Support Staff
Tracy Giles, Cert. Ed.
Office Manager/Financial Aid Assistant
Tracy comes with 35+ years of experience in office administration and office manager roles both in the corporate section and adult education. She has also worked as a tutor in IT subjects for a community education organization, and a volunteer tutor for English for foreign learners.
Tracy provides front–line service for students coming to the department for assistance to connect them with the right person for their needs. She can also provide information about programs and services, as well as providing administrative support for the department.
Cowichan Campus is a beautiful campus that is small enough for us to know nearly every student by name. It’s a wonderful thing to see our students progress and succeed and the support we can provide through Student Affairs is so crucial to that success.
Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.
Amanda Rozenboom
Administrative Assistant
Amanda provides front-line service for students coming to the department for assistance. She also assists with administrative support for the department and other areas of the campus. Amanda is a former VIU student and is grateful to work alongside all the supportive and welcoming staff that were there for her on her educational path, and enjoys assisting others on their own journey.
Gaby Lepitre
Supervisor, Assessments & Exam Invigilation
Gaby started working at the Cowichan Campus in 2006 in the role as a casual. A few years later, she was supervising and coordinating program assessments and exam invigilation services on a part time basis. Two years later, she added the part-time position of Record Clerk in the Registration Department.
Gaby works out of the Student Affairs department with an exceptional team who values high standards of customer service. You can be assured of a welcoming and efficient testing environment.
June Karstad
On Temporary Leave
June started as a student at Malaspina College in 1988 and completed the Office Administration program. The excellent training prepared her for work in a busy office and she was immediately hired to work at Cowichan Campus. Over the years she has worked in various capacities including the Welcome Centre, Registration and Community Education. In 1992 June began in Student Affairs. Her current position is helping students with financial aid and as office manager.
“It is all about the students and that is why we are here! Cowichan Campus is a small friendly campus where we get to know the students and celebrate their successes with them. I really enjoy the contact with the students and the public.”
Each student has individual needs when it comes to inquiries about Financial Aid. It can be as simple as providing websites and telephone numbers, information about various sources of financial help or complex, stressful situations for the student. Student Affairs has resources to help and support students during those stressful times. June’s role is to assist students source information to answer their questions, guide them through accessing government funding options for their studies, as well as connecting them with the appropriate advising and counselling support available from professional members in the department.
Never hesitate to ask for help at Student Affairs – you are in the right place!
Faculty
Albert Seinen, M.A., M.Ed.
Educational Advisor and Counsellor
In his counselling practice Albert draws from a number of approaches using them as seems appropriate, particularly Satir, EMDR, and other body-centred psychotherapy. In his educational counselling, Albert uses a person-centred approach to facilitate understanding of how education and work can be part of how a person wants to live their life.
Dave Barck, MEd, CCC
Educational Advisor & Counsellor, Accessibility Services
Dave approaches his multiple roles through a humanistic, student-focused perspective. He listens, engages, and works in collaboration with students to help them identify options and resources pertinent to their educational pathways. As an Access Specialist he values promoting accessibility on campus for students with disabilities through proactive initiatives as well as through the removal of barriers to education through academic accommodations.
Lexis Linklater, M.Ed., RCC
On Temporary Leave
Lexis is our Aboriginal Counselor/Advisor for Services for Aboriginal Students. She has extensive counselling experience and a specialized Master’s Degree in Counselling in Indigenous Communities from UVIC. Utilizing a holistic and compassionate approach, Lexis provides therapy and academic support that respects and honours the whole needs of the student. Lexis is Metis of Anishinaabe and Cree descent and is grateful to be a guest on the Quw’utsun lands. She welcomes you to come and meet her should you have any questions or needs.
Nola Remi-Adelasoye
Clinical Counselling Intern
Nola Remi-Adelasoye is completing the final step in her MACP to qualify as a Registered Clinical Counsellor. She has a background in Health and Human Services. Nola is originally from Nigeria and has worked in Canada since 2009. Her work is supervised by our International Education counselling team.
Elders
Florence James (Thiyaas)
Cowichan Campus Elder-in-Residence
Florence James is from Penelakut. Florence was born and raised in the Gulf Islands, Galiano and Kuper Island, the traditional territory of Puneluxutth’. She is one of the Elders in Residence and also teaches the Hul'q'umi'num Language Program.
Marlene Rice (Hwiem')
Cowichan Campus Elder-in-Residence
Marlene is fully active in cultural activities throughout the island. Her passion, goals and vision are in helping all people with culture, traditional values, language and education, which is all part of creating a strong foundation for successful employment and healthy living .