Our Team
Members of our team would be pleased to hear from you! Our general email address is tlcommons@kpu.ca We are located at the Surrey campus, Arbutus 2400, but are currently all working remotely.
Leadership
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Rajiv Jhangiani, PhD | Associate Vice President, Teaching and Learning Rajiv is responsible for the strategy and leadership of the Teaching & Learning Commons. This includes overseeing the development of resources, training, and other supports for faculty professional development, the enhancement and ongoing maintenance of KPU’s suite of learning technologies, and, currently, supporting the continuity of teaching and learning activities through the COVID-19 pandemic. Rajiv also oversees KPU's open education initiatives, including the creation, adaptation, and adoption of open educational resources, the zero textbook cost (ZTC) program, and support for open pedagogy and open education research. His portfolio also includes the development and execution of a new strategy for Continuing & Professional Studies and oversight of a Ministry-funded project designed to provide supports for experienced learners and working adults. Rajiv holds a doctorate in Social & Personality Psychology and a Master’s degree in Cognitive Science (both from UBC) and was previously a faculty member in the Psychology department at KPU. His teaching has been recognized by the Robert E. Knox Master Teacher Award in the Department of Psychology at UBC and the Dean of Arts Teaching Excellence Award at KPU. Rajiv is a ukulelist, a tennis player, and a retired professional dancer. Rajiv’s SUPERPOWER The Artist: Envisions a more beautiful world, sketches outlines, mixes colours, and works to paint this reality. |
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Leeann Waddington, RN, MS | Manager, Learning Technology & Educational Media Leeann leads the Learning Technology and Educational Consultant teams in their efforts to support innovation in teaching and learning at KPU. Leeann oversees and advances existing KPU supported educational technologies and tools to align with institutional values and current best practices. Previously an experienced faculty member, Leeann holds a Post Masters Certificate in Curriculum Design and is a doctoral candidate in the Distance Education EdD at Athabasca University. Leeann is an advocate for the culture of folio thinking pedagogy and its potential to revolutionize KPU's learning landscape. Leeann loves to garden, quilt and relax at her island home and is always up for a culinary challenge as a self-taught chef. Leeann's SUPERPOWER The Magician: Gives the illusion that juggling numerous tasks is as simple as Abracadabra, and has the ability to see the possibilities and strengths in people and systems. |
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Joel Murray, EdD | Director, Flexible Learning and Academic Integrity Joel is responsible for university-wide project management and operations in the development, implementation, coordination, evaluation, promotion, and growth of Continuing & Professional Studies (CPS). He also provides leadership and coordination for the development and implementation of strategies to help strengthen Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and to further build our institutional culture that values and upholds academic integrity. Joel has had a varied background: he taught academic English as a Second Language courses for years prior to coming to KPU in 2000, where he taught for several years before becoming involved in the KFA in various roles culminating in the position of Vice President Grievances. Afterward, he moved into academic leadership roles, first as the Associate Dean in both the Faculty of Academic & Career Preparation for one year and then the Faculty of Science & Horticulture for a little more than six years. Joel has a Master’s Degree in Adult Education (Teaching English as a Second Language) from UBC and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership in Post-Secondary Contexts from SFU. Joel is an avid reader and is addicted to the New York Times crossword, which he completes daily. He’s a technology geek and has been fiddling with computers since the early 1980s … and he loves all things aviation and harbours a not-so-secret desire to study for a private pilot’s licence. Joel’s SUPERPOWER The Conciliator: Has the ability to bring two sides together in a calm, respectful manner to work toward resolutions to difficult problems. |
Adminstrative Support Staff
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Janice Webster | Administrative Coordinator Janice is responsible for our day-to-day administrative support operations and supervises members of the team in their efforts to support innovation in teaching and learning at KPU. Janice manages the Commons’ Scholarship and Funding initiatives and also supports the Vice Provost with calendaring, finances, projects, initiatives, and events. Janice loves to garden on her rural acreage and enjoys canning her home-grown veggies every fall. Janice’s SUPERPOWER The Investigator: Janice is determined to find the answers and works with her colleagues to provide a high level of support to the KPU community. |
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Andrea Votto | Administrative Assistant Andrea is responsible for our day-to-day administrative support operations. She supports the T&L team as well as KPU faculty with various projects and requests such as device requests, recording meeting minutes, and calendar management. Andrea considers herself to be a lifelong learner. She is passionate about encouraging an inclusive environment at KPU. Outside of work, Andrea lives a quiet and content life with her partner and two cats. She consumes a variety of documentaries and books daily and loves going on road trips. Andrea’s SUPERPOWER The Shape-Shifter: The ability to smoothly adapt to and learn new tasks. |
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Anthony Nerada | Communications & Events Specialist As the newest member of the Teaching & Learning Commons, Anthony assists in the daily marketing, communications, promotion, and event planning strategies of the Teaching & Learning department. In addition to managing our newsletter, Anthony also contributes to the coordination of our blog, Friday Morning Coffee, and helps develop and maintain the department's website and social media channels. Over the last few years, Anthony has worked for several critically acclaimed public relations firms in Vancouver, providing support on national campaigns for clients such as Scuderia Ferrari, Wonder Bread, Shell Canada, and the Vancouver Aquarium. Most recently, he enjoyed a one-year stint working at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. To complement his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (KPU), Anthony has also earned a Public Relations diploma (KPU) and a Publishing diploma (Langara), which has given him the opportunity to fine-tune his skills in editing, website creation, and graphic design. In his spare time, Anthony can be found writing the day away, reading, or exploring one of BC's many hiking trails. Anthony’s SUPERPOWER The Writer: The ability to transport readers to other worlds by weaving words together in a meaningful way. |
| ON LEAVE -- Radka Quigley | Communications & Events Specialist |
Learning Technology
The Learning Technology Team supports our educators with adopting and using KPU tools and technologies for teaching. They provide one-on-one and small group consultations, as well as support and training. Though the team can assist with "how" to use tools and technologies, they can also assist you with the "why" (pedagogy).
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Lisa Gedak | Teaching & Learning Technologies Strategist Lisa aims to inspire faculty to innovate their teaching practices by using modernized strategies that support their chosen pedagogical approaches and create technology implementation opportunities. Lisa assists the faculty in re-imagining their course and program design. Lisa supports faculty through various methods, including workshops, webinars, and individual and group consultations. Lisa is passionate about instructional design, the intersection of pedagogy and technology, and philosophical approaches supporting learner-centred education. Lisa is currently completing a Master of Arts degree in learning and technology through Royal Roads University (RRU). Additionally, Lisa loves impromptu sing-alongs and is a self-proclaimed comedian. Lisa's SUPERPOWER The optimist: Spinning a positive twist on otherwise challenging solutions. |
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Christopher Ryan, M.Ed. | Teaching & Learning Technologies Strategist Chris works to help instructors clarify their learning outcomes and the best path(s) to these outcomes. He works by applying time-proven instructional design theory to articulate a variety of solutions to effectively mix KPU technology with instructor experience. He helps by providing one-to-one consultations, workshops and any other useful methods to help maintain and improve KPU’s academic excellence. Chris loves to learn and deepen his knowledge of real-world and online education to not just transfer curriculum through pedagogical principles, but enliven it with creative applications of the ever-growing suite of learning tools. He is the second funniest team member next to Lisa and loves to play music, get outdoors to hike or snowboard and loves meeting new people from all walks of life. Chris’s SUPERPOWER The Talker: Engages in meaningful conversation with humans and animals, powered by the Blarney Stone of his ancestors’ homeland. |
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Robin Leung, BBA | Educational Media Strategist Robin brings both technical and creative experience to his interactions supporting faculty in creating and implementing educational media content, activities and assessment strategies in various teaching and learning contexts, which faculty can use to support student engagement, digital skill development, and facilitate learner-created content. Robin oversees KPU's educational media platform and KPU's content management system software. Always abreast of current educational media trends, Robin provides practical approaches for faculty to incorporate media-based assessments, engaging content and blog-based assignments. Outside of work, Robin is a foodie, a content creator, and loves exploring new places. Robin's SUPERPOWER The contemplator: Quietly listens, gathers information, deeply reflects and provides practical solutions. |
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Mustafa Mohammed, BTech | Learning Technologies Systems Analyst Mustafa oversees the administration of KPU's Learning Management System (LMS) and supports faculty with their course sites and integrated tools and platforms. Mustafa supports technical staff in logging, analyzing and resolving system problems. Mustafa strives to improve KPU systems, processes, and technologies through his extensive knowledge and passion for data analytics. Mustafa is a sports and auto enthusiast and is always on the hunt for new tech innovations. Mustafa's SUPERPOWER The analyzer: The ability to troubleshoot problems in original and inventive ways. |
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Omar Jakir | Learning Technologies Support Junior Analyst Omar investigates, analyzes, and troubleshoots KPU supported EdTech systems. Omar provides instructional and technical support to faculty users of KPU's Learning Management System (LMS) and creates resources and documentation to support educational technologies. Omar also delivers various workshops and provides one-on-one consultations with users who require assistance utilizing KPU's systems and technologies. Outside of KPU, Omar is a passionate volunteer at a local cat rescue organization and is an avid sports fan. Omar's SUPERPOWER The keen eye: Observes his surroundings and absorbs the details to enhance his understanding of people and situations. |
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Umair Hafeez | Learning Technologies Analyst Umair analyzes and supports the administration of KPU’s Learning Management System (LMS). He aims to support the effective integration of KPU’s supported technologies. Umair loves to generate new ideas about how to improve KPU’s technologies and tools. Umair loves to spend time outdoors, and his preferred activities include hiking, camping, and exploring new places. Umair’s favourite sport is cricket, and he likes to bowl, but he most values the time he spends with his family and gathering with friends. Umair’s SUPERPOWER The Reliable One: Umair values working hard, and if he is on the project, you can count on its completion before the due date. |
Open Education
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Urooj Nizami, MISt, MA | Open Education Strategist Urooj supports and facilitates open education initiatives by providing expertise through consultations and technical training. She oversees the management of the Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) Program, the Open Education Research Institute, and provides support to Open Educational Resources (OER) grantees, Open Pedagogy Fellows, and Open Education Research Fellows. Urooj also co-facilitates the use of our Open Publishing Suite (OPUS). Urooj has a master's degree from McGill University’s School of Information Studies as well as a master’s degree in Religion from Temple University. Outside of work, Urooj spends her time in the garden sometimes with her fruits and vegetables, but mostly with her roses. She’s also skilled at roping her spouse into very colourful home projects. Urooj’s SUPERPOWER The Can-doer: Believes and is determined to make the biggest dreams of others a reality by harnessing the right support. |
Educational Consultants
Educational Consultants support KPU educators to further advance their teaching and scholarship practices, as well as the activities and efforts of the Teaching and Learning Commons. They are available for one-on-one or small group consultations and work with programs/departments to develop and facilitate tailored professional development (e.g. workshops, reading circles, etc.) or resources.
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Gordon Cobb, PhD | Educational Consultant, Teaching with Technology (50%) Gordon worked as a composer, sound designer and filmmaker before completing a PhD in Arts Education from SFU. He brings to the Teaching & Learning Commons a passion for creating experiential workshops and learning resources for both teachers and learners that are multimodal, interactive, interdisciplinary, and technology-oriented. By incorporating current and emerging educational technologies into existing curricula, Gordon believes learners of all ages can develop and refine essential 21st Century skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. |
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Jennifer Hardwick, PhD | Educational Consultant, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Jen is passionate about ensuring access and supports for learners who face barriers. She has spent the last 15 years teaching diverse students in large lecture halls, small seminars, academic bridging programs, Writing/Learning Centres, online environments, and co-curricular and community programs She loves to problem solve and work collaboratively, and is keen to provide resources and supports to faculty as they adopt and practice Universal Design for Learning (UDL). She also welcomes conversations and consultations about intersecting fields such critical, digital, open, and decolonial pedagogies. |
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Christina Page, MA | Educational Consultant, Intercultural Teaching Competency (50%) Christina supports faculty in their journey of understanding and enriching learning for culturally diverse students, while aiming to facilitate a more joyful intercultural teaching experience. In addition to her work in the Teaching and Learning Commons, her KPU Learning Strategist role allows her to see the learning process from the student side and to integrate her understanding of both faculty and student perspectives. Her educational background includes applied linguistics and educational studies, and her roles have included ESL instructor, literacy consultant, researcher, and adult educator in both Canadian and international contexts. Christina facilitates workshops, connects faculty with relevant resources, and is available for individual consultations. |
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Nishan Perera, PhD | Educational Consultant, Course Design and Assessment (50%) Nishan considers himself as a creative professional educator with a passion for teaching and research in the fields of Business and Marketing. He has over twenty-five years of consolidated experience in teaching, curriculum development, academic administration, training, entrepreneurial and commercial business management. He loves to use technology for teaching and has a deep appreciation in integrating technology with pedagogy to enhance student learning. Nishan provides consultations to faculty on curriculum development with an emphasis on delivering courses in a blended and an online format. |
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Gillian Sudlow, BA, BEd, MET | Educational Consultant, Course Design |
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Seanna Takacs, PhD | Educational Consultant, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) (50%) Seanna has worked with children, teens, and young adults with learning difficulties from the earliest stages of her career. She holds a PhD in Educational Psychology from SFU where she studied reading comprehension and more broadly, variation in language acquisition and literacy processes. Seanna was an instructor in post-secondary for ten years, teaching courses on instructional psychology, reading, and learning disabilities. Her interest in Universal Design for Learning is contemporaneous with her investigation of learning differences: what differences exist, are those differences meaningful, and how can we ameliorate those differences through strong teaching and curriculum design practices? Combined with her role in Accessibility Services at KPU, Seanna is excited to work on both sides of the fence supporting both students and instructors in equitable educational access for all. |
Teaching Fellows
The Teaching Fellows support and advance the quality of our teaching and learning at KPU by supporting educators through consultations, sessions and developing resources and liaising with related, external networks. Focus areas align with key priorities in our Academic Plan.
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Arley Cruthers, BA, MFA | Teaching Fellow, Open Education Arley's area of interest is open education and open pedagogy. She's happy to help you find open educational resources or find ways to bring open pedagogy into your classroom. |
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Lesley McCannell, MBA | Teaching Fellow, Intercultural and Internationalization Lesley supports faculty to create a culture of inclusion by supporting the development of intercultural capabilities and incorporating inclusive pedagogies. Lesley also provides consultations for individuals and maintains a resource site and community of practice for faculty and departments as they explore approaches to internationalization and intercultural teaching. |
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Lilach Marom, PhD | Teaching Fellow, Intercultural and Internationalization Lilach Marom is a graduate of the Department of Education Studies at the University of British Columbia. She has a wide experience in formal and informal education in diverse contexts. Lilach’s research is focused on questions of equity, multiculturalism, and social justice in education. She lives with her family on the unceded territory of the Squamish, Tsleil-waututh and Musqueam Nations. |
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Larissa Petrillo, PhD | Teaching Fellow, Experiential Education & Community Engagement (50%) Larissa is available to consult with faculty and instructors to realize KPU’s polytechnic mandate through the expansion and enhancement of experiential learning opportunities and to establish a network/community of practice, resources and plan to sustain Experiential Learning at KPU. Specifically, she will:
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