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Jackie MullenCareer & Experiential Learning Assistant

Jackie has been a dedicated employee at TRU since 1984, bringing her wealth of experience to various departments, including the Library, Finance, Computer and Trades LRC, Print Shop, Faculty of Arts, and now Career and Experiential Learning, which she joined in 2016. Her diverse background makes her an invaluable asset to the CEL team.

Outside of work, Jackie enjoys connecting and spending time with family & friends, traveling, exploring the outdoors, walking, dancing, cooking, photography, and movies.

Nicolas BosworthCareer & Experiential Learning Program Assistant

Originally from El Salvador, Nicolas moved to Canada in 2018 to pursue his Bachelor of Arts. He graduated in 2023 with a Major in English and a Minor in Language and Global Studies. During his time at TRU, Nicolas dedicated four years to mentoring new students as part of the Orientations and Transitions team, helping 15 to 20 students navigates their first term each semester. He also worked as an ambassador for the Future Students office and volunteered with TRU World.

With six years of leadership experience through the National Honor Society in El Salvador, Nicolas is passionate about supporting others in their academic and professional journeys.

In his free time, he enjoys horror films, musicals, video games, and reading.

Ilia Cazares GarridoCareer & Experiential Learning Program Assistant

Ilia moved to Canada from Mexico in 2022 and joined the Career and Experiential Learning team in May 2024. She has earned a Computer Science degree from Technological Institute of Querétaro and a master's in business administration from Autonomous University of Querétaro and has over 15 years of experience in the education environment in México.

She also has experience working on research projects and employer liaison roles. Ilia is passionate about diversity and enjoys assisting faculty members and supporting students as they transition into the workforce. She loves sharing her culture, having fun with friends and family and sightseeing around Kamloops.

Sarah GibsonArts, Sciences, Natural Resource Sciences and Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Co-op Coordinator

Sarah Gibson is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience across public, private, and non-profit sectors. Since 2005, Sarah has been shaping minds in BC's post-secondary institutions and teaching at TRU for the past decade.

As the Co-op Coordinator for Sciences, Arts, and Tourism, she brings a wealth of expertise in Co-op and Career Education, having served as a Co-op Student, Ambassador, Employer, and Coordinator. Sarah holds a master's in international & Intercultural Communication from Royal Roads University, a Post-Baccalaureate in Teaching English as a Second Language from TRU, and a bachelor's in communication from Simon Fraser University. Prior to her career in education, she thrived in communications and marketing.

Shawn ReadBusiness Co-op Coordinator

Shawn is a tenured faculty member in Career and Experiential Learning and has been a dedicated member of the university since 2003. He has played a pivotal role in advancing Career Education and the Co-operative Education program, fostering experiential learning opportunities for students at both provincial and national levels.

Shawn has served as the National Director and President of the Canadian Association for Career Educators and Employers, reflecting his leadership within the experiential learning field. Shawn was instrumental in helping the department achieve national accreditation for its Co-op Education program and currently serves on the CEWIL National Accreditation Board reviewing accreditation applications from institutions across the country.

As one of the longest-serving Chairs on campus, Shawn has a passion for academic leadership. His commitment to academic leadership includes founding the TRU Chair Leadership Group and the Chair Leadership Award to support and recognize leadership excellence. Shawn has also engaged with faculty across the province on chair leadership, sharing insights and best practices. Outside of work, Shawn enjoys hiking in the mountains and exploring new travel destinations with family and friends.

Lisa LambertBusiness Co-op Coordinator

Lisa earned a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Environmental Studies from TRU, a Bachelor of Education from UBC and a Master of Education from Vancouver Island University.

With more than seven years of experience in education through roles in both public and private sectors, Lisa has gained significant expertise in student engagement, curriculum design and career mentorship. Her 2013 co-op work term at TRU sparked her interest in and enthusiasm for experiential learning, heightening her commitment to supporting and empowering students. She joined Career and Experiential Learning in December 2024.

Lisa enjoys playing soccer, reading, and trying new baking recipes in her free time.

Harshita DhimanSoftware Engineering Co-op Coordinator

Harshita has been a Business Co-op Coordinator with TRU's Career and Experiential Learning department since November 2021. She earned her Master of Education from TRU in 2019 and holds a Master of Industrial Psychology from Panjab University, India. With over two years of experience working with diverse communities, Harshita has honed her instruction, counselling, and career coaching skills through roles at Open Door Group and the Academy of Learning Career College.

She also contributed as a graduate research assistant at TRU to a peer-mentoring project for early childhood educators. She enjoys swimming, music, and practicing yoga in her spare time.

Leanne MihaliczComputing Science, Physics, and Math Co-op Coordinator

Leanne Mihalicz has been an educator for over 20 years, teaching at the secondary and post-secondary levels. She joined TRU in 2008 as a Student Employment Coordinator in the CEL department. She transitioned in 2009 to become an instructor and Work Experience Coordinator for the Education and Skills Training program. Leanne is passionate about fostering connections between students and the community through experiential learning.

She aims to use strength-based approaches to build meaningful relationships and support students' career development. Outside of work, Leanne enjoys outdoor adventures, spending quality time with her family and pets, and exploring diverse cultures through food, travel and meeting people.

Jamie NoakesCEL Chairperson & Tourism Co-op Coordinator

Jamie's journey in post-secondary education began in 2009 with the Career and Experiential Learning Department at TRU. She has since taught in various Co-op programs, supporting Business, Environmental Science, Computer Science, and Tourism students.

Before transitioning to education, Jamie honed her management skills in the tourism and hospitality industries, where she developed a strong interest in Human Resource Management. In 2019, she joined the Central Interior CPHR advisory council to strengthen ties between post-secondary education and the HR community. When not at work, Jamie loves spending time with her family at the cabin and catching up with friends.

Larry IlesExperiential Learning Coordinator (a.k.a Career Jedi)

Larry is a highly respected Career Jedi with over 22 years of experience at Career and Experiential Learning. With a rich background in education and leadership, Larry has supported countless students and alumni by providing expert career advice and development guidance. He holds a Master of Adult Education in Career Development from the University of Calgary, a Bachelor of Education from UBC, and a Bachelor of Arts Honors from Carleton University.

Larry loves seeing students connect their experiences to their career development, gaining clarity about their next steps—a rewarding moment that happens frequently in his work.

Katelin PietrusinskiCareer Education Coordinator

Katelin joined Career and Experiential Learning as a Co-operative Education Coordinator in September 2022 and is currently the Career Education Coordinator. Before relocating to Kamloops, she worked as a Career Centre Programs Coordinator at Douglas College for 3.5 years. She holds a number of credentials, having earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Career Development Practitioner Certificate from Simon Fraser University, and her master’s in theology, spiritual care and psychotherapy from Wilfrid Laurier University.

Also, a Canadian Certified Counsellor, Katelin believes that experiential learning and mental wellness go together. She aspires to mentor students on their journeys to build their best potential into dream careers through thoughtful decision-making, intentional development, and continued direction checks and re-mapping. Outside of work, you can find Katelin enjoying walks in the park, spending time with her growing family, or curling up with a good book.