Faculty of Student Development
Meet the Team
Student Development Leadership Team
Sara Wolfe
Interim Associate Vice President (AVP), Students
778-471-8352
BiographySara has been with TRU since 2011 where she began as a Sessional Instructor in the ESAL Department. She then moved to Coordinator of the Writing Centre from 2012-2015, Assistant Dean of Students 2016-2021, and currently is Executive Director- Student Development and Assistant Dean, Faculty of Student Development. Sara completed a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Sociology and Geography in 1996 and a Bachelor of Education in 1998, both from UBC. She then completed her TESL from TRU in 2011 and returned to UBC for her Masters of Education completed in 2012. In her spare time, Sara enjoys belly dancing, reading, travelling, spending time with her dachshund- Riley, and even cleaning! Before TRU, Sara lived and worked in Dalian, China, at Dalian Maple Leaf International School for 12 years. Both of her children were born there, attending local schools up until when they left in 2010 to move back to Canada. She believes in student-centered, strengths-based, reflective learning in which every individual student is guided and nurtured. She also loves any project and getting things done!
Sarah Walz
Acting Executive Director, Student Development and Assistant Dean, Faculty of Student Development
250-371-5781
BiographySarah 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.
Allysa Gredling
Student Development Administrative Coordinator
250-371-5778
BiographyAllysa has almost two decades of experience in research, administration and social services. She is passionate about mentorship and loves helping people improve their lives and become the best versions of themselves. Allysa is creative, organized, resourceful, and committed to service and education in academic, medical and professional fields.
She earned her Bachelor of Social Work in 2010 and, most recently, received her Bachelor of General Studies in 2023. Her professional experiences with TRU bookended her roles in primarily non-profit organizations. Allysa was a research assistant in Education and Social Work and did a practicum placement with the COPE/MECA (UPrep) program, which led to various short-term teaching and admin contracts. From there, Allysa held positions with Kamloops Women's Resource Centre, Métis Commission BC, Kamloops Immigrant Services, Kamloops Friendship Centre, United Way, Phoenix Centre, Elizabeth Fry, and the TNRD. These roles and collaborations prepared her to return to TRU, first with TRU World and then with the Faculty of Student Development.
Allysa enjoys hiking, gardening, experimenting in the kitchen, reading fantasy, napping with her two gargoyles (black cats), befriending the neighbourhood crows, adventuring with her giant cloud of fluffy love (Che - dog), snowshoeing, playing slow-pitch and drop-in volleyball.
Allysa's work philosophy is, "I might not know the answer, but if I don't, I'll find out and get back to you."
Cassie Greenough
Director, Student Affairs
250-371-5744
BiographyCassie (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.
Sarah Ellis
Acting Director, Student Access and Academic Supports
250-371-5916
BiographySarah 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.
Julie Taylor
Manager, Student Experience
250-371-5942
BiographyJulie 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.
Marie Sandy
Manager, Indigenous Student Development
250-828-5188
BiographyMarie Sandy is from T’éxelc area of Secwepemcúl’ecw (Williams Lake). She has completed a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Education degree (Dean’s List), as well as a Master of Education from Thompson Rivers University. Marie has worked for various Aboriginal organizations in BC across a variety of fields (health, government, professional development, education). She is currently the Indigenous Mentor and Communications Coordinator, as well as a Sessional Instructor of Secwépemc Language at Thompson Rivers University. Her hobbies include knitting, reading, and she enjoys watching films and television.
Noah Fischer
Manager, Gender and Sexual Diversity
250-371-5374
BiographyNoah Fischer (he/him) completed his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at TRU and was a SWAT leader for the Wellness Centre. He is now pursuing his Master of Arts in counselling psychology from Yorkville University, specializing in supporting 2SLGBTQPIA+ individuals. He began his professional journey as a Learning Strategist at TRU's School of Nursing in 2022, where he orchestrated peer mentorship programming.
Noah is a RuPaul's Drag Race fanatic, enjoys spending time with my friends and family, and is always searching for his new favourite coffee pit stop. Please feel free to contact Noah if you want to connect, collaborate and create opportunities to engage on-campus and in the community.
Charlene Munro
Manager, Central Advising
250-828-5016
Faculty Leadership Team
Daleen Millard
Interim Dean, Faculty of Student Development
250-828-5169
Cliff Robinson
Co-Chair, Counselling, Academic Supports and Assessment (CASA)
250-828-5274
BiographyI am a Counsellor, Counselling Services and Chair, Counselling, Academic Supports, and Assessment Department. I received my Master of Education (MEd) in Counselling Psychology from UBC - and after working in community counselling centres for a decade, I started working in Student Services in 2006. Off-campus, I love starting (but-not-finishing) home improvement projects and volunteering as a board member of Kamloops BGC (formerly known as the Boys and Girls Club).
“Each of us, each of you, is like all other people, some other people, and no other person.” - Dr. Brian Little
Kyra Garson
Co-Chair, Counselling, Academic Supports and Assessment (CASA)
250-852-7184
Jamie Noakes
Chair, Career and Experiential Learning (CEL)
250-377-6115
Student Services Reception Team
Val Jacobs
Student Support Receptionist
250-828-5023
BiographyTRU hired Val as an auxiliary employee in 2001. The part-time temporary job quickly turned into a full-time position with the cashier’s office in the Finance Department. She then moved on to Student Awards for a short term before returning to Finance in Accounts Payable and Payroll. In 2013 she joined the Student Services team. Val graduated from the Cariboo College in 1990 with a Medical Office Assistant Certificate. Val loves the challenges of this position; multi-tasking and triaging invigorates her mind and makes the day’s fly—doing what she loves most, supporting the students, staff and faculty.
Kaitlyn Cecchini
Student Support Receptionist
250-828-5023
BiographyKaitlyn graduated in 2012 from MTI Community College with a Medical Office Assistant diploma. Kaitlyn worked in medical clinics from then until July 2021. In Feb. 2021, Kaitlyn was hired as an auxiliary for the medical clinic at Thompson Rivers University which turned into coverage in the Faculty of Student Development Reception as well. She was hired full-time in August 2021. Kaitlyn loves the daily challenges and rewards that her current position brings. Being able to support students, staff and faculty brings Kaitlyn so much joy!
Tana Bray
Divisional Secretary II
250-828-5014
BiographyAfter graduating from Brocklehurst Secondary (a really, really long time ago!), Tana worked in the Edmonton Catholic School District. She has since become a Divisional Secretary II, starting in April 2023. Above all, her most favourite job is as Mom and Grandma. Off-campus, she loves spending time with family, hanging out with her very lazy Newfoundlander and Great Dane, reading, travelling, and being at the lake or the ball diamond. "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take; it's about the moments that take our breath away."
