Board of Directors

Susan Forseille, Co-Chair

As the Director, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) at Thompson Rivers University, 22-years as a career-educator, and an enthusiastic researcher, Susan Forseille has been privileged to work in, and conduct research around, multiple intersections of career development, prior learning, and education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Simon Fraser University, a Master of Education from Thompson Rivers University, and is currently completing her PhD with the University of Leicester. Susan is a passionate PLAR advocate believing adult learners acquire great amounts of knowledge and skills through life and work experience.

Janet Morris-Reade, Co-Chair

Janet Morris-Reade is the CEO of ASPECT BC (Association of Service Providers for Employability and Career Training).  She works to provide leadership, education, advocacy, and public awareness in support of community-based workforce development service providers, working with government and stakeholders to ensure that the needs of those seeking a meaningful and sustainable livelihood are met. With over 20 years’ experience in the non-profit sector, she serves on a number of boards and committees in BC and Canada. 

Justine Arsenault, Director 

Justine Arsenault is a Program Planning Analyst with BCIT’s SITE Centre and responsible for assessing the knowledge, skills and experiences of adult learners and advising them on educational pathways based on the APPL method. She also manages the BCIT Legion Program, providing prior learning assessments as well as career development and transition support to Canadian Armed Forces members.

Nicole Borhaven, Director

Nicole Borhaven is the PLAR Manager for Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC. In this role, she supports her department in strengthening the PLAR program and ultimately, service to the students. Before this, she was a PLAR Advisor for 11 years and has deep insight into the diverse needs of students and how to support those, though acknowledges that this learning is never-ending, especially in the world’s shifting landscape. For the past several years, she and the PLAR Department have been on the meaningful, imperative journey of decolonizing and Indigenizing PLAR.

Raj Brar, Director

Raj Brar is a reliable, committed and result-focused individual. With over 20 years of progressive experience in education and employment programs, she has experience in project management, event coordination, fundraising, as well as educational and employment counseling within the public and non-profit sectors. Raj Brar has a Bachelor of Science and Pharmacy from India, and holds the designation of Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP). Raj previously worked at BCIT in the School of Business for over two decades. She joined PICS in 2018 as a FCR Program Manager to work with the Internationally Trained Professionals (ITPs). Raj Brar has proven to exceed expectations while providing superior service and solutions.

Karime (Kay) Kuri, Director

Karime (Kay) is the Coordinator of Experience-Based Placement at BCIT, overseeing programs like PLAR and Advanced Placement. Since 2015, she has been dedicated to creating pathways for individuals to leverage their skills and experiences, engaging with diverse groups like the Legion and Newcomers of Canada. Additionally, she leads the new TradeupBC Initiative, aiming to enhance innovation and excellence in the trades. Notably, the team has expanded from the School of Business to institute-wide in the last year under the Agile/WIL department, reflecting the commitment to broader impact. Committed to breaking barriers and championing inclusivity, Karime believes in providing everyone, regardless of their background, with the opportunity to unlock their full potential. Through her work, she contributes to the development of a skilled and diverse workforce for the future.

Skel7áw̓s/Naomi Narcisse, MEd.  St'át'imc Nation, Director

Manager of Indigenous Education & Affairs Capilano University

Proud NVIT, SFU, & UBC Alumni, Naomi has over eight years of experience working with Indigenous Adult Learners. In September 2023 Naomi will be starting her PhD journey at UBC within the Faculty of Education. Naomi completed her MEd in Educational Administration & Leadership at UBC & NVIT in 2021, BA degree at SFU, and AAD at NVIT. She is also actively learning St'at'imc language from her local language authorities, accredited by Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (BC’s sole Indigenous Public Post Secondary school).Naomi is passionate about student success, from recruitment to career guidance, and is a strong advocate in curriculum that is inclusive of Indigenous ways of knowing. As a lifelong learner, protecting & sharing traditional knowledges, Naomi is always eager to support students and her teams. Naomi’s traditional St'át'imc name is Skel7áw̓s and this means ‘leader/education’. While experiencing firsthand the barriers Indigenous learners face in higher education, she is a leader in sharing transition paths and backing academic success in post-secondary.

Tákem nsnek̓wnúk̓w7a (All My Relations)

Tannis Morgan, Director

Tannis Morgan is the Associate Vice President, Academic Innovation with responsibility for the Library, Learning Centre, School of Instructor Education, and the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Research. She comes to PLAR as an advocate of access to higher education, and much of her work has been at the intersection of online and distance learning and open education. Tannis has a PhD in Education from UBC and has authored and co-authored numerous publications in the areas of digital learning and open education practices.

Karie Russell, Director

With over 17 years immersed in the international landscape, Karie Russell has honed her expertise in event and project coordination, international mobility, Indigenous program delivery and the development of partner relations programs. Her journey spans various roles, each contributing to a deep understanding of fostering global connections. Karie's approach revolves around collaboration and co-creation, a philosophy that propels student and faculty initiatives forward. Her dedication shines through in the successful oversight of the Study Abroad Mobility Program, recognized for its impact and innovation practices.

Beyond her professional achievements, Karie is committed to advancing decolonization and the internationalization agenda. She enthusiastically believes in fostering inclusive spaces that honour Indigenous Peoples while raising awareness of global climate issues. Her pursuit of a Faculty of Arts Masters in Human Rights and Social Justice, coupled with a Project Management credential, signifies her unwavering dedication to continuous learning and growth. Karie Russell embodies a blend of extensive experience, a collaborative mindset, and a profound commitment to fostering global awareness and inclusivity.

Andrew Skapenko, Director

Andrew Skapenko is the Interim Manager, Partner Relations at Thompson Rivers University. Passionate about PLAR, Andrew has served BCPLAN as an Operations Manager, and is currently co-hosting the PLAR Podcast. Andrew brings a variety of industry and post-secondary experience in partner relations, business development, human resources and management, client service, podcasting, and marketing, as well as event management. Photo credit: Megan Jolee Photography.