Meet the Speakers

PAULA C KENNEDY

Inspirational Speaker. Designer. Writer. Creativity Guru. Educator. Coach. Serial Entrepreneur. Timeless Kitchen Design L.L.C. 

With over 25 years of industry experience, Paula, the founder of Timeless Kitchen Design L.L.C., brings a deep passion for kitchen and bath design. As a distinguished Interior Designer, she holds numerous certifications including NKBA Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer, Certified Architectural Color Consultant, and Certified Living in Place Professional. Paula's expertise has earned her numerous awards and a respected position as a member of the K+BB Magazine Advisory Council and an NKBA Subject Matter Expert. She actively contributes to the field through speaking engagements, teaching, curriculum development, mentoring, and writing, with a recent focus on areas such as creativity, innovation, technology, wellness, and inclusive design. Paula's dedication to inspiring others is the cornerstone of her commitment to design, mentorship, and education. ​

Kate Dickson

Principal & Creative Director, The Dickson Design Group

The Dickson Design Group is an award-winning design studio that has established itself as a trusted and highly sought-after full-service residential design firm. As the Principal Designer and creative force behind The Dickson Design Group, Kate Dickson has carved a niche for herself by transforming homes that need a lot of love into bright, fresh, and highly functional spaces.
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Known for her keen eye for detail and warm personality, Kate’s superpower is space planning. Whether it's new construction, an addition, or a kitchen remodel, no detail is too small. Kate thrives on creating spaces that not only meet her client's needs but also reflect their unique style. Kate is currently serving as the National Vice Chair of the Decorators and Designers Association of Canada.

Robert Wiemann

​Robert Wiemann is the CEO and Founder of Sarto Group, a leader in the stone fabrication industry. He transformed Sarto Countertops into a premier fabricator, growing the company by over 2200%. As the co-founder of EasedEdge, a software designed for stone fabricators, Robert empowers businesses to streamline operations through digital transformation. With a background as a CPA at Deloitte, Robert is passionate about helping companies embrace technology for sustainable growth. 

Hugues Foltz

Owner, Ateliers Jacob​

Executive Vice-President and co-owner of Vooban, a firm specializing in AI and custom software solutions. With over 20 years of expertise in digital transformation, Hugues is known for creating impactful innovation strategies. He has delivered over 100 conferences and workshops, guiding managers through their digital transformation journey. A regular columnist for Les Affaires, Hugues educates readers on practical AI applications in business. He is recognized for implementing AI solutions in manufacturing environments and driving digital transformation efforts across industries.

Master of Ceremonies

Maria Perketa
Design Project Manager/Co-Founder

​Linda Rendulich

Founder & Principal Designer, Twin Oaks Interior

As the founder and principal designer of Twin Oaks Interiors, Linda specializes in designing classic and contemporary kitchens, baths and living spaces that function as beautifully as they look. Established in 2011, Twin Oaks Interiors has grown into a thriving award-winning boutique design practice serving the GTA and beyond.
Linda is certified as an Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer (AKBD) and as a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS).  Building on her extensive business background and design industry experience, Linda has been a speaker on kitchen & bath design and business topics in a variety of forums. Linda was appointed to the National Board of the Decorators and Designers Association of Canada and is currently serving as Chair of the Ambassador Program.

Mary Dancey

Creative Director, ACM Designs

Mary Dancey successfully ran her own Kitchen & Bath Design and Interior Decorating company in Simcoe County for almost 20 years before accepting the position of creative director at ACM Designs in Haliburton, Ontario.  She is the recipient of many awards from DDA Canada and the NKBA for her kitchen, bath and interior decorating designs. 
​As a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist and Certified Living-in-Place Specialist, Mary ensures that all her designs incorporate thoughtful elements to ensure that her clients’ homes meet their current and future needs.  In addition to her role at ACM Designs, Mary is also a part-time faculty member at Georgian College in the Kitchen & Bath Design Post Graduate Program.

Daniel Picco

Project Manager

Daniel has proudly been with PICCO since 2016. In addition to connection and anchorage design, Daniel works directly with clients ensuring all preferences, site conditions and best practices are met. His keen attention to detail provides our clients with the confidence and comfort to successfully deliver projects.

Kelly 
Fernandes

M.Sc., CIH, Specialized Consultant, Impactful Occupational Hygienist, Mental Health Advocate

A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) with over 15 years of experience, Kelly Fernandes is an Occupational Hygienist at WSPS. She specializes in occupational hygiene projects such as silica exposure assessments, chemical exposure, noise assessments, and respiratory protection. With a strong background in health and safety, Kelly is a sought-after speaker known for her engaging and informative sessions. She holds a B.Sc. in Honours Biology, an M.Sc. in Environmental Plant Physiology, and a post-diploma in Environmental Engineering. At this conference, Kelly will present on silica awareness, providing practical insights into workplace safety.​

Fathi Abu-Farah

CPA,CA PAL, CPA, CMA, CVA (USA),
​Executive Director, IPG 

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA Ontario) and Certified Public Accountant (Montana, USA) with over 35 years of experience in audit, consulting, and financial management. Formerly with Ernst & Young in Kuwait and Jordan, Fathi established the Jordan branch of RSM in 2003. He specializes in audits, business analysis, project financing, and implementing international accounting standards. Fathi is currently the Founder and Executive Director of International Professional Group Inc., Chartered Accountants, in Mississauga, and serves as the President of the Arab Community Centre of Toronto (ACCT).

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