Monday – Thursday
9 am – 6 pm

FRIDAy
9 am – 4 pm

For Drop-in Academic Support schedule, please visit the
Group Academic Support page

Alphie’s Trough

Join us for drop-in study hours, student led groups, and individual spiritual support and direction from our capable University Chaplains.

Find us in one of the most beautiful spaces on campus – Alphie’s Trough – a peaceful escape from the bustle of the University campus.

Monday – Thursday: 8AM to 5PM

Friday: 8AM – 12PM

Rita Welch Meditation centre

The Rita Welch Meditation Centre is a peaceful, welcoming space on campus dedicated to quiet reflection, mindfulness, and spiritual well-being. Named in memory of Rita Welch, it offers students a calm environment to pause, recharge, and find balance amid the demands of university life.

The Brock Masjid

The Brock Masjid is a dedicated prayer and reflection space on campus that serves the spiritual needs of Muslim students, faculty, and staff. Open daily, it offers a quiet and respectful environment for prayer, community connection, and spiritual practice, fostering inclusivity and belonging within the Brock community.

Monday – FRIDAY
8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Closed for lunch from 12 pm – 1 pm

Dawn Kakiroko
Wellness Navigator, Black Student Success Centre
[email protected]

More about Monique

Ash Grover – Hons BA, MA
Curriculum Development Specialist, Learning Services
[email protected]

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.”

Cassandra Carlson, Hons BSc 

Learning Skills Specialist, Learning Services
[email protected]

Portfolio areas: As a Learning Skills Specialist, I educate students on various study skills and life habits within the BOOST program. I also provide oversight of Lunch & Learn events run by Learning Services with Brock service partners to provide education and resources on these study skills in a variety of modalities to accommodate students and create diverse learning environments. My role provides these resources while considering an accessible and inclusive lens in education. 

About me: I graduated from Brock with a BSc in Biology and Psychology. During my undergrad I completed a neuroscience thesis examining early life stress and microglia in the hippocampus! I’ve also spoken at the UNPFII and COP-15 in 2022 where I focused on Indigenous sovereignty, creating objectives focusing on seven-generation sustainability, and using a Two-Eyed seeing approached to environmental conservation.  I enjoy staying active like running, going to the gym, and I love to read and watch movies. I have a passion for scientific concepts that use both Western and Non-Western knowledge models.  

Danielle Morris-O’Connor, Ph.D
Graduate Academic Support Specialist, Learning Services/Faculty of Graduate Studies
[email protected]

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.

Emily Nunn
Student Services Operations Coordinator
[email protected]

Portfolio areas: I am responsible for service delivery and office administration of Student Life and Success. With a focus on frontline delivery, day-to-day operations, focusing on student-centered service delivery, program support and financial administration.

About Me: I am a proud graduate of Brock University. I enjoy spending time with my family enjoying the outdoors of the Niagara Region. I am a-type person, who loves organization and routine. 

Gail Neff
Chemistry Support, Learning Services
[email protected]

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.

Michael Martignago
Learning Skills Specialist, Learning Services
[email protected]

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
[email protected]

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

Rakha Zabin, PhD, MEd, MA, BA (Hons)
Learning Specialist
[email protected]

Portfolio areas: I provide tailored academic support through focused instructional programming that equips students with the strategies they need to thrive academically. I also design and facilitate targeted workshops on a wide range of academic topics, helping students build strong learning habits, boost academic confidence, and successfully navigate the transition to university life.

About Me: I’m passionate about fostering equitable and inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive. I hold a PhD in Educational Studies from Brock University with a specialization in Leadership and Policy Studies, with my dissertation focusing on student experiences and the alignment of institutional policies in higher education. As a former international student, I bring an equity-focused lens to academic support, striving to uplift diverse voices through education. My interests include intercultural integration, emotional intelligence, student-centered leadership, and academic transitions. I enjoy travelling and exploring cultures and cuisines around the world.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela

Sandra Starmans, Hons. BA, MEd
Learning Skills Specialist, Learning Services
[email protected]

Portfolio areas: As a Learning Skills Specialist, I provide academic support in the form of practical, skills-based instructional programming to undergraduate students deemed to be academically at risk. My post-secondary educational experiences as a mature, first generation, transfer student, along with my graduate studies in the Social and Cultural Contexts of Education underlie my passion for working with students who have been historically underserved, particularly in university settings. Additionally, I deliver workshops on a wide range of academic topics for Brock students and faculty members.

About Me: When I am not at work, I love to travel, read and attend as many live music events as possible. I also love spending time at home, cooking, gardening and exploring the Niagara region with my family and pets!

Carolyn Hough, MEd
Manager, Student Leadership and Engagement
[email protected]

Portfolio Areas: Looking to get involved on campus? The Campus Wide Co-Curriculum (CWC) is the place to start! A large part of my role is developing the CWC and encouraging engagement with the CWC from students, faculty, staff, and clubs! The CWC allows students to identify and establish the learning and growth they get from the events, activities, and experiences students engage with outside of academic spaces. I also work with partners across campus to implement orientation and transition programming for all new Brock students as well as reviewing student event risk-management.

About Me: I am a proud Brock University graduate, finishing my Masters of Education in Spring 2021. I have worked at Brock since 2017, previously in the Department of Residences, where I was able to channel my love for non-academic student learning and development into first year student transition and student staff leadership development. I look forward to expanding my scope for non-academic learning to the entire Brock student community! When I’m not at work, you can find me volunteering with adoptable dogs, spending time outside, and exploring local restaurants and wineries!

Kristen Smith
Manager, Off-Campus and Community Experience
[email protected]

Portfolio Areas: Oversight of community outreach and partnerships, student and community engagement, volunteering, and off-campus living & neighbourhood relations.

About Me: I am a proud Brock graduate of the Child and Youth Studies program.
I am grateful for the opportunity to work with amazing students as well as inspiring campus and community partners. I love all things local, from local food to live music and community events. I am an active volunteer, enjoy cooking and am happiest near water.

Aryan Purkayastha
Off-Campus Living Coordinator
[email protected]

Portfolio Areas: My portfolio focuses on supporting students who live off-campus or are planning to live off-campus by providing guidance and resources that enhance their overall experience. This includes assisting with roommate conflict resolution, helping students identify safe and suitable off-campus housing options, addressing any questions or concerns related to off-campus living, as well as helping plan and execute fun off-campus events. My goal is to create an amazing and supportive experience and community for all off-campus students and to allow students to create lasting and meaningful connections.

About Me: I am a proud Brock graduate, completing my undergraduate degree in Sport Management in 2025 and I love to help students have the best possible experience during their time at university and make the most out of their time at Brock! I love playing a bunch of different sports, playing video games, trying new foods and travelling!

Jenna Moorhead (she/her)
Community Experience Coordinator
[email protected]

Lauryn Poulin (she/her)
Engagement Systems Coordinator
[email protected]

Portfolio:

I am responsible for managing and overseeing the systems-based components of student engagement, with a focus on optimizing the ExperienceBU platform to enhance the student experience and support cross-campus initiatives. I also oversee campus promotions and student event risk management processes. Additionally, I work closely with student staff to strengthen our digital presence through the development of engaging social media and online content.

About Me:

I am a proud graduate of Brock University, where I majored in Psychology, and I also hold a Bachelor of Education from Wilfrid Laurier University. During my time at Brock, I was actively involved in the campus community through a variety of student staff roles. Those experiences significantly shaped my personal and professional development, as well as my love for working in higher education. Outside of work, I spend most of my free time with my husband and our two daughters. I enjoy staying active, being outdoors, cooking and hiking.

Nicole Finstad
New Student Experience Coordinator
[email protected]

Portfolio Areas: I focus on helping new students transition to university life by creating engaging programs, events, and resources. From orientation to ongoing support for first-year and transfer students, I work to ensure everyone feels connected and set up for success. Collaborating with campus partners, I strive to create meaningful experiences and a strong sense of community. My goal is to help students thrive during their time at Brock.

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

Travis Greene
Leadership Development Coordinator
[email protected]

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!