We are pleased to announce the recipients of the President’s Service Awards for Excellence and the President’s Staff awards, presented by the university annually to recognize staff members who demonstrate outstanding achievement and excellence within the UBC community.
President’s Service Awards for Excellence
The President’s Service Awards for Excellence are presented each year to up to five outstanding staff members. The PSAE acknowledges staff who have made outstanding contributions to UBC, and who excel in their personal achievements.
The 2024 President’s Service Awards for Excellence recipients are:
- Hsiu-Ju Chang, Research Manager; Centre for Disease Control
- Taranjit Singh Dhillon, Public Services & Collections Management Assistant; Asian Library
- Leanne Kearns, Associate Director, Academic Services; Applied Science
- Stephanie McKeown, Chief Institutional Research Officer; Planning and Institutional Research, UBC Okanagan
- Michelle Wong, Senior Director, Research and Executive Director; Faculty of Medicine and CIEBH
President’s Staff Awards
The President’s Staff Awards at the Vancouver campus recognize the personal achievements and contributions that our staff make to UBC, and to the vision and goals of the university.
The 2024 President’s Staff Awards recipients are:
President’s Staff Award for Leadership
- Carmen de Hoog, Director, Strategic Planning & Operations; School of Biomedical Engineering
- Neil Maclean, Manager, Administration and Operations; Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries
President’s Staff Award for Enhancing UBC Experience
- Jacelyn Shu, Research Technician and Lab Manager; Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science
- David Tsukada, Student Services Manager; Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine
President’s Staff Award for Creativity and Innovation
- Sylvia Heredia, Communications Coordinator; Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science
- Donabel Santos, Associate Director, Business Intelligence; Development and Alumni Engagement
President’s Staff Award for Advancing Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence
- Dana-Lyn Mackenzie, Senior Manager, EDI & Indigeneity;Faculties of Applied Science, Land and Food Systems and Forestry
- Shawna Narayan, Research Analyst; Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine
President’s Staff Award for Wellbeing
- Matt Lee, Operations Coordinator; UBC Robson Square
- Amanda Unruh, Substance Use and Addiction Partnership Manager; UBC Health
President’s Staff Award for Collaborative Excellence
- Joanne Wouterse, Jennifer Xenakis, Jenny Tai, Juliana Li, Undergradate Program Coordinator, Educational Services Manager, Teaching Technicians; Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (BMLSc) Support Team
- Jessica Yu, Annie Huang, Emma Kelly, Hiroko Shiono, Jie Teng, Senior Early Childhood Educator and Infant Toddler Educators; Owl at the Barn Daycare
President’s Service Awards for Excellence
The President’s Service Awards for Excellence (PSAE) are presented each year to up to five outstanding staff members from across the university. This is the top award presented to UBC staff.
The PSAE recognizes staff who make outstanding contributions to the university. This award honours those who excel in their area of work and in personal achievements, who exemplify positive contributions to UBC and our communities through personal volunteerism, and position UBC as an engaged local and global partner. These individuals improve the value, efficiency, inclusivity and equity, and sustainability of the services they provide by building respectful environments. They maintain a high quality of service to their clients and embrace UBC’s values of excellence, integrity, respect, academic freedom, and accountability. They create an inclusive, vibrant and welcoming community at UBC.
Hsiu-Ju Chang
Research Manager
UBC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
Hsiu-Ju Chang (she/her) is a highly skilled research manager, leader, and mentor who creates a supportive and inclusive environment at the Centre for Disease Control.
Service excellence
Hsiu-Ju routinely goes above the requirements of her role to provide a high quality of service to students, faculty and staff. Her enthusiasm, masterful liaising, and research experience have contributed to increased research grant funding and professional development opportunities for her colleagues and mentees, including many early career researchers. She is known to go the extra mile in supporting students, helping them navigate UBC processes, apply for funding, or address immigration requirements.
Making UBC a better place
Hsiu-Ju embodies UBC values of excellence and accountability in her work and collaborations with her team and community partners. She established and currently leads a Truth & Reconciliation bi-weekly meeting for the Clinical Prevention Services (CPS) team, in which she led an ethical reflection process of research protocol and implementation for research involving Indigenous people. She also thoughtfully and respectfully presented the findings with key Indigenous partners, including an Elder from the Musqueam Indian Band.
Community impact
Hsiu-Ju is dedicated to building inclusive communities for systematically underrepresented and marginalized groups. She is a founding member of the Indigeneity, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Additionally, her work with the Online Sexual Health Services team, GetCheckedOnline, and the Sexual Health Advisory Group also demonstrates her commitment to enhancing services for equity-deserving populations and marginalized communities.
Learn more:
- Clinical Prevention Services at the BC Centre for Disease Control
- GetCheckedOnline
Taranjit Singh Dhillon
Public Services & Collections Management Assistant
Taran Dhillon (he/him) is an invaluable resource to the UBC Asian Library. As the Public Services & Collections Management Assistant, he goes above and beyond to create positive experiences and a welcoming environment while supporting students, faculty, staff, and the wider UBC community.
Service excellence
Taran often serves as the first point of contact at the Asian Library and consistently demonstrates dedication, promptness and efficiency in fulfilling requests for resources and research materials, whether it’s locating books or DVDs for film courses.
Making UBC a better place
Taran supports students of various backgrounds and ensures that they feel a sense of belonging to the Asian Library. He spends considerable time learning about other cultures and participates in coordinating events for diverse communities. Taran generously volunteers his time and his knowledge to make UBC a more inclusive and respectful place of learning, teaching and work.
Community impact
Taran is committed to fostering UBC’s multicultural community. In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities, Taran supports university cultural events such as Diwali, and community events such as Kids Take Over UBC. He gladly supports both behind the scenes and in front-facing roles: during last year’s Diwali celebrations, Taran presented the festival’s historical significance and its modern-day manifestation to an audience of diverse backgrounds.
Learn more:
Leanne Kearns
Associate Director, Academic Services
Leanne Kearns (she/her) is a leader of collaboration with an unwavering commitment to the student experience. Throughout her years at UBC, she has been a key player in multi-stakeholder projects with various offices, including Enrolment Services, Workday Student, and various Academic Advising offices.
Service excellence
Leanne has a strong track record of improving systems and processes, resulting in an exceptional service standard for students. She champions the student experience by removing barriers in accessing services and ensuring that people have access to the information they need to do their best work.
For example, she developed a Wiki of advising processes and policies to allow academic advisors to quickly access information, resulting in improved accuracy, workflows, and response times in student services.
Making UBC a better place
Leanne brings an institutional perspective and sees beyond the needs of individual faculties or units. She willingly takes on complex, campus-wide initiatives beyond the scope of her daily responsibilities and consults on reviewing and revising university policies to provide an enhanced learning experience for students.
Community impact
Leanne also demonstrates genuine care and unending commitment to people. From warmly welcoming students and chaperones onto campus to bringing homemade treats for her team’s important milestones, she creates a sense of community and a culture where people feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
Learn more:
Stephanie McKeown
Chief Institutional Research Officer
Planning and Institutional Research (PAIR) – UBC Okanagan
Dr. Stephanie McKeown (she/her) plays an instrumental role in guiding UBC’s strategic efforts and leading community transformation across both Vancouver and Okanagan campuses.
Service excellence
Stephanie is a skilled connector and communicator in her current cross-campus position, which includes the Okanagan and Vancouver Planning and Institutional Research (PAIR) offices, Student Experience of Instruction (SEI) office, and the Student Experience Evaluation and Research (SEER) office.
She emphasizes a collaborative and service-based approach to supporting university-wide initiatives through research, planning and data analysis. Her work supports UBC in making data-driven decisions, delivering on strategic goals, and optimizing policies and processes.
Making UBC a better place
Stephanie leads institution-wide efforts to gather, analyze and disseminate key information to UBC’s academic and operational leadership, including data on student demographics, retention, mentorship, wellbeing, and equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts. Many of these projects directly contribute to the advancement of UBC’s strategic priorities, such as the Strategic Equity & Anti-Racism (StEAR) framework.
Stephanie also represents UBC in various provincial, national, and international settings, such as the Canadian Institutional Research and Planning Association (CIRPA) and the BC Council on Admissions and Transfers (BCCAT).
Community impact
Stephanie is a strong advocate for fostering inclusive and respectful environments, amplifying diverse voices, and advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism at UBC. She also eagerly contributes as a mentor for students and supports student success, including judging the UBC Three Minute Thesis competition and serving on a PhD committee for a UBC Okanagan student.
Learn more:
- Planning and Institutional Research Offices (PAIR)
- Canadian Institutional Research and Planning Association (CIRPA)
Michelle Wong
Senior Director, Research at the Faculty of Medicine and Executive Director at CIEBH
Faculty of Medicine and Canada’s Immuno-engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH)
Dr. Michelle Wong (she/her) is committed to advancing strategic research priorities at UBC. Her exceptional leadership and strategic planning have elevated collaborative research endeavors at the Faculty of Medicine, the university, and the wider research community.
Service excellence
Michelle consistently goes above and beyond in her leadership to the health research community at UBC and beyond. She co-led the COVID-19 Clinical Research Coordination Initiative (CRCI), a province-wide program dedicated to supporting and facilitating COVID-19 research across various domains. Michelle played a key role in harmonizing research ethics, privacy, and contract processes for clinical trials within the province. For her outstanding contributions to the CRCI, Michelle and the group was honored with the Clinical Trials BC Service and Support Award in 2022.
Making UBC a better place
Michelle also serves as the Executive Director of Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH), a UBC-led, multi-institution, cross-sector national project that aims to establish a seamless drug development pipeline. With her leadership, more than 50 organizations representing private, public, not-for-profit, and academic sectors have come together to advance biomedical innovation in Canada and the globe.
Community impact
Michelle leads by example in creating an inclusive, welcoming community, ensuring all team members feel engaged and comfortable to participate authentically in respectful communication. She also advocates for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) efforts by integrating EDI principles in research strategy and practices.
Learn more:
- Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH)
- COVID-19 Clinical Research Coordination Initiative (CRCI)
President’s Staff Awards
The President’s Staff Awards recognize the personal and professional achievements and contributions that UBC Vancouver staff make to the vision and goals of the university.
President’s Staff Award for Leadership
The President’s Staff Award for Leadership is presented to staff who demonstrate a high level of problem solving, creativity or innovation. They communicate a compelling vision for their colleagues, influencing others to build consensus among individual and organizational objectives. They lead by example and display a commitment to the people at the university beyond the requirements of their job. They make UBC a better workplace and contribute to developing the leadership capacity and strengths of those around them.
Carmen de Hoog
Director of Strategic Planning & Operations
School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME)
Carmen de Hoog (she/her) has been instrumental in driving the School of Biomedical Engineering’s (SBME) vision of excellence and innovation. Her leadership exemplifies a blend of strategic vision, operational excellence, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and dynamic academic community.
Carmen skillfully navigates complex processes and procedures between two faculties, Medicine and Applied Science, and aligns the diverse academic and administrative structures toward common goals. She oversees complex projects with agility, meticulous detail, and masterful coordination between multiple stakeholders and resources. For example, Carmen is currently leading a new building project for SBME, valued at $130 million and planned for occupancy in January 2025.
With her people-first leadership style, Carmen creates an environment of inclusivity and respect across various operational areas. One hallmark of her leadership is her focus on mentorship and professional development, which enables her team to feel valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential. She also organizes community-centric events such as annual symposiums, research days, and seasonal gatherings, strengthening team cohesion and engagement. Carmen leads by setting a standard of excellence and by lifting up others to also pursue and achieve excellence.
Neil Maclean
Manager, Administration and Operations
Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries (IOF)
Neil Maclean (he/him) is a transformative force at the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries (IOF). Leveraging his extensive knowledge of UBC’s systems and resources, Neil revitalized the Institute’s administrative functions with clarity, structure, and efficiency. When the Institute became a graduate degree granting unit in 2019, Neil’s calm guidance helped the Graduate Program committee develop its procedures and guidelines.
A staunch advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion, Neil played a pivotal role in establishing a culture of respect at IOF. As former chair and a current member of the Respect, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) committee, he empowers the student community by building strong connections with UBC’s Equity and Inclusion Office. These relationships improve students’ understanding of equity and inclusion practices, tools and resources. Neil’s commitment to ensure inclusion of all community members has led to initiatives such as a buddy-system for new graduate students and introducing Indigenous-related topics in student orientations.
Neil’s contributions have helped to build a vibrant, supportive community at IOF and the inclusive workplace that he helps to create has contributed to attracting, engaging and retaining a diverse global community of outstanding students, faculty and staff.
President’s Staff Award for Enhancing UBC Experience
The President’s Staff Award for Enhancing the UBC Experience is presented to staff who provide a high level of customer service, creating innovative programs and opportunities for the community. They improve the value, efficiency and sustainability of the services they provide, and serve as role models through respectful and inclusive interactions. The President’s Staff Award for Creativity and Innovation is presented to staff who make innovative contributions to shape the future of research, teaching or work. They have contributed to innovative projects and initiatives or introduced sustainable methods and practices to meet organizational goals. Through their problem-solving skills, they create opportunities to help others navigate change and respond to shifting workplace dynamics.
Jacelyn Shu
Research Technician and Lab Manager
Jacelyn Shu (she/her) brings cheerful positivity and infectious warmth to the entire Biodiversity Research Centre (BRC) community and the Department of Zoology. As the lab manager for a genomics lab, Jacelyn excels in supporting the lab’s needs, such as training colleagues on advanced equipment and finding creative solutions to experimental challenges. Often anticipating potential needs, Jacelyn plans proactively to meet them.
Jacelyn’s passion for scientific communication and illustration underscores her dedication to inclusivity and making science accessible and engaging to a broader audience. This philosophy extends to her approach in organizing workshops and social events, often with a focus on sustainability and art. For example, when a room needed to be repainted, Jacelyn designed a mural of study organisms as a “paint by numbers” activity, maximizing participation to include as many people as possible in the painting process.
Jacelyn’s exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail ensure that both research and social activities are thoughtfully planned and executed. She embodies excellence and compassion in her drive to create an inclusive research community, and her willingness to share her time, knowledge, and resources have enhanced the UBC experience for many.
David Tsukada
Student Services Manager
Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
As the Student Services Manager, David Tsukada (he/him) excels in managing the entire student lifecycle, from pre-admission through alumni support. David delivers outstanding personalized service and support, from being the first point of contact for prospective students and continuing throughout students’ enrollment. Students often share positive feedback about his promptness and problem-solving skills.
David is an advocate and resource for inclusive programs, policies, and practices in the Occupational Therapy Program. He is mindful of EDI principles and actively promotes workshops and events to enhance student engagement and belonging. His advocacy extends to tangible improvements, such as supporting the creation of gender-neutral restrooms and a wellness room designed to accommodate diverse needs, including those of individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have varying health conditions. He also prepares and empowers faculty members to proactively support students.
David demonstrates an openness and receptiveness to feedback and is dedicated to continuously refining services and processes to improve the experience for students, faculty, staff and guests. Coupled with his calm demeanor and empathetic consideration of others, David exemplifies an outstanding UBC experience.
President’s Staff Award for Creativity and Innovation
The President’s Staff Award for Creativity and Innovation is presented to staff who make innovative contributions to shape the future of research, teaching or work. They have contributed to innovative projects and initiatives or introduced sustainable methods and practices to meet organizational goals. Through their problem-solving skills, they create opportunities to help others navigate change and respond to shifting workplace dynamics.
Sylvia Heredia
Communications Coordinator
Sylvia Heredia (she/her) has enhanced the Zoology department by innovatively communicating its research, teaching, and service to the wider community. Her work spans various media, including web, social media, and email, as well as illustrations for teaching, publications, and grant proposals. Sylvia’s dedication has extended the department’s impact beyond UBC, making its research and initiatives accessible across campus and internationally.
Sylvia’s approach to communication integrates a strong commitment to equality and inclusivity. She meticulously ensures that all departmental communications, including posters and event advertisements, reflect these values. Her efforts have increased awareness and participation in departmental events and initiatives. For example, Sylvia’s guidance and creative strategies have broadened the reach of the Zoology and Botany Wellness Initiative, which provides essential wellness workshops and events. Her approach has greatly increased inclusion and participation in these programs, fostering a stronger sense of community.
Despite her appointment in a single department, Sylvia’s communication of research, teaching, and wellness events and services also helps to build further connections to other life sciences departments at UBC, resulting in a richer university experience for students, faculty and staff.
Donabel Santos
Associate Director, Business Intelligence
Development & Alumni Engagement (DAE)
Donabel Santos (she/her) is a leader and creative problem solver within the Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE) portfolio. Her visionary leadership and innovative prowess have been integral in developing the Annual Giving Preliminary Data Analysis and Exploration Dashboard (AG Dashboard). This innovation has revolutionized the analysis of Annual Giving donor data, reducing what was once a time-consuming process spanning weeks to mere seconds.
More than a technical advancement, Donabel’s work with the AG Dashboard underscores UBC’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence and fosters a data-informed culture. The dashboard’s user-friendly design democratizes access to complex analysis, empowering Annual Giving staff to make swift, informed decisions. This enhancement not only boosts fundraising capabilities but also allows the team to focus more on strategic planning and donor engagement. The development of the AG Dashboard also reflects UBC’s commitment to stewarding resources wisely, promoting internal collaboration, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and efficiency.
Donabel’s efforts exemplify innovation and inclusivity, and her approach has improved operational efficiency and contributes to a more engaged and informed community within DAE.
President’s Staff Award for Advancing Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence
The President’s Staff Award for Advancing Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence is presented to staff who show leadership in promoting inclusive excellence at UBC. This award honours efforts to advance equity and inclusion at UBC by removing barriers to full and active participation in university life, and to positively influence and engage others in equity and inclusion initiatives.
Dana-Lyn Mackenzie
Senior Manager, EDI & Indigeneity
Faculties of Applied Science, Land and Food Systems and Forestry
Dana-Lyn Mackenzie (she/her) is an exceptional leader in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Indigeneity. Her contributions include education and engagement opportunities on Indigenous initiatives, advocacy for EDI principles, policy guidance, and the implementation of the Indigenous Strategic Plan within the faculties.
Dana-Lyn led the development of the Weaving Relations course which explores Indigenous histories, people and contexts, as well as settler colonialism in Canada. The Canvas-based course currently has nearly 2,000 faculty and staff enrolled, illustrating its significant reach within the university. The course’s accessibility and depth reflect Dana-Lyn’s creativity and dedication to making discussions on Indigenous issues approachable and engaging.
Dana-Lyn’s commitment to EDI extends beyond the classroom. She has been instrumental in organizing the Intergenerational March for Orange Shirt Day, overcoming challenges to secure support across campus. She is also a mentor and source of unwavering support for new Indigenous staff at UBC. From raising awareness of EDI topics to creating practical engagement opportunities, Dana-Lyn embodies the principles of inclusion and anti-racism in her work across UBC.
Shawna Narayan
Research Analyst
Shawna Narayan (she/her) is a leader in equity, inclusion, and anti-racism within the Department of Family Practice and beyond. As a Research Analyst, Shawna implements equity and inclusion principles in diverse participant recruitment and accessibility, community engagement and collaboration, and learning cultural competencies.
In addition to her skillful coordination of research activities, she works tirelessly to promote respect and belonging for systematically underrepresented and marginalized communities. Notably, she was at the forefront of organizing a dialogue session with UBC Health After 2020, providing a professional development opportunity for healthcare professionals to explore health equity issues in prescribing opioids for pain. The session attracted a wide variety of students, faculty, staff, health authority personnel, and community members, and highlighted critical issues related to stigma and healthcare.
Shawna’s commitment to fostering inclusive environments extends to mentoring underrepresented students, providing both academic and practical research support. She has also played a pivotal role in reviewing grants for UBC’s Community-University Engagement Support (CUES) Fund, evaluating grants with a lens on equity, inclusion and Indigenous engagement. Shawna’s contributions greatly support UBC’s ongoing commitment to advancing anti-racism and inclusive excellence.
President’s Staff Award for Wellbeing
The President’s Staff Award for Wellbeing is presented to staff who promote the social, physical, and/or mental health and wellbeing for those who study, work, and live at UBC. They develop welcoming and inclusive physical and virtual spaces to nurture community and connection. They take initiative to lead activities, embed wellbeing practices, and create opportunities for others. This award honours those who inspire community members to foster connections and create networks of care for themselves and each other.
Matt Lee
Operations Coordinator
Matt Lee (he/him) makes significant contributions as the ongoing Wellness Champion for the Operations team and the 120+ staff from different units at UBC Robson Square.
Matt’s dedication to promoting health and wellness is evident through his leadership in creating learning and awareness initiatives throughout the year. He effectively adapts UBC’s wellness resources for staff at the Robson Square location. One of Matt’s major initiatives is organizing a bi-annual Health Fair that integrates resources from UBC Health and external partners based on his outreach. This well-rounded event features workshops and one-on-one appointments covering a broad range of topics, including eye health, cholesterol, meditation and more.
Matt leads “Tea Team for Thrive” in support of the annual Thrive campaign, and also coordinates bimonthly Lunch and Learn sessions on mental health, pension, and personal safety. Additionally, he organizes the Cookie Club, one of the most well-attended cross-departmental monthly events, bridging gaps and fostering relationships among the eight departments on site. Matt is an advocate for creating inclusive, welcoming environments and building positive communities. His contributions enhance workplace culture and overall staff wellbeing.
Amanda Unruh
Substance Use & Addiction Partnership Manager
Amanda Unruh (she/her) is a leader and innovator in advancing student wellbeing and harm reduction initiatives at UBC. She played a crucial role in the Substance Use Community of Practice, coordinating responses to evolving substance use challenges within the community. Her exemplary management of the Peer Health Educator Program has seen her mentor and train hundreds of student volunteers, facilitating their growth as community leaders in peer-to-peer health education on topics such as inclusive sexual health, decolonization, and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
Amanda’s dedication to holistic student health has been seen through her engagement in campus-wide initiatives such as the Thrive campaign and the Nurse on Campus program. Furthermore, her proactive approach to connecting students with funding and grant opportunities has highlighted her support for student-led initiatives and advocating for marginalized communities.
Amanda is a pillar of support and an advocate for wellbeing in the learning environment, and has facilitated workshops and offered consultations with faculty to ensure wellbeing is prioritized alongside curriculum delivery. She plays a pivotal role in enhancing the sustainability and impact of student health services and wellbeing at UBC.
President’s Staff Award for Collaborative Excellence
The President’s Staff Award for Collaborative Excellence is presented to a group of staff who demonstrate exceptional team effectiveness through meaningful collaboration, shared expertise, trust and respect, inclusivity, and effective resolution of conflicts or differing perspectives. They perform synergistically to overcome significant challenges and obstacles and achieve a common goal over and above the expectations of the job – and deliver high-value, high-quality outcomes that benefit the university and/or greater community. They collaborate and contribute beyond their own unit to make UBC a first-choice place to work, research, and teach.
Joanne Wouterse, Jennifer Xenakis, Jenny Tai, and Juliana Li
Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Educational Services Manager, Research Assistant Tech, Teaching Technician
Joanne Wouterse (she/her), Jennifer Xenakis (she/her), Jenny Tai (she/her), and Juliana Li (she/her) showcase tireless dedication and exemplary teamwork as the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (BMLSc) Support Team. Their collaborative excellence contributes to building a supportive and effective learning environment, and they have contributed to the successful graduation of students for over a decade.
Each member of the BMLSc Support Team contributes uniquely to the program’s success, as they engage with students on a daily basis. Whether it’s managing scheduling and logistics or offering hands-on support in labs and projects, the team generously offers their time even beyond regular hours. Their proactive communication keeps students informed and prepared for critical updates such as snow closures or transit strikes, and their open-door policy provides essential mental health support.
The BMLSc Support Team leads by example in the matter of collaboration. They work with faculty to ensure students are provided with a nurturing environment in which they observe, learn and practice respect, equity, inclusion, and constructive collaboration. The team exemplifies a high standard of collaboration and genuine care for student success.
Jessica Yu, Annie Huang, Emma Kelly, Hiroko Shiono, Jie Teng
Senior Early Child Educator and Infant Toddler Educators
Jessica Yu (she/her), Annie Huang (she/her), Emma Kelly (she/her), Hiroko Shiono (she/her), and Jie Teng (she/her) are the exceptional team at the Owl at the Barn Daycare. Their collaboration and sharing of expertise help to create a nurturing environment of trust and inclusivity. The team’s cohesive approach has established a vibrant and enriching space for children, parents, and the wider community.
The Owl at the Barn Daycare team excels in building meaningful relationships with children and parents, emphasizing open communication and active responsiveness. Each educator is well-trained in managing multi-age groups, and the team members rotate between the infant/toddler and age 3-5 programs, ensuring that each child forms strong bonds with all the educators. This rotating system, combined with proactive problem-solving and a focus on environmental awareness, highlights the team’s dedication to personalized and effective childcare.
The team’s efforts extend beyond individual interactions; collectively, they innovate to create diverse learning experiences by taking field trips to libraries and gardens across campus. They also regularly engage with neighboring daycares, fostering a collaborative exchange of ideas and resources. Their remarkable dedication to teamwork and innovation ensures a high-quality, inclusive, and stimulating environment for every child.
Congratulations, all!