professional with a passion for fostering positive workplace environments. Katherine brings to every client engagement over eight (8) years of dedicated Human Resources executive leadership experience in sectors such as Non-Profit, Indigenous Governance, and Aviation. Known for her empathetic trauma informed approach and strong communication skills, Katherine excels at guiding organizations through transitions and delivering tailored HR solutions that drive organizational growth. With expertise in change management, policy development, employee assessments, mediation, and workplace investigations, Katherine takes pride in building strong relationships with clients, working collaboratively to navigate complex HR issues.
Brenda Cameron is Anishinaabe Ikwe from Wabauskang First Nation, born and raised on Treaty #3 territory. Her mother was from Sagkeeng First Nation and a survivor of the Fort Alexander Residential School; her father, from Pikangikum First Nation, was raised on a trapline in Northwestern Ontario—a tradition her family continues today. This deep connection to the land shapes Brenda’s perspective and approach to life.
With over 30 years of experience, Brenda has worked across the non-profit, charitable, corporate, and First Nation government sectors. She is widely respected for her expertise in organizational, program, and financial administration.
Brenda is passionate about building capacity and sharing the knowledge she has gained throughout her career.
Brenda Cameron
Rita Letourneau
Consultant
As a proud member of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (Big Trout Lake), Rita brings over 30 years of experience and expertise in Indigenous health and social services, including 23 years as Executive Director of Paawidigong First Nations Forum Inc. She has a strong background in governance, financial management, human resources, policy development, program design, strategic planning, and infrastructure development. Throughout her career, Rita has led numerous initiatives to address health disparities, promote community wellness, and build capacity within Indigenous communities. Her deep commitment to empowering these communities is reflected in her advocacy for sustainable solutions and long-term growth. Rita continues to focus on improving health outcomes, advancing capacity-building efforts, and addressing the unique challenges faced by Indigenous populations through innovative and strategic leadership.
LaDawn Lavoie
Administrative Support
HR Consultant
LaDawn is a driven and dedicated Virtual Executive Administrator with over 15 years of experience in support roles and sales. With a passion for community, marketing, relationship building, and creative problem-solving, she provides top-tier administrative support services while helping businesses streamline operations and focus on growth. LaDawn is committed to making administrative support seamless and stress-free.