Graduate Programs in Education Students' Association (GPESA)
The Graduate Programs in Education Students' Association (GPESA) is a student-led community at the Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary. We support graduate students through networking, advocacy, and professional development.
Whether you're a future teacher, researcher, or leader, GPESA offers opportunities to connect, grow, and make an impact in education. From symposiums to mentorship and student rights, we’re here to help you thrive.
2025 - 2026 Executive Officers
Fabielle Cruz, President
Fabielle Rocha Cruz has worked as an English language teacher in bilingual and international schools in Curitiba, Brazil, with experience in Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and multilingual education. In recent years, she worked as a Pre-service English Teaching undergraduate professor at a private university. Her research interests include bilingual and plurilingual education, educational guidelines for bilingual education and Brazilian curriculum, multiliteracies, digital literacy, and video games in education.
Sajedeh Hosseini, Vice President Academic
Sajedeh Sadat Hosseini is a PhD candidate in Language and Literacy Education. With a background in Applied Linguistics, her current research focuses on Family Language Policy (FLP) among immigrant populations in Canada. She is passionate about promoting inclusive education for newcomer and immigrant children and supporting programs that empower their families. As an advisory board member for several academic journals, she is also actively engaged in academic writing and community-based scholarly initiatives.
Kristal Turner, Vice President Student Life
Kristal is a PhD student in Education Research-Learning Sciences with a history of advising in higher education. She is skilled in Nonprofit Work, Event Planning, Office Administration, and Community Engagement. Strong research professional with an MA degree in education research and a Bachelor's degree in archaeology from The University of Calgary.
Lily Jiaqui Cai, Treasurer
Lily Cai is currently in the third year of the Ed.D. program, specializing in Adult Learning. Her research interests are with immigrants, volunteerism, and anti-racism. With a M.A. in Intercultural Communication and over a decade of professional experience in the community, she brings to the GPESA team expertise in communicating with diverse stakeholders and a passion for enhancing education experiences beyond the traditional classroom. She understands the importance of representation and is thrilled to give back to the Werklund graduate community through working to enhance the graduate journey of Adult Learning students.
Giulia Riondino, Secretary
Giulia is a MSc student in the School and Applied Child Psychology program. Her research interests lie within family systems, and the impact trauma has on the family. Giulia has worked with various organizations serving neurodiverse children, low-income families, and unhoused women and LGBTQ+ individuals. She is passionate about creating and facilitating intervention that helps strengthen child-parent relationships.
2025-2026 Officers
Shahneela Tasmin Sharmi, Communications Liason
Shahneela Tasmin Sharmi is a dynamic leader and advocate for student well-being, currently serving as Vice President for Student Life at GPESA. She is passionate about fostering inclusive communities and enhancing student engagement through diverse initiatives. With extensive teaching experience spanning over a decade in K-12 settings and at the university level in Bangladesh, Shahneela is dedicated to supporting learners in reaching their academic potential. Her academic background includes research on equity and AI in education, where she explores innovative ways to improve learning outcomes. Combining her teaching expertise with leadership skills, she works to create enriching experiences that empower students and build a vibrant, supportive community at GPESA.
Razieh Alba, Online and Professional Programs Liason
As a visual and conceptual artist, Razieh Alba has gained considerable experience in curating thoughtful and engaging social media posts to raise awareness about not only her own work, but about the exciting achievements and events on campus and around Calgary. Alba is currently enrolled in the University of Calgary’s PhD program for Educational Research in Curriculum and Learning. She also works as a Sessional Instructor for the Department of Art and Art History. Having also completed her BFA in Visual Arts and her MFA in Research Creation in the Visual Arts at UofC, Alba is deeply tied to the campus community and is thrilled to be able to give back in her position as the GPESA Social Media Officer.
Kaylee Fishback, Peer Mentor Coordinator
Adult Learning - Maryam Mahdavian
Counselling Psychology - Tina Nguyen is entering her second year in the Master of Counselling program. She previously completed a combined undergraduate degree in Cell Biology and Psychology at the University of Calgary. Her research interests include cultural minority groups and health psychology, with a focus on bridging the gap between people’s needs and available resources. With over five years of experience as an executive member of the Vietnamese Students’ Association, Tina looks forward to representing the Counselling program and strengthening connections both within the program and with the broader graduate community.
Curriculum and Learning - Steven Sheppard is a doctoral student in Curriculum and Learning at the University of Calgary and a practicing K–12 educator. His research explores inclusive education, Critical Disability Studies, and curriculum theory, drawing on narrative inquiry and policy analysis to examine how institutional structures shape belonging, legitimacy, and access. Grounded in lived experience and classroom practice, Steven’s work bridges theory and action to challenge ableism and reimagine educational spaces through relational, justice-oriented approaches. He has published and presented nationally and internationally, and remains committed to fostering transformative, inclusive learning environments rooted in care, accountability, and critical reflection.
Language and Literacy - Sefat Jeshin Rimpu is a first-year PhD student in Educational Research with a specialization in Curriculum and Learning. She completed her Master’s in Educational Research at the Werklund School of Education. Sefat is a CELTA-certified trainer with a Master’s in TESOL and a background in EFL teaching at the secondary school level in Bangladesh. Her research interests include multilingualism and critical literacy in K–12 schools. Sefat brings diverse experience in research, teaching, and learning through her TTI internships at the Centre for Career & Personal Development (CCPD) and the Office of Institutional Analysis (OIA), as well as through research assistantships at the Werklund School of Education and other faculties.
Leadership - Gengyan Tang is a PhD student at the University of Calgary, specializing in research integrity and ethical practices in higher education. His research explores how universities can strengthen transparency and prevent academic misconduct. With experience in international collaborations and a background in both Chinese and Canadian education systems, he is committed to fostering responsible research cultures. He aims to bridge policy and practice, supporting efforts to promote honesty and fairness across academic communities.
Learning Sciences - COMING SOON
School and Applied Child Psychology - Devon Staff is a researcher and advocate with a strong interest in education, autism, ADHD, 2SLGBTQ+ and neurodiversity, with a commitment to advancing equity for marginalized and minority communities. Their work explores inclusive practices that support diverse learners and promote accessible, socially just educational environments. Having lived in four Canadian provinces, she brings a broad perspective shaped by varied experiences, but is always open to new perspectives. Outside of their academic pursuits, she enjoys spending time in nature, camping, hiking, and exploring the outdoors. They especially love going on hikes with her dog, Ivy, who keeps them grounded and active during busy research and writing days.
Alexandria Poppendorf, PhD Candidate, Educational Leadership
Alex is an educational leadership doctoral candidate at the University of Calgary who is deeply passionate about place-based pedagogies and posthuman futures. She is a a past GPESA president and former Vice President Academic for the Graduate Students' Association.