About Us
The Graduate Programs in Education Students' Association (GPESA) is a volunteer organization that represents graduate students in Graduate Programs in Education (GPE) at the University of Calgary.
2026 - 2027 Executive Officers
Hannah Cheng, President
Hannah Cheng is a second-year MSc student in School and Applied Child Psychology. Her research examines how physicians and schools communicate and collaborate to support children with developmental, behavioural, and mental health needs. She also works as an academic interventionist at a psychology clinic in Toronto for children with learning differences. Having led student organisations at both the University of Toronto and the University of Calgary, Hannah is passionate about building community and creating spaces where graduate students can connect and support one another. Outside her studies she loves to dance, spend time outdoors, and travel whenever she can 😄
Vrenelli Obillo, Vice President, Academic
Vrenelli Obillo is passionate about helping graduate students feel heard, supported, and connected throughout their academic journey. She is currently a Master of Education student at the University of Calgary, specializing in Leading in Postsecondary Contexts, and holds an Honours BA in Political Science. Her work in academic advising has deepened her interest in student success and the ways university systems shape students’ experiences. With interests in postsecondary governance, political theory, and Indigenous politics, Vrenelli brings both curiosity and a student-centred perspective to her role and looks forward to advocating for and learning alongside the GPESA community."
McKinley Hogan, Vice President Student Life
McKinley is in the second year of her Master of Science in Educational Psychology, specializing in Counselling Psychology. Her research interests include child and adolescent development, the medicalization of mental health across family systems, and impacts of technology use. With a variety of experiences working in the mental health field with vulnerable populations, she brings strong communication skills, empathy, and compassion to the GPESA team. McKinley understands the importance of advocating for graduate students and looks forward to serving you!
Abdullah Al Mamun Bhuiyan, Treasurer
My name is Abdullah Al Mamun Bhuiyan, and I am pursuing a PhD in Educational Research, specializing in Curriculum and Learning. I previously served as a lecturer at a university in the Middle East for several years. My research interest focuses on Indigenous language teaching, Indigenous teachers' effectiveness in teaching Indigenous languages, Indigenous language rights, Indigenous policy and planning, and decolonization. As the treasurer of the GPESA, my role involves managing financial matters and seeking funding sources to organize community events throughout the year for the Werklund School of Education student body.
Mohammad Jahedul Hoque Shahin, Secretary
Mohammad Jahedul Hoque Shahin is a second-year PhD student in Educational Research (Leadership) at the Werklund School of Education. Before his doctorate, he spent nine years as a civil servant and lecturer with Bangladesh’s Ministry of Education, contributing to education policy, curriculum development, and teacher training. He holds a Master of Public Policy and a Master’s degree in Government and Politics. His research focuses on AI governance, educational leadership, policy implementation, and the responsible integration of emerging technologies in Canadian higher education. Drawing on his experience in policy, governance, and leadership, he serves as GPESA’s Secretary, supporting effective communication, organization, and democratic governance for the graduate community.
2026-2027 Officers
Kevin Chidozie Anaeche, Communications Liason
Kevin Anaeche is an educator, researcher, and educational leader with extensive experience in Mathematics education, teaching, administration, and student engagement. He holds a Master of Science in Education (MSc. Ed.) in Mathematics Education, a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education, and a Master of Arts (MA) in Leadership. He is currently a second-year Ph.D. student in Educational Research, specializing in Leadership, with research interests in how leaders navigate complexity, change, and institutional challenges to foster organizational resilience. His leadership experience includes serving as a university department head, program coordinator, and director of a professional education program. As GPESA Communications Liaison, Kevin is committed to strengthening communication, promoting graduate student engagement, and fostering an informed, connected, and inclusive Werklund community.
Alisha Brignall, Peer Mentor Coordinator
Alisha Brignall is a first-year doctoral student in Educational Research and a two-time University of Calgary alumna, holding a Master of Education in Interdisciplinary Studies. She is an experienced K–12 educator, sessional instructor, and graduate teaching assistant, and has spent the last six years mentoring pre-service teachers. Her academic interests focus on education policy, equity, and access to educational resources. Drawing on her experience supporting learners and emerging educators, Alisha is passionate about mentorship and community-building. As GPESA’s Peer Mentor Coordinator, she is excited to help graduate students feel supported, connected, and confident throughout their studies.
Adult Learning - Jame Bryan Batara
I have served in teaching, research, and community service roles in university and college settings in Canada and the Philippines for 15 years and counting. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Psychology with a concentration in Social Psychology and a minor in Clinical Psychology in the Philippines. In Canada, I completed my Master of Education in Post-secondary Curriculum and Instruction, and now I am in my second year of a PhD in Educational Research in the adult learning track. My research interests and projects span social and community research related to the Psychology of religion, spirituality, and health promotion among marginalized communities. In relation to my PhD work, I advocate for more equitable and accessible transnational higher education for students in developing countries, particularly in Southeast Asia. As the GPESA representative for EDER Adult Learning, I advocate for amplifying the voices of marginalized students and those who face challenges accessing services and support as graduate students.
Counselling Psychology - Sylvia Kolodziejczyk
Before coming to the University of Calgary, I completed my HBSc in Psychology through the French Stream at the University of Ottawa. I am currently a second-year MSc Counselling Psychology student working with Dr. Xu Zhao. My research interests include immigrant and newcomer families, identity development, gender, and sexuality. My professional experiences working as a recreation aide and serving as President of the University of Ottawa Cycling Club sparked my passion for organizing events and bringing people together. As EDSA Representative, I hope to create opportunities for connection, community, and engagement among Counselling Psychology students.
Language and Literacy - Jingyao Li
Jingyao Li is a doctoral student in Language and Literacy Education. With a background in applied linguistics and health literacy, she works in wellness and youth outreach, designing interactive programs to amplify the voices of marginalized groups. Her scholarly work explores language education and digital literacy, including how people use AI to understand health information. In her GPESA role, Jingyao hopes to foster inclusive dialogue across student perspectives and strengthen peer connections. She aims to build a supportive academic community centered on student well-being. Outside academia, she loves road trips and discovering the culture and beauty of each new place.
Leadership - Zohreh (Shina) Khajoueinejad
Zohreh (Shina) Khajoueinejad is a second-year PhD student in Educational Research (Leadership) at the University of Calgary. Her research focuses on leadership development for middle-level academic leaders in Canadian higher education, with particular interest in well-being, change agency, and institutional policy. She has a background in educational administration and works on research projects in postsecondary education. As the elected Leadership representative to GPESA for 2026–2027, Shina hopes to listen to and represent Leadership students and strengthen connections across the graduate student community.
Learning Sciences - Tahmina Hoq
I am a third-year PhD student in the Learning Sciences program at the Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary. Before joining UCalgary, I served as an Associate Professor at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, where I spent over a decade teaching, mentoring students, supervising research, and contributing to academic development. My research explores climate justice, science education, and equity. Having experienced academia as both an educator and a doctoral student across different contexts, I hope to bring diverse perspectives, strengthen graduate student voices, and foster a more inclusive and supportive academic community through my GPESA role as Learning Science Representative.
2024-2025 Team
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.
Lily Jaiqiu Cai, Vice President, Academics
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.
Shuvo Chowdhury Rahul, Vice President, Finance and Operations
I have hands-on experience working multiple voluntary and leadership roles throughout my academic career. I have developed good communication skills, teamwork, and collaborative skills by working with individuals and professionals from diverse disciplines. I aspire to utilize my skills and expertise for the betterment of graduate students in Werklund School of Education. If I am elected for this role, I will work diligently and honestly to bring a positive impact on Graduate Programs in Education.
Samara Karishma, Secretary
I was the vice president for the Education Student's Association 2018-2019 and would love to be involved in the Werklund community again. As an engagement coordinator for the Canadian Rare Disease Network, I would succeed in the secretary role as I have experience keeping meeting minutes, communicating with steering committee members across Canada, replying to emails and helping curate grant documents as well as maintaining the social media platforms, newsletter and website. I also update events happening across Canada for the network and have great experience collecting the events, organizing them and adding them to the CRDN website.
Vice president, Student Life
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.
Online and Professional Programs Representative, Warren Ferguson,
I have worked as an educator for many years, and I come to the University of Calgary with a passion for professional learning. I believe that serving others is instrumental in helping fellow students feel supported and encouraged in their studies. Online learning has its unique challenges, and it can be somewhat isolating at times. I am committed to serving and advocating for students in online and professional programs. This can be best accomplished by working within a team to build our graduate learning community, and through positive social engagement and professional development.
Promotions and Media Relations Officer, Razieh Alba
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.
Brian Gilbert, Peer mentor Coordinator
Brian received his B.Sc. in Natural Sciences (concentrating in chemistry and biology) and his M.A. in Educational Research (specialized in curriculum and learning) from the University of Calgary. He is completing his PhD in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary in Educational Research, where his research focuses on exploring how online communities empower learners to develop scientific literacy skills outside of formal learning environments. Brian is passionate about teaching and learning at both the k-12 and post-secondary levels as well as research in both SoTL and Curriculum. Brian has held multiple teaching roles across the University of Calgary as a Teaching Assistant and Sessional Instructor as well as many research assistant positions focused on improving science education and curriculum development. His interests as an educator and researcher include improving accessibility of science, challenging norms of science education, and adding creativity into science instruction at all levels.
Collette Quinn-Hall, Chief Returning Officer
Adult Learning, Chima Nwachukwu
With dual degrees in Adult Education and Economics, complemented with another degree specialization in Community Development, I possess a comprehensive understanding of adult learning and community engagement. My previous experience as a teaching assistant has equipped me with the skills to support students effectively. I am a self-motivated individual with a strong drive to excel. My collaborative approach makes me a valuable team player, and my contributions to the current practices of adult learning will serve as a source of motivation for the graduate program in education.
Counsellling Psychology, Danielle Shinbine
Danielle (She/They) is a third-year student in the Msc Counselling Psychology program. Their research interests are delineated towards examining factors that enable coping and resilience in LGBTQ+ individuals throughout the lifespan, as well as the LGBTQ+ community’s relationship with social media. When not working, Danielle enjoys their hobbies of retro video gaming and visiting animal sanctuaries. In their role as the Counselling Psychology rep, they aspire to be a source of support for fellow graduate students and are eager to contribute to the GPESA team.
Curriculum and Learning, Fiona Couillard
Fiona is a third-year PhD Student in Educational Research under the curriculum and learning specialization. Fiona holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Fine Arts with distinction from the Alberta University of the Arts. Fiona currently sits on the Teaching and Learning Advisory Committee (TLAC) as well as the Curriculum and Learning Committee (EDCL).
School and Applied Child Psychology, Alexa Rood
I am eager to connect more with the graduate community at Werklund by taking on a leadership role. I have experience in public speaking and am passionate about advocating for myself and other students so we can have the best educational experience we can. Although I am not from Calgary and studied at a different university during my undergraduate work, I want to contribute to the community I am now a part of at the University of Calgary.
2023-2024 Team
Emily Coombs, Co-President (EDPS)
Emily Coombs is an queer autistic researcher studying the intersection of autism and LGBTQ+ identity, the experiences of autistic women and lesbian mental health. As Dr. Maroney's graduate student they have worked on expanding these fields of study. Emily also is affiliated with the University of Alberta and the University of Victoria where they study autistic adults experiences with higher education and autonomy. As similar research is being spearheaded Emily aims to bridge the institutions they work with.
Alexandria Poppendorf, Co-President (EDER)
Alexandria Poppendorf is a third year PhD student in WSE. Her research explores conceptions of relationality, place, and situatedness with focus on her homeland of central Appalachia, a rural region of the United States characterized by complex culture and genealogies of oppression. Her work promotes self-reflection as a means for interrogating and challenging historic inequity and unwellness. In addition to her experiences as a current student, she is a historian, educator, qualitative researcher, and novelist who has traveled the world as a teacher of English. A historian and teacher, she is uniquely suited to analyze complicated socio-cultural factors which contribute to the topics she explores. Qualitative research is a passion which she combines with her skills as an author, bringing her literary voice and criticality to every piece she writes.
Nurgül Balaç Rodriguez, V.P. Academic
Nurgul Rodriguez is an artist with an interdisciplinary practice, and PhD student at Werklund School of Education. She has an active individual practice of disciplines and media including porcelain, installation, handmade paper, printmaking, three-dimensional pieces, and more recently socially engaged and collaborative projects. Her work is social, political, and personal with a focus on issues of immigration, diasporas, borders, and cultures. She explores becoming a diasporic individual during identity formation within a new culture. Nurgul settled in Calgary in 2009 after many nomadic years of living in Turkey, the United States and Spain with her family. She currently lives in Calgary making, writing, teaching, collaborating and always learning.
Kristal Turner, V.P. Finance and Operations
Fabielle Cruz, V.P. Student Life
Fabielle is a Brazilian research, who was dedicated time to study video games, multiliteracies and education. With a background in language teaching and experience in multicultural multilingual classroom, she hopes to contribute significantly to GPESA and its members.
Tatyana Kim, Online and Professional Programs Representative
Razieh Alba, Promotions & Media Relations Officer
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.
Danielle Shinbine, EDSA Rep - Counselling & Psychology
Danielle (She/They) is a second-year student in the Msc Counselling Psychology program. Their research interests are delineated towards examining factors that enable coping and resilience in LGBTQ+ individuals throughout the lifespan, as well as the LGBTQ+ community’s relationship with social media. When not working, Danielle enjoys their hobbies of retro video gaming and visiting animal sanctuaries. In their role as the Counselling Psychology rep, they aspire to be a source of support for fellow graduate students and are eager to contribute to the GPESA team.
Patricia Fontanilla, EDSA Rep - School & Applied Psychology
Patricia is in her second year of her MSc in School and Applied Child Psychology. Currently, her research focuses on resiliency in middle school aged children. For her undergraduate studies, she completed a Bachelor in Community Rehabilitation alongside her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and researched the role of gender in chronic illness. This is Patricia’s first year being part of the GPESA team and she is so excited to work collaboratively with other student representatives to enhance the graduate student experience. She aims to hear students and support them in fostering meaningful experiences and relationships within the Werklund community.
Emmanuel Amaechi, EDSA Rep - Learning Sciences
Emmanuel Amaechi will lead the improvement of student welfare and policy amendment strategies. Students are invited to connect with Emmanuel (Emmanuel.Amaechi@ucalgary.ca) to provide suggestions on how he can represent the student voice or any questions or concerns. About Emmanuel Emmanuel Amaechi Obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education Economics from the University of Nigeria. In March 2023, Emmanuel and his team received Map the System Ucalgary 3rd Place Prize for their work on Mental health. He volunteers to improve children's access to quality education at Street2School in Nigeria. Emmanuel Cares about fairness, and level playing field through quality education.
Fiona Couillard, EDSA Rep - Curriculum & Learning
Collette Quinn-Hall, Chief Returning Officer
Eve Moreau, EDSA Rep - Language & Literacy
Assad Ali Bik, EDSA Rep - Leadership
Lily Jiaqiu Cai, EDSA Rep - Adult Learning
Lily is currently in the second 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.
Reha Sandu, GPE Peer Mentorship Coordinator
2022-2023 Team
Co-President (EDER) - Lili Jardine Co-President (EDPS) - Courtney Miller Vice President, Student Life - André Pires Vice President, Academic - Anna Marrello Vice President, Finance and Operations - Apoorve Chokshi Secretary - Natasha Portela Promotions and Media Relations - Razieh Alba Online and Professional Programs - Jade Oldfield GPE Peer Mentor Coordinator - Aurélia Mir-Orefice
Adult Learning - Rosalind Carson Learning Sciences - Mawuli Kofi Tay Curriculum and Learning - Hiyat Mitchell Language and Literacy - Abigail Williams School and Child Applied Psychology - Katy Lowe Counselling Psychology - Samara Wessel (elected) Leadership - Beatriz Antonieta Moya (elected)
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2024-2025 Documents
- Date of 2024 AGM: September 23, 2024
- 2024-2025 GPESA Bylaws Approved by Membership
- 2024 AGM Minutes
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2023-2024 Documents
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2023-2024 Documents
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2022-2023 Documents
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2021-2022 Documents