Meet the
CASTL team

As CEO, Penny draws on more than 15 years of executive experience in public, private, and not-for-profit enterprises to lead CASTL as the national training partner for Canada’s biomanufacturing industry. Working in collaboration with a network of industry, technology, and academic innovators, she ensures the CASTL team is strategically positioned to meet the existing and emerging workforce needs of the sector. As CEO of the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce, Penny led workforce development and other economic development initiatives and advocated with all levels of government on behalf of businesses of all sizes. Penny holds a BBA and MBA from the University of Prince Edward Island and is a recipient of the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal. She is also an alumnus of the Governor General’s Leadership Conference and Holland College. Penny has volunteered her skills on a variety of community, academic, and crown corporation boards.

Sven has more than 15 years of experience in biopharmaceutical R&D and has led research teams in both academic and industrial/GMP manufacturing environments. He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from l’École Polytechnique de Montréal and specializes in bioprocessing for the production of viral vectors, vaccines, recombinant proteins, and cell therapy products. Together with collaborators and colleagues, Sven has published more than 20 peer-reviewed manuscripts. Since 2019, he is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at McGill University. As Director of Technical Training and Site Manager at CASTL’s state-of-the-art training facility in Montreal, Sven ensures that trainees receive technical training of the highest quality that is relevant to their roles in the biomanufacturing industry.

Sidney understands that education and training are the fuel that power economic growth and success, particularly in emerging sectors. As the Chief Operations Officer, she works with the CASTL team to continually develop and enhance processes to create optimal experiences for learners and clients. She is responsible for the delivery of national skills training initiatives, evaluation of projects and programs, and organizational operations. Sidney’s background is largely based in the not-for-profit sector where she held roles as a director, project and program manager, relationship manager, and in evaluation. She is also experienced in technology-enhanced learning applications, which she applies to her role as manager of the CASTL Online Academy. Sidney holds a BA from the University of Prince Edward Island and a MA in Sociology from the University of Guelph.

Kent is a seasoned management accountant with significant experience in linking finance and business operations to strategic direction. Over the years, he has worked with partners in both the private and public sectors to build successful new ventures in food, tourism, and other business areas. As CASTL’s CFO, he takes a calculated and enterprising approach to ensuring the organization’s growth and success. Kent is a Chartered Professional Accountant. He received his MBA-CMA designation from St. Mary’s University and a BBA from St. Francis Xavier University.

Cerilio has a proven track record in sales and business development in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors. As Director of Business Development at CASTL, he works with industry partners to develop and deliver programs that meet the current and emerging needs of Canada’s biomanufacturing sector. He focuses on building solid relationships to identify new opportunities for collaboration and sustainable growth through programs that deliver real-world impact. Cerilio holds a BSc. in Microbiology and Immunology from McGill University and is fluent in English and French. He is based in Montreal.

Eneze brings extensive expertise in program evaluation and client engagement to her position as Evaluations and Engagement Manager at CASTL. With an interdisciplinary background in development and youth studies, she has played a key role in advancing education, program evaluation, multistakeholder collaboration, and impact measurement to improve program effectiveness. She holds a master’s degree from Brock University and is passionate about elevating diverse perspectives to foster meaningful and inclusive program outcomes.

Based at CASTL’s headquarters in Charlottetown, Megan helps oversee the administrative procedures and processes that keep CASTL on track. With a background in business and community-based organizations, she manages day-to-day operations, keeping team and board members informed and connected as they carry out their respective roles and responsibilities. Megan holds a BA from Dalhousie University.

As an experienced project manager in the life sciences and bioscience sectors, Jennifer is committed to accelerating research, development, and commercialization in Canada’s biomanufacturing sector. She draws on nearly two decades of industry experience to oversee projects that advance CASTL’s mission to produce skilled and knowledgeable workers who are ready to hit the ground running. Jennifer holds a BBA from the University of Prince Edward Island.

Yacine possède sept ans d'expérience en marketing numérique, avec une spécialisation dans les médias sociaux et le marketing par courriel. Au cours de sa carrière, il a travaillé dans divers secteurs, notamment les politiques publiques, les SaaS et les entrepreneurs en ligne, pour développer des stratégies marketing innovantes. Basé à Montréal, Yacine est parfaitement bilingue et mettra à profit son expertise pour concevoir des campagnes marketing sur mesure visant à promouvoir nos programmes, accroître notre visibilité et sensibiliser davantage nos publics cibles. Yacine est titulaire d'un baccalauréat en communication avec une spécialisation en médias numériques de l'Université d'Ottawa.

Elvira is an experienced Project Manager, overseeing innovative mRNA technology projects at CASTL in collaboration with post-secondary institutions and industry partners. She works closely with internal and external stakeholders, including consultants and funding partners, to support the growth of Canada’s biomanufacturing sector. Elvira is committed to advancing industry skills and promoting sustainability through strategic project management. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology and an MBA in Science and Engineering.

As a scientist, trainer, and project manager, Magdalena brings a unique skillset to the CASTL team. She blends her extensive technical, academic, and practical working knowledge to establish new partnerships with Canadian universities and colleges to develop training and education programs that respond to identified needs in the biotechnology sector. Magdalena specializes in stem cell technologies and has in-depth knowledge and experience in bioprocessing research, development, and manufacturing environments. Magdalena studied biotechnology at the Mannheim University of Applied Sciences (Germany) and earned a Ph.D. in stem cell tissue engineering from the University of Nottingham (UK). She is certified in Research Administration, Project Administration, and Project Management.

Angela has worked in the accounting industry for several years. Specializing in bookkeeping, she manages CASTL’s day-to-day financial operations with meticulous attention to organization and detail. She holds a BBA from Memorial University of Newfoundland and earned her accounting certificate at the University of Prince Edward Island.

Hannah is a biomanufacturing training technician at CASTL’s Montreal Facility. In addition to assisting with the set-up of the Montreal facility, she now delivers and supports the delivery of training at the site. Hannah holds a Master of Engineering in Biomanufacturing from McGill University focusing on formulation, drug delivery, vaccine manufacturing and development for biotherapeutics, as well as a Bachelor of Science from Mount Royal University.

Ellen joined the CASTL team shortly after completing her BBA at the University of Prince Edward Island. As Training Administrator, she works alongside training staff in Charlottetown to organize and coordinate CASTL’s training programs.

Heidi brings more than 20 years of experience to her role as Director of Marketing and Communications. Throughout her career, she has developed and implemented successful strategies and campaigns across a wide variety of industries, including legal, non-profits, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and electrical engineering. As CASTL’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Heidi is responsible for developing and executing strategic marketing initiatives to promote the organization's programs, enhance brand visibility, engage target audiences, and effectively communicate the value of CASTL’s training offerings to stakeholders in the biomanufacturing industry. Heidi is based in Montreal, fluent in English and French, and holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the Université de Montréal.

Kelsey brings a wealth of program administration and development experience to her role as Program Manager for the CASTL Bioscience Reskilling Program. As a versatile clinical education professional, she has made significant contributions to client training and business development initiatives in various fields, including surgical robotics and medical aesthetics. Kelsey draws on her passion for continuous improvement and dedication to community development to help learners thrive in Canada’s bioscience sector. Kelsey has a bachelor's degree (Honours) in Psychology from the University of Winnipeg and is committed to creating inclusive and empowering learning environments. Outside of the office, she actively supports not-for-profit organizations and community-based programs that work to change lives for the better.

Hardik has worked in the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry since 2016, specializing in operations management, training, and process optimization. As a trainer and site manager at CASTL’s Charlottetown training facility, he instructs learners in critical procedures and processes to minimize errors, improve productivity, and ensure compliance with Quality Management Systems. Hardik originally trained as a pharmacist, completing a Bachelor of Pharmacy at RGTU University and post-grad work in Pharmaceutical Research and Development at the Toronto Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology. He received his certified training professional designation through Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).

Anson joined the CASTL team as a Training Administrator in 2024. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Human Science (Human Relations) from Concordia University. With a background in organizational development, Anson infuses his work with a passion for creating positive workplaces, enhancing team dynamics, and facilitating growth-oriented environments.