EMAIL

training@tanyatseele.ca

PHONE

604-788-4463

Work with confidence™

Work with confidence™

Get to know Tanya

Celebrating the bumpy,
but oh so vital journey

It might have been because an English teacher implied that I was “illiterate.” Sounds harsh, right? Well, as a high school graduate, that’s what my brain concluded.

It might have been because an English teacher told me that I was “illiterate.” Or perhaps because my typing teacher scolded me for not applying myself. Her exact words were: “You’re not gonna make it through life on your personality, Tanya.”

Ouch! If only she could see me now.


With that backstory, you can probably understand how surprised I was when I enrolled in an industrial first aid course – and aced it. Why did I sign up for that in the first place? I just wanted to impress a cute boy. He was a paramedic, and I figured that if I could learn how to talk his lingo, our romance would blossom.

That relationship didn’t last. But my love for safety did – and then some.

Since then, I’ve never stopped learning. I don’t have any fancy degrees from formal schooling on my wall, but I’ve attended countless conferences and completed more workshops than you’d think humanly possible. Why? Because I have an insatiable hunger to deepen my understanding of how to keep people safe.


Mine has been an unconventional path to say the least. And yet, this unconventionality is actually my greatest strength.


Throughout my career, I’ve spent a lot of time on the practical side of safety. I’ve worked as an ambulance attendant, a film set first aid attendant, and an on-site safety trainer. So I know firsthand how frustrating safety protocols can feel to the people actually doing the work.


And yet, I’ve also spent years working in offices – crafting safety policies, training supervisors, and helping employers understand safety requirements. I’ve even owned my own businesses, so I understand concerns about the bottom line and production.


Thanks to these two perspectives, I’m able to make safety make sense for everyone.


If you’re looking to shift your health and safety meetings from boring, soul sucking, time sucking sessions into dynamic and engaging experiences so your workers and leaders can learn passionately and ultimately improve your company’s bottom line, let’s chat.

CONTACT US

Awards, recognition, designations

  • COS 5-Star Safety and Training 2024
  • Top Female Safety Leaders in Canada - OHS
  • Professional Leadership Award for Women - ASTTBC
  • Educational Leadership - VRCA
  • Safe Small Business - NAOSH
  • Published in the BC/Alberta Construction Magazine
  • Interviewed Journal Of Commerce
  • CSP (Canadian Speaking Professional)
  • CSO ®  (Registered Construction Safety Officer)
  • NCSO (National Construction Safety Officer)
  • CHSC (Certified Health & Safety Consultant)

Associations & philanthropy

  • Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPSBC)
  • Canadian Society of Safety Engineers (CSSE)
  • North America Occupational Health & Safety Week (NAOSH)
  • Safe Small Business - NAOSH
  • City Dream Centre
  • Mercy Canada
  • Saints Rescue


Our values

Integrity

Committed to excellence

Leading by example with integrity, truth, and honesty. Showcasing our professionalism and our commitment to ethics and high standards. We want to be your first and last call.

Compassion

Have a heart and gumption

Delivering safety training in a way that’s enjoyable, engaging, and memorable. Safety is about relationships, connecting with people, and wanting the best for others.

Fun & Playful

Live through the lens of being whimsical

Creating an environment that’s fun and engaging to help build rapport and trust. Training done with a light-hearted approach helps attendees celebrate and be in awe.

Ease

Become someone’s hero

Making someone’s day easier and less stressful. The biggest compliment is for our clients to say “that was easy.” This means we did our job well!

Relatability

Connect to people authentically

Listening to others, being flexible, and adapting to new ideas makes the content more relatable. Adding a little laugh, some fun, and great music enhances the learning environment.

Legacy

Leave behind something positive

Being remembered for creating remarkable tools and presentations that leave a legacy. Creating impact and a ripple effect that remains for generations.

We’re on a mission to improve people’s quality of life, daily – especially on Mondays.

Mission to improve people’s quality

Our awesome team

Tanya Steele

President, CEO

Tanya is a professional trainer, safety advisor, and co-host of the Safety Debris podcast. She has received various awards and recognition such as: Professional Leadership Award for Women and an Educational Leadership Award. Over the years, she has gained many designations including: CSO(R), NCSO, CHSC, CSP.

She is an expert in Joint Health & Safety Committee training, educating, and rejuvenating company meetings to make them more effective, fun & collaborative. In 2018, Tanya and Paula started “What If One Educates” to train other leaders on how to train their workers more effectively, with the concept that one person can make a difference in one person’s life and possibly save that life.

Fun facts:

  • Tanya and her mom hold an Oscar party every year to celebrate women who serve in the community and who would never consider spoiling themselves
  • She was in film and stage before her career in safety. You might have seen her in Vancouver doing improv in the 80’s or you may have seen on shows such as: Sliders, The Marshall and some TV movies.
  • She has been chased by an elephant in Malawi
  • She has been on several mission trips to the Congo, Malawi, and Venezuela

Paula Gagne

Director, Head Trainer

A writer by trade and passion. Her focus is on technical applications, curriculums, and training program revisions. She is an educator with over twenty years of experience, mainly in vocational programs including first aid and occupational health and safety.

Paula has administrative and field safety experience, functioning in supervisory and management roles, both locally and in remote settings. Over the years, Paula has collaborated with clients in a variety of industries including construction, hospitality, outdoor recreation, security, and post-secondary educational facilities.

Fun facts:

  • Has over 60 animals on her farm and they all have names and backstories
  • Won several poetry and writing contests before the age of 18
  • Loves horror movies and books

Tristan James Allanigue

Executive Assistant, IT Support

Residing in Metro Manila, Philippines, Tristan is not only a devoted father but also a tech and digital work enthusiast. He takes satisfaction in streamlining the lives of business owners, meticulously managing their online presence and handling administrative tasks.

He is the company’s specialist in marketing, graphic, video editing and technology. He helps with website management, online course registrants, social media marketing, and company administration.

Fun facts:

  • Tristan has a deep passion for travel. He's a bona fide itinerary wizard, capable of crafting week-long adventures from any destination you throw his way.
  • At a young age Tristan found his passion through his talents in singing and dancing and, becoming a sought-after choreographer for prestigious universities in the Philippines.
  • Tristan loves riding a motorcycle and every year he joins a Motorcycle Endurance Challenge that requires travel of 1000 km or more, that must be done in 24 hrs or less.

Richard Dulong

Instructor

A successful OHS Consultant where he has been practicing in the occupational health and safety field for nineteen years. His experience stems primarily from the commercial construction industry in both Alberta and BC. In this capacity, he has worked in the field and as an OHS senior manager leading a team of fifteen safety officers.

Since 2007, he has honed his craft as an external COR auditor in BC for the BCCSA, AgSafe BC, as well as the ACSA in Alberta. His auditing experience has given him the opportunity to conduct QA/QC audit reviews with the BCCSA as well as conduct WIVA audits for WorkSafeBC.

Fun facts:

  • Richard practiced animal husbandry for a number of years and helped a cow give birth to a 95lb bouncing baby calf.
  • Richard's original career was as a broadcaster (radio show music host) in the 80's & 90's and has interviewed dozens of famous musicians over the years.
  • In college, before his radio career, he met the horn section of Earth Wind and Fire and Phil Collins in a hotel elevator in Montreal.

Leslee Montgomery

Instructor

An energized speaker that works with individuals and organizations to understand the day-to-day drama impacting decision-making and their driving force. A Professional Counselor and Mental Focus Specialist with over 15 years in health and safety, Leslee has worked her way up from the field to the corporate office supporting c-suite throughout several sectors of the construction industry.

She is passionate about helping others learn effective leadership strategies they need to run a drama-free workplace.

Fun facts:

  • She has a hard time walking across suspension bridges like Lynn Canyon or Capilano but she has willingly jumped out of a perfectly good airplane more than once!
  • Can recite the alphabet backwards, because hey why not!
  • Is a self taught ambidextrous writer because she got bored one day

Nathalie Plamondon-Thomas, CSP

Confidence Expert, Online Instructor

Certified Speaking Professional CSP®, recipient of the Most Empowering Confidence Coach in North America in 2023 and 2021 Canadian Presenter of the Year, Nathalie is a confidence expert and founder of Think Yourself® Academy. She is the author of 18 books, including 12 #1 bestsellers and a book co-written with Kevin Harrington from the Shark Tank, endorsed by Tony Robbins. During the past two decades, she has inspired over 100,000 audience members and empowered thousands of clients internationally. She combines over 10 years of experience in human resources, 25 years of experience in sales, and over 30 years of distinguished service in the fitness industry.

Fun facts:

  • The first time she spoke in public she went blank and started crying in front of her grade seven class
  • She is cousin with Madonna, eight generations up on her ancestry tree
  • She proposed to her husband on their first date – they have now been happily married for over 20 years

Sarah McVanel

Recognition Expert, Online Instructor

Sarah is a recognition expert, professional speaker, coach, author, recovering perfectionist, and movement maker. She created F.R.O.G. Forever Recognize Others’ Greatness to invigorate companies so they can see their people as exceptional and, together, create a scrumptious, thriving culture where everyone belongs. She founded her boutique firm Greatness Magnified. She’s a Certified Senior Organizational Development Professional (CSODP), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL). She is one of 1500 Certified Speaking Professionals (CSP) worldwide. She has a BA in Psychology, MSc in Family Relations, and Diplomas in Human Resources and Healthcare Administration.

Fun facts:

  • Sarah’s a professional speaker today, but as a kid her parents used to bribe her to stop talking on long car rides
  • Sarah knew her hubby of 26 years was the one on their fourth date at 18 years old
  • Sarah quit her senior leadership role, upended their life, and started a business from scratch to save their child's mental health; thank goodness… he is happy and healthy

Laurie Lowes

Instructor

Laurie brings a wealth of experience to the class. He has been involved in workplace safety and security for over 40 years. Laurie is past president of the Retail Loss Prevention and Retail Safety Societies, a criminal justice instructor, and a first aid instructor. In addition, he is the recipient of several awards including the Governor General Lifetime Achievement award, Langara Outstanding Alumni, Order of Saint John Ambulance Priory award, CSSE Special Project and Leaders of Tomorrow Mentor of the Year award.

Fun facts:

  • Loves peanut butter cookies and drinks milk every day
  • Had a “run in” with Donald Trump’s Secret Service while visiting New York
  • Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali once visited my childhood home

Ein

Director of Pawsitivity

Ein, a cherished rescue dog, began his journey in Texas before heading to California and eventually finding himself in Cloverdale. His fate took a fortunate turn on Christmas Eve, as he made his way to us on December 24, 2015, at just 2-3 months old he found his forever home, saved from euthanasia.

Ein joined our family at a time when we needed him the most, bringing a sense of hope and joy that has only grown with time. His playful energy, loving spirit, and constant companionship continue to brighten every day, reminding us of the gift he truly is.

Fun facts:

  • As he is a bit anxious, he loves his backpack in large crowds where he looks so adorable and brings smiles to everyone who passes by
  • His favorite tricks are "high-five", "nose touch", "sit", "down" and "hold hand"
  • He loves going hiking, kayaking, and sitting under the table at restaurants getting fed treats from the servers

"The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do."

— Kobe Bryant

"The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do"

— Kobe Bryant

Rave reviews

“Tanya was the best Master of Ceremonies that we have ever had at our annual Western Conference on Safety. Her enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and high energy level brought life back into the conference. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I look forward to working with her again!”

– Terry Swain, Conference Chair, Western Conference on Safety Pacific Safety Center

“We have utilized Tanya’s services multiple times as an MC, keynote speaker, and presenter. She brings a unique blend of humor, practical industry knowledge, and possesses an engaging speaking style. Preparedness and professionalism are a given.”

– Michael McKenna, Executive Director, BCCSA

“Tanya commands the stage and engages the audience. She is proficient presenting both in person and virtually. Tanya has a skill to be able to read the room and connect in an authentic and credible way. She has the ability to create unforgettable, entertaining and educating experiences.”

– Eldeen Pozniak, Professional Speaker/Consultant, Pozniak Safety Associates Inc.

“Tanya is a phenomenal speaker who has the ability to engage her viewers in a positive and interactive way. I have been lucky enough to watch her speak a number of times and her passion for speaking and the topics she presents is something I don't see with many other speakers.”

– Christine Zielke, Director of Operations, BC Municipal Safety Association

“Tanya is hands down one of the most engaging trainers and educators I have met. PrintForward hired her to do our Joint Health & Safety Committee training. I can't remember a time being in a classroom setting where I absorbed so much information and actually enjoyed myself. Tanya brings humour, authenticity, passion, and care for any topic she is presenting on. If I could hire her for every event, I promise you I would!”

– Jennifer McConnell, Director of Operations, Royal Printers Ltd.

“I can’t thank Tanya enough for her inspiring, insightful, and entertaining keynote. She contributed so much value to our event and our B.C. arts and entertainment industry! I’m excited to invite her back to our next conference!”

– Trina Pollard, CEO, Actsafe

“She is a presenter that has incredible energy, she is very strong in identifying audiences that can connect to her topics. She evaluates her audience so that they have the best experience. Tanya is super professional and a thoughtful individual. I would recommend Tanya as a keynote speaker for conferences.”

– Mike Roberts, CEO, BC Municipal Safety Association

“Tanya is one of the most respected H&S speakers in BC and it’s because she is real – when she speaks you can feel the passion and commitment to the audience.”

– Bob Lund, HSSE Manager, MMI

As seen in

As Seen In

Are you ready to lead safety meetings with confidence while having fun? Let’s connect!

CONTACT US