Roger Wilson, Director

Hello – I have worked as a counsellor in Health and Wellness since 2006 and in May 2012 I became the Director of Health and Wellness. I am a Registered Psychiatric Nurse and have a Masters of Arts (Counselling Psychology) from the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago. I am currently working on a PsyD degree. I thoroughly enjoy my work with the students, staff and faculty at this university—the student energy and enthusiasm is incredible.

Although I was raised on a farm in Manitoba and remain a Prairie boy at heart, I am lucky to have raised my family in the Kelowna area for the past twenty five years. I enjoy swimming, bicycling, and travelling and when I am not in Health and Wellness I can be found in the Tim Horton’s or Starbucks line!

Lea Braybrook, Health Clinic & Finance Coordinator

Hi there! My past experience has been in Family Practice, as a Medical Office Assistant and Manager. I am passionate about the beautiful valley that we live in and love to spend time out on the water with my husband, Brad. When we're not on the lake, we enjoy long, leisurely walks with our beautiful border collie.

Having lived in Kelowna my entire life, I have witnessed the incredible growth of UBC Okanagan. I'm excited to be involved in the evolution of the new Health & Wellness Centre. I look forward to seeing you in UNC 337 and wish to offer you my assistance in arranging to meet with any of our Health Care Professionals.

Jean Bryans, Primary Health Nurse

Hi,

Primary health care includes all of the basic services that are required to meet your everyday health-care needs.  This includes physical, emotional and social concerns that you may have in regards to yourself or someone you know.  Sometimes it's just a listening ear without judging or going the extra mile when need be to ensure they are okay.

On a personal note, I was born and raised in Kelowna but love to travel.  I've been nursing since my teens and did my RN diploma at BCIT, my degree at OUC and have my Masters here at UBCO.  I look forward to meeting you anytime that you want to drop in, even if it's just to come and have a look around the clinic.

Heather O'Connor, Health Office Assistant

Hi! I'm the Health Office Assistant for Health & Wellness. I moved to the Okanagan in 2006 from Calgary and since then have enjoyed every minute of it. I enjoy spending time outside in the sun and fresh air with my son and husband.

You can find me at the front desk at Health & Wellness - I look forward to assisting you schedule time with our Health Care professionals and answering any questions you may have!

Tanya Osborne, Health Educator/Researcher

Hi there! I am the Sexual Health Educator on campus, located at Campus Health in Health & Wellness. I started in the fall semester of 2011. I have a BA in Health Studies, which I obtained right here at UBCO. I am also trained in sexual health education and contraception counseling by Options for Sexual Health (OPT), a BC wide non-profit organization.

Should you be interested in any aspect of sexual health - your own or for a project - please stop in to see me. I also love to do programming around all aspects of sexual health, so please invite me to come talk with your group. Although this can be a sensitive topic, I am non-judgmental and try to make people feel as comfortable as possible.

Melissa Feddersen, Project Coordinator

Hello! Some of you that have been here a few years may remember me as one of the nurses that worked with Campus Health. I was one of the primary nurses on campus for four years (from 2002-2006). The last two years I have been around a little less as I have been raising my children and working from home. Prior to working with Health and Wellness I worked as an oncology nurse, and as a public health nurse.

As Special Projects Coordinator with Health and Wellness, my job is to support the nurses to do work that they might not otherwise have the time or money to implement. I do miss working directly with students though so I am sure you will see me around again! Best of luck with your studies this year!

Chris Reimer, Nurse Clinician

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Rachel Wiebe, Nurse Clinician

Hi! My name is Rachel.  I started working as a nurse clinician with Health & Wellness in Septermber 2012.  My time here has been primarly spent working on the VOICE project, a research study aiming to identify your health-related experiences on campus and create health-promoting change.  It has been a  great experience and I have enjoyed working with the wonderful staff, faculty, and students along the way!

I also work as a registered nurse at the hospital here in Kelowna.  I am interested in acute care nursing as well as community nursing and health promotion so I hope to be involved at Health & Wellness in the future!

Robyn Wiebe, Nurse Clinician

Hello! - I have worked as a Nurse Clinician with Health & Wellness since 2008.  I am a Registered Nurse, and am currently working on my Masters in Nursing from the University of Victoria.  My specialties are Nursing education and research.  As a Nurse Clinician and Research Coordinator on campus, I primarily work to promote health and well-being for students through The VOICE Study.  I love working with students, staff and faculty to create a sustainable and health-promoting university!

Kim Ewing, Counsellor

Hi I'm Kim, one of the counsellors at Health & Wellness. I am a registered Individual, Couple and Family Therapist and have been in practice since 1995. I moved to the Okanagan in 2005 and started with UBCO in 2008.

I have worked in many settings such as community agencies and hospitals, but particularly enjoy the university setting. I like working with students in a collaborative manner and being a support as they tackle the challenges of balancing academics, relationships and life stressors. You can find me at the Kalamalka Wellness Centre, City Home 123.

Tracey Sutton, Counsellor

I'm Tracey, one of the counsellors at UBC Okanagan. I came to UBC Okanagan three years ago from Vancouver and know how hard it is to make a transition to a new life in the Okanagan. I have a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology from UBC Vancouver and have been working with university students in a number of capacities for the past 10 years.

When I'm not busy working or playing with my 4 year old, I love to run, swim and enjoy Lake Okanagan. You can find me in the Kalamalka Wellness Centre, City Home 123, so drop by for a visit. I love helping students navigate life's challenges in order to achieve their academic and personal goals.    

Michele Wolfe, Counsellor

Hi, I am Michele, one of the counsellors at Health & Wellness. I have a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology and my Bachelors of Education. I have lived in Kelowna for the past 10 years and have a six year old daughter.

I thoroughly enjoy working with the student population at UBCO, helping them navigate their challenges in relationships, academics, and personal stressors. Counselling can be a powerful means to help reduce the effects of stress, deal more effectively with symptoms, increase a better sense of health and well-being and learn tools to live a fuller and richer life.

"Life is - believing that there is a lot to learn. Living is - learning it every day"

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Panadda Kosakarn, Counsellor

Hello, I'm Panadda, one of the counsellors at UBC Okanagan.  I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology.  I have been in the Okanagan Valley since 2005.

Having worked in varioius settings including education and community non-profit organizations, I find that I enjoy working inthe university setting.  What I found rewarding is to be of support to students as they naviage through various academic and personal life challenges. 

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Calvin Peters, Medical Doctor

Bio Coming Soon.....

Claire Budgen, Associate Professor Emerita, Nursing

Hello, I'm Claire (Dr. Budgen). The most important part of my work is hiring excellent people & developing resources to support their work. The Health & Wellness team and Wellness Centre space is extraordinary in my view. I welcome your comments and questions about our direct services, research and education activities.

My education includes a PhD (University of Texas, Austin), MSN (University of California, San Francisco) and BSN (University of Washington, Seattle). I am a licensed Registered Nurse with specialization in mental health. My practice interests are young adult health, health promotion and healthy community development. I favour practice-based research and like to use action, qualitative and quantitative methods.

I am one of the few people who can walk to UBC Okanagan faster than driving. I grew up in Penticton and, although I have lived many wonderful places, I consider the Okanagan my home base. I like to be outdoors (hiking, skiing, swimming, kayaking) and to travel, especially internationally. My two kids graduated from UBC and I am delighted to work at UBC Okanagan. Working with students and the campus community always is interesting!

Willie Cheyne, Medical Doctor - Sports Medicine

I have received the following degrees:  BSc (UBC), MD (University of Calgary), CCFP (McMaster University), Diploma Sports Medicine.

I presently divide my time between patient care (Kelowna General Hospital, Group One Medical Family Practice, Kelowna Sports Medicine Clinic, UBC Okanagan Sports Medicine Clinic and UBC Okanagan Health & Wellness) and teaching Family Practice Residents.

My interests outside of medicine include personal fitness and several sports, music, gardening and any activity with family, friends and dogs. 

James Chin, Psychiatrist

Dr. Chin completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the University of BC and headed to the University of Toronto for his medical education. He remained there for the duration of his Psychiatry Residency, and then returned to BC for his first job in Kelowna. Since then he has worked at Kelowna General Hospital doing inpatient psychiatry and also has a private practice seeing a general adult population. He co-facilitates an insight-oriented psychotherapy group at the Kelowna Mental Health Centre and has a special interest in psychodynamic psychotherapy. He works collaboratively at a local Family Practice Clinic and coordinates the Psychiatry Rotation for the UBC Rural Family Medicine Residency Program.

James also enjoys the finer things in life - as considered by a man who grew up in a Northern BC logging town and whose roots lie in Jamaica and China. His alter ego, "Jimmy" plays tenacious hockey but suffers the consequences. He has a soft spot for island rhythms and loves to eat good food from around the world.

He is ecstatic to be joining the team at UBC Okanagan Health & Wellness! 

Art Fraser, Physiotherapist

Hi, I'm Art. I have been involved in the treatment of student athletes beginning with Okanagan College teams in the early 1980's and for the past 15 years with the OUC/UBC Okanagan Sports Medicine Clinic in conjunction with Alex Recsky and Dr. Cheyne. My education includes degrees form Laurentian University (Hon. BPHE, phys-ed) and University of Toronto (Bsc. PT, physical therapy). I worked in my own private practice for over 26 years with my ares of concentration being the treatment of orthopedic surgeries/injuries and sports related problems. I have worked with numerous Kelowna sports teams and I am still the team physio for the Kelowna Rockets Hockey team. 

When not working or volunteering I like to ski, golf, cycle, hike with my wife (Charlene) and our dog (Kali), play hockey and soccer. Arrangements to see me can be made with Denise or Lea at the Health & Wellness Centre (UNC 337).