Meet the Team

FSD Leadership Team

Christine Adam
Associate Vice President (AVP) of Students and Dean
250-371-5860
Biography

Since 2010, Christine has been a leader to the diverse team of professionals on campus that supports students’ personal, academic, social and career development. Christine completed a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at the University of Ottawa, followed by a Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language (CTESL) and a Masters of Arts in Applied Language Studies at Carleton University. Her professional and personal passions coincide with one another. Christine loves to support students that don’t traditionally have access to a post-secondary education, mentor young professionals and back initiatives that destigmatize mental illness. In her spare time, she’s usually found in the bleachers cheering TRU’s very own Wolfpack or snuggled up with a book.
Sara Wolfe
Executive Director - Student Development and Assistant Dean
250-320-3329
Biography

Sara 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!
Allysa Gredling
Student Development Administrative Coordinator
250-371-5778

Student Development Leadership Team

The Student Development Leadership team meets every Monday to discuss, collaborate and improve the student experience. The leadership team includes the Associate Vice President of Students, Assistant Dean of Students, Administrative Assistant to the AVP of Students as well as:

Shawn Read
Chair, Career & Experiential Learning (CEL)
250-371-5669
Biography

Shawn is a senior tenured faculty member in Career and Experiential Learning. For the past 13 years, Shawn has worked as a coordinator in career services and co-operative education programs. Shawn is passionate about experiential learning and as the Bachelor of Business co-op coordinator, he helps students access these opportunities throughout the country. Shawn has been a department chairperson for over seven years and has taken on a pan-campus leadership role to develop policy, professional development, and leadership activities for chairs on campus. Shawn is actively involved in governance and academic programming of the university and has previously been a TRU senator, member of the TRU academic planning and priorities committee and a member of the TRU Open Learning Planning Council that oversee academic policy.

Shawn recently completed his term as national president of the Canadian Association for Career Educators and Employers (CACEE). As a leading authority on post-secondary school to career transition, his mission for CACEE was to advance and support on-campus recruitment and career education in Canada.

When he is away from TRU, he loves to watch movies and spend time with his family. He has completed a number of long hikes such at the West Coast Trail and the Berg Lake Trail near Mount Robson.
Cindy James
Chair, Counselling, Academic Supports and Assessment (CASA)
250-828-5471
Biography
Sarah Walz
Director of Student Access and Academic Support
Biography

Sarah 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.
Cassie Greenough
Director of Student Affairs
Biography

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.
Julie Taylor
Manager of Student Experience
250-371-5942
Biography

Responsible for the oversight of all programs, activities and staff from the office. These programs include Orientation & Transitions, Mentorship, Leadership, and Fraternities and Sororities.

Student Services Reception Team

Val Jacobs
Student Services Receptionist
250-828-5023
Biography

TRU 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 Services Receptionist
250-828-5023
Biography

Kaitlyn 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!