Board of Directors
Justine Arsenault, Co-Chair
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, Co-Chair
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; SFU Director of Indigenous Initiatives – People, Equity & Inclusion. Mom, Daughter, Granddaughter, Aunty, Sister, Warrior, and Another Coyote Skel7áw̓s is a current PhD student at The University of British Columbia (UBC) within the Faculty of Education Studies. She is a proud NVIT, SFU, & UBC relative and Alumni. Skel7áw̓s has over 11 years of experience working In Indigenous Higher Education. As a lifelong learner, protecting & sharing traditional knowledges, she fosters an environment of encouragement while nurturing holistic spaces. While experiencing firsthand the barriers that can take place in higher educational spaces, Skel7áw̓s is a leader in sharing innovative pathways while upholding equitable approaches. She is guided by her mentors, Matriarchs, Ancestors, tmicw (land) and Nxekmenlhkálha múta7 nt’ákmenlhkalha (traditional laws and way of life). Skel7áw̓s shares from a St’át’imc and Secwépemc women’s perspective, on the interconnection of traditional laws, education, lands, and language through oral stories. Tákem nsnek̓wnúk̓w7a (All My Relations) |
| Natalie Deveaux; Faculty, Coordinator Assessment Services Natalie Deveaux is the Coordinator of North Island College’s Assessment Services department. Her department is responsible for assessing NIC applicants’ knowledge and skills using Accuplacer, CARA and in house assessment tools. This work facilitates admission to NIC programs and the granting of course credit via PLAR. Natalie is currently working to improve NIC’s PLAR offering to Canadian Armed Forces members. Since 2022, she has been the co-host of the BCPLAN PLAR podcast. |
