Meet the team

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
