About Us

CEO/Founder

Meet Tracy, the driving force behind Essence, a boutique search firm known for its values‑driven approach and commitment to strengthening Canada’s not‑for‑profit and professional sectors. A seasoned business leader, she brings together purpose, community, and impact in everything she does.

Tracy is deeply engaged in her community, serving on several boards, including SaskWater, Affinity Credit Union, and The Prosperity Project. She is also a past chair of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, the NSBA, and Prairieland Park, roles that reflect her long-standing dedication to economic and community development.

In 2022, she earned her ICD.D designation and continues to mentor emerging leaders through the Raj Manek program while supporting numerous community initiatives. Above all, Tracy treasures time with her husband, her two children, and her grandchild, a reminder that she is not only a respected business leader but also a devoted family person.

Get in touch with Tracy tracy@essencerecruitment.ca.

Talent & Search Advisor

Introducing Melanie, who brings energy, empathy, and a people-first approach to every interaction. Originally from Southern Saskatchewan, Melanie spent over a decade in Calgary before settling in Saskatoon, which she has proudly called home for more than 10 years alongside her son.

With a background in hospitality and extensive experience in sales and event planning, Melanie excels at connecting with people and building meaningful relationships. An avid networker who thrives on community engagement, she has served on numerous committees throughout Saskatoon. Known for her positive attitude and approachable style, Melanie is dedicated to creating exceptional experiences for both clients and candidates. Whether she’s helping organizations find the right fit or cheering someone on in their career journey, she brings warmth, dedication, and a touch of fun to everything she does.

When she’s not working or volunteering, you’ll often find Melanie travelling, supporting local events and restaurants, or serving as the self-proclaimed “personal assistant” to her son’s many activities.

Connect with Melanie at melanie@essencerecruitment.ca 

Talent Research & Engagement Specialist

Get to know Ashley, the go-to person at Essence for connecting talented candidates with exciting opportunities. She joined the team with a diverse background in talent acquisition and education. Her experience recruiting, hiring, and training employees, combined with her passion for helping people achieve their career goals, makes her exceptionally skilled at finding the right fit for both organizations and candidates.

Ashley’s approach is rooted in open communication, a thoughtful and organized process, and a genuine understanding of her clients’ needs. Think of her as the matchmaker of the professional world, just without the romantic dinners.

Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Ashley earned her Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan. Outside of work, she volunteers as a foster with Saskatoon Street Cat Rescue (SCAT), a role that perfectly suits her love of animals. She is also actively involved in the community, supporting various non-profit organizations and facilitating speaking engagements focused on career development.

Connect with Ashley ashley@essencerecruitment.ca

Office Assistant

Kendra Parfitt is your go-to administrative guru with a Legal Administrative Assistant Diploma and over 16 years of experience.  She juggles executive tasks, project administration, donor relations, community engagement, and event management. If there’s a plate to keep spinning, Kendra’s probably already covered it.

Her mission? To make life easier for everyone around her by streamlining processes, tackling the admin mountain, and freeing up the team to focus on what really matters—delivering key outcomes and keeping clients and candidates happy.

When she’s not busy being the office savior, Kendra can be found on a farm in Holdfast, Saskatchewan, with her fiancé and children. In her spare time, she enjoys taking family trips, baking treats that never last long, and keeping her garden in check.

Contact Kendra at kendra@essencerecruitment.ca

Brand & Engagement Specialist

Meet Haley, the creative mind behind Essence’s marketing initiatives and social media presence. Passionate about authentic storytelling and meaningful connection, she helps bring the company’s values of community, transparency, and authenticity to life through every project she takes on. Haley also plays an integral role in supporting the broader Essence team, contributing wherever needed to help keep operations running smoothly.

Born and raised in small-town Saskatchewan, Haley earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Studies from the University of Saskatchewan. She brings a genuine, approachable energy to her work and is always willing to step in wherever support is needed. Committed to giving back to her community, Haley also serves as Communications Chair on the board of the Saskatchewan Professional Marketing Association (SPMA), where she helps support and promote Saskatchewan’s marketing community.

Outside of work, Haley enjoys spending time at the lake, staying active, and making memories with family and friends. Whether she’s planning her next travel adventure, cheering on the Riders, or unwinding with a good book, she brings warmth, positivity, and a people-first mindset to everything she does.

Reach out to Haley at haley@essencerecruitment.ca

Talent & Search Advisor

Introducing Matthew Cennon, an experienced recruitment professional who brings authenticity, strategy, and a people-first approach to every search. Originally from Saskatoon, Matthew now calls Edmonton home, where he lives with his wife, Emily, and their golden retriever, Abby.

With more than 15 years of experience across agency, corporate, and consulting environments, Matthew has helped organizations across Canada attract and retain exceptional talent. His recruitment journey began in Saskatoon, where Tracy Arno, Founder and CEO of Essence Recruitment, first introduced him to the industry. Since then, he has built a reputation for developing trusted partnerships and taking the time to understand not only the roles organizations need to fill, but also the cultures, values, and goals that drive their success.

Known for his thoughtful insights and candid communication style, Matthew brings extensive executive search experience to his work, having led senior-level recruitment projects across a wide range of sectors. Specializing in C-suite and senior leadership placements, he partners closely with boards and executive teams to identify leaders whose experience, values, and vision align with an organization’s culture and long-term objectives.

When he’s not working, you’ll likely find Matthew exploring Edmonton’s local coffee scene, spending time on the golf course, or heading out on adventures with Emily and Abby. At Essence, he’s excited to come full circle, reuniting with Tracy and bringing his curiosity, care, and commitment to helping clients and candidates thrive.

Reach out to Matthew at matthew@essencerecruitment.ca

Talent Research & Engagement Associate

Get to know Cadence, a Talent Research & Engagement Associate at Essence who plays an important role in supporting recruitment projects through candidate research, talent engagement, and administrative coordination. Since joining the team in November 2025, she has helped connect great people with great opportunities while ensuring clients and candidates experience the personalized service Essence is known for.

Currently pursuing a degree in Economics at Queen’s University, Cadence brings curiosity, strong organizational skills, and a people-first approach to her work. She enjoys the opportunity to learn about recruitment, leadership, and the organizations Essence serves. One of the most rewarding aspects of her role is gaining a deeper understanding of the company her mother built and seeing firsthand the impact Essence has on organizations, communities, and individuals across Canada.

Beyond her work with Essence, Cadence is actively involved on campus through the Women in International Security (WIIS) Queen’s chapter and volunteers with Good Times Diner, a student-led initiative that supports the local community. She values building meaningful connections, giving back, and contributing wherever she can.

Outside of work and school, Cadence enjoys spending time with friends and family, travelling whenever she gets the chance, and making the most of Saskatchewan summers at the lake. Whether she’s supporting a recruitment project, volunteering in her community, or exploring a new destination, she brings enthusiasm, authenticity, and a willingness to learn to everything she does.

Reach out to Cadence at cadence@essencerecruitment.ca