Advising
Contact Information
Phone
Toll-free in Canada: 1-800-663-9711 ext. 6373 (Kristen) or 6827 (Mikayla)
Kamloops and international: 1-250-852-6373 (Kristen) or 1-250-852-6827 (Mikayla)
Mailing address
Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning
Attention: PLAR Dept
BC Centre for Open Learning, Fourth Floor
805 TRU Way
Kamloops, BC, Canada
V2C 0C8
Susan Forseille, PLAR Director
Susan’s role is to oversee PLAR programming. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Simon Fraser University, a Master of Education from Thompson Rivers University, and is currently completing her PhD with the University of Leicester. Her research focus is on career development, experiential learning, and Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition.
Nicole Borhaven, PLAR Manager
Nicole's role is to support the maintenance and growth of PLAR and the department's day-to-day operations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Certificate in Liberal Arts from Simon Fraser University. She has been with TRU-OL since 2010 and has experience in Program Advising and Accessibility Services. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family and friends, writing, travelling and enjoying the great outdoors.
Kristen Johnson, PLAR Advisor
Kristen's role is to support and guide students through the PLAR process. She holds a Bachelor of General Studies degree and an Aboriginal Studies Certificate from Thompson Rivers University. Kristen is passionate about providing an inclusive and equitable experience for all students. She is a third-generation Scandinavian settler and a member of the Takla Lake Nation of the Carrier people. Kristen was born and raised in Kamloops, within the unceded traditional lands of the Secwépemc Nation. She loves travelling, meditation and reading. She also enjoys spending time with her family and in nature.
Mikayla Overton, PLAR Advisor
Mikayla’s role is to support and guide students through the PLAR process. She attained a Bachelor of General Studies on the unceded territory of the Secwépemc at Thompson Rivers University in Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc where she is honoured to have the privilege to continue to learn each day. Her interest in PLAR began when she was approached as a student to assist with a study that researched the factors impacting students’ success and persistence with PLAR. She has since continued supporting research in the PLAR field, including with the BC Prior Learning Action Network. PLAR’s potential to provide more equitable access to post-secondary education reflects Mikayla’s hopes to provide caring, inclusive support to students seeking an alternative pathway in formal education.
Natasha Langevin, PLAR Advisor
Natasha’s role is to support and guide students through the PLAR process. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (UBC) and a Community Support Worker certificate (UCC). She has been with TRU since 2019, starting as a Program Advisor with the Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics. Born in Victoria on the lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Territory, she has been fortunate to grow up within the unceded traditional lands of the Secwépemc Nation. Natasha loves working with students, but in her spare time she likes being active, enjoying the outdoors, and spending time exploring with her family, friends and her silly English Bulldog.
