Sincerely,
The Chatham-Kent Chapter Board
Events
HRPA Events
Keep up to date with the latest HRPA events.
May02
Chatham-Kent: *SOLD OUT - WAITLIST ONLY* IN-PERSON ABM plus Navigating the World of Work: Crafting an HR Career with Purpose
As HR practitioners we are often at the forefront of driving organizational success and building career pathing for the business,...
Learn MoreJun20
HR Power Lunch: Turning Tough Conversations Into Engaging Dialogue
Do you dread having those tough conversations with colleagues or staff? Do you find yourself frustrated that a conversation did...
Learn MoreMembership
At the Human Resources Professionals Association, we believe that better HR makes business better. Our goal is to ensure human resources professionals are recognized as an essential part of business success, and that our profession is as valued by organizations as those of other major professional associations.
We do this by equipping our members and students with the knowledge and tools that allow them to be specialized strategic thinkers relied upon to safeguard and futureproof Ontario businesses.
Interested in becoming an HRPA Member or joining as a Student? Learn more about member and student benefits and how to register.
Mentoring
Mentoring: The HRPA Mentorship Program encourages career growth and development by providing students – and HR Professionals who are early in their careers – with the opportunity to receive one-on-one coaching from more experienced Human Resources Professionals
Learn more about our HRPA Mentoring Programs
Volunteering
Volunteering at HRPA is a rewarding membership experience and volunteers are critical to the association’s continued success.
With the expertise and involvement of members, we create awareness of workplace issues, promote excellence in human resources management practices and provide services that support the HR community, knowledge-sharing and continuous professional development.
HRPA members and students are involved in a variety of volunteer service opportunities including:
- Board of Directors
- Committees
- Annual Conference & Trade Show
- Mentoring
- Local HRPA Chapter Board’s and Chapter Committees
Register as a Volunteer:
The first step to volunteering at HRPA is registering in our volunteer services database. If your registration is accepted, you receive a notification. When an opportunity that matches your preferences and/or skills becomes available, you may be contacted directly with more information about the available volunteer role.
About Leadership
Nicole Papps, CHRL
Chapter Chair
Nicole Papps has been working in the Human Resource field for approximately 20 years. She currently holds the role of HR Specialist in the Manufacturing sector within her hometown of Chatham-Kent. She has broad experience which includes Pension & Benefit administration, Recruitment & Selection & Labour Relations.
Nicole holds a Human Resource Management Diploma from St. Clair College in Windsor and in 2008 she obtained her CHRP designation and in 2014 was advanced to the CHRL level.
Since joining the HRPA Chatham-Kent Chapter, Nicole has been involved with the Programs Committee and has held various positions on the Board such as Secretary, Treasurer, Chair and currently holds the position of Chapter Chair Elect.
Katelyn Hanuszak, CHRP
Past Chair
Katelyn has been working in Human Resources for 10 years and currently holds the role of HR Advisor in the Energy sector in Chatham.
She graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2012 with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She also attended Conestoga College and received her Human Resources Management Post-Graduate Certificate in 2013.
Katelyn has been volunteering with the HRPA Chatham-Kent Chapter for a number of years holding various positions including Communications, Chair Elect, Chair and currently holds the position of Past Chair. She would encourage everyone to consider getting involved with their local Chapters! It is a great opportunity to meet new people and have a say in the programming offered.
Athena Huff, CHRP
Chair, Chapter Communications
Athena has been an active committee volunteer with the HRPA Chatham-Kent Chapter since 2019.
She graduated from the University of Windsor with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and later pursued her post graduate certificate in Human Resources Management at Lambton College.
Athena discovered her passion for Human Resources while completing a summer student position with Enbridge Gas Inc., her current employer. Hired in 2015, she has progressed throughout her career as an HR Data Integrity Analyst to become a well respected and trusted resource.
Her role serves as a vital component to the organization as it has the potential to affect all other HR departments. She acts as the sole gatekeeper to thousands of employee data and manages a level of technical complexities at a microscopic level. This position is unique such that unlike the traditional HR role which is heavily focused on client relations, discipline, performance or talent, it focuses on maintaining the upkeep of employee information within the company’s system of record across North America.
As a Certified Human Resources Professional since 2016, Athena enjoys spending her leisure time with her two golden retrievers Charlie and Indie. She also has a passion for travel and enjoys visiting Italy on an annual basis with her husband where they enjoy the spectacular views, peaceful atmosphere, and most importantly, the food and wine.
Megan Nowicki, CHRP
Chapter Treasurer/Secretary
Megan is a CHRP designated Human Resources Generalist working for a not-for-profit shared service organization in the healthcare industry. After working 10+ years as a lifestyle photographer, she switched her career path to HR and completed an advanced diploma in Business Administration HR. Shortly after graduating, Megan received her CHRP designation and has worked in the HR field since 2014. In her spare time you’ll find Megan with her family and friends, her dog, tending to her houseplants/garden or enjoying the outdoors by the lake.
Jocelyn Watson, CHRP
Chair, Chapter Programs
Jocelyn has worked in Human Resources for the past 5 years with several years of benefit plan administration prior. She currently holds an HR Generalist position within the public sector.
Jocelyn has a degree in Health Sciences from the University of Western Ontario, an advanced diploma in Respiratory Therapy, and a post-graduate certificate in Human Resources Management. She is pursuing her Masters in Business Administration specializing in Finance. Jocelyn obtained her CHRP designation in 2019 and her CHRL designation in 2020. Since joining the HRPA Chatham-Kent Chapter in 2017, she has been active on the Communications and Programs committees.
Jocelyn has volunteered at Junior Achievement events and for the Virtual Learning Speaker series to promote the Human Resources profession. She also sits on the Governance Committee for the Chatham-Kent Hospice as a Community Member, the Monsignor Uyen School Advisory Council and volunteers for the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation.
Taryn Lawton
Chair, Chapter Mentorship
Taryn graduated from Western University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, before receiving her Post-Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management from Mohawk College. In 2014, she obtained her CHRP designation.
Since joining the HRPA Chatham-Kent Chapter, Taryn has volunteered on the Programs Committee and has held previous positions on the Board such as Communications Director, Secretary, and Mentorship Chair.
Taryn values the opportunity to serve the Chatham-Kent Chapter and assist in the development of the HR profession.
Jennifer Smith
Chair, Chapter Student Liaison
Jennifer Smith currently holds a Return to Work Specialist position within the public sector, and has years of administrative experience in supporting her teams with various human resources related concerns.
Jennifer obtained her CHRP designation in 2019, after receiving a Human Resources Management Diploma and Business Administration Diploma from McMaster University.
Jennifer is looking forward to serving on the HRPA Chapter Board and bringing forward her experience of organizing training events plus her knowledge gained from serving on the Thames River Yacht Club Board in multiple roles such as secretary and Commodore.
Nicole Papps, CHRL
Chapter Chair
Nicole Papps has been working in the Human Resource field for approximately 20 years. She currently holds the role of HR Specialist in the Manufacturing sector within her hometown of Chatham-Kent. She has broad experience which includes Pension & Benefit administration, Recruitment & Selection & Labour Relations.
Nicole holds a Human Resource Management Diploma from St. Clair College in Windsor and in 2008 she obtained her CHRP designation and in 2014 was advanced to the CHRL level.
Since joining the HRPA Chatham-Kent Chapter, Nicole has been involved with the Programs Committee and has held various positions on the Board such as Secretary, Treasurer, Chair and currently holds the position of Chapter Chair Elect.
Katelyn Hanuszak, CHRP
Past Chair
Katelyn has been working in Human Resources for 10 years and currently holds the role of HR Advisor in the Energy sector in Chatham.
She graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2012 with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She also attended Conestoga College and received her Human Resources Management Post-Graduate Certificate in 2013.
Katelyn has been volunteering with the HRPA Chatham-Kent Chapter for a number of years holding various positions including Communications, Chair Elect, Chair and currently holds the position of Past Chair. She would encourage everyone to consider getting involved with their local Chapters! It is a great opportunity to meet new people and have a say in the programming offered.
Athena Huff, CHRP
Chair, Chapter Communications
Athena has been an active committee volunteer with the HRPA Chatham-Kent Chapter since 2019.
She graduated from the University of Windsor with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and later pursued her post graduate certificate in Human Resources Management at Lambton College.
Athena discovered her passion for Human Resources while completing a summer student position with Enbridge Gas Inc., her current employer. Hired in 2015, she has progressed throughout her career as an HR Data Integrity Analyst to become a well respected and trusted resource.
Her role serves as a vital component to the organization as it has the potential to affect all other HR departments. She acts as the sole gatekeeper to thousands of employee data and manages a level of technical complexities at a microscopic level. This position is unique such that unlike the traditional HR role which is heavily focused on client relations, discipline, performance or talent, it focuses on maintaining the upkeep of employee information within the company’s system of record across North America.
As a Certified Human Resources Professional since 2016, Athena enjoys spending her leisure time with her two golden retrievers Charlie and Indie. She also has a passion for travel and enjoys visiting Italy on an annual basis with her husband where they enjoy the spectacular views, peaceful atmosphere, and most importantly, the food and wine.
Megan Nowicki, CHRP
Chapter Treasurer/Secretary
Megan is a CHRP designated Human Resources Generalist working for a not-for-profit shared service organization in the healthcare industry. After working 10+ years as a lifestyle photographer, she switched her career path to HR and completed an advanced diploma in Business Administration HR. Shortly after graduating, Megan received her CHRP designation and has worked in the HR field since 2014. In her spare time you’ll find Megan with her family and friends, her dog, tending to her houseplants/garden or enjoying the outdoors by the lake.
Jocelyn Watson, CHRP
Chair, Chapter Programs
Jocelyn has worked in Human Resources for the past 5 years with several years of benefit plan administration prior. She currently holds an HR Generalist position within the public sector.
Jocelyn has a degree in Health Sciences from the University of Western Ontario, an advanced diploma in Respiratory Therapy, and a post-graduate certificate in Human Resources Management. She is pursuing her Masters in Business Administration specializing in Finance. Jocelyn obtained her CHRP designation in 2019 and her CHRL designation in 2020. Since joining the HRPA Chatham-Kent Chapter in 2017, she has been active on the Communications and Programs committees.
Jocelyn has volunteered at Junior Achievement events and for the Virtual Learning Speaker series to promote the Human Resources profession. She also sits on the Governance Committee for the Chatham-Kent Hospice as a Community Member, the Monsignor Uyen School Advisory Council and volunteers for the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation.
Taryn Lawton
Chair, Chapter Mentorship
Taryn graduated from Western University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, before receiving her Post-Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management from Mohawk College. In 2014, she obtained her CHRP designation.
Since joining the HRPA Chatham-Kent Chapter, Taryn has volunteered on the Programs Committee and has held previous positions on the Board such as Communications Director, Secretary, and Mentorship Chair.
Taryn values the opportunity to serve the Chatham-Kent Chapter and assist in the development of the HR profession.
Jennifer Smith
Chair, Chapter Student Liaison
Jennifer Smith currently holds a Return to Work Specialist position within the public sector, and has years of administrative experience in supporting her teams with various human resources related concerns.
Jennifer obtained her CHRP designation in 2019, after receiving a Human Resources Management Diploma and Business Administration Diploma from McMaster University.
Jennifer is looking forward to serving on the HRPA Chapter Board and bringing forward her experience of organizing training events plus her knowledge gained from serving on the Thames River Yacht Club Board in multiple roles such as secretary and Commodore.