Originally from Germany, Nina got her start in HR in international operations, sending executives and employees on assignments around the world and managing all related matters, from moving to taxation and immigration.
In 2002, Nina decided it was her turn and with the help of her employer she relocated to Vancouver. Working through her own immigration at the time and assisting many more employees with their immigration to Canada, Nina had found her calling. After a successful stint at Kodak, Nina founded her own consulting firm, Global Steps Relocation Consulting in 2006. Since that time, Nina has made a difference for many Canadian companies (large and small) who urgently need skilled workers from abroad and has helped countless individuals and families start a new life in Canada.
In 2016, Nina decided to take her business to the next level and teamed up with long-time ally, Marlene Jan, formerly of Think Relocation, to co-found Imagine Immigration. Nina is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and holds memberships with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC).
Nina is actively involved in her communities, a gourmet cook and an avid reader. She is also a dedicated pet parent!
After a successful nine year career as an HR Generalist, Marlene suspected there was another way to apply her immigration and relocation knowledge. She decided to go external and focus on applying her immigration and relocation knowledge for corporate clients. Thus, Think Relocation Consulting was founded in 2006 with a strong focus on client needs and alignment with client values.
Since that time, Marlene has worked tirelessly to establish herself as a true partner to all her clients, big or small and has helped hundreds of employees join Canadian companies and expand Canada’s talent pool. As with her co-founder and partner, Nina Brachmann, Marlene decided it was time to grow and the best way to do that was to join forces with Nina and create Imagine Immigration. This next adventure in Marlene’s professional career is exciting as it gives her the chance to do what she loves and to grow her practice, while continuing to work with great clients and work with a great team. Marlene is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) through the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC). Marlene is mom to two kids and loves to unwind with yoga, baking, and a great book.
Colleen was born in Alaska and raised in Northern British Columbia, where she cultivated strong family and community values.
Colleen’s working background began as a Ledger keeper with the Bank of Nova Scotia in Smithers BC, where she quickly learned that she wanted bigger things in life. When the opportunity presented itself, Colleen moved to the Lower Mainland and was soon enrolled in Douglas College. She went on to graduate with a Bachelor of General Studies from Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC in 1991. Since that time, Colleen has rounded out her professional experience in a variety of long term positions including Accounts Payable Clerk, Dispatcher, Receptionist, Events Coordinator and Executive Assistant.
This cheerful, energetic, single mom is a powerhouse of information, determination and inspiration, who loves to pass time maintaining her network of close friends and family, or curled up with an exciting read and a cup of tea.
A veteran of the hospitality industry and customer service, Lydia is an expert in the ins and outs of some of the world’s most well-known hotel chains. Her hospitality career has taken her all over the globe and given her unique insights into international travel and international travelers. These experiences have driven her to be client-focused, with the ability to process confidential and constantly evolving information. Lydia needed to find a way to step back from the frenzy of hospitality and find another way to use her international people experience. Applying her calm professionalism and resourcefulness to the frenzied world of Canadian immigration seemed like a powerhouse combination, armed with her strong communication and interpersonal skills. An urban explorer with rural roots, Lydia loves dogs, swimming in many of BC’s lakes, and getting off the beaten path.
A lifelong learner and Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), Yazhen brings her academic and practical knowledge of immigration to our team. She has experienced the Canadian immigration process first-hand and is acutely aware of the joys and woes that come with it. Her quiet determination has led her on an academic, immigration and professional journey to serve her clients with efficiency and thoughtfulness. And her ability to distill the complex and her patience for the tedious give her untold super powers. Yazhen is a graduate of the Queen’s University Graduate Diploma program in Immigration and Citizenship Law and holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Yazhen is a pet parent of two adorable dogs, an avid crafter and excellent home cook. She has a positive outlook, curiosity, a zest for life, and is always on the search for fun new experiences!