Our Team

Our UBC Learning Exchange (LE) team is made up of a talented and experienced group of people committed to building greater ties between the University of British Columbia and Vancouver communities. For us, learning is a two-way street.

This means we work to bring about new connections and partnerships that lead to new experiences for community members, students, faculty, and staff—learnings we never could have discovered on our own.

 

  • Rachael Barton Bridges

    Rachael Barton-Bridges

    Community Animator
    rachael.bartonbridges@ubc.ca
    604-822-5396

    About

    Coordinates a range of educational activities with local residents and partners, often with an intercultural focus, to build familiarity with structured learning and support people with next steps. Coaches community members to lead activities to develop confidence and leadership skills.

    Contact me if you are:

    • A community member interested current programs
    • An artist, Elder, facilitator or anyone interested in sharing expertise or skills
    • A local group interested in collaborating on an intercultural event/activity
  • Katherine Cheng

    Katherine Cheng

    Community-Based Research (CBR) Coordinator
    katherine.cheng@ubc.ca
    604-827-2774

    About

    Brokers connections between UBC and the DTES on CBR and knowledge exchange that adds to the scope and impact of research. Coordinates the Making Research Accessible initiative (MRAi) to make research related to the DTES easier to find, understand and use.

    Contact me if you are:

    • Looking for research connections, capacity, or suggestions for working with UBC or the DTES
    • Looking for or need access to research related to the DTES
  • Geoff D'auria

    Geoff D’Auria

    Communications Specialist
    geoff.dauria@ubc.ca
    604-822-3315

    About

    Strategizes, creates and shares communications that make the dynamic work of the LE easy to understand and engage with. Writes stories, social media, posters, websites, newsletters and more. Connects with DTES organizations and UBC communicators to amplify messages.

    Contact me if you are:

    • UBC communicators looking to collaborate
    • External media looking for information about the Learning Exchange
  • Spring Gillard

    Spring Gillard

    English Conversation Program (ECP) Coordinator
    spring.gillard@ubc.ca
    604-827-0662

    About

    Coordinates free, low-barrier English Conversation Program that prioritizes DTES community, Chinatown seniors and immigrants. Supports community peers and UBC students to lead sessions, some of which use an arts-based approach.

    Contact me if you are:

    • Interested in joining or volunteering to lead ECP sessions
    • An organization looking to collaborate on arts-based language learning opportunities
  • Matt Hume

    Matt Hume

    Student Learning Coordinator
    matt.hume@ubc.ca
    604-822-9282

    About

    Prepares and supports students to engage positively at the Learning Exchange, with LE partners and with the DTES community. Supports faculty on DTES-related learning objectives, which could include hosting classes at the LE, campus presentations, or other kinds of collaborations.

    Contact me if you are:

    • Student interested in community engaged work or volunteering
    • Faculty looking for support on learning objectives related to the DTES
    • Community partner looking for support with UBC student engagement
  • Chris Koch

    Chris Koch

    Operations Manager
    chris.koch@ubc.ca
    604-827-2223

    About

    Plans and implements infrastructure and administrative, from budgeting, staff scheduling and human resources to information technology and building operations. Ensures spaces are dignified, functional, safe and welcoming.

    Contact me if you are:

    • UBC staff member with a human resource, budget, risk management or IT question
    • Supplier or tradesperson supporting UBC
  • Kathleen Leahy

    Kathleen Leahy

    Director
    kathleen.leahy@ubc.ca
    604-827-2329

    About

    Sets a vision for the LE that aligns with community goals and UBC priorities. Works with Academic Director to align with academic goals. Leads and supports the LE team. Works with DTES organizations at administrative level to build relationships and capacity.

    Contact me if you are:

    • A community leader looking to connect with UBC
  • Eliza Ong

    Eliza Ong-Javier

    Operations and Engagement Coordinator
    eliza.ongjavier@ubc.ca
    604-822-9970

    About

    Connects DTES residents, organizations, and UBC groups to free meeting, workshop, or event spaces at the LE. Meets with groups to understand goals and supports them to feel empowered in the building. Leads internal administration, including financial processing, HR onboarding, and other facility access and maintenance.

    Contact me if you are:

    • Community or research group interested in meeting, workshop, or event space
    • UBC staff member with an onboarding, financial processing, or IT question
  • Dionne Pelan

    Dionne Pelan

    Digital Literacy Coordinator
    dionne.pelan@ubc.ca
    604-827-2325

    About

    Develops, coordinates and delivers educational digital literacy programs. Trains and supports community peers and UBC students to lead programs, and staff at community organizations to deliver their own. Collaborates and consults with partners on unique digital projects, like the LinkVan app.

    Contact me if you are:

    • Community members interested in low-barrier computer workshops or Tech Cafes
    • Community organizations looking for support with digital literacy programming
  • Jen Rentz

    Jennifer Rentz

    Drop-In Coordinator
    jennifer.rentz@ubc.ca
    604-822-6087

    About

    Coordinates free, low-barrier Community Drop-In and Computer Access program that includes arts and cultural learning activities. Creates a welcoming space where local residents can consider next steps on their learning paths.

    Contact me if you are:

    • Local residents interested in the drop-in, workshops or field trips
    • Community groups looking to partner on cultural activities or share information with local residents
  • Michelle Stack

    Michelle Stack

    Academic Director
    michelle.stack@ubc.ca
    604-827-4770

    About

    Sets an academic vision that aligns with university goals. Works closely with the Director to align with community goals. Advises LE team on interactions with the academic community. Leads Making Research Accessible initiative (MRAi) to make research related to the DTES easier to find, understand and use.

    Contact me if you are:

    • An academic leader looking to deepen engagement with the DTES or LE
    • Academic or community researchers interested in knowledge exchange and community-based research related to the DTES
  • Picture of An Xu

    An Xu

    Community Programs Facilitator
    an.xu@ubc.ca
    604-827-2772

    About

    First point of contact for those who call or walk through the door of the LE. Delivers activities, programs, and events for local residents. Supports the Drop-In & Computer Access, Tech Cafés, and other community programs.

    Contact me if you:

    • Have questions about our community programming