Join us on Wednesday, November 12th, as the AVA Webinar Series presents Research Readiness, featuring Carrie McManus from Sagesse and Connie Cheung from LOFT.
Wednesday, November 12th, 2025
12 – 1:30pm MST
This webinar will explore how organizations such as Sagesse, LOFT, and St. Mary’s Home use research evidence in their work and why it is important for strengthening programs and services. It will also highlight how these organizations collaborate with academics and researchers outside their networks, the barriers they face in applying evidence, and the strategies they have developed to overcome these challenges and ensure that research effectively informs practice
About the Speakers
Carrie McManus is the Director of Innovation and Programs at Sagesse, where she breaks down barriers and drives change. Her passion for eradicating domestic abuse fuels her innovative approach to developing initiatives that challenge beliefs and empower communities. Under her leadership, Sagesse has expanded to address domestic abuse in rural and remote areas, sex work, and underserved communities. Carrie has also led initiatives supporting informal supporters — friends, family, and colleagues of those experiencing or using abuse. With over 20 years of experience, she previously worked at Mount Royal University’s Stepping Up program and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Dalhousie University and a Diploma of Social Work from Mount Royal University.
Dr. Connie Cheung is a solution-focused leader who brings together innovation, research, and real-world wisdom to elevate the quality of social services. She has a unique ability to connect theory with practice, helping organizations deliver the best possible outcomes for clients and their families. Connie specializes in implementation leadership, using strong measurement strategies to track service impact and guide meaningful change. She’s passionate about integrating evidence into both strategic and clinical decision-making, and she continues to build sector-wide capacity for evidence-informed practice. Whether working with teams, clients, or community partners, Connie is committed to making a lasting difference through thoughtful, data-driven approaches.