Vancouver Campus Faculty and Staff

The preparation of world citizens through global education rings very true at FDU’s Vancouver Campus. We are privileged to have faculty and staff who come from all around the globe: from the British Isles, China, South Africa, Iran, Colombia, Germany, Russia, Korea, India, Nigeria, Turkey, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Mexico, and even Canada and the United States of America. Students will be earning degrees in a Canadian city, taught by faculty from all corners of the globe.

A total of 41 different languages are spoken on campus by staff and faculty so the chances are pretty strong that we may be able to serve you in your home language. The following languages are spoken on campus:

Faculty

In keeping with the university’s mission of preparing world citizens through global education, the Vancouver Campus faculty hail from all corners of the globe. We are privileged to have faculty from India, Canada, South Africa, Peru, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, Italy, Myanmar, Turkey, Macao, Iran, Turkey, Algeria, England, Philippines, Morocco, United States, Germany, and Ireland. Our students are fortunate to experience multiculturalism at every stage of their education at the Vancouver Campus.

Staff

AMADI, QUEEN IJEOMA

Queen Ijeoma Amadi, Administrative Assistant, is originally from Nigeria. She spent two years working in the hospitality sector after successfully completing her bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management at Imo State University in Nigeria. In 2021, Queen moved to Canada in pursuit of her master’s degree in Hospitality Management at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Vancouver Campus, and graduated in December 2022. While studying at FDU, Queen participated actively in several campus events, worked on campus as a student, worker and became a full-time employee in November 2022.

In her free time, Queen enjoys cooking, reading, and traveling. Queen speaks Igbo and English.

ATKINSON, KEVIN

Kevin Atkinson,  Network and Systems Manager, joined Fairleigh Dickinson in December 2020. With over 30 years of experience in the IT industry both as a corporate employee and consultant, having responsibilities that include; IT management, high-performance computing, networking, enterprise data storage, data center planning, and software quality assurance.

He has multiple certifications covering the areas of; networking, servers, telephony, and enterprise storage.

Kevin participates in Toastmasters and volunteers with Kids up Front.

BHARDWAJ, SHEENAM

Sheenam Bhardwaj, Activities Coordinator of Student Services, is an FDU alumnus from the 2022 batch. She graduated with a Master’s of Administrative Sciences degree in Global Health and Human Services, and she was the recipient of the GEO Award (gold medal) for 2022. Sheenam was also chosen to receive the Rotary Scholarship for the year 2021 and earned the Academic Achievement Award for displaying good academic performance throughout her studies. After graduation, Sheenam joined FDU as the Activities Coordinator and is responsible for organizing university events both on and off campus while building community. She also heads the FDU Students Activities Committee and works closely with the Orientation Leaders Committee.

Originally from India, Sheenam graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Surgery in 2019 from Panjab University, India. During her time in BDS, she was the Literary Club Chairperson of the college Rotaract Club and helped organize various events and fundraisers to support noble causes. She also represented her college in various National Dental Conferences and won prizes for her presentations.

 After two years of working as a dental surgeon, Sheenam immigrated to Canada in 2021 to pursue higher education from FDU. During her time at FDU, Sheenam worked on campus as a student worker and actively participated in all campus events. At present, she also volunteers at the local food shelter and believes in giving back to the society.

An avid Bhangra dancer, Sheenam likes to make Instagram reels, YouTube vlogs and TikTok videos in her free time. She loves to travel and post videos about her trips on YouTube. She is fluent in English, Hindi and Punjabi and knows basic French.

CHO, JUNE

June Cho, Associate Director of Career Services, embarked on her Canadian journey at FDU Vancouver. As a proud FDU alumna, June is dedicated to providing support for international students with diverse professional and personal backgrounds. She has a wide-ranging background in program design, training and development, career guidance, recruitment, employer engagement, and personnel growth.

June has been a part of FDU Student Services and Career Services since 2018, working closely with students, faculty, alumni, and employers. She leverages her Canadian experience as a recruiter and a career coach, assisting international students with tasks such as resume development, career exploration, job searches, and interview strategies. Before coming to Canada, June served as a Program Manager in Taiwan’s vocational education field, specializing in designing training and development courses.

With certifications as a Certified Career Development Professional (CCDP), Certified MBTI Practitioner, and Certified Career Strategist (CCS), June’s career goal is to equip young students and foreign-trained professionals with the highest level of job readiness. She aims to help them make informed career decisions and foster a strong sense of professional identity.

If you are interested in collaborating, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/junecho/

June is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese.

CONCEPCION, MARIA ELIZABETH TORRES

Maria Elizabeth Torres Concepcion, Office Manager of Vancouver Campus and Senior Assistant to the Campus Executive, joined Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) Vancouver Campus in September 2017. She completed the Master of Public Health degree from FDU Metropolitan Campus in 2021 and the Master’s degree in Administrative Science specializing in the field of Global Health and Human Services Administration from FDU Vancouver Campus in 2017. She completed her degree as a Doctor of Medicine from the Cebu Institute of Medicine. Beth finished her residency training in Ophthalmology at Makati Medical Center where she worked as the chief resident for two years.

Aside from performing her profession as a physician, Beth worked as medical lecturer to healthcare professionals including nurses, physical therapists, optometrists, and medical transcriptionists in different educational institutions in the Philippines. She volunteered in medical and surgical missions in various regions in her home country.

As a student, Beth was always on the Provost’s List. She was the Masters’ Student Representative during the 2017 Commencement. Beth was the Rotary Club Scholarship Recipient in Spring 2017 and the Academic Scholarship Recipient in Fall 2016. Beth volunteered in both on and off-campus activities. She worked as a part-time Accounting tutor on campus and volunteered as a student worker in the different departments. Outside of FDU Vancouver Campus, Beth volunteered in the Stroke Recovery Association of British Columbia (SRABC) as a Branch Program Assistant. Eventually, she got hired as the Branch Coordinator in both SRABC Templeton and SRABC North Burnaby branches.

Beth speaks fluent English and Filipino (Tagalog and Cebuano).

ENRIQUEZ, KARLA

Karla Enriquez, Enrollment Services Specialist, joined FDU in 2018. With a robust background spanning several years in the Canadian post-secondary education sector, Karla has cultivated expertise across diverse domains, including office administration, banking, marketing, and event management.

Originally from Mexico, Karla made the move to Canada in 2015. Before joining FDU, she served as a Student Recruitment Advisor for a private university in Vancouver, where she represented Canada both locally and internationally as a preferred education destination. Her prior experience also includes a role as an International Student Advisor for the ILSC Education Group.

Karla thrives in the dynamic environment of an international university, cherishing the cultural diversity and meaningful interactions with students, staff and faculty. Motivated by the remarkable success stories of students, she is wholeheartedly dedicated to guiding and supporting them throughout their academic journey at FDU.

In 2022, Karla received her Master of Administrative Science Degree with a specialization in Global Leadership and Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts with a specialization in Tourism Management from Cristobal Colon University in Mexico.

Karla is proficient in Spanish and English. During her free time, she takes pleasure in travelling, savoring good cuisine, and spending time with her loved ones.

FIORENTINO, JULIANA

Juliana Fiorentino, Associate Director of Admissions, is a FDU-Vancouver Alumna, graduated with a B.A. in Individualized Studies with a concentration in Business in 2011. Juliana also holds a degree in Psychology from the Pontifical Catholic University in Brazil.

Juliana thinks it is important to get involved in society, so she is constantly pursuing opportunities to make contacts and engage in her community. She was the President of the FDU Student’s Association for the term 2010-2011 and was an orientation leader to the new students for the summer semester of 2010. Furthermore, she has been helping to recruit students from Brazil to pursue their dream of a North American degree. Juliana is very proud to have her name put on the Honors list throughout her program at FDU.

Juliana enjoys working with people, learning about other cultures and traveling. She lived in the United States for over 3 years and has visited many countries in Europe. She finds FDU a perfect place to meet the “world” for its multiculturalism.

Juliana brings to FDU over 8 years of experience in various capacities including human resources, education, and customer service. Juliana is fluent in Portuguese and English.

FREITAS, RAFAELA

Rafaela Freitas, Assistant Director of Marketing and Recruitment, has over seven years of work experience in the Education Industry in Canada. She has received a Bachelor of Communication with a minor in Journalism and a Post Degree Diploma in Organizational Communications. Before coming to Canada, Rafaela worked as Corporate Communications and Media Relations Specialist in a variety of industries, including the automotive sector, entertainment, arts, hospitality, and others. 

Rafaela spent a year studying abroad in Australia, where she became very passionate about international education. Before joining FDU, Rafaela worked in private ESL training institutions where she recruited students to study in Canada. She is excited about helping students to adapt to their new life, seeing students develop and progress in their potential, helping students achieve their goals, fulfill their dreams, and celebrate their victories. 

In her free time, Rafaela enjoys taking care of her plants, watching TV series, listening to audiobooks, running, exploring new coffee shops, traveling, and learning about new cultures. 

Rafaela speaks fluent English, Portuguese, and she is currently learning Spanish. 

GALEANO-MONSALVE, NICOLAS

Nicolas Galeano-Monsalve, English Placement Test Coordinator & Operations Assistant, is an FDU alumnus who graduated with a Master of Administrative Sciences degree in Global Technology Administration in 2020. He’s been part of the FDU team since he started his studies in 2018, supporting administrative tasks and providing academic workshops and one-on-one tutoring to Master and undergraduate students in business-related topics. His vast business experience and education background bring a valuable craft to enhance students learning process here at the FDU community.

He holds a Business Administration and a Specialization in Financial Management degrees from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogota, Colombia, where he’s original. His professional career encompasses more than 20 years of business experience as a Marketing and Financial Consultant in different industries, Project Management in the retail sector, and Business Development in the Oil & Gas industry, which allowed him to live in Houston, TX more than a decade.

As a new Vancouverite, outside his work, Nicolas practices competitive level rowing at Vancouver Rowing Club, volunteers supporting charity endeavors, as well as keeps performing business consulting. Within his scope of activities ahead, he is enrolled to hold a CFA Level I certificate.

GUO, PETER

Peter Guo, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, was born in the romantic city of China, Dalian, and came to Canada in 2005. He attended high school here in Vancouver and graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Commerce degree specializing in marketing, and a diploma of Digital Design and Development from BCIT. He joined FDU in 2022 and brings various marketing skills to the team.

Peter developed a passion for marketing in high school, he enjoyed communicating and working with people, and always flourished in storytelling and designing. He now has over 5 years of designing and marketing experience and looks forward to bringing FDU stories to life!

Peter currently serves in the Royal Canadian Navy, and is a proud sailor who vowed to defend his country and everything he loves. Also, if you want to play a game of basketball, he is always up for it!”

HAASE, ARION

Arion Haase, Institutional Research Analyst, brings over 5 years of progressive public sector research and engagement experience in the Yukon Territory to the Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Arion completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Simon Fraser University in 2014, and after settling in Vancouver for the long-term, finished his Master of Arts degree in Political Science at the University of British Columbia in August 2023. He also brings a friendly and collaborative approach to every project, hoping to gain the value of collective knowledge in research, engagement, and data analysis.

Beyond his professional role, Arion thoroughly enjoys playing hockey, fantasy football, board games, baking, and creating spreadsheets for fun in his spare time. He also enjoys mountain biking, fishing, and participating in community events in both Mount Pleasant and in Marsh Lake, YT whenever he visits his parents.

HARTINGER, GILLIAN

Gillian Hartinger serves as the Director of Human Resources at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Vancouver Campus, bringing over 6 years of HR experience to the team.  Gillian is the main point of contact in regards to Human Resource related matters for the Vancouver Campus. 

Prior to joining FDU, she managed the Human Resource function for a non-profit organization and worked as a Human Resource Analyst within the agriculture sector.

Outside of work, Gillian donates her time in activities such as providing résumé critiquing services and interview practice skills to those who may find themselves unable to have the service otherwise.

HERNANDEZ, ARLETTE

Arlette, Director of Enrollment Services, moved to Vancouver in 2004. In 2008, Arlette graduated from Capilano University with an Associate’s Degree in General Arts. In 2010, she graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. In 2013, Arlette obtained her Masters in Administrative Science in Global Leadership from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Arlette is originally from Tabasco, Mexico and came to Canada as an international student. At the age of fourteen years old, she moved to Madrid, Spain, where she studied high school and experienced for the first time the journey that is to live in a new country. Living in Madrid gave her the opportunity to travel all over Europe and learn about different cultures.

In her free time, Arlette practices her public speaking skills as part of Toastmasters. Arlette speaks fluent Spanish and English.

HOHEISEL, SONALI

Sonali A. Hoheisel, Senior Manager of Campus Operations, started her career at FDU Vancouver in 2015. She holds a Master of Science in Digital Marketing (M.S.) and a Project Management degree.

Sonali moved from Germany to Canada in 2009. Outside work, Sonali owns her own business which brings the Vancouver lifestyle closer to her clients by letting them collect experiences of Vancouver’s local cuisine and activities.

Sonali speaks English and German and reads Spanish and French.

KARAMI, FARID

Farid Karami, Admissions Assistant, is an alumnus of Fairleigh Dickinson University – Vancouver Campus. He was born in Iran and started his academic path in 2005 in the Architecture field in Iran; in early 2010, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree. Immediately, Farid began his career path as an interior designer in an architectural and engineering company, and after a few years, he became one of the stakeholders. In 2018, he succeeded in getting his master’s degree in Architectural Engineering.

After gaining more than ten years of experience, Farid started a new journey and moved to Turkey. In late 2021, he came to Canada and graduated with a Master of Administrative Science-Human Resources Administration specialization in December 2022. While studying at FDU, Farid worked as a student worker and participated almost in all campus events and activities as a volunteer. He believes studying abroad is an excellent opportunity to communicate with people from various countries and gain helpful experiences.

For him, free time can be more enjoyable by hiking, cooking, being with friends, playing board games, besides listening to music.

He can speak Persian, English, Turkish, and Azeri.

KUN, AYTEN KARA

Ayten Kara Kün, Academic Advisor in Academic Advising, has over 15 years of experience with a background in Psychology and social services in youth counseling, case management, adult education, facilitation, coaching, and counseling.

Passionate about life-long learning and helping individuals achieve their full potential, Ayten has worked on multiple projects with the provincial and federal government, private and non-profit sectors counseling high school & university students, adult learners, and Internationally Trained Professionals.

Before joining FDU, Ayten spent several years as a career counselor at multiple secondary schools in the Vancouver School District. Through her work and personal coaching experience, she has developed a passion for advising students and assisting them in reaching their educational, career, and personal goals.

Volunteerism and giving back to the community is one of the most important pillars of Ayten’s life. She has a passion for volunteering her expertise in non-profit organizations and committees. She is currently a committee member of the YWCA Youth Advisory Committee, Fraser Health Authority, and the Vancouver Hospital & Health Sciences Centre.

Ayten speaks fluent English and Turkish.

KUSSUDA, CINTIA

Cintia Kussuda, Admissions Officer, is responsible for reviewing and evaluating numerous applications and admissions decisions. She holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Societal Change as well as a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, both from Soka University of America in California. Cintia brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to FDU, focusing on global education.

With over 10 years of experience in educational institutions across Brazil, Japan, and the U.S., Cintia has developed a significant understanding of cross-cultural dynamics. Her professional journey includes teaching ESL students in various settings. Additionally, she has honed her expertise in Admissions as a Graduate Admissions Counselor at Soka University, gaining valuable experience in full-cycle student recruitment, application review, and admissions advising.

Cintia has volunteered as the Co-chair of the Graduate Alumni Association Board of Representatives at her alma mater. This role has provided her with extensive experience in alumni engagement, event coordination, and cultivating a culture of contribution among alumni. Believing in the transformative power of education, Cintia, born in Brazil and having been an international student herself, is dedicated to supporting international students in their educational and career journeys. She strongly believes in the transformative impact of creating inclusive and diverse educational environments that open doors of opportunities for the next generation of global leaders.

Cintia speaks fluent English and Portuguese and has some intermediate knowledge of Japanese and Spanish.

KWON, SOYUN

Soyun Kwon, Enrollment Services Specialist, has had several years of work experience in various roles within the education sector. Originally from South Korea, Soyun started her career as an English teacher at an elementary school before moving to Vancouver in 2013 where she took on administrative roles in international student advising, registration, accounting, and enrollment services.

Soyun is passionate in helping students and enjoys learning about the diverse backgrounds and achievements of students at FDU. Soyun speaks fluent Korean and English.

LE, UYEN

Uyen Le, Enrollment Services Coordinator, was originally from Vietnam and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business from Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) in 2018. During her years at FDU, she was a Global Scholar and a member of the FDU Business Student Association. In addition, she was honored to receive an Academic Achievement Award at FDU and an invitation to become part of the Beta Gamma Sigma Business Society.

Uyen is passionate about meeting people from different cultures as well as helping others and she hopes to help create the best experience for students at FDU. She believes FDU is a perfect environment for nurturing a multicultural outlook and improve oneself academically and professionally.

During her free time, Uyen enjoys reading, cooking, and doing Pilates. Uyen is fluent in English, Vietnamese, and knows a little Korean.

LEE, GI EUN (JEANETTE)

Gi Eun (Jeanette) Lee, Associate Director of Marketing and Recruitment, is originally from Seoul, South Korea and she has been in Canada for 11 years. Jeanette recently obtained her Masters of Business Administration from the New York Institute of Technology and has B.B.A with a concentration in Marketing.

In Canada, Jeanette has worked in many parts of the education industry. Her primary experience is in teaching ESL courses with the focus of iBT-TOEFL preparation. She personally helped more than 80 students to prepare for universities in the U.S & Canada and prestigious high schools in Korea. Moreover, she wrote a number of student workbooks for children’s literature. Jeanette also has experience in administration and marketing in a student services company, where she had to assist with the launch of a new language school in Seoul, Korea.

Jeanette enjoys working to help students to achieve their academic goals and she believes that the role of education is to encourage students and shape their future. Jeanette speaks fluent English and Korean.

MA, QINGHONG (FIONA)

Qinghong (Fiona) Ma, Admissions Officer, Transfer Credit Specialist, is originally from China. Fiona graduated with a bachelor’s degree of Arts in Individualized Studies from Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) in 2020, and she was the recipient of the Vancouver campus 2020 Student Pinnacle Award. She also obtained a Certificate in Immigration Laws from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 2021.

During her time at FDU, Fiona served on the Global Scholars Program, and she was a co-president of the Model United Nations Club from 2018 to 2019. She represented FDU twice at the National Model United Nations Conference New York, and helped the team achieve two outstanding position paper awards as well as distinguished/outstanding delegation award. After graduation, she has worked in multiple administrative positions and re-joined FDU as a staff in 2021.

In her free time, Fiona enjoys cooking, traveling, and playing board games with friends. She is fluent in English and Mandarin.

MACLEOD, MICHAEL

Michael MacLeod, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, has over two decades of post-secondary educational experience in both Canada and the United States as a professor and academic manager and leader. At the Vancouver Campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University, he is primarily responsible for the oversight for all academic programming and development.

Before joining FDU, Michael was the Chair of Social Sciences at St Mary’s University and Associate Professor of Political Studies. He has also served universities in Oregon, Massachusetts, and Ontario as a Program Director (of International Studies), a Program Coordinator (of Social Justice), an Associate Professor of Politics and International Studies, a Visiting Professor of Political Studies, and a Postdoctoral Fellow, amongst other positions. Prior to full-time academia, Michael was a Political Risk Consultant for multinational corporations and a Government Relations Researcher and Analyst working in Ottawa, Washington DC, and around the world.

Dr. MacLeod received his PhD in Political Science from George Washington University in Washington, DC, USA. He also has Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Master’s degrees from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. Michael once spoke with the late Queen of England, Her Majesty Elizabeth II.

MOJTABAVI, JOBIN

Jobin Mojtabavi, Director of Student Services and Student Experience, has lived in Vancouver for over 17 years. Jobin received his Bachelors of Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia, where he was a leader on campus as an Executive Member of the Human Kinetics Undergraduate Society and the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Jobin received his Master of Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2013. Jobin is also an alumnus of two academic honor societies at UBC — the Golden Key Academic Honor Society and the Order of Omega Honor Society.

Jobin has several years of student admissions experience, having previously served as Western Canada’s Marketing Manager for the world’s largest test educational company. He has a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) designation. 

In his free time, Jobin enjoys coaching basketball, volunteering, reading, golfing, and water-skiing. Jobin is fluent in English and French and speaks basic Farsi.

NOZARI, YASER (YANO)

Yano Nozari, Academic Support Assistant, graduated from the Master of Arts for the Teachers of English (MATE) programme at Simon Fraser University in June 2022. His first master’s was on the Postcolonial study of contemporary Irish fiction, and he was teaching English Language and literature at different universities in Kurdistan as a part-time instructor. Working as a Teacher Assistance and Research Assistance with the Department of English and Indigenous Studies at SFU, he received the Temple Maynard Memorial Grad Bursary and Dean’s Graduate Fellowship in 2022. His studies and research centred around Indigenous Literatures and Theory, Critical Race Theory, and Diasporic Literatures. One of the panellists of the ““I pass the talking stick to you”: Sharing, Reading, Teaching Residential School Stories” (2021) conference at the University of Regina and the “Recovery” (2022) at the University of Calgary. Yano has collaborated with Indigenous Voices Awards (IVAs) since 2021 and contributed as an RA in the publication of Carving Space: The Indigenous Voices Awards Anthology (2023).

As the Writing Centre Academic Support Assistant here at FDU-Vancouver, Yano works with our students to review, revise, and polish their writing assignments throughout the semester at the Writing Centre. This includes commenting on the argumentation, citation, and integrity of the writing tasks. He tutors our IELTS, TOEFL, and CELPIP candidates who need to take the exam as FDU students and coaches EPS and ESL sessions upon request. Yano also presents workshops on academic skills such as reading comprehension, academic writing, library resources, and presentation skills.

Yano has publications and translations in Kurdish (Sorani and Hawrami), English and Farsi, and he knows Arabic. He hikes and loves cinema, reading, and writing.

OTSUBO, NATSUMI

Natsumi Otsubo, Assistant Director of Admissions, joined the FDU Vancouver campus in 2017. Born and raised in Japan, she has always had a strong interest in overseas cultures since childhood. She studied English in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada and obtained TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) Diplomas in Vancouver, BC. Whilst completing her Bachelor of Arts in British and American Studies in Kyoto, Japan, Natsumi enjoyed engaging in volunteer activities to help immigrants with their study at a local elementary school.

Natsumi has been in the field of education for over 9 years and loves being able to see positive outcomes and growth in students. Most recently, she worked for a private college in Vancouver for several years. Her responsibilities included recruiting Japanese students and advising students with their studies. She was also an instructor in one of the major ESL schools in Japan, where she taught English to a wide range of age groups.

Natsumi enjoys working in FDU Vancouver with its friendly and supportive environment and the diverse backgrounds of the students, faculty, and staff. Natsumi speaks Japanese and English.

PALACIOS, CORALIA

Coralia Palacios, Lead ITSM Product Developer and IT Specialist, is originally from El Salvador. After a two-year Business Engineering program back in El Salvador, in 2016 she moved to Canada. She graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a Bachelor in Information Technology with a minor in Business Administration.

During her years she was part of the Vancouver Global Scholars program and also worked part-time as a Student IT assistant.

Coralia enjoys reading, cooking, and watching movies in her free time. She is fluent in English and Spanish.

PARKHOUSE, HANNAH

Hannah Parkhouse, Work Integrated Learning Program Assistant, recently joined the Career Services team where she is responsible for assisting the development, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of the Work Integrated Learning Program at FDU. Although being born and raised in Vancouver, she calls England her second home as she travels there often to visit her family. She recently graduated from the University of British Columbia with an undergraduate degree in Psychology specializing in Interpersonal Development where she was able to build on her interviewing, counselling and planning skills.

With over 4 years of experience in student mentoring and tutoring within non-profit and post-secondary institutions, her background mainly consists of working closely with students to help guide them through their career and academic journeys. Hannah is looking forward to supporting the students of FDU within the Work Integrated Learning program.

Beyond her professional role, Hannah is a freelance model where she frequently collaborates with various creatives around Vancouver such as photographers and makeup artist to produce fun projects!

If you are an employer looking to collaborate on Work Integrated Learning opportunities or a student interested in learning more about internships or Work Integrated Learning, she would love to hear from you!

Hannah is fluent in both English and French.

Feel free to reach out via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-parkhouse/

RESULI, ESTREF

Estref Resuli, Senior IT Specialist, is originally from Albania.

He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Tirana.

After 12 years of progressive experience in the Albanian Power Corporation (KESH) where he held various positions from field engineer to Managing Director of the regional power utility company, he moved to Canada. He studied Network Administration and Security Professional – a joint program at UBC/BCIT in 2010-2011 where he graduated with distinction.

He is an MCITP (Server), CCNA and holds several Comp TIA, Linux, and wireless CWNA certifications.

Estref enjoys reading, chess, soccer, and tennis. He also volunteers with the Eaglesland Albanian Society of BC. Estref speaks Albanian and English.

RIOS, RICARDO

Ricardo Rios, Enrollment Services Administrative Assistant, is originally from Venezuela. He moved to Canada in 2018. He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in International Business from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2022. During his academic years, he was part of the Global Scholars program, the FDU Student Managed Investment Fund and FDU Model United Nations Club.

Ricardo was also part of the team selected by FDU in 2020 to develop a marketing project in partnership with the Consulate General of Brazil in Vancouver. He also worked as a student worker in the Vancouver campus, which helped him to gain a better understanding of FDU’s culture and the student experience that FDU provides.

In his free time, he enjoys volunteering, playing soccer, cooking and watching movies. Ricardo is fluent in Spanish, English and he has started to learn French.

ROSADA, CECILLE O.

Cecille O. Rosada, Accounting Office Clerk, holds a baccalaureate degree in Accountancy and a graduate degree in Master in Management.  She was also a Certified Public Accountant from the Philippines. 

Cecille started as a banker in the Philippines until the call to teaching beckoned her.  She first started as an adjunct professor and got promoted to being a department chair and a school of business dean.  As a department chair, she successfully rehabilitated the Accountancy program of the school, produced a top-notcher in the board examination and as a result dramatically increased its school national board passing rate. 

Currently, Cecille continued her passion in accounting work and joined FDU’s Finance Department.  She also teaches finance course in the MAS program.

SHESHKAL, SHARAREH GHAMKHAR

Sharareh Ghamkhar Sheshkal, Enrollment Services Administrative Assistant, is originally from Iran. She graduated from the University of Applied Science in Kish Island, Iran, with a bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management. In 2021, Sharareh moved to Canada to pursue her master’s degree & graduated with an Administrative Sciences degree in Human Resources Administration in December of 2022.

Before coming to Canada, Sharareh had over seven years of experience as a Human Resources Specialist in Iran’s oil and gas industry. While studying at FDU, she worked on campus as a student worker and actively participated in all campus events. In addition, she also volunteered as a Human Resources Training and Development Specialist at the Low Entropy Foundation.

Sharareh likes yoga, cycling, and reading psychological books in her spare time. She speaks Persian, English, and a little French. 

SHI, SYDNEY (RUOQI)

Sydney (Ruoqi) Shi, Academic Advisor in Academic Advising, boasts an impressive nine-year track record in academic advising, academic planning, admissions, and ESL training. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Victoria, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from the South China University of Technology. Originally from China, Sydney made the move to Canada in 2011.

Sydney finds great joy in being an integral part of students’ growth and has earned the endearing nickname of “mom” from her students. With a genuine passion for student success, she actively assists students in navigating both their academic and non-academic journeys, providing unwavering support in their pursuit of goals. Sydney believes education transcends the mere transmission of knowledge; it should also encompass global awareness, social responsibility, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication skills, collaboration skills, and more.

As an international student herself, Sydney wholeheartedly embraces cultural diversity and takes pleasure in exploring different cultures. Traveling holds a special place in her heart, and she cherishes the memories of living and working in Greece. Sydney is fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English.

STRAESSER, KIRA

Kira Straesser, Career Services Advisor, embarked on her Canadian journey as an international student as part of her Master’s studies. Originally from Germany, she moved to British Columbia in 2017, holding a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Muenster and over time acquired a thorough understanding of newcomers’ joys and challenges. She further holds a Career Development Practitioner certificate from Douglas College (Vancouver, BC).

With over three years of experience in post-secondary education, Kira focuses on preparing international students for practicums and co-ops in Greater Vancouver. Her expertise includes resume and cover letter preparation, interview and networking strategies, research, public speaking, cultural communication, AI job search, career exploration, and more.

Kira’s approach is marked by empathy and commitment to supporting students on their career journeys. She is proficient in English and German, with conversational Portuguese skills. In her leisure time, she enjoys activities like volleyball, biking, camping, snowshoeing, skiing, and exploring different cultures, traditions, and cuisines, such as dim sum and hot pot.

Feel free to stop by her office and introduce yourself to her, she is eager to meet you. You can also start the conversation by connecting with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kira-straesser/

UY, NERIZA

Nerissa Uy, Human Resources Assistant, is an enthusiastic human resources professional who is passionate in creating a healthy workplace culture. She holds a Diploma in Business Administration major in Human Resources.

With a strong background in HR operations, Neriza offers expertise in HR planning and management including performance management and development programs.  She is proactive with impeccable attention to detail. She believes in fostering an inclusive and supportive work cultures.

Prior coming to Canada, Neriza was a Junior Assistant Bank Manager in the Philippines for 11 years.

In her spare time, Neriza loves practicing yoga, trying novel culinary delights, as well as volunteering at her children’s school.

WALKEY, MIKE

Mike Walkey, Senior Director, Strategic Enrollment Management, leads the Recruitment and Admissions teams at FDU Vancouver.  He has worked in international education for more than 25 years, with experience in the private language sector, post-secondary education, and with a recruitment platform start up.  Helping international students fulfill their study abroad dreams is the most rewarding part of our work.

Mike holds a Bachelors of Arts, History from the University of British Columbia and completed his Master of Arts, Higher Education Administration and Leadership at Royal Roads University in 2018.  Born in Vancouver, Mike lived across Canada as a child before returning to Vancouver as a teenager.  Travel is another passion and working in international education has enabled Mike to visit more than 60 countries around the world.

WANG,MENGTING (EMILY)

Mengting (Emily) Wang, International Student Advisor, is also a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) who provides immigration support and services to students at FDU. Originally from the enchanting city of Harbin, China, Emily is fluent in both English and Mandarin. Holding a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Victoria and boasting extensive experience in immigration matters, Emily has been passionately guiding international students towards their Canadian dreams since 2011. She embarked on an extraordinary journey that took her from Victoria to Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, and finally, to the serene and picturesque city of Vancouver, where she proudly calls home.

In 2018, Emily completed her UBC certificate in Immigration: Laws, Policies, and Procedures and became an RCIC in 2019. Since then, she has been working as an Immigration Consultant and is a member in good standing of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).

Beyond her professional role, Emily is passionate about yoga, travel, and exploring diverse cuisines. If you find yourself on campus, be sure to say hello and connect with this dynamic and multi-talented advisor. Emily is always open to assisting with immigration-related questions, forging connections and sharing experiences. Don’t hesitate to reach out; she is here to help and connect with you!

WU, ELEVEN

Eleven Wu, Admissions Assistant, was born and raised in Beijing, China. She brings a wealth of experience and skills to support administrative functions across various business levels. With a strong educational background in International Business Law and over ten years of administrative work experience, she has honed her abilities to excel in this field. In 2019, Eleven embarked on a career journey in Canada, where she further developed her knowledge in Business Administration.

Eleven served as an Enrollment Services Officer at the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology for the past two years. This role has provided her with invaluable knowledge and skills specific to higher education. She enjoyed contributing to the smooth functioning of enrolment processes and supporting students in their educational journey.

Eleven joined FDU in October 2023. She is passionate about assisting prospective students throughout their application process.

She is committed to making a positive impact and utilizing her expertise to continue dedicating herself to the educational industry and make a meaningful difference in the lives of students.

Outside of work, Eleven enjoys doing yoga, hiking, and indulging in family time. She is fluent in English and Mandarin.

YAN, AMY

Amy Yan, Director of Marketing and Recruitment, was born in the most beautiful coastal city of Yantai in China and has been living in different places including Guangzhou and the capital city of China, Beijing. She obtained her B.S. Degree in Engineering from the Agricultural University of China and graduated as the top honors student. Before moving to Canada, Amy lectured at the Guangdong Machinery & Electricity College in Guangzhou where she published “Engine Principle” that soon became a successful college textbook.

In Canada, Amy has worked in registration, recruiting, marketing and student services for the New York Institute of Technology, Athabasca University/Century College as well as the operations director for NASE-Pattison Education Group. Amy brings to FDU-Vancouver her vast experience working with local and international students and educational institutions and partners. In 2013, Amy obtained her Masters in Administrative Science in Global Leadership from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Amy really enjoys the fulfillment of helping students with their future planning and has the passion to inspire them to live a life of significance through proper education. Amy speaks English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.

YAU, CLEO

Cleo Yau, Admissions Officer, is originally from Hong Kong. She moved to Canada in 2014 in pursuit of her undergraduate education at the University of Manitoba. In 2017, she graduated with a degree in Psychology and since then, she has been utilizing her language skills to bridge the communication gap between different cultures, starting with a job as a Cantonese interpreter.

Her career trajectory led her to the Admissions team at the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology, where her passion for guiding students in achieving their academic and career aspirations took shape. With over three years of experience in admissions, Cleo has honed her skills in providing support to students at every step of the application process. Her fluency in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English has allowed her to communicate effectively with students and families from diverse backgrounds.

Now, in April 2023, Cleo has joined FDU, where she hopes to continue her journey in higher education and bring her expertise in admissions to even more students. She is thrilled to contribute to a new environment and help aspiring scholars reach their full potential.

ZENG, REY

Rey, Marketing & Admissions Assistant, was born in Chengdu, China, and resided in Lisbon, Portugal for four years. She successfully completed her International Baccalaureate studies and obtained a Bilingual Diploma. In 2018, Rey relocated to Canada and enrolled in the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia (UBC) as an undergraduate student.

Rey successfully completed her studies at UBC Sauder School of Business, earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a specialization in marketing. Subsequently, she joined Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) Vancouver Campus, where she played a crucial role in establishing and maintaining an efficient communication system between prospective students, the FDU Vancouver marketing team, and the FDU Vancouver admission team.

Leveraging her background in both entrepreneurship and corporate environments, Rey now devotes her time to assisting FDU in welcoming an increasing number of students each semester.

Rey is highly proficient in both English and Mandarin (Chinese) and possesses a basic understanding of European Portuguese. Beyond her professional endeavors, she finds joy in exploring new destinations alongside her furry companion and experiencing diverse culinary delights.