We’re just about 2 weeks away from Advisor Orientation, and we hope you are getting as excited as we are
The 2019/2020 RLMT has been prepping for all of you to arrive this August for AO! Not only will they equip you with tools to be the best RA you can be, but your RLM’s will be also be a fundamental support to you this coming year.
Now you’ve probably gotten a ton of emails from them already, & you might’ve wondered, who they are exactly.
So, let’s put a face to the name, shall we?
Ivan Yastrebov – Exchange + Brock Commons – Tallwood House + Iona House
Hi, I’m Ivan! After being born in St. Petersburg Russia and growing up in the depths of rural Alberta, I found my way out here. I’ve been around the block for three years now (:o How has it been so long?!). I’ve spent that time working at Orchard Commons and have most recently moved North to the Exchange, Tallwood & Iona communities. In my spare time you can find me running circles in Pacific Spirit Park training for trail races (I’m running a 80 km race on August 17th) or pulling on plastic pieces at the Hive Climbing gym. In previous lives I’ve dabbled in helping a bee keeper, being a gas jockey, a baker at Tim Horton’s and a “professional” photographer. I’m generally curious about most things, so come drop by to chat anything and everything. Hope to see you around in the upcoming year, please don’t hesitate to come up and say hi!
Favourite Bird: Hawk
Katherine (Katie) MacGregor – Walter GageÂ
Hi folks! I’m Katie (she/her/hers) and I’m the Residence Life Manager for Walter Gage Residence. I’ve been at UBC since summer 2017 and before then I worked for an NGO in Colombo, Sri Lanka after graduating from the University of Toronto with a degree in International Development and Anthropology. Going on rounds, planning events, and knocking on doors to chat with students were a big part of my life throughout my undergrad, as I lived on campus and worked in residence just like you! These days, when I’m not in Gage, you’ll find me running through Pacific Spirit Park, watching the sunset at Tower Beach, or outside the city on a hike. This year when you find yourself in Gage or at the nearby PRC never hesitate to stop in at my office in the commonsblock to say hi. (If you need a conversation starter, just ask about me about Harry Potter!)
Favorite Bird: African Penguin
Holly Dysserinck – Place Vanier NorthÂ
My name is Holly and I am one of the Residence Life Managers in Place Vanier. I have lived in Vanier for a combined 7 years, so I’ve got a lot of love and pride for PV and UBC. Skilled at binge watching, you can often find me attached to some form of streaming service….most recently Hayu (ask me about it!). Or, I’ve fallen down a YouTube hole, usually filled with Carpool Karaoke or dog videos. I’m also a big Disney fan and had a magical time visiting Disneyland this summer with my partner for our Honeymoon! I am really looking forward to this year as Place Vanier is undergoing some awesome changes!
Favorite Bird: Woodstock (from Charlie Brown)
Mason Margotta – Place Vanier South
Hi Friends! My name is Mason and I am the Residence Life Manager for Place Vanier South. I graduated from UBC in 2017 (after 6 years!) with a degree in Asian Area Studies, and during my time as a student was involved with the Residence Hall Association, AMS, PACURH, and I was the Residence Coordinator for Salish House in 2014/2015. Most recently I was working in Residence Life at University of Victoria as the Coordinator, Residence Education. Being able to focus only on educational programming in residence and coordinating 11 Living Learning Communities was a wonderful experience, and allowed me to learn more about how to bring learning into our residence communities. I can’t wait to bring some of that enthusiasm and knowledge back home to UBC!
In my free time you can usually find me watching Netflix, playing overly-elaborate board games, or kicking a soccer ball around. I have also gotten coffee at pretty much every single coffee shop on campus (and most of the ones in Kits as well), so if you ever want to grab a coffee just let me know! With August just around the corner, I am getting so excited for the energy of AO, and I cannot wait to meet y’all there!
Favorite Bird: Robin
Lyndon Duncan – Ponderosa Commons
Hello! I’m Lyndon Duncan and I’m incredibly excited to be seeing you all around residence and the larger UBC campus in my role as a Residence Life Manager. I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science at UBC’s Okanagan Campus where I started my work in and love for Residence Life. Following that passion I moved back to Vancouver to take on the role of Residence Coordinator for Kwakiutl House in 2016-2017. Following that great experience, I moved to Calgary Alberta to start my first professional Residence Life job at Mount Royal University. Being B.C. born and raised, the sea called me home and I’ve been happily working here as an RLM since June of last year! I love board games, Dungeon and Dragons (maybe too much), ultimate frisbee, and I’m always open to grabbing a coffee. If you see me around campus please don’t hesitate to come say hello!”
Favorite Bird: Cassowary (they live in Australia)
Amy Stewart- Marine Drive
My name is Amy Stewart and I am the Residence Life Manager for Marine Drive Residence. I was born in South Africa but grew up in Latin America, which might explain some of my mannerisms, passion for the people in my life and the work I do, and my love of dancing! When I am not in the office or watching reality TV on my couch, I can often be found at a concert, show or a theatre. My current favorite Vancouver restaurant is La Taqueria so if you are ever heading there and are looking for some company, give me a shout! I really enjoy Advisor Orientation because of the energy, connections and learning that takes place every day and I look forward to meeting ya’ll this August at #AO2019.
Favorite Bird: Peacock
Paul Lee – Totem Park NorthÂ
My name is Paul (he/him/his) and I’m the Residence Life Manager for Totem Park North! I’m a proud alum of UBC, having done a degree in Earth & Ocean Sciences and Biology, and can’t wait to meet everyone at AO. I’m originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, but feel truly blessed to call Vancouver my new home. In my spare time, you can usually find me at a beach, on a run, eating sushi, or planning my next travel destination!
Favorite Bird: There are so many to choose from! Bald Eagles, Birds of Paradise, Dodos, Cassowaries! If I had to choose, I’ll go with a peacock because they’re pretty to look at but like their personal space, much like me.
Bailey Kew – Totem Park SouthÂ
Hi hey hello, my name is Bailey and I’m so excited to be starting my second year as a RLM at UBC. When I’m not chasing after dogs to pet, I can be found playing volleyball, cooking Thai food, or engaging in debates (pick a coffee shop and name a topic, I’ll be there!). I’m so excited to meet all the new staff and re-connect with our returning folks from last year. Don’t hesitate to stop by and say hi! I hope you have a lovely summer.
Favorite Bird: Bald Eagle
Joe Stevens – Orchard Commons, Braeburn HouseÂ
Hi everyone! My name is Joe Stevens and I am the Residence Life Manager of Braeburn House in Orchard Commons. I have been at UBC since 2013 where I have previously worked as a Residence Advisor in Korea-UBC House and Mack-Ross in Place Vanier, Senior Residence Advisor in Braeburn House in Orchard Commons, and the Residence Coordinator of Tec-de Monterrey and Mack-Ross Houses in Place Vanier. During my undergraduate degree, I was heavily involved with UBC Recreation Intramurals as well as the UBC History Honours Program. In my free time, I love to surf and spend time outdoors, find new restaurants to try in Vancouver, and spend time finding new shows to binge watch on Netflix! If you ever see me on campus, feel free to say hi, and I look forward to seeing you all at AO this year!
Favorite Bird: Ravens
Linzi Wong – Orchard Commons, Barlett House + Ritsumeikan-UBC HouseÂ
Hello! My name is Linzi and I’m the Residence Life Manager for Orchard Commons Bartlett House and Ritsumeikan-UBC House. I’ve been in UBC since 2011 and have lived in first year residences throughout my undergrad while completing my Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics. I’ve been a Residence Advisor in Haida House, Tec-de-Monterrey House and Ross House, and a Residence Coordinator of KootSL, and my favorite memory every year has got to be working with the residence musicals! When I’m not at work, I can usually be found on my couch playing video games, or at my table doing a bunch of random things on my laptop. If I’m miraculously not home, that means my friends managed to drag me out – which only has 50% success rate of happening! You are always welcome to talk to me about pets, I have many photos of my two cats (that live FAR AWAY from residence) that I will always be happy to show!
Favorite Bird: Penguins!
Emma Chartrand – Acadia Park
I moved to UBC 6 years ago with my partner and our two children into Acadia Park. I have enjoyed living at UBC and being a part of the wonderful community here on campus. Â Before moving to Vancouver, I worked as a School Counsellor and with youth and families in various community organizations. I just started working in Residence Life in 2016 and love the opportunity to support students and their families here!
In my free time I enjoy getting outside with my family! Â Sometimes it is for a hike, a bike ride or to watch a soccer game.
Favorite Bird: Owl
Mike Cheung- Manager, Residence Life Projects – PRCÂ
Howdy! Â My name is Mike and I am the Manager, Residence Life Projects. Â I graduated from McMaster University in Hamilton Ontario where I completed my Honours Bachelor of Science with a minor in Psychology, although, to be honest, I probably spent more time engaging in extra curriculars which included the Students Union, Residence Life and clubs.
Outside of work, I enjoy going for long drives, usually to the mall.  I love country music, exploring new places and tv shows. If you ever need a shopping recommendation, let me know!  I’ve been to AO a few times, and let me tell you, it was so exciting and energizing to be able to go through AO training with new and familiar faces and start the year as a family.
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