Spark Team
We tell our clients every day that the success of their companies is based in large part on the quality of their people. And Spark Centre is no exception to that rule. We are assembling a talented team that is both passionate about our cause and dedicated to the success of our clients.
Martin Croteau,
Executive Director
As Executive Director of Spark Centre, Martin brings over fifteen years of experience with technology start-up companies as an investor, an entrepreneur and a consultant. Previously, Martin was Director of Commercialization with the Ontario Centres of Excellence, where he evaluated and mentored dozens of start-up companies. At OCE, he was responsible for the Accelerator Program, which invested in university based technology start-ups. He is also the President of Aventis Consulting Group, a specialized firm that assists in technology commercialization and new business development.
Martin is a Research Associate and Doctoral Candidate with the Henley Business School at the University of Reading, UK. He holds a Master of Science in Business and Management Research, a Master of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Commerce.
Michelle Calnek,
Client Services Manager
Michelle helps connect you with the right resources and services to help your business achieve success; from business assessment and advice, strategy development, planning, mentoring, peer groups and connections to the host of other resources and service providers provided by Spark Centre.
She is the former Director of Field Sales and New Market Development and former Marketing Director at educational publisher McGraw-Hill Ryerson, Professional Division. Michelle is a professional accomplished in creating and executing comprehensive and successful B2B sales and marketing partnerships that deliver sales and profitability. She has a track record of success guiding business development strategies and programs that open new markets and channels. Michelle is a seasoned manager with superior communication skills that excels at leading teams through consensus-building and collaboration.
With an Honours B.Sc. in Pharmacology and Toxicology and an M.B.A, her academic background mirrors her professional desire to grow and learn.
Michelle is currently on maternity leave.
Andrea Rowland,
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Andrea comes to Spark Centre with a number of years on international experience of marketing, communications and graphic design. Originally from the UK, having contracted for many years as well as starting her own business (craft brewery) she understands the challenges of small business.
Having worked a year at the Student Association at Durham College and UOIT, where she was in charge of branding, creative print and digital design as well as social media marketing she is connected with the region’s educational institutions.
She has developed brands including logo design, packaging and marketing for a range of businesses including manufacturers of oil, paint, handcrafted tools, as well as restaurants and services businesses… And of course handcrafted beer!
As a small business to find good advice and especially free advice, Andrea is excited to work for the Spark Centre. She believes in its mission to develop an innovation eco-system of entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, researchers and students who are coming together to exchange ideas and help each other succeed to create jobs and wealth in the region.
Kristina Svana,
Client Services Specialist
As a successful graphic design graduate, Kristina has been in the industry for over 6 years. Her experience stems from directing and overseeing the operations of an in-house design department as well as running her own freelance business in the Durham Region. Over the course of her career, she has met with and developed long lasting relationships with clients across North America, has provided design work for a wide range of companies as well as assisting budding entrepreneurs with marketing and branding solutions. With Kristina’s expertise on both Mac and PC platforms, along with her client service experience, she provides assistance on many levels to the Business and Marketing Team.
