Meet the Team

In addition to a bachelor's from TRU (2005) and a Master of Social Work from the University of Victoria (2016), Amber also received formal training through Interior Community Services’ Safe Spaces program and the Ending Violence Association of BC. She has also participated in education endeavours related to narrative therapy, trauma-informed care, nature-based therapy, maternal mental health and maternal substance use, and support for exiting sex work.

 Employed in the anti-violence sector since 2004, Amber has engaged with folks experiencing homelessness, individuals dealing with mental health and substance use and 2SLGBTQ2IA+ community members who have experienced harm.

Amber has also held contracts with Ending Violence Association of BC, and Kamloops’ Violence Against Women Intervention and Support Services to develop 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 recognizes the importance of providing a respectful, informed, caring response.

• She understands she may not be the right fit for everyone; she’s happy to connect with you to support that suits you.
• Feel free to bring a support person to any appointment.
• You don’t have to disclose experiences of violence to make an appointment; you’re welcome to say hi or ask questions.

Amber enjoys spending time with her partner and two children, hiking, paddling, reading, watching Netflix and eating pizza.

Chelsea (she/her) enrolled at TRU in 2006 and graduated from the BSW program in 2012. From 2013 to 2024, she worked in the Violence Against Women Intervention and Support Services program in Kamloops at YMCA BC. During that time, Chelsea was an anti-violence crisis worker, a Stopping the Violence outreach worker and a case coordinator on the leadership team.

Through hearing people's stories, offering emotional support, and helping navigate systems, she cultivated her passion for and commitment to anti-violence work and intersectional feminism.

Outside of work, Chelsea enjoys a fun road trip, finding a place by the water, spending time with friends and family, and carving out some alone time for reading or watching Netflix.

Cassie holds a Master of Social Work from McGill University, a BA in Psychology from California State University, Northridge, and a certificate in Women and Anti-Oppression Studies from Concordia University.

Her career has spanned research, social work, conduct management, student support, and leadership in higher education. She is a published author on reducing self-stigma in adults with health disorders and has led initiatives related to student mental health, crisis management, suicide postvention, sexual violence response, and complex student conduct. After working with adults with disabilities, Cassie discovered her passion for supporting post-secondary students.

For the last decade, she has held Student Affairs and Wellness leadership roles at the University of Montreal, Algonquin College Residence, Carleton University, and TRU. Her favourite part of the work is building strong relationships with teams and campus partners to help students thrive. She loves the mix of experience, perspective, and personality of a university setting.

Outside of work, Cassie loves spending time outdoors with her partner and her dog, Nalia, exploring mountains, lakes, and campfires whenever possible. A lifelong martial artist, she trained for 25 years and became a world champion full-contact fighter. She currently trains in Judo at Aberdeen Judo in Kamloops. She also enjoys BBQing, gardening, and the occasional stress-cleaning session.

Eryn holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Risk Management and Finance from the University of Calgary and has a diverse background in high-performance sport, business, and student support.

A member of Canada’s National Diving Team for more than a decade, Eryn represented Canada at the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and earned championship titles at the Pan American Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships.

Eryn joined Thompson Rivers University in a dual role with the Pack Academic Edge (PACE) and the Athletics Department, where she discovered her passion for case management and student support.

She is dedicated to helping students navigate challenges, access resources, and overcome barriers while fostering their growth and potential. Known by colleagues as having “the heart of a social worker,” Eryn values collaboration and is committed to delivering compassionate, student-centered care that empowers individuals to recognize their potential and build resilience.

Eryn remains active in the diving world as an international official and a member of the BC Diving Board of Directors. She enjoys hiking mountain trails, practicing yoga, and spending time with her family.

Holly’s educational pathway began at the University of Toronto, where she received a Bachelor of Arts. She then earned her Bachelor of Social Work from University College of the Cariboo and also holds a Master of Education in Counsellor Education/School Counselling from the University of Northern BC.

A lifelong learner, Holly studied play therapy and psychotherapy, and has many hobbies, such as refurbishing vintage furniture and brunching with friends. She loves being a supportive and present mom to her two children.

You’ll often find Holly in her office, listening to and working with students or near the on-campus Starbucks, picking up a latte. If you see Holly out and about, please say hello. She’d love to meet you.

Karen has worked at Thompson Rivers University since 2010, but her TRU journey began as a student in 2001, when she earned her Bachelor of Arts in geography and a Bachelor of Education. Karen also received her Master of Education from TRU in 2019.

She worked as an on-call teacher in Merritt, B.C., from 2008 to 2010, teaching kindergarten to grade 12. Her favourite grade to teach was grade 12, which made it easy for Karen to transition into higher education. Before joining Student Affairs, Karen worked with Open Learning, the Registrar’s Office and the Faculty of Student Development, where she supervised frontline staff.

Karen is constantly seeking new learning opportunities to expand her skill set and serve 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 mother, a grandmother and a caretaker for her aging mother. She has little downtime, but whenever she gets a quiet moment, she is crocheting, watching shows on Netflix and Disney+, or spending time in her backyard.