Our mission
Central Academic Advising offers a collaborative teaching and learning partnership committed to student success.
The advising team strives to provide accurate and consistent guidance in a caring and respectful environment that fosters curiosity and growth in each student.
Academic Advisors engage and empower students in developing a plan to navigate their educational and life pathways.
Our commitment
- Provide services that respect the dignity and diversity of all individuals
- Support student engagement and connection
- Proactively collaborate with the university community
- Continue to evolve systems and processes to support students
- Strengthen knowledge and expertise through professional development and training
Our values
Respect and care
Community
Consistency
Adaptability and flexibility
Knowledge and curiosity
Charlene Munro, She/Her
Manager, Central Academic AdvisingWith over 30 years of progressive experience in academic advising, both on-campus and through Open Learning, Charlene leads the Central Advising team, oversees advising project management, supports strategic initiatives and collaborates with pan-campus partners to ensure a consistent student experience while supporting a diverse population of learners. She supervised the Academic Advising team for over six years.
Charlene has a bachelor’s degree in education with a triple minor in Geography, Learning Disabilities, and Psychology; she earned a certificate in Workplace Mental Health Leadership from Queen’s University and a Liberal Arts certificate from Simon Fraser University. As a lifelong learner, Charlene actively engages in extensive leadership training and professional development, completing the TRU Connections Mentorship Program, Emerging Leaders, Leaders program, Management Skills for Supervisors Certificate and Stepping up to Supervisor.
Caring, curious, and collaborative, Charlene’s values are centered around fostering a true sense of belonging with an altruistic perspective on civility. Charlene believes in individual empowerment and community-building while providing consistent and intentional leadership support through transparent conversation. She supports her team through strengths-based mentorship and cultivating a warm, inclusive sense of community through collaboration, respect, worth, understanding, grace, and acceptance.
A Professional Education Planner recognized for leadership, empowering, engaging, and coaching individuals to achieve their goals, Charlene is a meticulous strategist who embraces intellectual curiosity to influence and cultivate new student initiatives and develop change-adapt teams.
Charlene co-owned Automotive Engine Rebuilding Machine Shop from 1994 to 2018 and supported government-funded students completing their apprenticeships at the Apprenticeship Branch of BC- Kamloops in 1990. Charlene worked at her family’s Shuswap resort every summer for 27 years, running the marina, gas dock, and rental storefront.
Charlene values play as much as she does work, naming downhill skiing and e-biking through the mountains, hiking, boating, waterskiing, wake surfing, dirt biking, motocross and going on off-road adventures with her family as among her favourite activities. She was a competitive curler from 1979 - to 2014- as the Skip, a women’s provincial competitor from 1984 to 86, and curled competitively for Cariboo College (first team for the institute!!). She attended the Canadian nationals as third on a mixed team. When this self-described “gym rat” enjoys downtime, Charlene also loves gardening and hanging out with her young adult children. Charlene is deeply passionate about how music impacts mood and perception of yourself and the world around you. She also plays piano, acoustic, classical, electric and bass guitars (Charlene used to be part of a rock band!)
An experienced and accomplished support resource known for understanding all aspects and levels of student transition, Charlene has experienced unprecedented success in designing and bridging support to the advising areas and community partners.
Marnie Storie, She/Her
Supervisor, Central Academic AdvisingAfter earning various credentials from the University of British Columbia, Camosun College and Simon Fraser University, Marnie became an Academic Advisor in 2011. Marnie values education and promotes proactive advising initiatives that enhance successful planning and learning. Working with international students has provided valuable insights into intercultural perspectives and adaptability. As a supervisor, Marnie is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for staff and students to encourage engagement and achievement. A regular at TRU fitness classes, Marnie enjoys being outside, hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and disc golfing.
Jarita Heer, She/Her
Central Academic AdvisorJarita holds a Provincial Instructor’s Diploma from VCC, a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University, a Bachelor of Tourism Management degree, and a Resort and Hotel Diploma from UCC.
A valued staff & faculty member at TRU since 2007, Jarita teaches a wide range of tourism courses, including catering, marketing, leadership, human resource management, and fundraising. She spent many years as a Program Advisor in the Tourism sector.
Known for her deep commitment to learning, thoughtful and accurate approach to long-term course planning, and her ability to support students as they work toward their academic and life goals, Jarita’s purview aligns closely with mature learners and the supports they require. She has a strong interest in ensuring students are on the appropriate pathways and have opportunities to build independence while navigating the post-secondary system.
Jarita can often be found at community events, probably next to a food truck. She loves reading, board game nights, binging classic TV shows like Buffy and Alias, travelling sometimes just for the food culture, and spending quality time with her family, especially her young son.
Heather Gnoato, She/Her
Central Academic AdvisorHeather joined TRU in 2012, holding various positions in Accessibility Services, Academic Advising and the Gaglardi School of Business and Economics. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of British Columbia and is currently enrolled in Athabasca University's Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, focusing on Educational Studies. Heather is passionate about helping students navigate post-secondary education with empathy and information. When not studying or supporting students, Heather loves spending time with family, hiking, reading and singing with the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra Chorus.
Thomas Copeland, He/Him
Central Academic AdvisorA former student-athlete for the WolfPack baseball team, Thomas earned his Bachelor of Science from TRU in 2019. He started as an employee at TRU in 2020 and joined the Advising office in 2021.To make advising services more accessible for student-athletes, Thomas is flexible when booking appointments times around their busy schedules, and also attends PACE sessions once per month as an additional option for student-athletes to connect. Having been in their shoes before, Thomas understands the complexities of the experience and knows that scheduling appointments around class and athletic obligations can be difficult.
Thomas and his wife, who played basketball for the WolfPack, regularly attend games on campus. He enjoys watching professional and college sports (mostly baseball, football, and basketball). He also golfs in the summer and plays rec volleyball every winter.
Verlinda Wale, She/Her
Central Academic AdvisorVerlinda holds a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Tourism Management from TRU.
With over two decades of experience at TRU, Verlinda has served as an Academic Advisor, Supervisor of Academic Advising, and Academic and Administrative Coordinator in the Faculty of Science. She also spent time with the Financial Aid & Awards and Finance departments.
Known for her collaborative approach, thoughtful and clear communication, and deep understanding of TRU programs and systems, Verlinda supports students with education planning, course selection, and navigating university requirements, always with a student-centred approach. She enjoys connecting with students and providing customized support.
Devon De Vries, He/Him
Central Academic AdvisorDevon obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Thompson Rivers University, where he also supported student success through Supplemental Learning as a peer leader and mentor.
With over five years of progressive experience in Enrolment Services at TRU, including two years as an Enrolment Services Officer, Devon has supported admissions, registration, and complex student inquiries in a high-volume environment.
Most recently, he has spent the past two and a half years as a Student Awards and Financial Aid Advisor, further strengthening his expertise in student advising, financial aid, and navigating complex academic and administrative processes, all grounded in a thoughtful, student-centred approach.
Open Learning Program Advisors
Ashlynn Valana, She/Her
OL Program AdvisorAshlynn earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from Thompson Rivers University in 2010 and a diploma in Library and Information Technology from Langara College in 2015.
She has held several roles at TRU and enjoys working with OL programs that provide flexible support for students managing family and employment commitments while pursuing their education.
In her free time, Ashlynn is a fiction enthusiast (she read 78,400 pages in 2025!). She loves fishing, adventuring, and exploring beautiful BC with her husband and daughter.
Carly Grisenthwaite, She/Her
OL Program AdvisorCarly is a proud member of the Lytton First Nation of the Nlaka’pamux people. She earned a Diploma in Library and Information Technology from Langara College in 2017. She will receive her Bachelor of Arts, General Studies from Thompson Rivers University. She started working at TRU in 2015, first at the library, then the Registrar’s Office, before joining OL Advising in 2021.
A lifelong learner, Carly cares deeply about making education more accessible and supports students with empathy and encouragement. Having taken a non-traditional education path herself, she understands the challenges and joys of returning to school later in life.
Outside of work, Carly enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exploring nature, paddleboarding, collecting books, and gaming.
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” - Carl Jung
Clare Jefferson, She/Her
OL Program AdvisorClare earned her BA (Hons) History and English from Northumbria University and her PGCE from the University of Wales, Cardiff.
Since 2007, she has held various positions, including at the Faculty of Education and Social Work, the Faculty of Law, and the Gaglardi School of Business and Economics, before becoming an OL Program Advisor in 2023.
No matter the season, Clare enjoys being outside, whether hiking, nordic skiing, paddleboarding, playing tennis, or travelling. She loves theatre and live music so much that she volunteers as an usher at KSO and WCT performances.
Clare advocates for students to find their best pathway to success in higher education while balancing the challenges they face in their lives.
Daniel Stultz, He/Him
OL Program AdvisorDan received his bachelor’s in history from Thompson Rivers University in 2016. A year later, he began working in Enrolment Services and became an OL Program Advisor in 2020. Dan is passionate about advising and strongly believes in building connections to assist students through their Academic journey.
A die-hard Edmonton Oilers and Kamloops Blazers fan, Dan loves the thrill of a live game but also enjoys reading and listening to music. Spending time with his family, especially his beloved granddaughter, and his 5 cats, Mykull, Ghormen, Percy, Fisher, and Pepsi, makes him very happy.
Marianne Dietrich, She/Her
OL Program AdvisorBorn and raised in Kamloops, Marianne graduated from the University College of the Cariboo (now Thompson Rivers University) with a BA in GEOG/PSYC in 1993. She joined TRU’s online division in 2007 as an Enrolment Services officer, but when a program advisor position opened in 2009, she jumped at the opportunity.
Marianne has learned a lot along the way from my program students, and she enjoys all the stories and life events she has been part of. The best part of this job is celebrating the achievements of the hardworking TRU students who complete their programs and cross the stage at convocation ceremonies.
In her free time, she takes care of her fur babies and enjoys watching Baseball (go Jays!).
Robin Arundel, She/Her
OL Program AdvisorHaving earned her Bachelor of Arts and a Post-baccalaureate Diploma in Human Resource Management from TRU, Robin understands what goes on behind the scenes of student life.
In her various roles with Admissions, both on-campus and Open Learning, and in Central Academic Advising, Robin has supported prospective and current students in navigating application processes, transcript evaluation, Degree Works planning, program requirements, and service referrals.
Robin is also active in the community, particularly in theatre. She is currently the president of the Board of Directors for Project X Theatre. When she is not busy fundraising for children's theatre, you can find her hanging out at Catloops Cat Cafe where she volunteers her time and helps coordinate and plan events.
