Committee members

Shayne OlsenCo-chair

Shayne has been at Thompson Rivers University for the past two years in the role of Associate Vice-President, People & Culture. The People & Culture Department provides services to the university in the areas of Learning and Development, Wellness, Recruitment, Labour Relations, Benefits, and other general Human Resources areas. Previously Shayne worked in senior Human Resources positions with the Kamloops-Thompson School District, and for other privately held companies. Shayne has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Simon Fraser University.

Pauline StreeteCo-chair

Pauline Streete is the Executive Director, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-racism (EDI & AR) at Thompson Rivers University. Pauline has occupied paid positions within the EDI space for 20 years. However, her years of volunteering for the SK Caribbean Canadian Association (SCCA), the South Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre (SSILC), and other community-based organizations far exceeds the 20 and demonstrates and reinforces her commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

Adam JensenCommittee member

Adam Jensen was born and raised in Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Adam is an IT Asset Administrator at Thompson Rivers University for almost three years. Adam’s previous experience has been in logistics and leadership within other organization including Canada Post Corporation. Adam has provided leadership on Health and Safety committees. Adam is finishing his second year of a Computing Science Degree at Thompson Rivers University.

Dr. Amie McLeanCommittee member

Dr. Amie McLean is a sociologist, writer, educator and parent whose academic interests are on equity and social justice issues in Canadian post-secondary education and work. Her perspective is rooted in anti-racist, anti-colonial feminist thought, with an expanding focus on disability justice. She has published on post-secondary funding policies for Indigenous students, neo-liberalisation and trucking industry regulation, and the racialized politics of mobility among long haul truckers. Amie previously served as Co-Chair of the Learning at Intercultural Intersections: Towards Equity, Inclusion, and Reconciliation international conference and co-edited a resulting special issue in the Journal of Intercultural Studies. She sits on a wide range of committees focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion and engages in community advocacy work related to these topics.

Crystal SchockCommittee member

Crystal is the current Coordinator, Space Planning and Design at Thompson Rivers University, and has been employed here for nearly 3 years. Crystal is a member of the Soowahlie Stó;lō nation and her ancestors are from Swí;lhcha (now most commonly known as Cultus Lake). In 2000, Crystal received a Diploma in Engineering Design and Drafting Technology from University College of the Cariboo. She is currently working on completing my bachelor’s degree in general studies with significant weight on sustainability and indigenous studies.

Crystal has worked for the last 24 years as a mountain resort planner, architectural technologist/designer, project manager, space planner and construction administrator. Her primary focus was on moderately sized institutional and healthcare facilities, or large multi-purpose outdoor adventure facilities. Crystal has several family members who live with physical disabilities, and numerous friends and family who live with moderate to severe mental health challenges.

Throughout her professional career, Crystal has the opportunity to apply accessibility needs to the built environment every day, and strive in everything she does to make all services, both visible and invisible, more inclusive for all people.

Denise DunstanCommittee member

Denise is from the Nlaka’pamux Nation and has Cerebral Palsy (CP). Denise received her Social Work Degree from Thompson Rivers University in 2010, and her Master of Education from the University of British Columbia in 2021. Denise has worked with youth programming for the past twenty-five years, and at Thompson Rivers University for the past six years as a Learning Strategist, Indigenous Transitions. Her passion is Indigenous Education and Diverse Abilities. Denise has persevered in all areas of her life due to Cerebral Palsy and has overcome multiple barriers. Without her mother’s advocacy and perseverance, she would not be the person she is today. Being asked to be on this committee is an honor and a privilege.

Gregory BrainCommittee member

Greg has been a dedicated employee in the Marketing and Communications department at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) from 2022. His educational background is solid, with diplomas in both Computer Automated Systems Technician (CAST, 1999) and Computer Systems: Operations and Management (CSOM, 2003), both obtained from TRU.

Despite living with kernicterus, a form of cerebral palsy that impacts his fine motor skills, Greg has excelled in his career. His specialization lies in automation for websites and mobile applications, a field in which he has demonstrated considerable expertise.

Beyond his professional achievements, Greg is passionate about building electronic devices and robots. This hobby not only complements his technical skills but also fuels his creativity and problem-solving abilities. His enthusiasm for both his work and personal projects makes him a valuable and innovative member of the TRU community.

Keisha MorongCommittee member

As the new EDI Manager in the Office of EDI-AR, Keisha brings with her 12 years of experience at TRU, spanning positions in Open Learning, Academic Advising, and most recently as a Program Coordinator for TRU Gaglardi graduate programs. Prior to working at TRU, Keisha worked at Kamloops Immigrant Services, and has been meaningfully connected to various community groups, including organizations such as Open Door Group, People in Motion, and many more. Working with such diverse and vulnerable populations at TRU and in the community, Keisha’s passion includes taking an intersectional approach to equity work. She looks forward to both supporting and learning from the Accessibility Committee.

Kristen JohnsonCommittee member

Kristen is a third-generation Scandinavian settler and a member of the Takla Lake Nation of the Carrier people. Kristen was born with hemiplegic cerebral palsy and is passionate about providing an inclusive and equitable experience for all students. Kristen was born and raised in Kamloops, within the unceded traditional lands of the Secwépemc Nation. Kristen is working in providing student-facing services at Thompson Rivers University for the past 12 years. Kristen has a Library Information Technology Diploma from The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, a Bachelor of General Studies degree and an Indigenous Studies Certificate from Thompson Rivers University.

Dr. Pam GurneyCommittee member

For over 25 years, Dr. Pam Gurney was a K-12 educator and was the District Coordinator of Inclusive Education Services in SD73. She is currently a faculty member in the School of Education specializing in inclusive education. She is honoured to support neurodiverse people and improve life for everyone.

Sarah WalzCommittee member

Sarah has worked in post-secondary student services for eighteen years and is currently the Acting Executive Director of Student Development and Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Student Development. Her ongoing position at TRU is Director of Student Access and Academic Supports, which supports the Accessibility Services team within the Faculty of Student Development. Sarah’s educational pathway started at the College of New Caledonia in northern 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's goal in Accessibility Services is to ensure there is equitable access to the learning at TRU. 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.

Connie GeorgetCommittee member

Connie Georget is working as the Administrative Assistant in the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism (EDI & A-R) where she supports initiatives to establish and strengthen TRU’s commitment to EDI & -AR that provide an environment where everyone is welcome. Connie also serves as an advisory council member of CPHR BC & Yukon, where she is a co-chair of the membership/communications portfolio and mentor students and professionals. With over 25 years of experience in Human Resources, including significant involvement in Health and Safety, Disability Management, and Modified Return-to-Work programs, Connie is deeply committed to promoting accessibility and is grateful to be part of this committee.

Zafreen JafferStudent committee member

Zafreen Jaffer is a 2nd year Masters student of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice. She has a history of advocating for accessibility issues and developing policies and projects that support marginalized groups within society.

Tionna LenartStudent committee member

My name is Tionna (she/her). I am a 4th year student studying social work here at TRU. Advocacy and creating positive change are huge passions of mine. I am excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the Accessibility Committee and have the chance to help make TRU a more accessible and inclusive space for all students.