Meet the Team

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 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 knows 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 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.

Zahra (she/her) 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.

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.