About Us
At MacDonald Training and Consulting, we are driven by a commitment to building stronger, more responsive communities across Canada. We support the development of effective systems, programs, and service delivery models that meet the diverse and evolving needs of individuals and communities. With a strong foundation in professional training and adult education, we integrate our learning expertise into every consulting engagement, ensuring that capacity-building is embedded in the solutions we help create.
We work collaboratively with partners across sectors; including health, child welfare, education, social development, public service, and post-secondary institutions to design practical, sustainable strategies that lead to meaningful and lasting change.
Melissa MacDonald, Senior Consultant and Trainer
Melissa is an experienced public service consultant with over 15 years in the field. She specializes in change management, professional development and regulatory alignment consistently achieving positive results for organizations and communities. Her expertise includes program design, stakeholder engagement, capacity-building initiatives, professional training, all aimed at enhancing public service delivery.
Serving as an adjunct professor at the University of Regina, Melissa combines academic knowledge with practical experience. She develops and facilitates professional training for public service in a relevant, comprehensive, and solution-focused manner. A strong advocate for knowledge translation, she collaborates with organizations to ensure they possess the necessary insights to advance key initiatives and best practices. Passionate about fostering impactful and sustainable change, Melissa has partnered with government agencies, non-profits, and educational institutions on significant social initiatives.
Recognized for her collaborative approach, Melissa simplifies complex challenges, guiding teams toward actionable solutions while ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks and policy objectives. Committed to innovation and equity, she aims to strengthen public systems, empower communities, and contribute to the development of resilient, inclusive services.
Empowerment
We build the skills and confidence of professionals, programs and organizations to lead meaningful change in their communities.
Collaboration
We work with leaders, communities and organizations to create lasting, adaptable, and shared solutions.
Equity and Inclusion
We centre justice, challenge oppression, and amplify the voices of those most impacted.
Evidence BAsed Practice
We combine research, lived experience, legislative context and professional insight to guide effective, relevant solutions.
Our Values
Senior Consultant and Trainer
Melissa MacDonald, MSW, RSW
Melissa MacDonald is a seasoned consultant with over 15 years of experience leading change across diverse areas of the public sector, including social development, child welfare, health, and education. She specializes in change management, capacity building, and aligning strategy with frontline realities to support effective, sustainable systems.
Melissa collaborates with governments, organizations, and communities to design and implement evidence-informed solutions that strengthen services and improve outcomes. Her consulting approach is grounded in systems thinking, equity, and meaningful engagement; empowering cross-functional teams to navigate complexity and drive innovation.
As an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Regina, Melissa brings her expertise in adult education and learning management systems to develop and deliver high-impact training through both in-person workshops and online programs. She is deeply committed to professional development that equips individuals and organizations to lead transformative change.
Let’s make a difference together.
Melissa MacDonald, MSW, RSW
Highlighted Skills
Change Management
Full service change management from high level planning to front line implementation. Working collaboratively with multi-steam stakeholders, programs, staff teams and organizations. Melissa's focus on implementation shifts complex change requirements into practical steps for front line application.
-
Stakeholder Relations
-
Assessment and Analysis
-
Special Issue and Regulatory Reviews
-
Strategic and Implementation Planning
-
Action Planning and Facilitation
-
Program and Policy Development
-
Business and Public Reporting
-
Training and Operational Support
Professional Training and Development
Melissa is a strong advocate for knowledge translation and has collaborated with governments, stakeholders, community programs and public to meet professional learning needs through;
-
Training Facilitation (In-person, online, and remote sessions)
-
Training Content Development ranging from on-demand learning to Train the Trainer programs.
-
Workshops and Debrief Facilitation
-
Conflict Resolution (New Ways for Work)
-
Training Needs Assessment and Planning
-
Knowledge Evaluation and Certifications
-
Learning Management System Development and Design
-
Licensing in Articulate 360 and Storyline
Post Secondary Course Offerings
As an Adjunct Professor, Melissa regularly develops and facilitates core and elective courses within the University of Regina and affiliated First Nations University of Canada, Faculty of Social Work. Offered in a variety of online, remote and seminar style.
-
Critical Thinking for Critical Issues
-
Anti -Oppressive Practice
-
Canadian Poverty
-
Social Policy
-
Human Development in the Social Context
-
Child Welfare Practice
-
Social Work in Health Settings
-
Social Work with Older Adults
-
Social Work with Communities and Organizations
-
Social Work in Rural, Remote and Northern Communities
-
Advanced Practice with Communities