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? Dinner! I get to spend more time on preparing a nicer meal and I usually get to relax after dinner.

What’s your favourite vegetable? Grilled or BBQ  asparagus.

What meal would you never get sick of? A thick new York steak or T bone cooked rare with sautéed mushrooms in red wine.

When you’re not on campus working, what are you up to? Going scuba diving, long motorcycle rides, swimming, hiking and reading.

Erica Christie

Erica Christie

Manager, Financial Operations

What is your favourite meal of the day? Dinner or any opportunity I get to eat and be social with my friends and family.

What’s your favourite vegetable? Anything fresh from the garden. Peas, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes (I know it’s a fruit!), zucchinis or potatoes!!

What meal would you never get sick of? Can I have three courses? Calamari, burger and rhubarb crisp!

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 son.

Kelly Bailey

Kelly Bailey

Senior Manager of Operations

What is your favourite meal of the day? Lunch. I love the salad bar in the Commons!

What’s your favourite vegetable? Just one?? Asparagus, beets or brussels sprouts! Any of them roasted with sea salt, black pepper and garlic.

What meal would you never get sick of? Grilled cheese on sourdough and homemade tomato soup with a swirl of butter.

When you’re not on campus working, what are you up to? I’m addicted to reading. When I'm not working I'm rarely seen without a book in hand.

Sarah Rankin

Sarah Rankin

Manager, Marketing, Communication & Engagement

What is your favourite meal of the day? Breakfast (because pancakes)

What is your favourite fruit? Pears please

What food would you never get sick of? Give me a potato and I will show you the world

When you’re not on campus working, what are you up to? Astrology, tarot cards, gluten free vegan baking, neighborhood cat watching

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!