Program Coordinator Bios
Transcription
Program Coordinator Bios
PBSC 2015-2016 Program Coordinator Biographies Margaret House (University of Victoria) I am passionate about animal welfare, I love the outdoors, dancing (poorly), and live indie music - its my kryptonite. Before law school, I was an Animal Welfare Inspector for about a decade and though I miss my job, I am amazed at the opportunities that law provides me to contribute meaningfully to the world and, hopefully, make it just a little better. I hope to practice union-side Labour Law. Jessica Steingard (University of Victoria) Hello! I am a 3L at UVic Law and excited to be taking on another role with PBSC this year! I have volunteered with PBSC throughout law school, first on a non-legal placement and this past year with a family dispute resolution organization. I am originally from Edmonton, AB, and completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the U of A before heading west. I will likely be returning to Edmonton for articles and winter, and so I am thoroughly enjoying my ‘location vacation’ in Victoria. When I am not busy with schoolwork, I love making crafts, potlucks with friends, and golf. Yusra Khan (University of British Columbia) Yusra is entering her final year at the University of British Columbia Law School, and is interested in the intersection of law, politics and democracy. She graduated from McGill in 2012 with a degree in Economics and International Development. Yusra grew up in the Middle East and is fluent in four languages, but has yet to master the ability to swim. In her free time she enjoys cooking for friends, travelling and exploring different cultures, and running alongside the beautiful Vancouver seawall. Rana Hazarat (University of British Columbia) My name is Rana Hazarat. I go to UBC Law and studied Political Science and Economics during my undergrad at UBC as well. I love being outdoors, from hiking, cross-country skiing, to surfing. Any physical activity, and I’ll be there! I also enjoy reading, and traveling. My favorite places to travel are Turkey and California. Once law school is over, I’m looking forward to traveling to even more places! Hiking up Machu Picchu is next up on my list! Nick Smith (University of Alberta) I'm an incoming 3L at the University of Alberta, and have been elected as Edmonton’s PBSC Coordinator for 2015. I grew up as the youngest of 3 in Whitehorse, Yukon, before taking an undergrad in linguistics at the U of A. I fell in love with Edmonton for its tropical climate, and haven't left since. My previous volunteer experience is as a caseworker with PBSC’s human rights project and as a coordinator of Student Legal Services. I consider myself a top contender for Alberta’s Deans list (although the dean unfortunately does not share my enthusiasm). Robert LaValley (Student Legal Services Coordinator) I am an incoming third year student at the University of Alberta. I was born in Peace River but have moved numerous times. Prior to attending University, I worked in the oilfield for 4 years where I did everything from construction to cleaning vessels. I am currently the Executive Coordinator of Student Legal Services, and was formerly a Criminal Caseworker. I am a strong supporter of giving back to the community, and have been actively involved with non-profits since the second year of my undergrad. Danielle Douglas (University of Alberta) I am entering my second year of law school at the University of Calgary. I am originally from Vancouver, BC. I graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Arts in History. I was a varsity athlete on UBC’s Track and Field Team competing in the 100m, 200m, 400m and the 4x100m relay team. Between completing my undergraduate degree and coming to law school, I backpacked Europe with a friend and worked as a Track and Field Coach in Vancouver. I am happiest whenever I am outdoors and with my friends. Jana Wiens (University of Calgary) Jana Wiens is a law student at the University of Calgary (J.D. Candidate 2016). Born and raised in Alberta, she completed her Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Alberta. After completing her undergraduate degree, Jana worked for five years at a local family service agency in Edmonton, AB. In addition to her academic and professional pursuits, Jana has given back to the community through her involvement with organizations such as United Way Capital Region, Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton, UofC Student Legal Assistance, and Pro Bono Students Canada. Jana is greatly looking forward to her continued involvement with PBSC. Sarah Nordin (University of Saskatchewan) Sarah Nordin obtained her BA from the University of Saskatchewan in 2011 and commenced legal studies in the fall of 2014. In between academic studies, she worked with and learned from individuals and families living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, mental illness, victims of crime and young offenders. Sarah helped to launch and coordinate the Saskatoon Provincial Court Mental Helath Strategy. She is passionate about person-centered practices that increase access to justice within various 'systems.' Michelle Caron (University of Saskatchewan) My name is Michelle Caron. I am a University of Saskatchewan student and member of Aboriginal Law Students Association, Solidarity for those in Solitary and a Pro Bono Students Canada volunteer at a local walk in advocacy clinic. I was born and raised in Thunder Bay, ON and am an Anisnawbe ikwe member of Pic River First Nation. Prior to law, I received degrees in Kinesiology, Psychology and Education while studying at Lakehead University. My most recent careers were as an aquatic supervisor and a Special education teacher. As a teacher, I valued my skill of working from a strengths based perspective and its relationship to access to justice and empowerment. Lara Bonkowski (University of Saskatchewan) Lara Bonokoski just finished her first year of law at the University of Saskatchewan. Prior to returning to school to study law, Lara spent five years working in the Community Development field, primarily as the Director of Community Initiatives at the YMCA of Regina. Lara has developed and supported numerous social development projects in the areas of housing, employment, and education. She has an undergraduate degree in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Regina. Lara is thrilled to be working as a program coordinator with the PBSC U of S team in 2015-2016. Julia Ryckman (University of Manitoba) I just finished my second year of law at Robson Hall, University of Manitoba and this is my second year as a PBSC Program Coordinator. My interest in PBSC and access to justice grew out of my life long commitment to supporting social justice as well as my former career working for a non-profit social service organization in Winnipeg. While working at the non-profit, I also juggled a career as a musician, recording albums, performing, touring, and making music videos. My background is in opera singing; however, I somehow ended up singing rock and punk--among other things. I will be releasing a solo album in the fall and hope to perform as much as possible before starting articling. Brendan Mahatoo (University of Manitoba) Brendan just completed his first year of law at Robson Hall, University of Manitoba. Born in Kenora Ontario. Moved to Winnipeg at the age of 5. Passionate about leadership, community service, most things geeky, law, space exploration, and of course, access to justice. After his own PBSC project, he could not be more excited to be working for the organization. A past student of psychology and ex-businessman, holds a wide range of interests and experience. As a self proclaimed dork, always happy to talk about the works of Tolkien or about Harry Potter to anyone who will listen. Rebecca Locksley (Windsor University) I have just finished my second year at the University of Windsor. Before coming to law school, I completed an undergraduate degree in Radio and Television Art and spent several years working for Discovery Channel Canada. I am from Burlington, Ontario and enjoy traveling, golfing, reading and spending time with family and friends. Gauri Gogna (University of Windsor) I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, majoring in history and minoring in sociology and diaspora studies. I am currently a rising 3L Dual JD student at the University of Windsor and the University of Detroit Mercy. I love travelling and so I picked a law school program which would allow me to travel internationally every day. When I’m not studying in a dark corner of the library, you can usually find me watching obscene amounts of television without an ounce of shame. Brad Hallowell (University of Western Ontario) My name is Brad Hallowell and I am entering my second year of law at the University of Western Ontario. This past academic year I participated in a PBSC research project with the Kitikmeot Law Centre in Nunavut. As part of my research, I helped develop criminal law modules that will address access to legal education in the territory. Beyond my interest in access to justice, I am an avid golfer, traveller, and musician. I have worked in several facets of the golf industry, I’ve visited over 16 countries, and I am currently the singer/guitarist in a band with three fellow Western Law students. Olga Elmanova (University of Western Ontario) In September, Olga is going into her third year of law at the University of Western Ontario. After getting a diploma in Social Work and a degree in Public Administration, she worked for the City of Toronto Employment and Social Services for four years. Deciding it is time for a challenge and a change she registered for Law School. Her involvement in PBSC began right away and included projects such as Eviction Prevention and Criminal Law Information Centre. Currently, she is a supervisor at Community Legal Services, and will be a Pro Bono Assistant Coordinator in September 2015. Shanaz Khan (Osgoode Hall Law School) Shanaz is entering her third year at Osgoode Hall Law School. She recently completed the immigration intensive program, a placement with Deloitte LLP and a PBSC assignment at FCJ Refugee Centre. Thankful for the opportunities that have come her way, Shanaz strongly believes in paying it forward. As such she sits on two governance committees for the Canadian Red Cross and has volunteered with Law in Action within Schools, the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture and a human rights organization in South Africa. Shanaz enjoys charity marathons and is an avid Manchester United and Toronto Blue Jays fan! Noorain Shethwala (Osgoode Hall Law School) Noorain is entering her third year at Osgoode Hall Law School, and will be the incoming Fall Coordinator for the PBSC chapter. Prior to coming to Osgoode, Noorain studied Political Science at the University of Guelph and worked for the University’s Judicial Office. Noorain will be working at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association this summer, and hopes to work in the field of Refugee and Immigration law after graduation. If she’s not procrastinating on readings, you’ll find her over indulging in chocolate croissants, playing scrabble, or working her way through the IMDB’s Top 250 movie list. Debbie Wang (University of Toronto) Debbie grew up across China, Singapore, Canada and the United States before completing her B.A. in Psychology and Interdisciplinary Life Sciences at McGill University. As a result of her pseudo-nomadic lifestyle, she has a particular fondness for permanent natural landscapes that will never move around on her, and seizes every opportunity to escape to the closest mountain range. While waiting for escape to be feasible, she spends her time eating and drinking her way across Toronto, and occasionally runs laps around the scant green space on U of T’s campus. Olivia Lifman (University of Toronto) Olivia Lifman is a J.D. student at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law. Prior to her legal studies, she earned a M.Phil in Modern and Contemporary Literature at the University of Cambridge, and a First Class Honours B.A. in English and International Relations from McGill University. She has worked for various publications, including online magazine Her Campus; was a tennis coach for five years; and, has ten years experience as a long-distance runner. Through the University of Toronto's PBSC chapter, Olivia previously volunteered with the Association of Media Literacy, expanding her placement by hosting media contracts education seminars for the 'Law in Action Within Schools' program. Adam Giel (Queen’s University) I am a program coordinator and 3L student at Queen’s. Prior to Queen’s, I completed a degree in Business Administration at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario. During my undergrad, I was heavily involved in the intramural sports program, as well as residence life. I was born and raised in Toronto. Growing up I played just about every sport, with hockey and soccer receiving much of my focus. During the past three summers and the year prior to attending Queen's, I worked at the North Toronto Soccer Club as part of the technical staff. I am an avid follower of all Toronto sports teams. Rosa Stall (Queen’s University) My name is Rosa Stall and I am from Toronto, Ontario. I completed my Undergraduate degree at McGill University, with a major in History and a minor in Religious Studies. I have just finished my first year at Queen’s Law, and throughout this past year I have been involved in a pro bono project regarding mining law. I thoroughly enjoyed my pro bono experience, and I am really excited to be acting as the PBSC Queen’s Law School Year Coordinator to learn more about the unique issues that affect the city of Kingston. Charlotte Sully (University of Ottawa, Common Law Section) Charlotte Sully is originally from Calgary Alberta. After completing high school and many years of ballet, she made the change from pointe shoes to combat boots, and joined the Canadian Armed Forces. While in the Army, she attended the Royal Military College of Canada and received a BA in Political Science. Following undergrad, Charlotte served another five years with the military, including military support to the Vancouver Olympics, and two tours in Afghanistan. Charlotte is currently a 2016 JD candidate at the University of Ottawa, and hoes to continue her public service in the realm of public policy development. Julia Chung (University of Ottawa, Common Law Section) My name is Julie Chung and I am currently enrolled in my second year of the common law program in French at the University of Ottawa. I am fluently bilingual. I have completed an undergraduate degree in criminology with a minor in political science. In the past, I’ve gained experience working for the Correctional Service of Canada, Immigration and Citizenship Canada and the Library of Parliament. I look forward to joining ProBono Students Canada as a program co-coordinator at the University of Ottawa and hope to contribute my organizational and leadership skills to the organization. Émilie Corbeil (University of Ottawa, Civil Law Section) Je m’appelle Émilie Corbeil. Je suis étudiante de première année à la licence en droit civil et au baccalauréat en sciences sociales spécialisé en développement international et mondialisation à l’Université d’Ottawa. Je suis originaire de la ville de Trois-Rivières au Québec, soit la ville à mi-chemin entre Montréal et Québec. Je suis la troisième d’une famille de quatre enfants. Je pourrais me décrire comme une fille déterminée, passionnée et curieuse. Je pratique plusieurs sports dont le bateau dragon, le conditionnement physique et le kickboxing. J’adore regarder des séries télévisées et manger du popcorn! Mes sujets de prédilection sont les inégalités sociales, l’environnement, la coopération internationale et le droit autochtone. Niki Galanopoulos (VC) (University of Ottawa, Civil Law Section) Mon nom est Niki Galanopoulos et je suis actuellement en deuxième année de droit civil à la Faculté de droit de l’Université d’Ottawa. Je suis également détentrice d’un diplôme d’études collégiales en Techniques juridiques. Je suis une fille qui a un très grand cœur. Je suis toujours à l’écoute des gens et toujours prête à leur venir en aide. Dévouée et passionnée, je suis émerveillée par la vie et tous ses petits plaisirs. Je suis une personne qui est toujours à la recherche de nouveaux défis, de belles aventures et de nouvelles découvertes. Je suis parfois entêtée et je défends avec conviction mes opinions, mais je suis toutefois une personne qui aime discuter et partager avec les gens. Je suis une personne très ouverte d’esprit qui aime en apprendre beaucoup sur les autres et leur façon de voir la vie. Nour Saadi (McGill University) Nour est une étudiante qui entamera en 2015 sa 3e année à la Faculté de droit de McGill. Elle a été bénévole Pro Bono durant sa 2e année avec un organisme qui se nomme « Réseau des Activistes pour l’Inclusion au Québec », pour qui elle a écrit des plaintes, notamment pour des situations de discrimination fondée sur le handicap. Quotidiennement, Nour va à ses pratiques de danse et apprend le coréen! Judith Lemieux (Université de Montréal) Actuellement en 2e année au baccalauréat à la Faculté de droit de l’Université de Montréal, c’est après avoir été impliquée dans des comités étudiants de la Faculté, avoir fondé le comité UNICEF UdeM et travaillé durant 1 an au sein de Concertation-Femme, un organisme venant en aide aux femmes démunies au plan juridique, que j’ai compris que le domaine du droit communautaire était pour moi une passion à laquelle je désirais me dédier à plein temps. Pro Bono m’est ainsi apparu comme la meilleure opportunité, conjuguant mon sens de l’initiative ainsi que mon désir d’aider mon prochain. ☺ Hai-Linh Nguyen (Université de Montréal) Étant une étudiante ayant complétée son DEC en sciences humaines à Brébeuf avant d’entreprendre ses études en droit, Hai-Linh a eu la possibilité de faire différentes activités gratifiantes dans son parcours. Cette année, elle a effectuée un stage pour Option consommateurs, un organisme défendant les droits des consommateurs, et monitrice de camp de répit pour les personnes handicapées. Grande voyage dans l’âme, durant deux étés consécutifs, elle a été une participante bénévole pour des projets environnementaux dans de petites communautés, en Italie et en Islande. De nature dynamique, sociale et curieuse, Pro Bono a été son choix idéal, car on conjugue entraide et découverte! Gabriel Sévigny Ferland (Université du Québec à Montréal) Gabriel Sévigny Ferland - Né en 1991, je me suis mis à la musique à 16 ans, rêvant d’une carrière de musicien jazz. Après 3 ans d’études au CEGEP en basse électrique j’ai abandonné l’idée de la musique comme profession préférant en faire sans pression par pur plaisir. Mon implication sociale m’a mené à l’université en Études Urbaines pour réfléchir sur les enjeux d’aménagement, de planification urbaine par les citoyens et de démocratie dans les espaces urbains. Après avoir terminé ce programme, j’ai commencé l’an dernier des études de droit pour, entre autre, me donner des outils concrets dans mon engagement. Béatrice Venne (Université du Québec à Montréal) Je suis étudiante en deuxième année au baccalauréat en droit. Je m'intéresse à plusieurs domaines du droit, mais dans une perspective critique, multidisciplinaire et qui favorise l'accès à la justice. Je m'investie activement dans ma communauté universitaire. Je m'implique au sein du Collectif féminismes et droit UQAM, ainsi qu'au sein du Ras-le-bol, un collectif d'action alimentaire qui organise des distributions de repas végétaliens et gratuits dans l'enceinte de l'université. Je m'implique également dans une Clinique juridique par et pour les militantes et les militants, qui organise des soirées d'entraide entre personnes judiciarisées dans le cadre d'une action politique revendicatrice. Sophia Zhang (Université de Sherbrooke) Hello! My name is Sophia and I will be a second-year LL.B student at the Université de Sherbrooke in Québec. I am really happy to be the new PBSC's Coordinator for my faculty. I started to get involved with PBSC last fall by working as a student volunteer for the Centre pour femmes immigrantes de Sherbrooke. I had the opportunity to work with another student on a brochure about family, immigration, and housing laws. It was truly an enriching experience and I hope to give to the students at my faculty more opportunities to get involved! Moreover, I love arts and I was involved this year with Université de Sherbrooke's theatre troupe Les Mille Feux and I had the chance to play in the production of Le Malade imaginaire by Molière. Béatrice Le Tellier (VC) (Université de Sherbrooke ) Je suis originaire de la banlieue de Montréal. J'ai suivi ma formation collégiale à un cégep anglophone à Montréal, Dawson College et je suis maintenant à l'université de Sherbrooke, en première année d'un bac en droit avec cheminement en Common Law. Le droit est un sujet qui me passionne, particulièrement les sphères de droit qui touchent les gens marginalisés, tels les gens souffrant de troubles mentaux. J'ai donc un grand sens de la justice sociale. En dehors de mes études, j'apprécie beaucoup l'improvisation, la musique, et prendre un verre entre amis. Julia Tétreault-Provencher (Université Laval) Je suis née dans la ville de Québec et j’ai eu le plaisir de compléter mes études primaires, secondaires, collégiales ainsi qu’universitaires dans cette ville. Mes deux parents étant avocats, c’est sous leur influence que j’ai pris la décision d’étudier dans ce domaine à l’Université Laval. Je suis particulièrement intéressée par le droit international pénal et humanitaire ainsi que par la protection générale des droits de la personne. Je suis d’ailleurs présidente du comité Amnistie internationale de mon université ainsi que membre du comité Avocats sans frontières. J’ai seulement 21 ans, mais j’ai voyagé dans plus d’une dizaine de pays européens ainsi qu’au Bénin, en Afrique. Zach Nicholson (University of New Brunswick) Though a Bluenoser by birth, I have lived in Fredericton for seven years while attending university. I studied political science and history at St. Thomas University, where I also spent three years as captain of the cross country team. Before jumping into law school I took a year off to teach English in South Korea which was an amazing experience which only reaffirmed my love for travel. I always enjoy new experiences and meeting new people and I look forward to getting to know all of you. Jules César Katagurutse (Université de Moncton) Mes études antérieures étaient en affaires et en Théologie (Psychotérapie Chrétienne). Mon éxpérience de bénévolat inclut le travaille avec Vrais Copains / Best Buddies Canada pour les 5 dernières années. Jennifer Teryn (Dalhousie University) Originally from Victoria, BC, Jennifer Teryn moved to Halifax in 2013 to attend law school at Dalhousie. Prior to law school, she worked for the Alzheimer Society of B.C., coordinating a fitness and social program for people experiencing memory loss due to Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias. Before the all-consuming study of law took over her life, some of Jennifer’s interests included: playing with her dog; reading for fun; graphic design; a variety of artistic and crafty endeavours; cooking and baking; and board games. Jennifer is really looking forward to coordinating the Pro Bono program at Dal in 2014/2015. Stephanie Morton (Dalhousie University) My name is Stephanie Morton and I grew up in Montreal, QC. When I was 16 I decided that Cégep would not be for me and I called as many universities as possible to see who would accept me from grade 11. As a result, I moved to Nova Scotia in 2010 to do my undergraduate degree at Acadia University, where I graduated in 2014 with an Honours degree in Business Administration. I loved Nova Scotia so much that I decided to spend another 3 years there to pursue my law degree at Dalhousie University, which lead me to PBSC! 2015-2016 Family Law Project (FLP) Coordinator Biographies Jenelle Lancaster (National Office, Ontario FLP) Jenelle is a native of Calgary, AB. Shortly after graduating high school, Jenelle made the move to sunny Los Angeles to pursue a professional dance career, where she remained for over a decade. During her time in LA, Jenelle obtained her BA at UCLA, and went on to complete her first year of law school at USC. While she loved the weather and her close proximity to the beach, Jenelle ultimately made the decision to return home in September 2014, where she joined the class of 2016 at the University of Toronto. She looks forward to her upcoming work with PBSC and the Family Law Project. Phing Tan (VC) (University of Saskatchewan) My name is Chin Phing Tan and I prefer to go by "Phing" (which is different from Fing!) I'm now going into my 3rd year at University of Saskatchewan and will be a coordinator for our Family Law Advice Clinic. Jennifer McBean (University of Calgary) I am a Family Law Project Leaders for the Calgary PBSC Chapter for the 2015/2016 year. I became involved in PBSC through this Project and it has been one of the highlights of my first year. I am also very interested in debating and playing soccer. I am going into my second year at UofC Law. I was born and raised in Edmonton, and completed my undergraduate degree in political science at the University of Alberta. Megan O’Neil (University of Windsor) My name is Megan O’Neill & I am excited to be heading into my final year at Windsor Law. I am originally from London, Ontario but have spent time in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City. My first experience with Pro Bono Students Canada was in 1L as a volunteer with the Family Law Project. I loved seeing the law in action ...and getting out of the classroom! This year I am honoured to come back to the Family Law Project as Program Coordinator. I look forward to meeting everyone this weekend and learning more about Pro Bono projects across the country. Deleta Grandy (University of Western Ontario) My name is Deleta (it’s a family name, and no, it doesn’t mean anything). I’m 24 years old and I was born and raised in the GTA. I completed my undergrad in Legal Studies at UOIT where I became the first person in my family to complete post-secondary. Before starting law school, I worked in early childhood education for 3 years, and I loved it. A passion of mine is hockey - I grew up playing and watching (Yes, I’m a Leafs fan…still). I also love cooking and traveling- recent trips include the UK, Ireland, and Italy. Vincent DeMarco (Osgoode University) I am a student at Osgoode Hall Law School who will be entering my third year in the fall of 2015. Prior to law, I attended McGill University and completed a B.A in Economics and Psychology. I will be the Family Law Project Coordinator for the 2015/2016 year and hope to bring my prior experiences in family law to those that are most in need of assistance. I’m a Toronto native and an avid film buff. I tend to live my life with a work hard/play hard mentality. Callandra Cochrane (University of Toronto) Callie Cochrane is a Métis student entering her third year at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Trinity Western University. She is passionate about social justice and Indigenous issues. Callie is an executive member of the U of T’s Aboriginal Law Student Association and avid volunteer. Callie volunteered in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver for three years and currently volunteers for No More Silence, a community database of missing and murdered Indigenous women. Callie is from Edmonton, Alberta and enjoys traveling, macarons and fresh cut flowers. Ainsley Hunter (Queen’s University) I completed my undergraduate degree in life sciences at Queen’s University. I am attending law school at Queen’s and just completed my second year. This past year I was a student caseworker at the Queen’s Family Law Clinic. I am carrying on my work with the Clinic throughout the next year as the Pro Bono Students Canada Queen’s Family Law Clinic Program Coordinator. In my spare time I enjoy playing on intramural teams and reading mystery novels. Virginia Gillmore (Université de Moncton) Virginia has just finished her first year of law school at the University of Moncton. She is the mother of two girls and wife to one husband. She has done everything from wait tables to teach music lessons before starting her studies in law, but believes firmly that her life experience has put her in a better position to understand clients' needs and figure out how to make a difference for those who need it most.