Meet the Team

Cassie (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.

Emilio has been an educator for 14 years. He began his teaching career as an ESL instructor in Toronto and then in Italy. He then worked as an English Composition Instructor and Elementary School Teacher in Ontario. Emilio returned to Kamloops (his home community) and has completed his Master of Education at TRU.

Since joining the TRU community he has worked as a Graduate and Undergraduate Writing Centre Tutor and as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. As part of his MEd, Emilio studied in Germany where he had the opportunity to engage with international students as a Guest Lecturer and as a Learning Centre Graduate Assistant.

In his free time, Emilio enjoys working out, woodworking, renovating, cooking, and travelling.

Holly Winzey's educational pathway began at the University of Toronto, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from University College of the Cariboo, and also has a Master of Education in Counselor Education/School Counseling from the University of Northern BC in Prince George.

As a lifelong learner, Holly has many hobbies. She’s studied play therapy and psychotherapy, but also makes time for refurbishing vintage furniture, brunching with friends and being a supportive and present mom for her two children.

You’ll often find Holly in her office, listening to and working with students or possibly in the Starbucks lineup, as she loves a latte. If you see Holly around campus, please say hello. She’d love to meet you.

Karen has been employed at Thompson Rivers University since early 2010 but before that as a student starting in 2001, completing a Bachelor of Art, Geography and Bachelor of Education. In December 2019 Karen obtained her Master of Education at TRU as well. Karen worked as an on-call teacher from 2008 – 2010 in Merritt, B.C., and taught kindergarten to grade 12. Her favorite grade to teach was grade 12 which is why it was an easy transition for Karen to move into higher education. Most of her 12 plus years at TRU have been in Open Learning and the Registrar’s Office supervising the front-line staff.

Karen is constantly looking for learning opportunities to increase her skill set to service 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 grandmother, a mother, and looks after her aging mother. There is little down time for Karen but when she does take time for herself, she is crocheting, watching shows on Netflix and Disney+, or spending time in her backyard.

Amber (she/her) has been working in the anti-violence sector since 2004. During that time, Amber has also worked with folks experiencing homelessness and concerns around mental health and substance use. She has a BA from TRU (2005) and an MSW from the University of Victoria (2016). Amber has received formal training in supporting LGBTQ2S+ victims/survivors who have experienced violence through Interior Community Services’ Safe Spaces program, and the Ending Violence Association of BC. She has also received training in narrative therapy, trauma informed care, nature-based therapy, maternal mental health and maternal substance use, and support for folks exiting sex work. Amber has has engaged in contract work with BC Campus, the Ending Violence Association of BC and Kamloops’ Violence Against Women Intervention and Support Services in developing 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 deeply recognizes the importance of providing a respectful, informed, caring response. She also know she may not be the right fit for everyone, and is happy to help folks get connected to the support that feels most valuable.

Anyone interested in connecting with Amber is welcome to bring a support person. You do not have to disclose an experience of violence in order to make an appointment, and curious parties are welcome to simply ask questions without divulging personal experiences.

When not at work, Amber enjoys spending time with her partner and two children, hiking, paddling, reading, watching Netflix and eating pizza.

Nicole (she/her) graduated from Thompson Rivers University in 2021 with her Bachelor of Arts (honors), focusing her studies on psychology and sociology. During her undergraduate studies, she volunteered as a Student Wellness Ambassador with the Wellness Centre, spent time on the Student Caucus, and worked as a research assistant with Dr. Heather Price studying forensic psychology. Nicole was given the opportunity to be the student representative from Thompson Rivers University and sat on the board for the establishment of the Here2Talk 24/7 mental health helpline for students.
Since graduating, Nicole has pursued graduate education in the Master of Arts Counselling Psychology program through Yorkville University. She began working at Thompson Rivers University in November of 2021 as a Counselling, Academic Supports, and Assessment Support Specialist. In June 2022 Nicole shifted to the position of Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response Manager (leave coverage). Nicole is very passionate about mental health and finds joy and fulfillment in knowing that she is assisting students in their healing journey.
When she is not at work or studying, Nicole enjoys working out, spending time with friends and family, curling up with a good book, and smashing the patriarchy.

Zahra has been with TRU since June 2021 as a Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response Manager. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature in 2011 from Azad University in Tehran, Iran. Zahra obtained a Master of Arts in Women’s, Gender, and Sexualities Studies in 2018 from the University of Saskatchewan and then a TESOL Diploma from ILAC College in Toronto in 2019.

Before joining TRU, Zahra held various positions including Workshop Facilitator (U of S Women’s Centre), Communications Coordinator (U of S Internationalization Office), and WGS Researcher (Saskatoon Community-University Institute for Social Research). She believes that her support work is meaningful and appreciates the opportunities to empower individuals as they go through their healing journey.

Zahra enjoys playing volleyball, board games, reading, travelling, cooking, and sometimes just watching what goes on around her.

Julia Hedge is pleased to join the Faculty of Student Development, as a Student Affairs Assistant. Working in office administration for many years, Julia brings experience and enthusiasm to the work. A creative thinker with an interest in organization and systems, Julia is looking forward to supporting her colleagues and the students they serve. “It’s great to be working with a team of caring individuals, all pulling together toward the common goal of helping students navigate their challenges.”

Julia moved to the TNRD from the Lower Mainland five years ago to be with her partner Brian. She has an art and music studio in Ashcroft where she spends her weekends creating. Julia loves the weather and outdoor spaces of Kamloops and the surrounding communities, as well as the new friends she has made and the artistic groups that she is a part of.