Kelowna
Allison Fellhauer
After earning her science degree and working for a year, Allison is excited to be starting her first year in the Computer Information Systems program. Allison is running to be a member of Okanagan College Student Union council to support OC students by helping improve campus life and promoting campaigns to keep student costs affordable. Allison is passionate about initiatives such as reducing cost of textbooks, limiting tuition increases and promoting positive mental wellbeing.
Ben Harris
Hi, my name is Ben Harris. I’m a first-year business student on the Kelowna campus. I’m an avid baseball player, golfer, hockey player, and snowboarder. By being elected, I’m looking to provide better representation for our OC athletics on the council and continue to promote a more active lifestyle for our college! Contact me at my student email or say hi if you see me around campus!
Ernest Li
Hello, my name is Ernest. I am a current Mechanical Engineering Technology student. I am an expert in the accordion, certified in lifeguarding and am a sleep enthusiast. I understand first hand how stressful college can be, so I would like to focus on stress relief and mental health for students. Allow me to prove my worth. Cheers --Ernest
Fernanda Alves
Board Representative
Hi, my name is Fernanda, and I am a second year CIS student.
Throughout my academic life, I have been seeking to get involved in projects and services that contribute with the best experience for students, whether to improve their studies or just to have fun.
My goal is to provide you with an enjoyable moment at OC. I plan on doing that by focusing my work on students’ health and fair tuition fees.
Jennifer Gullins
Executive Chairperson
Hello all! My name is Jennifer and I’ve worked at the OCSU for the last couple of years so I may have seen a few of you at our fun events! I’m passionate about promoting food security on campus, fairness for international students through predictable tuition increases, and advocating for a safe and consensual campus. I hope to continue working with everyone to leave this place a little bit better than when I arrived:)
Maxine Cristobal
Federation Representative | Kelowna Campus Chairperson
Hello! I’m Maxine and I loved working with the OCSU last year! By fostering a positive campus community through events, services, and campaigns, I’m looking forward to continuing my involvement with the union. If given the opportunity to serve students again, I’d also love to develop our newest service ‘SHH!’ and connect with students through services like The Pantry. If we ever bump into each other on campus, I’d love to chat. Toodaloo!
Olamide Ogunsakin
My name is Olamide Ogunsakin, I am a first-year student of BBA majoring in marketing. I am a goal-driven individual and I love learning about people of diverse cultures and backgrounds. Also, I have a strong background in leadership roles and cooperation in different activities. Lastly, I am a sportsperson and I love soccer and anything that has to do with it.
Penticton
Aija Otto
Board Representative
Hi, my name is Aija Otto.
I am currently enrolled in the upgrading program, with the hope of pursuing a career in the medical field. I would like to gain a better understanding of what students’ needs are and help them utilize the resources that are available on campus. I look forward to gaining knowledge from other students while advocating for what they would like to see implemented. I am passionate about making Okanagan College a positive impactful experience for everyone and I look forward to hopefully becoming a part of OCSU!
Cherish Forster
Hi, I’m Cherish! I’m passionate about harm reduction, 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, and access to comprehensive, quality healthcare. I’ve worked in healthcare for over seven years and currently work at the shelter in Penticton. You can also find me in the aboriginal lounge, where I work as a peer mentor. My future plan is to be a spokesperson for indigenous health and help bring accessible health care to remote indigenous communities. During the 2022-2023 school year, I hope to bring more awareness to addictions and mental health stigmas, indigenous health adversities, and the continuous battle for 2SLGBTQIA+ equality.
Claudia Polk
Internal Director | Penticton Campus Chair Person
Hey everyone!
I am Claudia Polk ( she/her), and this is my fourth year with the Okanagan College Students’ Union. I am currently taking the Criminal and Social Justice Associates Program. This year I look forward to working on Mental Health and LGBTQIA+ Resources for the student body.
I am excited to work in the Harbour Safe Space & Food Pantry and bring more awareness to the “Fairness For International Students Campaign.”
I Look forward to working alongside members and having another great year!
Omar Tamayo
Board Representative
Hi! I am currently a second year student in the Sustainable Building Technology program, I moved from Mexico with my family, I am grateful for the opportunities I have had now in Canada to continue to grow personally and professionally. Being able to participate with OCSU for the past year, being part of a team of highly committed people, has allowed me to understand the needs of local and international students, and to be able to contribute experiences that facilitate the student’s life. I reiterate my commitment to continue collaborating with our student community.
Paola Morales
I am Paola Morales, I came from Mexico City, where I was a physician. I decided to come to Canada to study Kinesiology at Okanagan College. I am in the second year of Kinesiology. I have a six-year-old son. I participate in the OCSU because I am interested in helping with the academic and social issues of the students.
Randeep Dhaliwal
I‘m Randeep Kaur Dhaliwal, I’m from the Philippines. I’m a second-year student of OC in Business Administration specialty accounting. My goals in life are to work in a bank and be a person who could help others. I always want to learn something new. When I came to Canada, I aimed to learn about the culture and participate in various social events. I like to help others. Thank you so much for the help.
Salmon Arm
Chelsey Simmons
Board Representative
Hi, my name is Chelsey I am a first year business student. I have a lot of leadership experience through 4H, sports teams, and volunteering throughout the community. I love to hike, kayak, and play soccer. I’m excited to provide awesome services to the OC Salmon Arm students and get to know new people as I really enjoy the social aspect of community building.
Jacob Huntington
My name is Brenton Jacob Huntington. I have ample experience on student council, as well as being a leader though collaborative environments including sports teams, drama productions, and volunteering at Gardom Lake Bible Camp. Serving my communities is important to me, and I hope to provide the best student experience wherever I have influence to do so.
Katie Thielman
Salmon Arm Campus Chairperson
Hi my name is Katie Thielman. I’m currently in the first year of my Associate of arts degree at the OC Salmon Arm campus. I am excited to join OCSU so I can advocate for more student resources as well as improving student life! I believe that students all benefit from resources that will help improve our mental and physical health. Which leads to a healthier and happier student population!
Megan Doran
I am a hardworking and goal oriented individual. I have been in the customer service industry going on six years. I am a huge plant enthusiast and could go on a tangent about them if given the opportunity. I am also looking forward to meeting everyone and getting involved in the student bodies interests.
Taylor Dueck
Board Representative
I’m a soft spoken, outgoing Human Service Worker student with a passion for helping those around me. My goal after school is to work as an advocate for people with addiction, and to work in harm reduction. Being back in school last year and this year I have overcome so many fears and felt a warm welcome due to the student union, so I would like to do the same this year for other students.
Staff
Brianne Berchowitz
Executive Director
Brianne is the Executive Director of the OCSU. While her office is located in Kelowna, she travels to all campuses to help support the OCSU team. She is committed to ensuring students have the best possible experience while attending post-secondary and is always happy to connect with students, staff and faculty to make positive changes. Outside of the office you can find her enjoying the beautiful Okanagan with family and friends.
Lindsey Loftus
Organizer - Salmon Arm
Lindsey has been a part of the OCSU team since 2015, serving as the organizer for the Salmon Arm campus. Salmon Arm is her favorite place and she is passionate about helping grow the community and helping the people who call it home, reach their full potential. When not at work you will find Lindsey spending time with her husband and two sons.
Alana Day
Organizer - Penticton
Alana is a new addition to the OCSU Team. She is passionate about and committed to helping people. She loves finding herself in the middle of planning fun, and memorable Events for the people around her. When she is not working Alana loves exploring the beautiful Okanagan, playing baseball and relaxing on the beaches. Make sure you pop into the office and say hello!
Megan Gray
Organizer - Advocacy and Governance
Megan has been with OCSU since 2016 and has worked on the Kelowna and Penticton campuses. She has a well-rounded understanding of the needs of members across the valley and is passionate about ensuring all folks have equitable access to post-secondary education. If you are need of support navigating institutional policy or muddling through the post secondary experience in general, please get in touch.
Gabby Urban
Campaigns and Services Coordinator
Gabby Joined OCSU in Fall 2018 where she had the organizer role in Salmon Arm and then joined us at the Kelowna Campus. She is now enjoying her new role as the Campaigns & Services Coordinator. Gabby is a former OCSU rep herself where she served a year in 2010 while attending the business program. When Gabby is off the clock you can find her planning weddings, at the lake, or spending time with her husband and son.
Kristina (Krissy) Laitinen
Member Services Coordinator
Krissy has been running the front desk at the OCSU Kelowna office since Fall 2018. Drop her a line if you have questions about anything the OCSU does, such as events, advocacy work, or any of our services. She is perhaps best known in the campus community for her red hair and dad jokes.
Kristen Lang
Bookkeeper | Health & Dental Coordinator
Our staff manage the health and dental plan. We work with Green Shield to process the health and dental opt-outs and other plan inquiries. The deadline to opt out is 30 days after your program’s start date.
Connect
Kelowna
Penticton
Salmon Arm