Meet Our Experts

Real-world experience delivers real results.
Every PHBI instructor is an expert and a leader in their field, often backed by decades of experience working on site, selling and marketing homes, operating homebuilding companies, or working in trades and other industry-related professions.
They enhance your learning experience by sharing their proven expertise in the development of our courses and in the classroom. Education for builders, by builders – it’s the PHBI difference.
Our experts
Jessica McNabb
Sales & Marketing / Customer Service
Jessica is a highly experienced new home sales professional who has established a reputation for excellence in her field. With over 10 years of experience, she has worked as an Area Manager on-site, specializing in drawing plans and managing the custom-building process from start to finish. Her expertise in new home sales has made her a sought-after advisor for clients looking to build their dream homes.
Most recently she has started her own Real Estate team, Rise Real Estate Group with VIMA REAL Broker. This community of women hosts mindset mentorship events, speaks at women’s empowerment events and refers all preferred services and gifts to other women in business.
Jennifer Currie de Urrutia
Customer Service
ennifer is a versatile and dynamic sales and marketing professional with over 18 years of experience in the industry. Throughout her career, she has served as a sales professional and executive leader for numerous high volume single and multi-family builders, new home builders, and award-winning land developers. With a proven track record of success, Jennifer has earned a reputation for excellence and a deep understanding of the industry.
She’s fluent in Spanish and can be found enjoying her husband’s incredible cooking and having creative adventures with their two daughters.
Steve Carveth
Construction Fundamentals / Project Management
After over a decade of experience in the construction industry, Steve is a seasoned professional who has built his expertise through years of hard work and dedication. Starting out as a site supervisor for a custom home builder, Steve quickly rose through the ranks and established his own successful company in 2008. Building on his early successes, he expanded his focus to encompass large-scale renovations and custom homes, partnering with others to bring his vision to life.
In 2019, Steve decided to take a new direction in his career, joining a high-end renovation company as their Sales and Project Manager, where he continues to leverage his extensive knowledge and experience to deliver exceptional results for his clients.
Amelie Caron
Sustainability
Amelie is the Principal of EcoSynergy and holds a MSc Building Science degree. She is a LEED for Homes Green Rater, NRCan Energy Advisor, Net-Zero Energy Advisor, Passivhaus, Energuide and R2000 consultant, and is HRAI certified for multi-unit residential buildings.
Amelie is also a member of Canadian Association of Consulting Energy Advisors and previously a R2000 and Hot 2000 modelling trainer.
Umberto Cappella
Legal Issues / Law Fundamentals
Umberto is a dynamic lawyer whose expertise in civil litigation sets him apart from his peers. After earning his JD from York University – Osgoode Hall Law School in 2017, Umberto has dedicated himself to building a successful legal practice focused on representing clients in a wide range of disputes. His particular emphasis on residential construction and renovations has made him a sought-after advisor for clients facing complex litigation challenges.
Lena Gagnon
Plans & Specifications
With 19 years of experience in the Alberta residential market, Lena is a Designer/Architectural Technologist for a customer service award-winning Canadian single-family home building company.
Laura Love
Estimating
Laura is an accomplished Estimating Manager with a deep passion for residential construction. With over 14 years of experience in the industry, Laura is a seasoned professional who has earned a reputation for innovation, results, and outstanding customer service. As a leader, she is dedicated to building a culture of excellence, teaching others, and leading dynamic teams to achieve their goals.
With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to staying on top of industry trends, Laura is able to deliver accurate, timely estimates that exceed client expectations.
Cara Pullan
Customer Service / Warranty / Problem Solving
With over 10 years experience in the home building industry as a Manager in Customer Experience & Warranty, Cara has honed technical, analyzing warranty claims, and policy development skills. She has a solid foundation in building code, climate change, and best building practices and holds a bachelor’s degree in education and PHBI certificates in Moisture Control and Customer Experience. Most importantly, she strongly believes in ‘building people that build homes.
Dell Matthews
Dell is the President and General Manager of Stranville Living Master Builder. He has 25 years of industry experience and holds Red Seal Journeyman Carpenter, Master Home Builder and Master Home Renovator designations.
Sheri McAllister
Project Management
With 12 years in the construction industry in various senior roles, Sheri is the founding Project Manager of the Building Futures Program. The program won the Canadian Education Association’s 2014 Ken Spencer Award for Innovation in Teaching and Learning. Sheri is also an international Habitat for Humanity participant in Costa Rica, Brazil, and Africa.
Darrell Paul
Building Science / Moisture Control
Darrell is the Principal of Qualistat Building Performance Consultants. He has over 40 years of industry experience, and is a Certified Residential Air System Design Technician, ASNT Level 2 Thermographer, NRCan Certified Energy Advisor, Certified Master Home Inspector, Master Home Builder and Master Home Renovator.
Keith Jansen
Construction Technology / Codes
Having planned and built thousands of homes western Canadian families, Keith brings over 25 years of homebuilding experience and an extensive construction knowledge to PHBI. He specializes in condominium and multi-family project development. Formally trained as an Architectural Technologist, Mr. Jansen possesses exceptional skills in floor plan and project design, project management, fiscal responsibility, and construction supervision.
Madeline Sarafinchan
Condominiums / Sales
Madeline has 30 years of real estate experience, 20 years spent as a real estate broker. She is a certified instructor for the Realtors Association of Edmonton, Alberta Real Estate Association and Real Estate Business Institute. She has served on a committee to review the Condo Act and to recommend changes to government.
Karen Minty
Human Behaviour
Karen is currently a University/College professor, curriculum developer, instructional designer, and corporate trainer. She is certified in Human Behaviour and has earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Adult Education. Karen’s passion lies in helping others to change their mindset and develop effective skills in conflict resolution, leadership development and teambuilding.
Dalpreet Virdi
Building Science / Estimating
Dalpreet is an Infrastructure Project Manager at the City of Edmonton. He has executed successful housing projects across Alberta for over 10 years, and shares his expertise in estimating, project management, and construction practices to industry stakeholders.
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