Faculty of Student Development
Meet the Team
Student Services Leadership Team
Reuben Onyango (he/him)
Associate Vice President (AVP) Students (interim)
BiographyBorn and raised in Kenya, Reuben first came to TRU as an international student in 2000, earning a Diploma in Computer Systems. He later received a master’s in higher education administration and leadership from Royal Roads University.
Reuben's professional journey at TRU began in 2008 at the Residence and Conference Centre under Campus Living Centres, where he progressed through several operations leadership roles before joining TRU World as an International Student Advisor in 2013. As the first ISA of African origin supporting TRU’s growing African student community, Reuben helped shape how TRU meets the unique needs of these students.
He has also served as manager for International Student Accommodations, Events and Engagement, and was later appointed interim associate director, during which he successfully led the team through the pivot to virtual support, the return to in-person services, and the transition to a successful hybrid model.
As director of International Student Services, Reuben earned the trust and respect of colleagues across campus, particularly through his steady leadership during student emergencies, global crises, and IRCC changes.
Cassie Greenough (she/her)
Director, Student Affairs
250-371-5744
BiographyCassie holds a Master of Social Work from McGill University, a BA in Psychology from California State University, Northridge, and a certificate in Women and Anti-Oppression Studies from Concordia University.
Her career has spanned research, social work, conduct management, student support, and leadership in higher education. She is a published author on reducing self-stigma in adults with health disorders and has led initiatives related to student mental health, crisis management, suicide postvention, sexual violence response, and complex student conduct. After working with adults with disabilities, Cassie discovered her passion for supporting post-secondary students.
For the last decade, she has held Student Affairs and Wellness leadership roles at the University of Montreal, Algonquin College Residence, Carleton University, and TRU. Her favourite part of the work is building strong relationships with teams and campus partners to help students thrive. She loves the mix of experience, perspective, and personality of a university setting.
Outside of work, Cassie loves spending time outdoors with her partner and her dog, Nalia, exploring mountains, lakes, and campfires whenever possible. A lifelong martial artist, she trained for 25 years and became a world champion full-contact fighter. She currently trains in Judo at Aberdeen Judo in Kamloops. She also enjoys BBQing, gardening, and the occasional stress-cleaning session.
Matthew Dyck (he/him)
Director, Student Engagement & Experience
672-910-4846
BiographyAfter receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from TRU, Matt earned a Master of Arts from Athabasca University.
He returned to TRU as an enrollment services officer in 2009 and, in 2012, became the program delivery manager for Open Learning, where he has been instrumental in developing student engagement programming for online students.
Matt joined the Student Services leadership team in 2025.
He enjoys collecting vinyl records, tending to his plants, and playing music, especially the guitar and mandolin. Matt loves deep conversations, pop culture rabbit holes and getting to know new people, so don’t hesitate to pop by and say hi to him in OM 1631.
"Life must be understood backward. But it must be lived forward " – Kierkegaard
Sarah Walz (she/her) MEd
Director, Student Access and Academic Supports
672-910-4865
BiographyAfter graduating from high school in Northern BC, Sarah continued her education at the College of New Caledonia in Prince George, BC, where she completed two diplomas (Human Kinetics and Arts). She earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Alberta and later obtained her Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Calgary.
Sarah has been a post-secondary professional since 2006 and began working at TRU in 2018.
Proud of the role that Accessibility Services plays in the university’s commitment to equity, Sarah strongly encourages any student experiencing learning barriers related to a disability or health condition to connect with the team.
Sarah loves spending time outdoors exploring the Kamloops area with her husband and two sons. She is also a fitness enthusiast and is often seen at TRU Recreation classes.
Julie Taylor (she/her)
Manager, Student Experience
250-371-5942
BiographyAs a student-athlete, Julie played soccer at UCC from 1998 to 2002 before completing her education at UBC with a Bachelor of Education.
She taught mostly high school PE and Social Studies for SD 73 before returning to TRU in 2010, where she oversaw certificate programming.
Julie became the coordinator of the Center for Student Engagement and later joined Student Services as a learning strategist - orientation & transitions. Now the manager of the Office of Student Life, her portfolio includes communications, events, first-year transitions and various initiatives related to student engagement and experience.
In her spare time, Julie can be found exploring the outdoors, spending time with family at the lake, watching her son play soccer, and working out.
Marie Sandy (she/her)
Manager, Indigenous Student Services
250-828-5373
BiographyMarie has earned a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Education from Thompson Rivers University. She now occasionally teaches Secwepemctsín as a sessional instructor at TRU.
As an educator and leader, she’s devoted to fostering community and providing engaging, successful educational opportunities for Indigenous students. Whenever possible, Marie loves incorporating Secwepemctsín knowledge-sharing into her ISS role.
Marie is a mom of one busy kiddo. She loves knitting and enjoys spending time outdoors or curled up with a book.
Charlene Munro (she/her)
Manager, Central Advising
250-828-5016
BiographyWith 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 consistent student experiences 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, Management Skills for Supervisors Certificate, and Stepping up to Supervisor.
Caring, curious, and collaborative, Charlene is a meticulous strategist who embraces intellectual curiosity to influence and cultivate new student initiatives and develop change-adaptive teams. Her values are centred around fostering a true sense of belonging with an altruistic perspective on civility. Charlene believes in individual empowerment and community building, providing consistent, intentional leadership support through transparent conversation. She supports her team through strengths-based mentorship and by cultivating a warm, inclusive sense of community grounded in collaboration, respect, worth, understanding, grace, and acceptance.
A professional education planner recognized for leadership, Charlene empowers, engages, and coaches individuals to help them achieve their goals.
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.
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 are among Charlene’s 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. A self-described “gym rat,” 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 and was once in a rock band!
An experienced and accomplished support resource known for understanding all aspects and levels of student transition, Charlene has achieved unprecedented success in designing and bridging support for advising areas and community partners.
Noah Fischer (he/him)
Manager, Gender and Sexual Diversity
250-371-5374
BiographyNoah completed his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at TRU and was a SWAT leader for the Wellness Centre. He has a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and specializes in supporting 2SLGBTQPIA+ individuals.
He began his professional journey at TRU in 2022 as a learning strategist at the School of Nursing, before moving to Student Services in 2023. You can find Noah facilitating events and programs for students and staff, leading workshops and training sessions, and engaging in outreach across campus and throughout Kamloops.
If you see him around, say hi! He loves making new connections and nurturing familiar ones.
Outside of work, Noah is a RuPaul's Drag Race fanatic, enjoys spending time with his friends and family, and is always searching for his new favourite coffee pit stop. He also has a cat, Ravioli, who ensures his life is as chaotic and interesting as possible.
Please get in touch with Noah if you want to connect, collaborate and create opportunities to engage.
Allysa Gredling (she/her)
Student Development Administrative Coordinator
672-910-4806
BiographyAllysa earned an Associate of Arts Degree in 2007, a Bachelor of Social Work in 2010, and a Bachelor of General Studies from TRU in 2023. She is a Master of Public Administration candidate at Dalhousie University with an expected completion in 2027.
Specializing in research, administrative systems, social services and governance structures, Allysa is adept at making sense of bureaucratic processes and helping others navigate them. She is passionate about mentorship, collaborative practices, community development, working supportively with diverse communities and helping people improve their lives and becoming the best versions of themselves. Her commitment to service and education in academic, medical and professional fields is foundational to her work ethic.
Her two decades of experience include a research assistant position in Education and Social Work, followed by a practicum placement with the COPE/MECA (UPrep) program, which led to various short-term teaching and admin contracts. She primarily worked with non-profit organizations like the Kamloops Women’s Resource Centre, Métis Commission BC, Kamloops Immigrant Services, Kamloops Friendship Centre, United Way, Phoenix Centre, Elizabeth Fry, and the TNRD, before returning to TRU, first with TRU World and then the Faculty of Student Development and now Student Services.
Allysa enjoys hiking, gardening, experimenting in the kitchen, reading fantasy, napping with her two black cats, befriending the neighbourhood crows, adventuring with her dog Che, snowshoeing, skating, waterfall chasing, playing slo-pitch and drop-in volleyball, going to a good market, creative writing and spending time with family and friends.
“I might not know the answer, but if I don’t, I’ll find out and get back to you.”
Student Services Reception Team
Val Jacobs (she/her)
Student Support Receptionist
672-910-4870
BiographyVal graduated from Cariboo College in 1990 with a Medical Office Assistant certificate.
She was first hired as an auxiliary employee in 2001. The temporary part-time contract quickly turned into a full-time cashier position in Finance. She worked with Student Awards for a short period before returning to Finance as part of the Accounts Payable and Payroll team. In 2013, she joined the Student Services team.
Val loves supporting students, staff, and faculty and feels invigorated by multitasking, triaging, and navigating whatever challenges arise (it also makes the days fly!)
Kaitlyn Cecchini (she/her)
Student Support Receptionist
672-910-4836
BiographyKaitlyn graduated from MTI Community College in 2012 with a Medical Office Assistant diploma. She worked in clinics until 2021, before moving into an auxiliary role at Thompson Rivers University’s medical clinic, which later included front-desk coverage in the Faculty of Student Development. She was hired permanently later that same year and is now in a full-time role at Student Services.
She loves the daily challenges and rewards that her current position brings; being able to support students, staff and faculty brings her so much joy. As a busy mother of 3, she spends most of her time in hockey rinks, at soccer fields or in dance theatres cheering them on.
Julia Hedge (she/her)
Student Services Assistant
672-910-4832
BiographySupporting staff and students at TRU since 2021, Julia brings extensive experience and enthusiasm to her work as a creative thinker. She loves identifying solutions to ongoing problems and brainstorming with a team to develop effective strategies.
“It’s great to be working with a team of caring individuals, all pulling together toward the common goal of helping students.”
Julia received her Fine Arts Certificate through TRU and continues to create and participate in various artistic endeavours through the clubs and communities of Kamloops and Ashcroft, including Kamloops Art Club and Ashcroft Art Club. She also enjoys exploring music through TRU Feet First Playback. She has an art and music studio in Ashcroft, where she enjoys creating art and music with her partner Brian.
You can find Julia at the front desk in OM 1631.
