Meet the team

Our Academic & Career Advising team is here to support you at every stage of your university journey. We’re passionate about exploring how academics and career development intersect for each individual, recognizing that every path is unique and worth pursuing. Connect with our team to begin discovering how your academic goals can align with your career aspirations and life goals.

Jana Petrone, Director, Academic, Career, and Experiential Education 

As a proud alumnus of UBC’s Okanagan campus with a BA in International Relations, I went on to complete a Master’s Degree at Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom and spent over a decade traveling and working in the UK, Cote D’Ivoire, Vietnam, and Toronto. I was excited to return to UBC Okanagan to help support students explore their career and life pathways during university and beyond.

Sam Larsen, Team Lead, Academic & Career Advising

I have been with UBC since 2012 – first as an undergraduate student in Vancouver studying International Relations and African Studies and then transitioning to working on the Okanagan campus in 2016 with Student Housing while completing a Masters of Education. I joined the Academic & Career Advising team because I am passionate about the student experience. I love our campus community and would be happy to meet with you to take on the hurdles of degree planning, utilizing academic and career resources, as well as accessing the many services on our campus so that you can make the most of your time with us.

Jessica Beck, Academic & Career Advisor

I graduated from UBCO with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Psychology. I joined the Academic & Career Advising team because of the experiences I had as a student as well as my desire to help others succeed.  As a former student, I know the university experience can be complicated. My goal is to assist students with their academic planning and to help them develop the skills needed so they can really enjoy the other fun and exciting experiences at UBC Okanagan.

Andrew Calhoun, Academic & Career Advisor

After graduating with a UBC Bachelor of Arts degree, I completed a Post-Degree Professional Program at UVic to earn a BC Teaching Certificate. My career in education led me overseas, where I worked at Korea Aerospace University for 14 years and graduated from Yonsei University with a Masters in Korean Studies. Throughout these experiences, I received support from a lot of wonderful people. As an Academic & Career Advisor, I love having the opportunity to help students explore their own unique goals and aspirations and discover the tools available to help them succeed.

Jamie Yamaoka, Academic & Career Advisor

Having worked in post-secondary education since 2007, I understand that university can be a very challenging, yet rewarding experience.

Thanks to my academic and co-curricular programs in my degree at SFU (B.A. Major in Communications, Minor in Dialogue, Co-op Distinction), I discovered my passion for student affairs and inner commitment to enhancing students’ academic success. As an Academic & Career Advisor at UBCO, I love having the opportunity to provide academic support to students as they explore their own aspirations and make the most of their university experience!

Elisha Ramage, Academic & Career Advisor

I graduated from the University of Southampton in 2016. Shortly after, I began teaching English as an additional language to international students in London, a career that would ultimately take me to Spain, Japan, Italy, and then back to the University of Southampton where I began teaching academic skills.

Post-secondary education can be a wild ride, especially when you’re far from home, or you’re the first in your family to attend University. Our team is here to help you navigate both the highs and lows, and empower you with essential skills to help you succeed.

Tamara Weninger, Academic & Career Advisor

I have worked in various roles across three different post-secondary institutions in British Columbia, my favourite being in Academic Advising here at UBC. My personal journey during my undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Arts, Tourism & Recreation Management, Vancouver Island University) was multi-faceted and helps me relate to the many students I work with. I found university to be some of the most enjoyable and formative years of my life and have found a passion to help others navigate their own journey. My goal as an Academic & Career Advisor is to support individual students to create the best educational plan and experience during their time at UBC in order to thrive beyond this campus and into the future.

Jennifer Janok, Academic & Career Advisor

I have been in post-secondary institutions as either a student or an employee for the past 25 years. I hold two Bachelor of Arts degrees (Classical Studies and Honours Anthropology) and trained in archaeology and museum studies.  I’ve been with UBCO for 12 years with the former Irving K. Barber School of Arts & Sciences and the current Faculty of Science. My passion is providing the highest quality of helpful, meaningful service tailored to each individual student. From learning what happens both inside and outside the classroom, I believe in creating a balance between our academics and life.

Paul Zeng, Academic & Career Advisor

I grew up in the northeast of China, because of its long winter months and being close to Russia, hockey was one of the popular winter sports participated by people of all ages at various levels. I was very lucky to be streamed into the Chinese Men`s Hockey program where I had a 13-year athletic career playing hockey and competing in tournaments. After my hockey career, I went to ShenYang Sport University China to complete a Bachelor degree in Physical Education. I received my Master`s Degree from Gonzaga University, focusing in Sports & Athletic Administration. In 2010, I permanently moved to Canada and Kelowna has been the place I call home since.

My career path in Canadian higher education started in 2015. Since then, I have worked at Thompson Rivers University, Okanagan College, and the University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus. It`s been very fortunate to have this ongoing profession where I have the opportunity to work with lots of amazing people and students from all around the world. I am very excited to work with our advising team to continue to provide academic support to our students and to help them achieve their educational and personal goals at UBC Okanagan.

Dia Kabunda, Academic & Career Advisor

Mulumeleni!

I have many names, but I invite you to call me Dia. Ubuntu, meaning – ‘I Am Because You Are’, is my life walk and I welcome intercultural and interdisciplinary learning and sharing. Come to UNC 207 for advising or a chat. This space was successfully able to advise me as a UBCO student, so it gives me great pleasure that I am able to give back.

Nitumezi ahulu (Thank you very much).

Joshua Clarkson, Academic & Career Advisor

I received my Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology (Minor in Sociology) from UBC Okanagan. After completing my degree, I taught English in South Korea and Japan for four years and was able to use the knowledge I gained in my Arts degree. I returned to Canada to attend Grad School at UBCO, with a focus on Canadian Immigration. I have worked with people from all over the world as an Academic Advisor and Career Coach, helping individuals to attain their academic and career goals. I am passionate about helping students overcome the various challenges they face in academia and I hope to continue helping students long into the future.

Chloe Newman, Academic & Career Advisor

I graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Anthropology. As a UBC student, I experienced firsthand the excitement, uncertainty, and growth that come with navigating post-secondary education. Shortly after graduating, I began my advising journey in Arts Academic Advising at UBC Vancouver, supporting students through degree planning, academic challenges, and big-picture goal setting.

Now, I’ve moved to Kelowna to continue as an Academic and Career Advisor at the beautiful Okanagan campus. University can be a transformative and sometimes overwhelming experience. Whether you’re exploring your direction, facing setbacks, or planning your next step, I’m here to help you navigate the journey and build the confidence and skills to move forward.

Valeriia Pelevina, Academic & Career Advisor

I grew up in Russia, South Korea and Malaysia before coming to UBCO and receiving my BA with a major in International Relations and minoring in Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies. After my BA, I decided to stick around and do an MA in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies in the Power, Conflict, and Ideas theme, completing a thesis project on vintage fashion and haunting. During my time at UBCO I held various on campus roles working with different offices, students, and staff. One of my standout experiences was my role as the Experience and Involvement Peer Mentor, which was when I first joined the Academic and Career Development Office, helping student navigate the first steps of their career journeys. This role led me to be passionate about supporting students, and I am excited to continue to do so as an Academic and Career Advisor.

Location

Academic & Career Advising
UNC 207 (University Centre)
3272 University Way
Kelowna, BC Canada
V1V 1V7