TRU WORLD - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- BBA & Certified Life Coach
Alicia Ashcroft graduated from TRU in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Theatre. She has lived in New Zealand and Australia and travelled extensively before settling back in Kamloops. Above most things in life, Alicia appreciates community, volunteerism, film, travel, laughter, close friends, a good book, CBC 2, her two bears and a well-made latte.
Amber Huva Sexualized Violence Prevention & Response Manager Biography Amber (she/her) has been working in the anti-violence sector since 2004. During that time, Amber has also worked with folks experiencing homelessness and concerns around mental health and substance use. She has a BA from TRU (2005) and an MSW from the University of Victoria (2016). Amber has received formal training in supporting LGBTQ2S+ victims/survivors who have experienced violence through Interior Community Services' Safe Spaces program, and the Ending Violence Association of BC. She has also received training in narrative therapy, trauma informed care, nature-based therapy, maternal mental health and maternal substance use, and support for folks exiting sex work. Amber has has engaged in contract work with BC Campus, the Ending Violence Association of BC and Kamloops' Violence Against Women Intervention and Support Services in developing specialized training and programming for anti-violence workers. Amber knows that reaching out for support is one of the bravest, most terrifying acts a victim/survivor may take, and deeply recognizes the importance of providing a respectful, informed, caring response. She also know she may not be the right fit for everyone, and is happy to help folks get connected to the support that feels most valuable. Anyone interested in connecting with Amber is welcome to bring a support person. You do not have to disclose an experience of violence in order to make an appointment, and curious parties are welcome to simply ask questions without divulging personal experiences. When not at work, Amber enjoys spending time with her partner and two children, hiking, paddling, reading, watching Netflix and eating pizza.
Amna is a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student. She is an active member of the TRU community and has been with the team since 2020. She was a recipient of a Peer Mentor of the Month award in 2022 and won the Neil Russell Leadership Award in 2023.
Job Titles:
- Future Students Coordinator, Programs & Events
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Governors
Job Titles:
- Vice - President International
Baihua Chadwick, Vice-President International, is responsible for the operations of TRU World, the international arm of the university, including international marketing, recruitment, student support, international partnerships, contract training as well student international mobility.
Bhavika Jain (she/her) Program of Study:BCS Fun Fact: Math is my jam! I also went paragliding once and fell off the mountain cliff quite literally.
Brian Daly, Vice-President University Relations, provides leadership for TRU's internal and external relations and includes oversight of advancement, marketing and communications and government relations.
Job Titles:
- Research Communications Officer
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Affairs
Cassie (she/her) started her educational journey graduating with honors and a BA in Psychology from California State University, Northridge. She obtained her master's degree in Social Work from McGill University and a certificate in women and anti-oppression studies from Concordia University. Cassie remained in the University setting as a researcher at the Université de Montréal and is a published author on interventions to reduce self-stigma in adults with health disorders. After becoming a registered social worker and managing group homes for adults with disabilities, Cassie realized that her heart and soul rests with post-secondary students. She returned to the post-secondary setting and managed conduct and complex mental health concerns at Algonquin Residence for four years prior to becoming the Manager of Student Mental Health and Wellness at Carleton University. Cassie has experience in developing policy related to suicide postvention, sexual violence response in residence, crisis management, and managing high level conduct and conduct for students with complex needs. Her absolute favorite part of work is building strong relationships with her team and across departments. She loves all of it!
In her personal life, Cassie enjoys all things outdoors, campfires, and exploring mountains, lakes, and woods with her significant other and her pittie-mix mutt, Nalia. She studied martial arts for 25 years, is a world champion full contact fighter, and has a black belt in Judo. She also likes to spend her spare time BBQing, gardening, and stress cleaning her home and camper.
Job Titles:
- Wellness Centre Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Member of the Assessment Team
Job Titles:
- Academic and Administrative Coordinator ( Interim )
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Finance Committee
Job Titles:
- Director, Research Services ( Acting )
Job Titles:
- President
- Vice - Chancellor
- Thompson Rivers University President
Brett Fairbairn, the President and Vice-Chancellor, is the chief executive officer, responsible to the Board of Governors and Senate for the supervision of TRU's administrative and academic work.
Thompson Rivers University President Brett Fairbairn has issued a statement in response to an act of violence at University of Waterloo.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator
- Member of the Assessment Team
- Principal
Job Titles:
- Vice - President
- Vice - President Research
Dr. Shannon Wagner, Vice-President Research, develops partnerships with other universities, institutes, foundations, and organizations; accesses new resources and funding for TRU; and develops opportunities that benefit both faculty and students.
Job Titles:
- Academic Integrity Learning Strategist
Biography
Emilio has been an educator for 14 years. He began his teaching career as an ESL instructor in Toronto and then in Italy. He then worked as an English Composition Instructor and Elementary School Teacher in Ontario. Emilio returned to Kamloops (his home community) and has completed his Master of Education at TRU.
Since joining the TRU community he has worked as a Graduate and Undergraduate Writing Centre Tutor and as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. As part of his MEd, Emilio studied in Germany where he had the opportunity to engage with international students as a Guest Lecturer and as a Learning Centre Graduate Assistant.
In his free time, Emilio enjoys working out, woodworking, renovating, cooking, and travelling.
Job Titles:
- Research Grants Development Officer
Emily Fagg (she/her) Program of Study: BSc Fun Fact: I love to travel - I used to live in Australia and New Zealand and can't wait to study abroad in the future!
Job Titles:
- Learning Specialist With Accessibility Services
Evelyne has been a Learning Specialist with Accessibility Services for twenty years, and is a contracted fitness instructor with TRU Recreation.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, and Master of Education from the University of Victoria. She has a TESL Certificate from Thompson Rivers University.
Whenever possible, Evelyne appreciates mountain biking, hiking with her bernedoodle, skate skiing and instructing fitness classes such as Barre, Zumba, Pilates and HITT.
When working with students, Evelyne strives to provide academic strategies that offer the best chance of success. Her favourite career moments are when she runs into former students that she worked with and hears their success stories.
Garima Mehta (she/her) Program of Study: BA Fun Fact: I am from India but moved to Uganda and finished high school there. I have three German shepherds back in Uganda that I miss so much.
Job Titles:
- Provost and Vice - President Academic
Gillian Balfour, Provost and Vice-President Academic, provides leadership for TRU's academic operations, including teaching and learning, research, and students.
Job Titles:
- Faculty Member, Board of Governors
All enquiries to the Board of Governors should be directed to 250-828-5318.
Job Titles:
- Domestic Academic Advisor
Holly Winzey Student Case Manager Biography Holly Winzey's educational pathway began at the University of Toronto, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from University College of the Cariboo, and also has a Master of Education in Counselor Education/School Counseling from the University of Northern BC in Prince George. As a lifelong learner, Holly has many hobbies. She's studied play therapy and psychotherapy, but also makes time for refurbishing vintage furniture, brunching with friends and being a supportive and present mom for her two children. You'll often find Holly in her office, listening to and working with students or possibly in the Starbucks lineup, as she loves a latte. If you see Holly around campus, please say hello. She'd love to meet you.
Job Titles:
- Qelmúcw ( Indigenous ) Future Students Advisor
Job Titles:
- Member of the Finance Committee of the Board of Governors
Jenna is a fourth-year BBA student majoring in marketing. She has worked as a Student Storyteller since 2022 after completing a Marketing co-op with the FSD. Jenna's main focus as a Storyteller is content creation for social media, writing blogs about her student life experience, and supporting various on-campus events. She brings the knowledge and experience that she has gained from her four co-op work terms.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Chairman of Governance and Human Resources Committee
Job Titles:
- Divisional Secretary ( Aux. )
Biography
Julia Hedge is pleased to join the Faculty of Student Development, as a Student Affairs Assistant. Working in office administration for many years, Julia brings experience and enthusiasm to the work. A creative thinker with an interest in organization and systems, Julia is looking forward to supporting her colleagues and the students they serve. "It's great to be working with a team of caring individuals, all pulling together toward the common goal of helping students navigate their challenges."
Julia moved to the TNRD from the Lower Mainland five years ago to be with her partner Brian. She has an art and music studio in Ashcroft where she spends her weekends creating. Julia loves the weather and outdoor spaces of Kamloops and the surrounding communities, as well as the new friends she has made and the artistic groups that she is a part of.
Experience
250-371-5942
Biography
Julie has been at TRU since 2010 where she oversaw the Global Competency certificate. She then moved into a role within the Center for Student Engagement, was a Learning Strategist- Orientation & Transitions and now the Manager of Student Life. Julie completed her education at UBC with a Bachelor of Education and worked in SD73 for many years before TRU. In her spare time Julie can be found exploring the outdoors, playing soccer, working out, or spending quality time with her son.
Job Titles:
- Academic and Administrative Coordinator
Biography
Karen has been employed at Thompson Rivers University since early 2010 but before that as a student starting in 2001, completing a Bachelor of Art, Geography and Bachelor of Education. In December 2019 Karen obtained her Master of Education at TRU as well. Karen worked as an on-call teacher from 2008 - 2010 in Merritt, B.C., and taught kindergarten to grade 12. Her favorite grade to teach was grade 12 which is why it was an easy transition for Karen to move into higher education. Most of her 12 plus years at TRU have been in Open Learning and the Registrar's Office supervising the front-line staff.
Karen is constantly looking for learning opportunities to increase her skill set to service students, staff, and faculty with any concerns they may have. Karen prefers an open-door policy and is always up for a drop-in visit to chat or grab a coffee.
At home Karen is a grandmother, a mother, and looks after her aging mother. There is little down time for Karen but when she does take time for herself, she is crocheting, watching shows on Netflix and Disney+, or spending time in her backyard.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Student Research & Community Engagement
A graduate of TRU, Katie earned her Bachelor of Arts in 2005 and completed her Graduate Certificate in Child and Youth Mental Health in 2011.
Katie has been working with the dynamic team in the Accessibility Services department since 2017, where she pursues her passion for equitable access to education. Her practice is informed by a deep commitment to lifelong learning, building and maintaining relationships characterized by trust, promoting student-centred supports, and reducing barriers for students.
When she isn't working, you can often find Katie spending time reading or playing games with her husband and son. She is an adventurous cook, and loves sharing her culinary creations with friends and family: food creates community! Katie satisfies her love of adventure and exploration through travel and outdoor pursuits such as hiking, camping, and canoeing.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Vice Chair of the Board
Job Titles:
- Learning Strategist / Orientation & Transitions
Kayla (she/her) has been supporting TRU students' personal, social, and academic success through their first year since 2018 and has received the TRUSU Student Success award for demonstrating excellence in supporting students. She completed her Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and Bachelor of Science (Co-op, Biology) at TRU. As a mental health advocate, she is passionate about reducing stigma associated with mental health conditions. When Kayla is not in the office, she enjoys painting, making music, being outdoors, and listening to Taylor Swift.
Job Titles:
- Future Students Coordinator, Systems & Communications
Laiba Qureshi (she/her) Program of Study: BBA Fun Fact: I really enjoy learning about the law and the different legal systems around the world! I'm also very interested in acting for both theatre and film.
Leah Rousseau (she/her) Program of Study: BSc Fun Fact: I've recently completed three co-op work terms outside of Kamloops. I love having the opportunity to explore new cities and finding the best brewery in each place I visit.
Leanne received her BAS Specialized Honours Marketing from York University in 2010. She joined the Faculty of Student Development in April 2023 - and is bringing her events management and digital marketing expertise to the post-secondary sector.
In her spare time, Leanne enjoys hiking, photography, trying new restaurants, road trips and going on adventures with her kids.
Leo Chahi (he/him) Program of Study: PBD HRM Fun Fact: It's often joked among my friends that I have a PhD in patience. I'm known as the go-to person when someone needs a listening ear or a helping hand. Rest assured, you can count on me whenever you need assistance or have a problem.
Job Titles:
- International Academic Advisor
Madison received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, Environmental Economics and Sustainable Development with a Distinction in Cooperative Education from Thompson Rivers University.
After graduation, Madison worked for the Freshwater Fisheries Society for three years before accepting a one-year project management position with the Faculty of Arts at TRU. From there, she spent two and a half years as a Special Projects Coordinator at Trades & Technology. She joined the Faculty of Student Development in September 2022.
Madison loves hiking, photography, travelling, immersing herself in different cultures and meeting new people. Also a sports enthusiast - she spent 15 years swimming at a national level, living and breathing athletic life for a decade and a half! Madison is a dog lover and hopes to own a rehabilitation centre and shelter for neglected or homeless dogs someday.
Job Titles:
- International Academic Advisor
Job Titles:
- Vice - President Administration and Finance, Provides Leadership for TRU 's Administrative Operations, Including Services, Resources, and Reporting
Matt Milovick, Vice-President Administration and Finance, provides leadership for TRU's administrative operations, including services, resources, and reporting.
Job Titles:
- Advisor to the President on Indigenous Matters, Advises in the Areas of Administration, Student Support Services, University Instruction, Indigenous Research and Governance
Paul Michel, Special Advisor to the President on Indigenous Matters, advises in the areas of administration, student support services, university instruction, Indigenous research and governance.
Job Titles:
- Reserach Grants Development Officer
As a senior team member in her last semester before graduation, Robin is working on a post-baccalaureate in Human Resource Management. This semester, she is focusing on developing her leadership skills as a senior storyteller by supporting others in the planning and execution of creative and informative content. Robin loves to help students identify and accomplish their goals while focusing on her own intentions to work at TRU post-convocation. She's following FSD's pre-graduation checklist and arranging exploratory interviews with TRU faculty and staff members to learn more about the transferable skills she can add to her toolbox. She was a recipient of a Peer Mentor of the Month award in 2023.
Preethal Rodirgues, she/her
Biography
Pree is a 2nd year (Post Baccalaureate) student with a major in (Supply Chain Management). She joined the team in 2022 after meeting some storytellers at a TRU LEADership event. The storyteller who recruited her recognized what a bright, fun and enthusiastic student she was, so Pree was hired mid-semester and has been with the team ever since. Pree is highly energetic and deeply committed to campus engagement, community building and academic well-being. You might also know Pree as a volunteer with TRU World, Leap, along with Student Library Ambassador and Founder of TRUSU Dance Club.
Job Titles:
- Qelmúcw ( Indigenous ) Future Students Advisor
Sarah graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in psychology and a Teaching English as a Second Language certificate from TRU in 2013.
Living and teaching abroad was a goal of hers, so after Sarah graduated, she immediately applied for jobs abroad and was hired in Incheon, South Korea. After living and teaching in South Korea for four years, she accepted a teaching job in Bangkok, Thailand, where she taught nursery school for a year. She then returned to Canada, moving to Kamloops in 2018, where she enrolled in the Education Assistant and Community Support program at TRU.
While teaching overseas, Sarah met marginalized students who had diverse needs and learning styles. These experiences encouraged her to pursue employment within Accessibility Services because she is passionate about helping others, breaking down educational barriers, and advocating for people who may not be able to advocate for themselves.
Sarah is currently completing her Masters of Education degree; when she is not hard at work, she enjoys time with loved ones, camping, fishing, travelling and relaxing outdoors.
Sarah has worked in post-secondary student services since 2006, and she has been with TRU's Faculty of Student Development since 2018.
After graduating high school in Northern BC, Sarah's educational pathway started at the College of New Caledonia in Prince George BC. She completed two diplomas (Human Kinetics and Arts) before transferring east to complete her Bachelor's Degree at the University of Alberta. Sarah later obtained her Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Calgary.
Sarah loves spending time outdoors exploring the Kamloops area with her husband and two little boys. She is also a fitness enthusiast and highly recommends TRU Recreation's free classes.
Sarah's goal in Accessibility Services is to ensure there is equitable access to the learning at TRU. If students have learning barriers related to a disability or health condition, she strongly encourages them to connect with the AS office. Inclusion and diversity are fundamental values at TRU, and we not only embrace, we celebrate, that diversity on our campuses. She is proud of the role that Accessibility Services plays in the university's commitment to equity.
Shelly Garg (she/her) Program of Study: BCS Fun Fact: I love to play with virtual machines trying some ethical hacking tricks. Catch up to know about some great cybersecurity practices that you can follow and secure yourself from bad guys out there.
Job Titles:
- Accessibility Services Advisor
Stacy started at TRU as a Program Advisor for the Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts and Tourism, later moving to the Future Students Office as a Student Recruiter-Advisor.
She studied psychology at the University of California in Santa Cruz, as well as at Hong Kong University.
Her experience working with individuals with various backgrounds, interests, and diverse abilities led her to join the Accessibility Services team in 2019.
As an Accessibility Services Advisor, Stacy offers a comprehensive approach and enjoys seeking out opportunities for self-growth in work and life. When she isn't at work doing what she loves - supporting students in achieving their vision of success - she enjoys yoga, paddle boarding, camping, and traveling to new countries. She has gone to almost thirty countries, and Iceland is her favourite so far!
Job Titles:
- Research and Graduate Studies Coordinator
Taryn is a fourth-year BBA student with a major in marketing. She has been a Student Storyteller since September 2022, and her main focuses are content creation, attending campus events, and assisting in the creation of the student handbook. She has previously worked with TRU as a Future Student Ambassador.
Taylor is a fourth-year Bachelor of Business Administration student majoring in marketing and minoring in project management. She has worked in multiple roles at TRU World Marketing as a co-op student and completed two Events and Marketing co-ops for Career & Experiential Learning. Taylor has also worked as a Study Abroad Ambassador. Taylor is also an undergraduate research assistant this semester. As a storyteller, Taylor will work on a student storyteller handbook and blogs, improving her photography skills and providing event support.
Job Titles:
- Domestic Academic Advisor
Job Titles:
- Ethics, Grants & Contracts Compliance Officer
Job Titles:
- Director, Research, Government Relations & Graduate Studies
Job Titles:
- International Academic Advisor
Job Titles:
- Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response Manager