WatCAT member bios

Published on the topic of post-secondary education for students with disabilities since 2004. Her research explored the experience of transitioning into university and out into employment for students with disabilities. Her latest research resulted in the development of a framework for how a university can systematically create a culture of compassion and inclusion. Jennifer was recently hired as the University’s Manager for AccessAbility Services, an office that facilitates and promotes access to education.
Contact Jennifer to discuss the interconnection of AccessAbility Services with Co-operative Education and the Centre for Career Development or to learn more about the grant and consideration for items outside of the scope of the project.

Has spent all of his career working with and supporting Waterloo co-op students through his previous roles as Mentor, Lead Mentor and Instructional Support Coordinator with the University’s program development programs. In his role as Research Associate/Project Lead, Andrew manages the grant project and conducts academic and market research to help deliver on the project’s objectives.
Contact Andrew to ask questions about EnAbling Change Grant project's deliverables, objectives and projected timelines or to learn more about opportunities to provide feedback on the project's deliverables.

A registered speech-language pathologist by trade and Senior Advisor/Advising Services Specialist for AccessAbility Services. In her role, she reviews medical documentation to develop appropriate accommodation plans for students that meet Ministry and industry standards. Michele has worked with many students with disabilities who have experienced challenges seeking to participate in work integrated learning.
Contact Michelle to learn more about how the outcomes will meaningfully contribute to students participating in the co-op process.

As Director of the Centre for Career Development, Jennifer’s focus is on designing career and co-op programming that equips all students with the skills, knowledge and perspective needed to attain meaningful work and sustainable careers. Previously, Jennifer has held roles in the public sector with a focus on client-centred services research and community service management.
Contact Jennifer to discuss the Centre for Career Development's collaborative partnership with AccessAbility and Co-operative Education in supporting co-op students or to discuss the benefits of and methods by which an inclusive career management, skills and/or employability lens can be woven into programming and initiatives across campus.

Has had a long career in student and career services in Higher Education. His academic research interests include career aspirations, gender and leadership, and student development. A member of the Centre for Career Development management team, Richard has a primary role in managing the delivery of employment preparation programs and services for undergraduate students. A specific area of focus is the array of services for all co-op students preparing to enter their first work term and collaborating with campus partners who are engaged in co-operative education.
Contact Richard to discuss employment preparation processes or campus partnerships related to the project or to learn more about the grant, its progress, and to share considerations for the future.

Has experience managing diversity, inclusivity and equity initiatives and organizational and cultural change. He was on the development team for the University’s award-winning Principles of Inclusivity. As a Faculty Relations Manager for Co-operative Education (CE), he acts as a primary liaison between CE and on-campus employers. Jeremy supports colleagues in implementing organizational redesign to ensure a quality co-op experience and that CE contributes to academic missions.
Contact Jeremy to discuss how the project contributes to the quality of the co-op programs in support of the academic mission or to discuss matter of incorporating elements of organizational culture and change into the project outcomes.

Has spent a large part of her career working to understand the ever-evolving academic, co-op, and social needs of Waterloo students. With past roles in Housing & Residences and the Student Success Office, Gabrielle has spent time working with students at all different stages of their Waterloo experiences. As the Co-op Student Experience Manager, she works to advance strategic projects and priorities that impact or are related to the co-op student perspective. Gabrielle also liaises between co-op and campus partners and remains an advocate within Co-operative Education to ensure new processes/services remain meaningful and student-focused at their core.
Contact Gabrielle to provide feedback on co-op student experiences in relation to this project or to discuss strategies the WatCAT team might want to consider incorporating to strengthen student engagement in the co-op process.

Undergraduate co-op student at the University of Waterloo in his third year of Health Sciences with a Pre-Health Professions Specialization and a Gerontology minor. He has supported marketing efforts through project coordination in his previous role at the in-sync Consumer Insight Corporation. He has also promoted academic success by acting as an on-campus tutor with the Writing and Communication Centre. In his role as Project assistant, Justin works with the Research Associate/Project Lead to help deliver the project’s objectives.
University of Waterloo co-op students have been hired as project supports, bringing with them their personal experience of navigating work-integrated learning.
Contact Justin to share research regarding accessibility in relation to work-integrated learning and/or employability, or to discuss other resources or experiences that might be valuable for the project.