The Team

Meet the brains behind the operation and get acquainted with our leadership, administrative support staff, learning technology, open education, and educational consultant teams. We’re here to help!

Our Team 

Have a question? Send us an email at tlcommons@kpu.ca. We'd love to hear from you!

The Commons team has embraced a blended approach to work, but our offices (located in Arbutus 2400, Surrey) are open during regular business hours. 

Leadership

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leeann waddington

Leeann Waddington, EdD, MSN, BSN | Associate Vice President, Teaching & Learning
Contact: leeann.waddington@kpu.ca | 604.599.2114 | 778.316.3223(c)
Office: Arbutus 2412, KPU Surrey

Leeann is responsible for the strategy and leadership of the Teaching & Learning Commons. This includes overseeing the development of resources, training, and other supports for faculty professional development, the enhancement and ongoing maintenance of KPU’s suite of learning technologies. She also oversees KPU's open education initiatives, including the creation, adaptation, and adoption of open educational resources, the zero textbook cost (ZTC) program, and support for open pedagogy and open education research.

Previously an experienced faculty member, Leeann holds a Post Masters Certificate in Curriculum Design and Doctorate in Education from Athabasca University. Her original training as a nurse and healthcare leader are evident in her approach which fosters caring and the creation of community.  Leeann is an advocate for the culture of folio thinking pedagogy and its potential to revolutionize KPU's learning landscape. She is also an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator and Trainer. She believes in strength-based approaches to leadership and project management, bring the best forward from each individual creates the best possible outcomes for the team.

Leeann loves to garden, quilt and relax at her island home and is always up for a culinary challenge as a self-taught chef.  

Leeann's SUPERPOWER  

The Magician: Gives the illusion that juggling numerous tasks is as simple as Abracadabra, and has the ability to see the possibilities and strengths in people and systems.  

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nishan perera

Nishan Perera, Ph.D., M.Ed., M.B.A | Director, Learning Technologies and Educational Development
Contact: nishan.perera@kpu.ca | 604.599.2826 
Office: Arbutus 2416, KPU Surrey

Nishan is responsible for leading a team of Teaching and Learning Strategists and Educational Developers to support faculty in their pursuit of teaching excellence through the development of resources, delivery of training and provision of individual faculty consultation on all topics related to course design and delivery. He partners to support learning technology infrastructure and participates in University wide communities to provide teaching and learning expertise.

Nishan holds a doctorate in educational technology and learning design from SFU and brings experience in teaching, curriculum development, academic administration, training, entrepreneurial and marketing management. He loves to use technology for teaching and has a deep appreciation in integrating technology with pedagogy to enhance teaching and learning.

Nishan loves to mountain bike, garden, hike and binge watch movies, documentaries.   

Nishan's SUPERPOWER  

The Organizer: Loves to organize, strategize, support tasks and projects to make tasks simple.

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mustafa mohammed

Mustafa Mohammed, BTech | Manager, Learning Technology Systems Operations 
Contact: mustafa.mohammed@kpu.ca
Office: Arbutus 2413, KPU Surrey

The Manager, Learning Technology Systems Operations is a new role responsible for the effective operations of technology tools and platforms that support the teaching and learning environments at KPU. They provide leadership to the learning technology support analyst team and serve as a project leader for new tools, partnering with colleagues in IT to implement, evaluate and maintain the operations of learning technology systems. They coordinate process improvement within their unit to ensure timely and accurate delivery of support services to the end users of the learning technology systems. They will establish and maintain partnership with vendors as well IT, Privacy office and other operational areas to execute projects.

This role reports to the Director of Learning Technology and Educational Development. Reporting directly to this position are Learning Technology Senior Analysts, Learning Technology Support Analysts, Co-op students, and casual employees as required.

Mustafa brings over 10 years of experience as a Software Developer and is highly skilled in the creation and execution of innovative software solutions to enhance productivity. He also possesses over 5 years of experience analyzing, designing, administering and implementing learning & content management systems. Mustafa has a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Over the last 5 years, he has served as a Senior Systems Analyst in the Learning Technology department of the Teaching & Learning Commons where he functioned as the technical lead for the learning technologies supported by the Teaching & Learning Commons.

Mustafa's SUPERPOWER  

The Fixer: The ability to troubleshoot problems in original and inventive ways.

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sarah dunn

Sarah Dunn | Divisional Business Manager
Contact: sarah.dunn1@kpu.ca
Office: Arbutus 2400, KPU Surrey

The Divisional Business Manager is a key part of our leadership team. This role supports our Teaching and Learning Innovation Fund recipients and Open Educational Grant recipients along with our capital projects like classrooms and recording studio. This along with financial planning, procurement needs and contract monitoring as well as oversight of our Admin Coordinator and Events team, she keeps our department running smoothly! 

Sarah has been with KPU for over 5 years, most recently as a Procurement Specialist in Financial Services, Sarah’s educational and employment background in Business Administration and Financial Management spans diverse sectors including Procurement, Banking, Insurance and Non-Profit.  Sarah believes in the power of a positive attitude and her specialty involves finding and developing efficiencies and operational improvements while maintaining excellent customer service.  Sarah is currently working towards her MBA.

Sarah, a mother of 3 grown children, loves to travel and spends time each year in Africa.  She founded and runs a Registered Canadian charity working with disadvantaged women, children and families to fight poverty, educate children and empower women in Kenya.   When she is home, she likes to spend quality time with her 2-year-old grandson Theo along with her cat and dog Frankie and Charlie.  In the summer, in her spare time, Sarah can be found at the beach with a blanket and a book.

Sarah's SUPERPOWER

The Optimizer: Likes to improve and/or enhance systems to find the best solutions to maximize operational efficiency.

Adminstrative Support Staff

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Kim Wdowiak

Kim Wdowiak | Administrative Coordinator
Contact: kim.wdowiak@kpu.ca | 
Office: Arbutus 2400, KPU Surrey

Kim is the first friendly face you will see when you enter Arbutus 2400. In addition to being a warm welcome to our space, some of Kim’s responsibilities include calendaring, assisting in the day to day operations of the TL Commons office, supporting the TL Commons email inbox, coordinating departmental meetings and supporting funding applications and grants for the Teaching & Learning Innovation Fund program. 

Kim is a strong advocate for cat rescue centers and often volunteers by fostering abandoned female cats and their kittens until they are healthy and ready for adoption.

Kim’s SUPERPOWER  

The Greeter: Kim strives to be friendly, personable, and will always welcome you with a friendly hello and warm smile.

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Andrea Votto

Andrea Votto | Communications & Events Specialist
Contact: andrea.votto@kpu.ca  | 604.599.2758
Office: Arbutus 2400, KPU Surrey

Andrea assists in the daily marketing, communications, promotion, and event planning strategies for the Teaching & Learning department. In addition to managing our newsletter, Andrea also contributes to the coordination of our blog, Pedagogy + Practice, and helps develop and maintain the department's website and social media channels. 

Andrea considers herself a lifelong learner. She is an avid reader and enjoys watching various documentaries at home with her three cats, Oliver, Frankie and Maisie. 

Andrea’s SUPERPOWER 

The Shape-shifter: The ability to smoothly adapt to and learn new tasks. 

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dori

Dori Pandyra | Communications & Events Specialist
Contact: doriana.pandyra@kpu.ca
Office: Arbutus 2400, KPU Surrey

Dori assists in the daily marketing, communications, promotion, and event planning strategies for the Teaching & Learning department. In addition to managing our newsletter, Dori also contributes to the coordination of our blog, Pedagogy + Practice, and helps develop and maintain the department's website and social media channels. 

Dori is a lover of all things musical theatre, and outside of KPU she can be found teaching dance class, reading, baking custom treats or adventuring with her family.

Dori's SUPERPOWER

The Multifaceted: Draws on a diverse work and educational history in order to undertake a wide range of challenges.

Educational Developers

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Lisa Gedak

Lisa Gedak, MA | Teaching & Learning Strategist
Contact: lisa.gedak@kpu.ca | 604.598.5463
Office: Arbutus 2400, KPU Surrey

Lisa aims to inspire faculty to innovate their teaching practices by using modernized strategies that support their chosen pedagogical approaches and create technology implementation opportunities. Lisa assists the faculty in re-imagining their course and program design.   

Lisa supports faculty through various methods, including workshops, webinars, and individual and group consultations.  Lisa is passionate about instructional design, the intersection of pedagogy and technology, and philosophical approaches supporting learner-centred education. 

Additionally, Lisa loves impromptu sing-alongs and is a self-proclaimed comedian.  

Lisa's SUPERPOWER  

The Optimist: Spinning a positive twist on otherwise challenging solutions.

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KPU TL Logo

Craig Wright | Teaching & Learning Strategist
Contact: craig.wright@kpu.ca
Office: Arbutus 2400, KPU Surrey

Craig’s role at KPU is to support instructors with defining and delivering meaningful learning opportunities for their students.  He works with instructors to clarify instructional goals and intention and effectively apply, as needed, theory, practice, and technology, to deliberately meet specific instructional goals.

Craig endeavors to meet people where they are. The support he provides and tactics he uses are tailored to the instructor’s context and need from holistic program development and revision to assignment support.

Craig's SUPERPOWER 

The Stuntman: Craig’s innovative thinking has no bounds, and he fearlessly leaps into new challenges and requests.

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sam kirk

Samuel Kirk, MA, BA | Teaching & Learning Strategist
Contact: samuel.kirk@kpu.ca 
Office: Arbutus 2400, KPU Surrey

Sam is a collaborator who is passionate about lifelong learning and technologies affordances. In his role as a Teaching and Learning Strategist, he supports faculty through consultation, development of resources and delivery of workshops. He will be the lead for initiatives that support Global Learning opportunities such as COIL.

Sam has 20+ years of experience teaching international learners and is passionate about supporting faculty in their quest for engaging and effective learning experiences. He believes that everyone deserves a positive, new start in any new learning endeavor they are embarking on. He hopes that the journey is every bit exciting as the destination.

Samuel's SUPERPOWER

The Encourager: Sam’s superpower is seeing the best qualities in others and helping others to see them, too.

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daniel benzimra

Daniel Benzimra| Teaching and Learning Strategist
Contact: daniel.benzimra@kpu.ca
Office: Arbutus 2400, KPU Surrey

Daniel is a life-long learner who has a wide variety of educational experience primarily in the K-12 sector, but in higher education with andragogy as well. Daniel enjoys collaboratively problem-solving educational challenges from a student-centered approach. In his role as a Teaching and Learning Strategist, Daniel works directly with faculty to help support the learning needs of their students through pedagogically-sound and evidence-based best practices.

Daniel strongly believes in the value of ongoing education and enjoys furthering his own learning and professional development. Daniel is passionate about meeting the needs of learners, special education, and intentional design for learning.

In his spare time, Daniel enjoys the outdoors, movies, and fishing.

Daniel's SUPERPOWER

The Logician: Flexible thinker who draws on different experiences to creatively analyze and problem-solve.

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robin

Robin Leung, BBAEducational Media Strategist
Contact: robin.leung@kpu.ca | 604.599.2168
Office: Arbutus 2400, KPU Surrey

Robin brings both technical and creative experience to his interactions supporting faculty in creating and implementing educational media content, activities and assessment strategies in various teaching and learning contexts, which faculty can use to support student engagement, digital skill development, and facilitate learner-created content.  

Robin oversees KPU's educational media platform and KPU's content management system software. Always abreast of current educational media trends, Robin provides practical approaches for faculty to incorporate media-based assessments, engaging content and blog-based assignments. 

Outside of work, Robin is a foodie, a content creator, and loves exploring new places.  

Robin's SUPERPOWER

The Contemplator: Quietly listens, gathers information, deeply reflects and provides practical solutions.

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Olivia Jeon

Olivia Jeon | Educational Media Strategist
Contact: olivia.jeon@kpu.ca 
Office: Arbutus 2400, KPU Surrey

Oliva brings both technical and creative experience to her interactions supporting faculty in creating and implementing educational media content, activities and assessment strategies in various teaching and learning contexts, which faculty can use to support student engagement, digital skill development, and facilitate learner-created content.  

Olivia oversees KPU's educational media platform and KPU's content management system software. Always abreast of current educational media trends, Olivia provides practical approaches for faculty to incorporate media-based assessments, engaging content and blog-based assignments. 

Olivia is a flutist, a gaming enthusiast, and loves cooking and baking in her free time.

Olivia's SUPERPOWER  

The Chameleon: Has the ability to change her skills to fit any changed circumstances.

Learning Technology

The Learning Technology Team supports our educators with adopting and using KPU tools and technologies for teaching. They provide one-on-one and small group consultations, as well as support and training. Though the team can assist with "how" to use tools and technologies, they can also assist you with the "why" (pedagogy). 

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Omar Jakir

Omar Jakir | Learning Technologies Senior Systems Analyst
Contact: omar.jakir@kpu.ca 
Office: Arbutus 2400, KPU Surrey

Omar manages the backend and integration of KPU's EdTech systems.  He supports technical staff in logging, analyzing and resolving system problems.  Omar also provides technical guidance to faculty with the learning management system, conferencing tools, e-portfolio tools and other integrated tools and platforms.

Omar strives to improve KPU systems, processes, and technologies through his extensive knowledge and passion for data analytics.  

Outside of KPU, Omar is a passionate volunteer at a local cat rescue organization and is an avid sports fan. 

Omar's SUPERPOWER  

The Keen Eye: Observes his surroundings and absorbs the details to enhance his understanding of people and situations.

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Ridhima Suri

Ridhima Suri | Learning Technologies Senior Systems Analyst
Contact: ridhima.suri@kpu.ca
Office: Arbutus 2400, Surrey

Ridhima manages the backend and integration of KPU's EdTech systems.  She supports technical staff in logging, analyzing and resolving system problems.  Ridhima also provides technical guidance to faculty with the learning management system, conferencing tools, e-portfolio tools and other integrated tools and platforms. 

Ridhima loves travelling to new places and is very fond of dancing. 

Ridhima's SUPERPOWER  

The Versatile: Excels doing diverse and numerous tasks and activities. 

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david balandy

David Balandy | Learning Technologies Junior Analyst
Contact: david.balandy@kpu.ca 
Office: Arbutus 2400, KPU Surrey

David administers day to day operations of LMS and other learning tools used at KPU. He provides instructional and technical support to faculty users of KPU's Learning Management System (LMS) by investigating and troubleshooting and creates documentation resolutions to support educational technologies. 

David loves live music, friends, and a good cup of coffee.

David's SUPERPOWER

The Learner: Life long learner who loves to increase and broaden his skillset to get the job done.

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Sunaina Paudel

Sunaina Paudel | Learning Technologies Junior Analyst
Contact: sunaina.paudel@kpu.ca
Office: Arbutus 2400, KPU Surrey

Sunaina provides instructional and technical support to faculty users of KPU's Learning Management System (LMS), creates documentation to support educational technologies, and provides support to resolve system-related problems.

Sunaina loves to stay active. She enjoys books, cinematic films, comedy, and everything outdoors. 

Sunaina's SUPERPOWER

The Conciliator: Strategically finds the best route to connect people and find resolutions effectively.

Open Education

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Amanda Grey

Amanda Grey | Open Education Strategist
Contact: amanda.grey@kpu.ca 
Office: Arbutus 2400, KPU Surrey

Amanda supports and facilitates open education initiatives by providing expertise through consultations and technical training. She oversees the management of the Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) Program, the Open Education Research Institute, and provides support to Open Educational Resources (OER) grantees, Open Pedagogy Fellows, and Open Education Research Fellows. Amanda also co-facilitates the use of our Open Publishing Suite (OPUS).  

Amanda is a KPU Alumna who went on to get a Master of Library and Information Studies degree.

Amanda has (by her own estimation) too many hobbies, many of which revolve around creating and making things through crocheting, sewing, cross-stitching, baking, and bullet journaling. She enjoys consuming stories of all kinds via books, movies, podcasts, TV, and video games.

Amanda’s SUPERPOWER  

The Weaver: Collecting and connecting knowledges learned from disparate sources and bringing them into alignment.

Educational Consultants

Educational Consultants support KPU educators to further advance their teaching and scholarship practices, as well as the activities and efforts of the Teaching and Learning Commons. They are available for one-on-one or small group consultations and work with programs/departments to develop and facilitate tailored professional development (e.g. workshops, reading circles, etc.) or resources. 

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Catherine Chow

Catherine Chow | Educational Consultant, Teaching Excellence in Science & Horticulture (25%)
Contact: catherine.chow@kpu.ca

Catherine draws on her experience teaching students in chemistry lectures and labs to relate to challenges experienced by STEM faculty, and to help them explore different approaches to teaching. She looks forward to collaborating with the other members of the Teaching and Learning Commons to support faculty and teaching staff in the Faculty of Science. She’s always happy to connect to discuss topics such as alternative assessments or technology in learning.

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gillian sudlow
Gillian Sudlow, BA, BEd, MET | Educational Consultant, Course Design
Contact: gillian.sudlow@kpu.ca
 
Gillian has been supporting learners in their journey to develop their skills and obtain their educational goals for over twenty years. She is a fierce advocate for open access to education and her scholarly interests include competency-based assessment, micro-credentials and open pedagogy. She is excited to work with the inspiring and dedicated team in KPUs Teaching and Learning Commons and is looking forward to supporting faculty with consultations on instructional design and assessment, particularly in blended and online formats.