The network of Miramichi Young Professionals and Involved Entrepreneurs, better known as MYPIE, is proud to announce the winners in each category that were announced at the 5th annual MYPIE GALA and Awards Ceremony that took place on Saturday, April 20th at the Miramichi Agricultural Exhibition Association.
Kim Harris, Kim Harris Photography
Kim Harris is the owner of Kim Harris Photography and her story begins after the birth of her second son in April of 2007. It was at this time that she began to contemplate the idea of turning her passion of photography into a full time business. As a new Mom, she became infatuated with capturing every moment of her child’s life. Every new beginning, every priceless grin, every first she wanted on camera. The moments were too precious to let pass. She loved every minute of it and soon it became a beloved hobby. She dwelled on the possibility of perhaps turning this hobby into a career. The thought of capturing other family’s moments excited her. She and her husband decided to give it a year to see if it would work. She took a leap of faith and she has never looked back.
In the almost 7 years since she turned this hobby into a full time career, not only did her business grow but her relationship with the community grew and she says that her heart grew in ways she never imagined. She is humbled by her business and is honoured to be invited to capture precious life events of families she has grown to know as friends. She considers her work to be a passion and not a job.
In 2009, Kim began to offer Boudoir photography to her clients. Her goal was for the average woman whether that be the overworked housewife, the soccer Mom, wife, caretaker, or business woman to feel beautiful again and for Kim to capture it on camera. She wanted to offer these women a chance to be pampered with professional hair and makeup and more importantly - capture a photograph that they could cherish forever. Woman from every age, background, shape and size reveled in this experience. Kim enjoys their reactions to the photographs and describes it as a rewarding experience for her and her clients.
In 2012, Kim changed her brand name from Eyemagine photography to Kim Harris photography. She wanted people to connect her and her name with the business. She describes the change as a huge step out of her comfort zone but she truly believes it was the best thing that she has done. She also has added photography workshops and classes to her business to share her talents with those that wish to learn this skill set.
Kim’s involvement in the community is a reflection of the relationships she has built both professionally and personally. She considers it an honor to be able to donate her time and talents to worthy local causes. Photographers for Haiti, The baby Kalaney Fundraiser, CNIB Dining in the Dark, The Diamond Diva Dinner, Miramichi Physically Disabled, Miramichi Youth House, The Roof Project, Healthy baby and me, The Dove Project and the Miramichi Autism Association are all causes in which Kim has donated her time, organization abilities and photography skills. Being a part of these important events in our community strengthened both her commitment to our area and redirected her professional goals to a more collaborative relationship with community.
Kim is happily married to Kiley Harris and together they have two sons Grayson and Landon.
In the almost 7 years since she turned this hobby into a full time career, not only did her business grow but her relationship with the community grew and she says that her heart grew in ways she never imagined. She is humbled by her business and is honoured to be invited to capture precious life events of families she has grown to know as friends. She considers her work to be a passion and not a job.
In 2009, Kim began to offer Boudoir photography to her clients. Her goal was for the average woman whether that be the overworked housewife, the soccer Mom, wife, caretaker, or business woman to feel beautiful again and for Kim to capture it on camera. She wanted to offer these women a chance to be pampered with professional hair and makeup and more importantly - capture a photograph that they could cherish forever. Woman from every age, background, shape and size reveled in this experience. Kim enjoys their reactions to the photographs and describes it as a rewarding experience for her and her clients.
In 2012, Kim changed her brand name from Eyemagine photography to Kim Harris photography. She wanted people to connect her and her name with the business. She describes the change as a huge step out of her comfort zone but she truly believes it was the best thing that she has done. She also has added photography workshops and classes to her business to share her talents with those that wish to learn this skill set.
Kim’s involvement in the community is a reflection of the relationships she has built both professionally and personally. She considers it an honor to be able to donate her time and talents to worthy local causes. Photographers for Haiti, The baby Kalaney Fundraiser, CNIB Dining in the Dark, The Diamond Diva Dinner, Miramichi Physically Disabled, Miramichi Youth House, The Roof Project, Healthy baby and me, The Dove Project and the Miramichi Autism Association are all causes in which Kim has donated her time, organization abilities and photography skills. Being a part of these important events in our community strengthened both her commitment to our area and redirected her professional goals to a more collaborative relationship with community.
Kim is happily married to Kiley Harris and together they have two sons Grayson and Landon.
Dean Mutch, Principal of NSER
Dean Mutch is the Principal of North and South Esk Regional High School with the Anglophone North School District. Dean has been an educator for 17 years and is a passionate leader both in his school and in his community.
Dean earned his Bachelor of Education from University of New Brunswick on the Dean’s List. He then went on to complete his Masters of Education in Informational Technology from Memorial University where he was nominated as a Fellow of the School of Graduate Studies. He holds a New Brunswick Principal’s certificate and is active in the New Brunswick Teachers Association having served on various provincial committees such as NBTF Group Insurance, Standards and Conducts, Gender Equity. He also served the local NBTA through positions such as President, Treasurer, Alternate Director and currently the treasurer for the Professional Development Committee.
Dean has been instrumental in the creation of many firsts for NSER. Such firsts include: “Stryker” the school mascot; a school store, a girl’s hockey team, a badminton team, and reviving the NSER Home and School Association. In the area of the arts, Dean’s other passion is a theatre. In 2006 NSER didn’t have much of a theatre – 2 drop down microphones and a few pot lights. Dean turned this around with NSER’s first musical production in over 20 years “Grease”. He has since produced hits such as Footloose and Mamma Mia. NSER’s theatre now boasts a state-of-the-art lighting system and professional sound board that rivals the biggest schools in our area. His productions have garnered NSER many accolades such as Best Actor, Best Group Ensemble and Best Director.
School Spirit is one of the driving forces behind Dean’s vision for NSER. This past December his staff cooked and served a free Christmas dinner to the 250 students who attend the school. Dean also coached his staff to victory in a first hockey game against the students which will be an annual Cobra’s Cup event. Increasing School Spirit doesn’t come cheap and the funds at a small school are limited. So under Dean’s leadership NSER has raised over $10,000 during a walk-a-thon, have been awarded a $25,000 RBC grant, a $5000 music grant and has also brought in more than $15,000 from various other community, business and individual supporters of NSER.
Dean volunteers in his community as a board member and treasurer for the North and South Esk Senior Housing Committee. He also works with the Sunny Corner Minor Hockey Association and assists with registration, funds, team rosters, and receipts. He opens the school to the community and has organized a mixed adult badminton league that takes place in the evenings.
Dean is described as being a positive leader and role model to his staff and students. MYPIE received many letters of support for Dean’s nomination and we would like to quote two students who took the time to write about their beloved teacher and principal:
Our first quote is from Noah Corner who is a former graduate of NSER: “I am now enrolled in my first year of studies at University with the dream of becoming a teacher. The encouragement and compliments I received from Mr. Mutch helped create this dream for me. As a role model, Mr. Mutch is the perfect example of the man and educator I someday wish to become. Devotion, generosity, helpfulness, and love for people, are a few of the qualities Mr. Mutch has that I admire and respect so much.”
Our second quote is from Mallory Kenny: “As the current NSER Student Council President, I work closely with Mr. Mutch daily. Being in a leadership position is not always an easy adjustment, but with his help I have learned how to inspire others. Mr. Mutch’s calm and collected personality has been a welcomed presence when planning activities. I have been pushed to achieve my full potential which is something I credit fully to Mr. Mutch and his persistent belief in me. He never gives up on a student.”
Dean is the youngest in the family of 8, who was raised in Lyttleton. He is married to his high school sweetheart Shayla… both graduates of NSER. They live in Lyttleton where they raise their two children, Alexa and Lucas. Dean can be often be found spending his winters in a rink and his summers watching the tubers float on by.
Dean earned his Bachelor of Education from University of New Brunswick on the Dean’s List. He then went on to complete his Masters of Education in Informational Technology from Memorial University where he was nominated as a Fellow of the School of Graduate Studies. He holds a New Brunswick Principal’s certificate and is active in the New Brunswick Teachers Association having served on various provincial committees such as NBTF Group Insurance, Standards and Conducts, Gender Equity. He also served the local NBTA through positions such as President, Treasurer, Alternate Director and currently the treasurer for the Professional Development Committee.
Dean has been instrumental in the creation of many firsts for NSER. Such firsts include: “Stryker” the school mascot; a school store, a girl’s hockey team, a badminton team, and reviving the NSER Home and School Association. In the area of the arts, Dean’s other passion is a theatre. In 2006 NSER didn’t have much of a theatre – 2 drop down microphones and a few pot lights. Dean turned this around with NSER’s first musical production in over 20 years “Grease”. He has since produced hits such as Footloose and Mamma Mia. NSER’s theatre now boasts a state-of-the-art lighting system and professional sound board that rivals the biggest schools in our area. His productions have garnered NSER many accolades such as Best Actor, Best Group Ensemble and Best Director.
School Spirit is one of the driving forces behind Dean’s vision for NSER. This past December his staff cooked and served a free Christmas dinner to the 250 students who attend the school. Dean also coached his staff to victory in a first hockey game against the students which will be an annual Cobra’s Cup event. Increasing School Spirit doesn’t come cheap and the funds at a small school are limited. So under Dean’s leadership NSER has raised over $10,000 during a walk-a-thon, have been awarded a $25,000 RBC grant, a $5000 music grant and has also brought in more than $15,000 from various other community, business and individual supporters of NSER.
Dean volunteers in his community as a board member and treasurer for the North and South Esk Senior Housing Committee. He also works with the Sunny Corner Minor Hockey Association and assists with registration, funds, team rosters, and receipts. He opens the school to the community and has organized a mixed adult badminton league that takes place in the evenings.
Dean is described as being a positive leader and role model to his staff and students. MYPIE received many letters of support for Dean’s nomination and we would like to quote two students who took the time to write about their beloved teacher and principal:
Our first quote is from Noah Corner who is a former graduate of NSER: “I am now enrolled in my first year of studies at University with the dream of becoming a teacher. The encouragement and compliments I received from Mr. Mutch helped create this dream for me. As a role model, Mr. Mutch is the perfect example of the man and educator I someday wish to become. Devotion, generosity, helpfulness, and love for people, are a few of the qualities Mr. Mutch has that I admire and respect so much.”
Our second quote is from Mallory Kenny: “As the current NSER Student Council President, I work closely with Mr. Mutch daily. Being in a leadership position is not always an easy adjustment, but with his help I have learned how to inspire others. Mr. Mutch’s calm and collected personality has been a welcomed presence when planning activities. I have been pushed to achieve my full potential which is something I credit fully to Mr. Mutch and his persistent belief in me. He never gives up on a student.”
Dean is the youngest in the family of 8, who was raised in Lyttleton. He is married to his high school sweetheart Shayla… both graduates of NSER. They live in Lyttleton where they raise their two children, Alexa and Lucas. Dean can be often be found spending his winters in a rink and his summers watching the tubers float on by.
Helen Ward-Wakelin
Helen Ward-Wakelin is an Entrepreneur, the Director of Housing and Technical Advisor for the North Shore Micmac District Council, Atlantic Canada’s First and only Aboriginal Women Housing Inspector, an Advocate for better quality and safe homes for 15 First Nations in New Brunswick & Nationally, a service delivery agent for Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation, Liaison for Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and Liaison for Health Canada.
Helen obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of New Brunswick, Technical Aboriginal Economic Developer Certification (TAED)-Cape Breton University, Professional Aboriginal Economic Developer Certification (PAED)-Algoma University, Effective Leadership Development-LMI Canada Inc., and various courses in housing such as R2000 Building Design, Energy Efficiency, Barrier Fee Design and the list continues.
Helen is the owner of Helen’s Pool & Garden Supply Center, which has been in business for 13 years. She was awarded the Women Entrepreneur of the Year in 2010 at the Atlantic Ulnooweeg Development Corporation Awards Show. She is a co-owner of Nataw’eg Business Services with Paula Corcoran, specializing in small business development.
Helen uses her business skills and experience to mentor, and develop business plans for entrepreneurs. This includes successful companies like Sugar and Spice Events and the POUND. She has a strong passion for economic development and job creation for the members of not only the Eel Ground First Nation community but for the Greater Miramichi community as well.
Helen volunteers every Saturday at the Eel Ground Market, helping to provide the smaller business owners a venue to sell their product. The Market Kitchen also fundraisers for many causes such as Miramichi Youth House, Funeral Costs, Children’s Activities, Eel Ground Summer Games, and The Pound’s Tough Mudder Team. Helen is on the Tough Mudder Team because she is one tough Pounder.
Locally, Helen was one of the founding members of WOMEN and served as their first President. She is also a MYPIE member, and a member of the Miramichi Valley Business Association. She is on the Atlantic Aboriginal Economic Developer Network and New Brunswick Joint Economic Development Imitative network. Nationally, Helen is on Canada Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO) Board of Directors as a representative for NB and PEI. She also sits as a Board of Director for the Aboriginal Center of Excellence a newly appointed position.
However, Business is not Helen’s only passion – she is also passionate about environment and she takes the time to teach her children that mother earth is sacred and must be protected and cared for always. By developing an action plan, Helen was able to gather up community members including children to clean up illegal dumping ground near our community’s water supply. The area is so clean now, that the community now has a fun sliding and walking area.
Her friends and family describe Helen as inspirational and motivational. Her husband and children describe her as fantastic. Helen is married to Craig, and they have a 9-year-old daughter Olivia and a 6-year-old son Aedan.
Helen obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of New Brunswick, Technical Aboriginal Economic Developer Certification (TAED)-Cape Breton University, Professional Aboriginal Economic Developer Certification (PAED)-Algoma University, Effective Leadership Development-LMI Canada Inc., and various courses in housing such as R2000 Building Design, Energy Efficiency, Barrier Fee Design and the list continues.
Helen is the owner of Helen’s Pool & Garden Supply Center, which has been in business for 13 years. She was awarded the Women Entrepreneur of the Year in 2010 at the Atlantic Ulnooweeg Development Corporation Awards Show. She is a co-owner of Nataw’eg Business Services with Paula Corcoran, specializing in small business development.
Helen uses her business skills and experience to mentor, and develop business plans for entrepreneurs. This includes successful companies like Sugar and Spice Events and the POUND. She has a strong passion for economic development and job creation for the members of not only the Eel Ground First Nation community but for the Greater Miramichi community as well.
Helen volunteers every Saturday at the Eel Ground Market, helping to provide the smaller business owners a venue to sell their product. The Market Kitchen also fundraisers for many causes such as Miramichi Youth House, Funeral Costs, Children’s Activities, Eel Ground Summer Games, and The Pound’s Tough Mudder Team. Helen is on the Tough Mudder Team because she is one tough Pounder.
Locally, Helen was one of the founding members of WOMEN and served as their first President. She is also a MYPIE member, and a member of the Miramichi Valley Business Association. She is on the Atlantic Aboriginal Economic Developer Network and New Brunswick Joint Economic Development Imitative network. Nationally, Helen is on Canada Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO) Board of Directors as a representative for NB and PEI. She also sits as a Board of Director for the Aboriginal Center of Excellence a newly appointed position.
However, Business is not Helen’s only passion – she is also passionate about environment and she takes the time to teach her children that mother earth is sacred and must be protected and cared for always. By developing an action plan, Helen was able to gather up community members including children to clean up illegal dumping ground near our community’s water supply. The area is so clean now, that the community now has a fun sliding and walking area.
Her friends and family describe Helen as inspirational and motivational. Her husband and children describe her as fantastic. Helen is married to Craig, and they have a 9-year-old daughter Olivia and a 6-year-old son Aedan.
Entrepreneur of the Year
Jason Driscoll, Somatic Therapy
Brad MacMillan, The Pound
Professional of the Year
Daniel Jardine, Martin & Cook
Jeff MacTavish, City of Miramichi
Community Champion
Paddy Quinn
Sarah Russell
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