Trades and Apprenticeship

I have been with OC since 1999 and the Associate Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship since 2016. Prior to that, I was an instructor and Chair with the Office Administration Department. I hold a Bachelor's of Elementary Education, a Master's in Adult, Higher and Workplace Learning, and am currently enrolled in an Educational Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership. I enjoy the intricacies and challenges of my leadership role, as I work to make OC’s mission statement a reality for Trades students, instructors and staff.

I have been with Okanagan College for 11 years and am an assessor for the cook trade certification for the Industry Training Authority (ITA). I have taken on the Culinary and Pastry Arts Chair position in June 2019 and am currently full-time chair of the department. My culinary education and work experience spans over 34 years and includes a Diploma in Hospitality Management from Heidelberg Hospitality Management College in Germany, 10 years as Executive Chef at Manteo Resort in Kelowna, Executive Chef with Hy’s Canada at Bigwoods Restaurant and Bar in Whistler, Sous Chef at the Fish House in Stanley Park and working with Hilton International at the Park Hilton Hotel in Munich, Germany. My professional highlights include being an active member of the Okanagan Chefs Association, serving two terms as vice president, two terms as treasurer, and being voted Chef of the Year twice by the Okanagan Chefs Association members in 2008 and 2005, acting as Head Assessor for the trade of cook in Canada federal project, and membership of the Chaine des Rottiseurs Okanagan from 2003 – 2012. I consider food one of life’s greatest joys. My focus when teaching students is to teach them the best up-to-date skills and methods possible, so they will be successful in the industry after graduating from Okanagan College.

Credentials:
Red Seal Cook Certification, ITAC Vancouver
Hospitality Business Management Diploma, Hotelfachschule Heidelberg, Germany
German Red Seal Cook Certification, Hospitality School Bad Ueberkingen, Germany
Provincial Instructor Diploma, Vancouver Community College

ITA Training Plan, Policies and Procedures, Student Advising, Information Management, OC Indigenization Task Force member

Lead for: Automotive Glass Technician, Automotive Refinishing Prep Technician, Automotive Painter, Motor Vehicle Body Repairer, Plumber, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, Sheet Metal Worker, Steamfitter/Pipefitter

Lead for: Automotive Service Technician, Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, Heavy Mechanical Trades, Recreation Vehicle Service Technician, Welder (Foundation)

Lead for: Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Carpenter, Construction Craft Worker, Studio Woodworking, and Welder (Apprenticeship, B Level, A Level)

The Trades Success Centre provides assistance for Trades students in all areas of their studies, including math, writing, learning strategies, study skills and other areas.

Hours: Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lead for: Baker, Culinary Arts, Electrician, Pastry Arts, Professional Cook, Trades Technology Teacher Education (TTTE)