Alumni of Distinction
Conestoga has been recognizing outstanding graduates as Alumni of Distinction since 1997. Chosen by a nomination process, recipients demonstrate professional success, achieve public recognition or contribute to their industry or community. All Conestoga graduates are eligible to be nominated.
2024 Alumni of Distinction honourees
Antonia V. Goga
Programs: Digital Imaging, Graphic Design
Graduating years: 2009, 2013
Antonia Goga sees design as a powerful form of storytelling 鈥 one that sparks inspiration and evokes emotion. Her passion for design began at the age of 16 as a self-taught graphic designer in Europe. In 2007, Antonia moved to Canada and pursued an education in graphic design, graduating as the only one with Distinction from Conestoga鈥檚 Graphic Design program and earning a place on the Dean鈥檚 Honour List.
After completing her education, Antonia worked in various design studios and agencies, and quickly rose to leadership positions, including vice president and creative director at Momentum Worldwide, where she played a key role in expanding the agency into new markets. Over her award-winning career, Antonia has collaborated with iconic global brands such as Coca-Cola, Nike, Mastercard, Unilever, General Motors, Verizon, Accor, United Airlines, and American Express.
In 2022, she co-founded &allagi Business Consulting, where she now serves as executive creative director, creating work and building relationships with a focus on empathy at the forefront of change. This year, she was named 鈥淥ne of the 100 Most Influential People in Creative Communication鈥, adding to her 100+ national and international awards and features in top design publications and exhibitions.
A force for good in the creative community, Antonia frequently speaks at industry events, serves as a judge at design competitions, and mentors emerging creative leaders around the world. She is a strong advocate for diversity, inclusion, youth mental health, and female empowerment, using her platform to inspire growth and success in others.

Cathy Snyder
Program: Human Resources
Graduating year: 2010
Cathy Snyder blends strategic vision with a people-first mindset, driven by her mission to merge tradition with technology. A lifelong learner, Cathy holds a Human Resources graduate certificate from 糖心vlog精品 and a BA from the University of Waterloo. She also holds professional designations in accounting, human resources and risk management, along with specialized training in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
Currently, Cathy serves as president and CEO of Nopak Canada Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders, valves and other fluid power products. Her passion for innovation and leadership has shaped a dynamic career spanning both corporate and nonprofit sectors. Previously, she held leadership roles including vice-president of finance at Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan (OTIP) and CFO/CAO at United Way KW. She has also shared her expertise as a part-time lecturer at Wilfrid Laurier University鈥檚 School of Social Work.
A committed community leader, Cathy has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, the City of Waterloo Economic Development Advisory Committee, Wilfrid Laurier University's Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee, and the Certified Management Accountants of Ontario. Guided by her personal philosophy 鈥 to be the change we wish to see in the world 鈥 Cathy strives to leave a lasting, positive impact. She is also a published author and recipient of several awards, including the Rogers Women of the Year Award (Professional) and joint recognition with her late husband for contributions to Sustainable Waterloo Region.

Connie MacDonald
Program: Public Relations
Graduating year: 2005
Connie MacDonald is a purpose-driven leader and community builder, known for guiding organizations through complex issues and driving transformative change. Her journey with Conestoga began as part of the inaugural class of the Public Relations program 鈥 a connection she continues to nurture today as chair of the Program Advisory Committee. Connie also holds a public administration and governance degree from Toronto Metropolitan University.
For nearly two decades, she has led strategic portfolios in communications, community engagement and government relations across a range of public sector organizations, including the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network and Wilfrid Laurier University. She currently oversees award-winning teams as commissioner of resident experience, strategy and communications with the Region of Waterloo.
Deeply committed to strengthening community, Connie serves as a board member and chair of the Quality Committee at Community Support Connections, a local provider of essential services. Through her professional roles or her volunteer contributions, Connie remains actively engaged in public service 鈥 bringing people together, improving systems and driving lasting, positive change.

Jason Bonikowsky
Program: Police Foundations
Graduating year: 2001
Jason Bonikowsky is committed to reshaping policing culture into one rooted in skill, empathy and resilience. A graduate of Conestoga's Police Foundations program, he brings over two decades of experience as a dedicated law enforcement professional. Throughout his career, Jason has served in a wide range of roles, including frontline response, covert operations, organized crime investigations, crisis negotiations, and advanced police education and training. Along the way, he has become a passionate advocate for mental health and wellness in policing.
In his current roles, as a sergeant with the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) training branch and a faculty member in Conestoga鈥檚 Police Foundations program, Jason emphasizes both technical excellence and the critical importance of emotional intelligence and mental well-being in modern law enforcement. His leadership in this space has earned him WRPS鈥檚 inaugural Police Wellness Award and a nomination for the Beyond the Blue Champions of Change Award, recognizing his efforts to destigmatize mental health challenges within policing communities. He is also a recipient of the Governor General鈥檚 Police Exemplary Service Medal, one of Canada's highest national honours for long-standing service and commitment to law enforcement.
Living by the philosophy of turning pain into purpose, Jason is an active mentor who speaks openly about his lived experience to encourage meaningful change. He is also an ultra-marathon runner, using endurance sport as a metaphor for recovery, resilience and strength.

Jessica Bernard
Program: Respiratory Therapy
Graduating year: 2015
Jessica Bernard is elevating patient care and empowering the next generation of healthcare providers through her passion for clinical practice, simulation and interdisciplinary education. A graduate of Conestoga鈥檚 Respiratory Therapy program, she also holds a Master of Science in respiratory care leadership from Northeastern University and a bachelor鈥檚 degree in health science from Trent University.
Jessica is the second Respiratory Therapist to serve as Faculty Educator at Ornge, Ontario鈥檚 air ambulance and medical transport service. In her role, she advances critical care training for paramedics, including those serving remote and vulnerable populations. Her frontline experience includes acute care roles at Hamilton General and Oakville Trafalgar Memorial hospitals 鈥 providing her real-world insights as faculty at Conestoga and, previously, Fanshawe College.
At Conestoga, Jessica has helped expand the simulation program as a certified healthcare simulation specialist, designing immersive, clinically relevant learning experiences and contributing to the profession through published research. She has also presented at several conferences, fostering collaboration across healthcare disciplines.
Deeply committed to making meaningful impact, Jessica volunteers with the Waterloo Interprofessional Healthcare Student Collaborative, where she previously served as student co-president, and facilitated with the Interprofessional Educators Collaborative of Waterloo/Wellington. Her blend of clinical expertise and academic leadership has earned her multiple awards, including the TD Financial Group Award for Inter-Professional Practice, along with recognition from colleagues and professional committees.

Jon Cassaubon
Program: Renovation Technician
Graduating year: 2011
Jon Cassaubon is a builder, entrepreneur and trusted leader dedicated to advancing the skilled trades industry and inspiring the next generation. A proud graduate of Conestoga鈥檚 Renovation Technician program, Jon founded Cass Construction while still a student, laying the foundation for a company that has transformed hundreds of homes across the Kitchener-Waterloo region.
As the owner and head of sales, Jon combines deep technical expertise with a passion for outstanding client experiences. His hands-on leadership style 鈥 shaped by experience on-site and in the office 鈥 ensures every project is guided with care, clarity and craftmanship. From renovations to custom builds, Jon is committed to delivering quality and building trust with every homeowner. Under his leadership, Cass Construction has grown into a multi-award-winning company, recognized in 2025 as Small Business of the Year by the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.
Beyond his work at Cass Construction, Jon is committed to giving back. He mentors young tradespeople, creates opportunities for skill development through co-op placements, and actively promotes careers in skilled trades 鈥 helping to build a well-equipped, stronger and more inclusive future for the industry.

Megan Walker
Program: Practical Nursing
Graduating year: 2020
Megan Walker is on a mission to provide compassionate, high-quality care to medically complex children while making their communities more accessible and inclusive. Her passion for pediatric healthcare began early through volunteer work supporting children with special needs 鈥 long before earning her diploma in Practical Nursing from 糖心vlog精品. Today, Megan is a dedicated pediatric nurse and the founder and CEO of WeeCare Pediatric Home Health Care. Under her leadership, the organization provides personalized, in-home care that supports medically complex children and empowers their families.
Megan has distinguished herself in the field, becoming the first Registered Practical Nurse to receive the Nurse Innovator Award from the Registered Nurses Foundation of Ontario. She has also been recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year by the Milton Chamber of Commerce, nominated for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards, and awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her outstanding community contributions.
Megan鈥檚 impact extends far beyond clinical care. She currently serves as a board member for WeRPN, Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario. She has also led local initiatives to make events more inclusive, donated comfort kits to families in hospitals across Ontario, and co-founded Africa鈥檚 first multidisciplinary special needs centre, Ubuntu WeeCare. She also serves on the Advisory Board for Ubuntu Village of Life, where she leads strategy development for global pediatric care initiatives.

Micheal Mooney
Program: Civil Engineering Technology
Graduating year: 2009
Micheal Mooney transforms systems to better serve people with integrity, foresight and lasting impact. Whether delivering resilient infrastructure, amplifying community voices, or championing equitable access to opportunity, his career bridges engineering excellence with civic purpose. A graduate of 糖心vlog精品鈥檚 Civil Engineering Technology program and RCC Institute of Technology鈥檚 computer networks engineering technology program, Micheal has built a 20+ year career grounded in operational excellence, stakeholder trust, and a relentless commitment to sustainable, human-centred outcomes across engineering, infrastructure, technology, and public service.
Micheal began his career with McCormick Rankin Corporation (now part of MMM Group), before advancing to senior roles at Dillon Consulting. He later co-founded Mooney Metaxas Engineering (MME), a civil engineering consultancy acquired by GEI Consultants in 2020. Following the acquisition, he helped lead GEI鈥檚 Canadian expansion. Today, he serves as CEO of Windshear, stewarding for the ethical advancement of digital infrastructure and innovation in the interest of the public.
Since 2019, Micheal has served in senior leadership roles with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT), including his recent tenure as president. Under his leadership, the organization has undergone governance modernization, strategic realignment, and government advocacy transformation at the provincial and national level - all rooted in ethics, accountability, and systems-level thinking.
Based in Whitehorse, Yukon, Micheal continues to serve at both the territorial and national levels through organizations such as Engineering Change Lab, Skills Canada Yukon, Skills/Comp茅tences Canada, Scouts Canada, and Technology Professionals Canada, helping shape the next generation of skilled trades and technology professionals. He is also a passionate advocate for healthcare access and equity, informed by his lived experience as a caregiver to a medically complex child.

Michelle Labine
Program: Social Services
Graduating year: 1998
Michelle Labine is dedicated to fostering safe, affirming spaces where healing, growth, and authenticity can thrive. She holds a Social Services diploma from Conestoga, a bachelor's degree in psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University, a master's in counselling psychology, and a PhD in clinical sexology.
With over 25 years of experience in the mental health field, Michelle is a seasoned psychotherapist who works with individuals, couples and families to navigate the complexities of mental health, relationships and trauma. She is the founder of ML Family Counselling, a group practice with four clinics across Dartmouth and Bedford, Nova Scotia. The team includes more than 30 specialized clinicians dedicated to providing inclusive, compassionate and high-quality care.
Driven by a commitment to mental healthcare accessibility, Michelle also founded Couch of Hope, a non-profit offering free counselling to Nova Scotians without insurance or financial means. The organization also trains emerging therapists, helping to build the next generation of mental health professionals. In recognition of this work, Michelle received the Invisible Champion Award in Halifax for her leadership in underserved communities.
Whether in the therapy room, mentoring new practitioners, or building systems that expand access to care, Michelle鈥檚 impact extends far beyond her own practice. Mental health is not just her profession - it is her calling. Her life鈥檚 work reflects a deep commitment to community, equity and well-being.

Mohan Naraine
Program: Computer Programmer/Analyst
Graduating year: 1984
Mohan Naraine brings a strategic mind to learning, mentorship and growth. With a 30-year international career in the automotive software industry, his journey began after graduating from Conestoga鈥檚 Computer Programming and Analysis program, followed by an executive MBA from the University of Liverpool.
Mohan launched his career as a software developer at Reynolds and Reynolds, where he spent two decades in progressive leadership roles, including global solution delivery based in Geneva, Switzerland. He then joined ADP to lead a new business in the Middle East, followed by leadership roles in the U.S. and Asia Pacific for Cox Automotive, and as president and CEO of XAPT Corporation, a software company based in Hungary.
Today, Mohan serves as group leader for the automotive portfolio at Volaris Group, a global organization that acquires, strengthens and grows vertical market software companies. In this role, he mentors CEOs and supports the long-term success of companies under his leadership across Europe, China and South Africa.
Recognized for his expertise in business development and cross-cultural leadership, Mohan continues to shape the future of the automotive software industry through strategic insight and global perspective.

Vikki Schlonies
Programs: Health Care Aide, WIST Pre-Apprenticeship Carpenter General, Plumber (Apprenticeship)
Graduating year: 1997, 2005, 2009
Vikki Schlonies is a passionate advocate for equity in the skilled trades, dedicated to showing the next generation how hands-on skills can lead to rewarding and impactful careers. A three-time Conestoga graduate, Vikki completed the Health Care Aide, WIST Pre-Apprenticeship Carpenter General, and Plumber (Apprenticeship) programs.
Today, Vikki brings her journey full circle as a faculty member and coordinator in the School of Trades & Apprenticeship. She is also a Red Seal journeyperson plumber, member and instructor with UA Local 527. These roles bridge the gap between fieldwork and the classroom, preparing students to build successful and lasting careers and workplaces.
Driven by her commitment to mentorship and coaching, she trains and supports future trades professionals, especially those from underrepresented groups. Her involvement includes volunteering with numerous non-profit organizations. Leading by example on campus and in the community, Vikki helps students build skills and confidence.
