Naomi Ben-Yehuda
Naomi has lived in Richmond since the fall of 2010. Her mother's family came to the United States in the early 1900's (3 generations past) and on her father's side she's a first generation American. She's been an Arts Degree Advisor since before there was a Faculty of Arts! She enjoys helping students understand how their bachelor's degree can come together to include their chosen major(s), minor(s), and electives.
Naomi has a Master of Science degree in counselling psychology and a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with a minor in communication studies. She has worked the weekend graveyard shift on a crisis hotline, did her graduate practicum in a career counselling centre, and has been an academic advisor at different higher education institutions since 2001. Students come to advisors with their personal lives influencing their career goals, which inform their academic choices, so she tries to look at each individual holistically, in order to help them reach their goals.
Masako Ishihara
Masako has over 20 years of experience in KPU starting with International Admissions, Central Advising, Business Degree Advising and Financial Aid Advising. Masako understands the challenges students face and how to overcome them.
After completing a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology major, she went to Quebec to study French Language at Université Laval. She enjoys living and working in the multicultural society in Canada where she meets people with diverse cultures. She enjoys gardening, making bread and is active in fitness.
Whether students need help choosing courses, planning their degree, understanding academic policies, Masako is here to support them. Her goal is to make sure students have the tools and guidance to succeed in their studies and beyond.
Julia Vergara
Julia Vergara, a dedicated educator, advisor and advocate for adult learners, holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism with a minor in Creative Writing (KPU) and a Master's degree in English (UBC). Balancing family responsibilities with academic pursuits, she developed a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities within higher education. Julia is committed to helping students navigate their educational journeys with confidence, ensuring they feel a strong sense of support.
Her personal and academic interest is rooted in mental health advocacy, and in her spare time, she loves staying informed about the latest developments in psychology. Outside of work, she greatly enjoys playing boardgames with her children, reading novels and taking her yorkie for long walks at the beach.