Meet the team

John Thompson

John Thompson

Director

What is your favourite meal of the day? Dinner – hopefully with time to relax

What’s your favourite vegetable? Stir fry veggies

What meal would you never get sick of? Anything from Southern Africa. Peri Peri flavours are amazing. The taste of a good Curry (mild please) or anything from the hot grill of a braai …. All delicious!

When you’re not on campus working, what are you up to? Walking around and exploring the wonderful city of Victoria

Tony Heesterman

Tony Heesterman

Executive Chef & Associate Director

What is your favourite meal of the day? My favorite meal of the day is dinner where I can be more creative in what i am making and being able to take time to enjoy it

What meal would you never get sick of? I would never get sick of ramen with so many varieties and flavors 

What's one ingredient you love working with? Prawns, specially our B.C. spotted prawns

When you’re not on campus working, what are you up to? Fishing, reading, wood carving and working around the house

Kelly Bailey

Kelly Bailey

Senior Manager of Operations

What is your favourite Vegetable? Grilled asparagus 

What is your favourite meal of the day and why? Breakfast for dinner. Comfort food, easy to prep and slightly rebellious!

What's one ingredient you love working with? Potatoes-so versatile and delicious in all its many forms.

When you’re not on campus working, what are you up to? Reading, spending time with the family and fur babies.

Erica Christie

Erica Christie

Senior Manager, Financial Operations

Pineapple on pizza: Yay or Nay? Heck ya!

Must have condiment? Does cheese count?

What is your favourite meal of the day and why? Dinner or any chance to eat and socialize with friends and family.

When you’re not on campus working, what are you up to? Hiking, camping, swimming, beaching and enjoying the great outdoors with my husband and two kids.

Karen Evans

Karen Evans

Manager, Marketing and Communication

What is your favorite cuisine? Thai, all day long. I have never met a spring roll I didn't like.

Pineapple on pizza: Yay or Nay? Yay! I even had peaches once!

What meal would you never get sick of? Does dessert count as a meal? If so, I would never get sick of sticky toffee pudding!

When you’re not on campus working, what are you up to? Reading mostly, or watching/studying History, Architecture and Interior Design.

Leanne Halligey, RD

Leanne Halligey, RD

Campus Dietitian

What is your favourite meal of the day? Dinner- this is my time to connect with my family

What is your favourite vegetable? Roasted root veggies

What meal would you never get sick of? Anything Thai infused

When you’re not on campus working, what are you up to? Spending time in nature with my hubby and kids- hiking, biking and paddle boarding!

Cindy Rainey

Cindy Rainey

UNFS Manager - Operations

Coffee or Tea? Coffee

What is your favourite fruit and/or Vegetable? Asparagus and Blueberries  

When you’re not on campus working, what are you up to? Spending time with family & friends, being outside, watching documentaries & reading 

John Goldsmith

John Goldsmith

Operations Manager

What is your favorite cuisine? Japanese — sashimi, tonkatsu, and ramen never disappoint.

Coffee or Tea? Coffee. The stronger, the better.

What is your favourite meal of the day and why? Eggs, yogurt protein bowls, and strong coffee are a pretty hard combination to beat.

When you’re not on campus working, what are you up to? When I'm not on campus, you'll usually find me cycling, in a hot yoga class, throwing a round of disc golf, or travelling as much as possible with my partner.

Michael Allin

Michael Allin

Executive Sous Chef

Pineapple on pizza: Nay

Sweet or Savoury? Savoury

What meal would you never get sick of? Pizza

When you’re not on campus working, what are you up to? Family and Friends

Rishi Bagul

Rishi Bagul

Manager, Degrees Catering

Coffee or Tea? Coffee

What is your favourite meal of the day and why? Dinner is my favourite meal of the day because it’s when my family can sit together at home, relax, and talk about our day.

When you’re not on campus working, what are you up to? When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, doing activities with my son, and working out.

Amelia Donald

Amelia Donald

Catering assistant

What is your favorite cuisine? Italian 

Coffee or Tea? Tea

Sweet or Savoury? Sweet

What is your favourite meal of the day and why? Brunch for the assortment

What meal would you never get sick of? Pasta

When you’re not on campus working, what are you up to? Enjoying life at the lake.

David Wardle

David Wardle

Desktop Support Analyst

What is your favorite cuisine? Chinese

Pineapple on pizza: Yay or Nay? Yay

Coffee or Tea? Both

Sweet or Savoury? Savoury

Must have condiment? Mustard

When you’re not on campus working, what are you up to? Playing with my cats, watching Canadian football, listening to history podcasts.

Tara Lewis

Tara Lewis

Team Lead Financial Operations

Sweet or Savoury? Both - balance is important in life and snacks

What’s your favourite fruit? Pomelo - one of the original citrus fruits. Grapefruit is the hybrid of a pomelo and an orange.

What meal would you never get sick of? Tacos - endless variety

When you’re not on campus working, what are you up to? I'm either outside relaxing in my garden, attempting to not hurt myself playing pickleball or something crafty

Patrick Brus

Patrick Brus

Accounting Clerk

Coffee or Tea? Coffee! Although I don't get one everyday, nothing beats the aroma of some good coffee.

Sweet or Savoury? Savoury. I always enjoy discovering new bold & spiced flavours, whether strong or subtle.

What is your favourite meal of the day and why? Breakfast. Any variation of eggs benedict is a winner in my books.

When you’re not on campus working, what are you up to? Gaming, whether it's the board or video variety. Hitting up camping or the beaches on the island.

Jade Bowen

Jade Bowen

Financial Operations Clerk

Sweet or Savoury? Anything sweet and anything fruity!

Must have condiment? Balsamic glaze - the perfect sweet, tangy addition to any fresh dish.

What is your favourite meal of the day and why? A good breakfast. It's something I look forward to and sets the tone for a great day.

When you’re not on campus working, what are you up to? Swimming, biking, running, and soaking up the sun!

Ann Beltran

Ann Beltran

Financial Operations Clerk

What is your favorite cuisine? Filipino Cuisine

What is your favourite fruit? Mango

What is your favourite meal of the day and why? Dinner, It's a time when I can sit down with my boys, enjoy a meal together, and spend quality time as a family.

When you’re not on campus working, what are you up to? I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I love being in nature, long driving, hiking, and picnic. I also enjoy staying home, organizing, and relaxing with a good movie.