Meet the Student Services Team

Who or what inspires her:

Lately, I’ve been leaning into me—my growth, my goals, and what wellness looks like in this chapter of life. I’ve stopped waiting for the "perfect time" and started choosing myself more often—and it’s been empowering. This version of me is curious, intentional, and more willing than ever to try new things.

What she's passionate about:

I recently completed my nutrition accreditation and I’m now deep into a menopause diploma—navigating this season with strength and clarity. Learning how nutrition, mindset, and lifestyle can transform how we feel is both fascinating and deeply personal. My kitchen is still my sanctuary—but now there’s a little more oat flour and a lot more mindful eating going on. I journal, meditate, and consider tea a sacred ritual. Long walks with an audiobook are my version of therapy.

Three words that describe Alesha:

Curious, grounded, and evolving (also: goal-chasing, label-reading, and learning to rest without guilt).

Her advice to new students?

You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just start. Be open, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to shift directions. Growth rarely looks like a straight line—and that’s the beautiful part.

Favourite quote:

"Great people do things before they're ready, and they do things before they know they can do it."

Who or what inspires her:

Meeting goals and having the drive to be the best at my job is what motivates me every day. Completing tasks and helping others to the best of my ability makes being a program advisor a very fulfilling role.

What she's passionate about:

I enjoy exercising, going to movies, gaming, getting coffee with friends and going on spontaneous adventures with the dog—our favourite place is the beach.

Three words that describe Ashley:

Reliable, patient, and dedicated.

Her advice to new students?

If you're not sure about something, always ask questions. There are people and resources in place to support you; it's okay to ask for direction or how to get to them.

Favourite quote:

"Time flies when you're having fun!"

Who or what inspires her:

Nature and music inspire me the most. They are my best reset and my most potent source of upliftment.

What she's passionate about:

Empowerment—developing and maximizing potential. On the lighter side of life, I love karaoke and Korean dramas.

Three words that describe Brenda:

Hard-working, introspective, and funny.

Her advice to new students?

Learn to the fullest, and don’t forget to make learning fun. Enjoy the journey!

Favourite quote:

"Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.” - Anthony J. D’Angelo

Who or what inspires her:

Our team! How we support each other in the best interest of the students and the Division of Continuing Studies. We go above and beyond when helping students and are committed to ensuring all students, domestic, international and community learners, are supported in achieving their educational goals and success!

What she's passionate about:

My family! Embracing any opportunity to be with family and watching our children achieve their goals. Proud of all they have accomplished and excited of what their future will bring.

Three words that describe Christa:

Patient, detail-oriented, and helpful.

Her advice to new students?

"The Student Services Team, are here to support you—we care!"

Favourite quote:

"Check . . . check . . . double check."
"Tomorrow 'will' be a NEW day!"

Who or what inspires her:

Getting to meet people from all over the world. I love hearing different languages when I walk in to work!

What she's passionate about:

Anything art-related—lately I’ve been getting into pottery—no better way to unwind.

Three words that describe Claire:

Calm, creative, and curious.

Her advice to new students?

New experiences can be challenging, especially away from home. Take time to recharge—if you’re looking for a quiet walk, I recommend exploring the Finnerty Gardens on campus.

Favourite quote:

C'est la vie!

Who or what inspires her:

My mother and father inspire me because of their work ethic and deep care for people. My two children also inspire me with their creativity, humour, and playfulness.

What she's passionate about:

I love music, playing guitar and piano, singing, and dancing. I also love reading fiction and non-fiction as well as creative writing. I enjoy drawing, painting, quilting, and crafting too.

Three words that describe Emily:

Caring, encouraging, and reliable.

Her advice to new students?

Be kind to yourself: challenges are opportunities to flex your inner strength and resourcefulness.

Favourite quote:

"The river where you set your foot just now is gone—those waters give way to this, now this." - Heraclitus, c. 500 BC

Who or what inspires her:

The determination and passion demonstrated by students who are pursuing their education despite various challenges is inspiring. Their commitment to personal growth and development motivates me to support them in their educational journey and to embrace new challenges and push my own boundaries.

What she's passionate about:

I'm happiest when backpacking in the mountains of Strathcona Park or along the coastal regions of Vancouver Island with friends and family. I also enjoy travelling to new countries to explore and learn about different places and cultures.

Three words that describe Julianna:

Detail-oriented, organized, and supportive.

Her advice to new students?

Take advantage of the resources and support available to you, stay organized and manage your time effectively, and engage with your peers and instructors. Building connections will enhance your learning experience and provide valuable networking opportunities.

Favourite quote:

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't—you're right." - Henry Ford

Who or what inspires her:

I'm inspired by my coworkers everyday as I see how hard they work and how much they care about our students.

What she's passionate about:

Disneyland is my happy place, my second home. I also love to travel, and I enjoy photography. I really like finding interesting angles and lighting in new and old cities and beautiful landscapes.

Three words that describe Katie:

Curious, passionate, and logical.

Favourite quote:

"There'll be no one to stop us this time!" - Darth Vader

Who or what inspires her:

Beautiful sunrises along the coast.

What she's passionate about:

I love sketching, painting and reading, but drinking a good cup of cappuccino in the sunshine always makes my day!

Three words that describe Larissa:

Dependable, perceptive, and cheerful.

Her advice to new students?

Read instructions and all your emails from us.

Favourite quote:

"It doesn’t matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing.”

Who or what inspires her:

The students inspire me every day. They work so hard to achieve their goals and seeing them succeed is also my inspiration.

What she's passionate about:

I enjoy spending time with my three grandchildren and going to their sports activities. I also enjoy exploring the Pacific Northwest with my husband as he pilots his small private plane. We have explored Long Beach, Courtenay, Squamish, Abbotsford, Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Orcas Island, and many other places in the area.

Three words that describe Sheila:

Fun, dedicated, and hard-working.

Her advice to new students?

Enjoy the journey and be open to new opportunities. Your time at UVic is short and you should learn as much as you can from as many people as you can. It will all be valuable to you in your future.

Favourite quote:

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." - Walt Disney