Exploratory Advising

Deirdre holds a Masters of Education, specializing in Adult Learning and Higher Education, and bachelor degrees in General Studies and Education from the University of Calgary. Prior to working in post-secondary student services, Deirdre was a secondary school teacher who taught Social Studies in both Calgary and Germany. In her current role, Deirdre supports prospective, Open Studies and current undergraduate degree students in choosing an educational pathway that fits their motivators, personality traits, interests, and academic backgrounds. Once admitted to the University, Deirdre also provides registration assistance for incoming first-year and Open Studies students. Passionate about educational planning and career development, Deirdre is committed to facilitating students’ smooth and positive transitions into degree programs. Good days for Deirdre include a combination of helping students, yoga, squash or long walks, and great vegan food!

Dan is an Exploratory Advisor for First Generation students and joined the Student Success Centre after working for several years in Admissions and Recruitment and as an Academic Advisor in the Faculty of Arts. He attended the University of Guelph-Humber where he completed a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Guelph and a Diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion from Humber College. Dan enjoys talking to students about their interests and helping them find a degree program that suits them and will allow them to pursue their passion and reach their goals. He also thrives on helping students understand the pathway and requirements to be admissible to their program of interest. Outside of work Dan is a very active person and spends his spare time running, playing sports with friends, and hiking and camping in the mountains with his dog, Shadow.

Iraida has a Masters Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelors Degree in International Relations from KIMEP University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Iraida has over 10 years experience in the Academic Advising field. In her current role, Iraida assists exploratory continuing degree students, prospective students and Open Studies students in their transition to degree programs that are a best fit with their academic interests, strengths, abilities and goals. Iraida is passionate about helping students to find their way and to succeed.

In her spare time, she enjoys travelling with her family and baking for her friends.

Lisa embarked on her academic journey fueled by a desire to serve those around her and empower others to lead a positive life. Lisa holds a Masters of Counselling degree in Educational Psychology, and an undergraduate degree in Psychology with Honours both at the University of Calgary. As an Academic Advisor for prospective and current first-generation students, she provides advising and wayfinding support and aims to offer student-centered resources and be a place where students can feel comfortable asking questions and learn more about strategies and resources that support their learning and success at university. Her goal is to help students define their academic interests and aptitudes, and clarify their academic goals through learning more about their passions, interests, hobbies and strengths.  Outside of work, Lisa enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, playing sports such as dodgeball and volleyball, and exploring new foodie spots!