monday – friday*
8 am – 8 pm

Fridays 12 PM – 3 PM
open for Jummah Prayer only

Monday – Friday
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Closed for lunch from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Nicole Finstad
Student Services and Supports Coordinator
nfinstad@brocku.ca
TH 129
905 688 5550 x 5774

Portfolio Areas: Supports service delivery and office administration for the department of Student Life and Success (SLS), including campus promotions.

About Me: I am a proud Brock Alumni, completing my undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences in 2014. I gain so much satisfaction from helping students succeed and guiding them through their academic journey! My hobbies include camping, cross-stitching and dancing, and I am also a diehard fan of The Office!

“Acquiring the ability to think does not mean being taught many times how to solve problems, but rather acquiring the wisdom to tackle problems using the best of one’s abilities” – Toru Kumon

Henry Gerbrandt; Diplom-Volkswirt, BAcc
Data & Assessment Coordinator
hgerbrandt@brocku.ca
TH131
905 688 5550 x5996

Portfolio Areas: I oversee the data collection for our services and provide assessments and analyses for continuous service improvement. I also assist with clerical duties for a variety of our programs.

About Me: My favourite hobbies are soccer, table tennis, chess, and spending time with my kids. My passions include working with both spreadsheets and people, bringing out the best in all of them. (“Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.” – Albert Einstein​)

Philipp Lesmana
Marketing and Media Design, Operations
plesmana@brocku.ca
TH 131
905 688 5550 x5698

Portfolio Areas: I provide information technology and interactive media support for our services, including but not limited to websites, social media, sharepoint, PowerApps, graphic design, videography and photography.

About Me: In my spare time, I love to work out, read, learn exciting new skills and play games.  (“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” – Henry Ford)

Ash Grover – Hons BA, MA
Curriculum Development Specialist, Learning Services
agrover2@brocku.ca
TH 129
905 688 5550 x6672

Portfolio areas: I have a background in equity and am interested in providing tailored supports for students facing significant barriers to their education, as well as developing curriculum for our workshops and programming that reflects diverse educational experiences. I also get to supervise the wonderful drop-in and workshop peers who work with us at Learning Services.

About Me: My interests include writing, going on adventures with my little family, pop culture criticism, and punk rock shows. As a current PhD student in the Faculty of Education at Brock, I am also passionate about making the realm of research and publishing more equitable. In the words of bell hooks, “The academy is not paradise, but learning is a place where paradise can be created.”

Danielle Morris-O’Connor, Ph.D
Graduate Academic Support Specialist, Learning Services/Faculty of Graduate Studies
dmorrisoconnor@brocku.ca
Th129/MC D250

Portfolio Areas: I provide a variety of one-on-one and group writing supports for graduate students. Along with individual sessions and workshops, I run the weekly Grad Student Writing Café, which provides a supportive working space from graduate students, and assist with other grad-related events through Learning Service and the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Details about my supports and how to book a one-on-one session or workshop with me can be found here.

About Me: I recently completed my Ph.D. in English Literature at the University of Alberta with a focus in children’s literature. My other passion and research interest is teaching and learning, especially around student wellbeing and engagement. I’m a proud Newfoundlander and dual Irish/Canadian citizen. In my downtime, I love spending time and playing video games with my family.

Gail Neff
Chemistry Support, Learning Services
gneff@brocku.ca
TH 129
905 688 5550 x5774

I provide Chemistry support in our Drop-In Centre, work with our student staff, and collaborate with Brock’s Science Faculty to organize engagement programming in the sciences, like Scientifically Yours. I’ve been at Brock since 1970 and held Chemistry Senior Lab Demonstrator and Chemistry Course Coordinator positions.

My interests include spending time with my family (including 8 grandchildren), playing tennis(!), tutoring chemistry, as well as supporting women in their pursuit to attain postsecondary education. I am currently the Vice President of the Canadian Federation of University Women.

Lindsay Hayhurst, Hons BA, MA
Curriculum Development Specialist, eLearning, Learning Services
lhayhurst@brocku.ca
TH129

Portfolio Areas: I design, develop and deliver curricula and programming aimed at easing students’ transition to university and supporting their academic success. I also contribute to the development and implementation of best-practices related to eLearning and online instructional methods, as well as provide oversight of our tutoring services.

About Me: I am a Brock graduate. The support, encouragement and guidance that I received from Brock faculty and staff as an undergraduate student significantly shaped my academic and professional journey. I feel very fortunate that my role at Brock enables me to give back to the Brock community.   I am an outdoors enthusiast with a passion for reading. I am also interested in the field of positive psychology and the use of lifestyle factors, such as food and physical activity, to support overall health and wellbeing.

Michael Martignago
Learning Skills Specialist, Learning Services
mmartignago@brocku.ca
TH 129
905 688 5550 x5774

Portfolio Areas: As a Learning Skills Specialist, I provide academic writing support and assist both undergraduate and graduate students with developing the study skills to achieve their own personal academic goals.

About Me: My interests include studying ancient and modern history, academic writing, conducting archival research, and helping students overcome procrastination and get the most out of their university experience! I’m also a proud Brock University alumnus!

Monica Drenth, Hons. B.A.
Learning Specialist & Transfer Student Support, Learning Services
mdrenth@brocku.ca
TH 129
905 688 5550 x6672

Portfolio areas: I provide study skills support designed to enhance academic performance for students in all disciplines with a focus on supporting Transfer Students. I run the Transfer Connect social programming, develop Transfer Skills workshops, coordinate the Transfer Success Program, support graduate and undergraduate writing, and facilitate Learning courses.

About Me: My interests include writing, grammar (yes, REALLY!), and student engagement. I have recently completed my Master of Education at Brock University. I enjoy writing and love spending time outdoors.

”No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” – Charles Dickens

Kailey Meehan, B.Sc, M.Sc
Roman Catholic Campus Minister
nb_kmeehan@brocku.ca
Faith and Life Centre – Alphie’s Trough

Portfolio areas: Kailey is the newly appointed Catholic Campus Minister. She works with Zack DeBruyne to provide students and staff the wide variety of supports offered by the Faith and Life Centre.  She oversees the Catholic Chaplaincy, providing things such as retreats, spiritual and vocational counselling, leadership development, and faith formation to the Catholic community at Brock.  She also works with a local priest to provide the Sacraments on campus.

About Me: I was a Brock student for 7.5 years! I graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and again in 2020 with a Master of Science degree in Biotechnology. I am now pursuing a Master’s in Theology with Augustine Institute while serving the Brock community as your Catholic Chaplain.  I am passionate about my job, solving Rubik’s cubes, and dancing!

The Reverend Krista Hilton, B.A.Sc., M.Div.
Ecumenical University Chaplain
nb_khilton@brocku.ca
Faith and Life Centre – Alphie’s Trough

Portfolio Areas: The ecumenical chaplain supports the spiritual health and well-being of students, faculty, and staff through offering pastoral care. The chaplain helps students be curious about faith by offering programs that explore issues of religion, spirituality, and ethics. The chaplain is accountable to a Board of Directors with representatives from the chartered denominations (Anglican, Presbyterian, United Church of Canada) and the university. The mandate of the ecumenical chaplain is to be available to all, regardless of religious affiliation or denomination.

About Me: I moved to St. Catharines in 2016 with my husband and two daughters. We love to spend time outside, playing with our dog, bike riding, jumping on our trampoline, or going to the beach. I also enjoy vegetarian cooking, reading, and catching up on my favourite shows. In my spare time, I work as a lactation consultant in private practice. I’m thrilled to be part of the team that provides spiritual and pastoral care at Brock University. Contact me anytime!

Keeley Burger
Student Affairs Case Coordinator, Student Affairs
kburger@brocku.ca
Decew R202
905 688 5550

Portfolio Areas: I provide one on one support to students struggling with mental health concerns, academics, relationships, and personal or emotional concerns. Additionally, I work as a member of our Campus Assessment, Response, and Education (CARE) Team where a collaborative approach is taken to support our students. Utilizing my DBT skills, I offer workshops and education to the Brock community. My role also involves work with our Student Code of Conduct and alternative dispute resolutions for students at Brock.

About Me: I am a proud Brock University graduate, and a Registered Social Worker (RSW). I have a passion for encouraging others and feel it is important to meet people where they are at in their journey. When I’m not working you can find me with my family and friends, enjoying each other’s company.

Tanya Bradley
Manager, Student Leadership and Engagement
tbradley@brocku.ca
DeCew 205
905 688 5550 x5280

Portfolio Areas: Orientation, transition and first-year experience; student engagement and student event risk-management; leadership training and development, as well as Honour Societies.

About Me: Since I was an undergraduate student myself, my passion for student engagement and learning outside of the classroom led my career and personal pathway. When I’m not in the office, I love spending time outside with family and friends exploring our beautiful Region.

Sarah Vaz (she/her)
Coordinator, Orientation and Community Experience
svaz@brocku.ca
Student Life Involvement Commons, MC A204
905 688 5550 x5489

Portfolio Areas: It’s my goal to have Brock University be your new home. I’m tasked with planning your Orientation, as well as promoting Community Engagement by finding opportunities for students to get involved volunteering in our community.

About Me: I am a proud Brock University Alumni, finishing the Concurrent Education program in June 2022. I have always had a passion for student life and education outside of the classroom, which is what initially drew me to this position. When I’m not in the office, you can find me exploring Niagara Region and researching new travel destinations around the world. If you drop by my office, feel free to share your favourite corner of the globe so I can add it to my list! You can find my office in MCA 204.

Syerra Jasmin Chasse
Coordinator, Off-Campus Student Engagement
sjasmin@brocku.ca
Student Life Involvement Commons, MC A204
905 688 5550 x.6331

Portfolio Areas: If you are a student living off campus or Niagara resident with a concern about something happening in your community, I am here for you!
I offer appointments to students who have questions about living off campus or who are navigating conflicts between their roommates, neighbors, or property owners. I help students learn about the Niagara housing market and their rights as a tenant, advise students on the housing process and also create workshops and resources. I run initiatives in our community and regularly meet with local government, community members and stakeholders on matters related to off-campus student living. Additionally, I manage our Off-Campus Peer Mentor team that provides personalized events and support to our incoming off-campus students.

About Me: I am a two-time Brock Alumna, having graduated first with my Bachelor of Arts (in art and archaeology) and later my Bachelor of Education (Junior/Intermediate). I love history and archaeology, illustration, and everything to do with the natural world. I am passionate about education and supporting students during their time here at Brock. I hope to see you on campus!

Travis Greene
Coordinator, Leadership Development
tgreene@brocku.ca
Student Life Involvement Commons, MC A204

Portfolio Areas: Looking to enhance your leadership capacity and grow as a person along the way? Then our Leadership Development program is for you! I facilitate Brock Leads solo sessions, Building Leaders weekly sessions, as well as Brock’s own Foundations in Leadership Professional Development Series in hopes to equip all students with what they need to succeed.

About Me: I am a proud graduate of Brock University and have spent my entire student and professional career working in student services. I love to learn new skills and pass some knowledge out along the way, and my favourite hobbies include music, athletics, and video games. Hope to see you in some sessions soon!