Staff Listing
The friendly and dedicated team at International Student Support is here to help you make the most of your time at Laurier. You can make an appointment or come by during drop-in hours, or just stop by the Laurier International offices anytime to get your questions answered.
You can also come by the offices to see your International Student Leader (Waterloo) or International Peer Mentor (Brantford).
We look forward to meeting you!
Mike Aguiar – International Student Advisor, Student Engagement
I'm a graduate of Laurier Brantford myself, so I know firsthand what a special place Laurier is to study. When I finished my undergrad, I taught in Korea for a year and I've been involved in international education ever since. Stop by my office to chat about academics, ways to get involved in the Laurier community, transitioning into a new culture or the latest Marvel movies.
Contact Information
- E: maguiar@wlu.ca
- T: 519.884.0710 x4551
- Campus: Waterloo
Claire D'Alton – Administrative Assistant/Receptionist
Welcome to Laurier International! I am the first face you will be greeted with when you come into our office.
I have been with Laurier International since January 2013, and I have loved every minute of meeting our new international students.
Contact Information
- E: cdalton@wlu.ca
- T: 519.884.0710 x2227
- Campus: Waterloo
Peter Donahue, RISIA – Associate Director, International Student Support
I have been working with international students for close to 25 years and currently I am the Chair of the Waterloo Region's Immigration Partnership. I look forward to meeting you during the various community events organized by International Student Support.
Contact Information
- E: pdonahue@wlu.ca
- T: 519.884.0710 x6704
- Campus: Waterloo
Devyn Healey-Seadon – Administrative Assistant/Receptionist
I am one of the first people you'll meet when you come to the Laurier International office. I'm familiar with the campus and the community and I'm always happy to provide you with advice and recommendations.
Be sure to say hi when you come by!
Contact Information
- E: dhealeyseadon@wlu.ca
- Campus: Brantford
Charlene Mak – International Student Advisor, Immigration and University Regulations
I'm a first-generation Canadian with parents from Hong Kong. I grew up seeing the struggles and barriers that newcomers face and am never surprised by the strength and courage people have when faced with these challenges. I learned how to bridge the gap between the Chinese and Canadian cultures and am trying to do the same for my children. Depending on the day you ask me, I will either be Canadian or Chinese but I will always say yes to sushi. Looking forward to getting you know you and hear about your successes.
Contact Information
- E: cmak@wlu.ca
- T: 519.884.0710 x6840
- Campus: Waterloo
Candace Stewart-Smith – International Student Academic Transition Advisor
I am a former international student at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, so I personally can relate to the various feelings you have when thinking about your journey to a new country and to an academic system that brings new challenges and opportunities. I enjoy meeting new people and sharing stories on life so I hope that you will come to meet me. I have your best interests at heart and I wish you a warm welcome to your new life!
Contact Information
- E: cstewartsmith@wlu.ca
- T: 519.884.0710 x4545
- Campus: Waterloo
Jennifer Will – Communications Assistant
Contact Information
E: jewill@wlu.ca
T: 519.884.0710 x4085
Ben Yang – Director, Global Engagement
As a former international student from China, I have first-hand experience with making a successful transition to university in Canada. In moving from a service user to a service provider, I have worked with thousands of international students to help them find their own success in university. I look forward to the ways I can help you be successful while at Laurier.
Diana Andreeva
Major: Fourth-year BBA
Hobbies: Playing piano, drawing, constantly thinking about entrepreneurship and developing new ideas - so if you are as passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation, please come and talk to me!
Favourite thing about Laurier: Opportunities that Laurier gives to every student with no exception.
Rheanna Co
Major: Second-year double degree in Business and Financial Math
Hobbies: Traveling, watching sports (MLB, NBA, NHL), drinking bubble tea and listening to KPOP.
Favourite thing about Laurier: The level of comfort and acceptance in the community and the amazing school spirit!
Yuqi Hao
Major: Fourth-year Communication Studies
Hobbies: Playing piano, dancing, singing, watching TV, playing with dogs, doing group exercise, listening to music and laying on my bed.
Favourite thing about Laurier: The Laurier community teaches me that "You are not 'too much.' You are exactly enough," which encourages me all the time.
Wanyu (Emily) Li
Major: Fourth-year Economics and Financial Management
Hobbies:Watching make-up tutorials.
Favourite thing about Laurier: Golden Hawk spirit and service puppies.
Wee Tai May (May)
Major: Fourth-year Economics and Financial Management with a minor in Communication Studies
Hobbies: Grocery shopping, playing badminton, FPS video games.
Favourite thing about Laurier: The countless resources available that support students, and the campus's diversity.
Tinotenda (Tino) Nyakurerwa
Major: Third-year double degree in Computer Science and Psychology
Hobbies: Volunteering, eating, walking and listening to praise music.
Favourite thing about Laurier: The willingness to help found in both the students and staff, and they amazing people - some of whom I have become friends with - who I continuously get to meet.
Shivam Punj
Major: Third-year Computer Science
Hobbies: Badminton, watching sci-fi movies and traveling.
Favourite thing about Laurier: Getting involved, making new friends and working with all the amazing students at Laurier International.
Mehran Rafy
Gursimar (Simar) Sachar
Major: Third-year BBA
Hobbies: Gaming, jogging, shopping, playing with dogs and drawing
Favourite thing about Laurier: Laurier has taught me many life lessons such as "Life is a sandwich; no matter what side you flip it, bread comes first."
Lee Valler
Major: Fourth-year English
Hobbies: Dancing, singing, reading books, training service dogs, taking my dog to the park, watching movies and listening to music.
Favourite thing about Laurier: The small campus. The size of the campus always makes it feel like one big family that it makes me feel so welcome and always reminds me of home.
Vincent Vigal
Major: Second-year Economics and Accountancy
Hobbies: Traveling, reading books, basketball and listening to music
Favourite thing about Laurier: The active and engaging community at Laurier. it provides numerous support for students, events to have fun and opportunities to succeed.
Divya Wali
Major: Fourth-year Economics with Financial Management
Hobbies: Playing tennis, swimming, binge watching, listening to music
Favourite thing about Laurier: its people - everyone is super friendly and helpful. Also, the small-sized campus allows students to make use of all the opportunities being offered.
Mei-Ning (Maisie) Cheng
Major: 2nd-year Business and Technology Management
Hobbies and clubs: International Filmmakers' Guild, ISAB
One piece of advice that you received as a new student: You'll never know until you try!
Mitchell Emmanuel-Kalu
Major: 3rd-year Criminology and Law & Society
Hobbies and clubs: I'm the lead photographer for Sputnik, which is the university's official newspaper, an instructor for the Laurier International newspaper, a media exec for Student Opportunities for Unity & Leadership (SOUL), and a member of the International Students' Association of Brantford (ISAB).
When I'm not in class or watching a movie, I always have music playing. I'm also a photographer so I totally love having photo shoots and editing them afterwards.
One piece of advice you received as a new student: The one piece of advice that I held on to was to get involved. Learning doesn't stop in the classroom. One of the great things about Laurier is the clubs available to students on campus. There are over 210! So you will surely find some you like and on the off-chance you don't, you can always start your own! Getting involved is the best way to get to know your university and the people in it. It definitely is one of the best ways to make friends!
Blessing Hammond
Major: 4th-year Human Rights and Human Diversity
Hobbies and clubs: I love to go out and watch movies, I love to volunteer, I enjoy nature and planning fun activities with my friends, and I love to travel!
One piece of advice that you received as a new student: Advice that stood out for me was to join clubs and associations because it makes you feel connected and you get to meet all the beautiful and outgoing people on campus. Also, knowing that I had a shoulder to lean on when help was needed.
Ella Moher
Major: 2nd-year Human Right and Human Diversity and LLB
Hobbies and clubs: Laurier Brantford Figure Skating Club, swimming, music (piano), photography, skiing
One piece of advice that you received as a new student: Respect and communicate with your roommates, even if you aren't best friends. It'll make for a positive living arrangement.
Ariana Tapia
Major: 4th-year Public Health
Hobbies and clubs: Vice President of the Health Studies Student Association and a member of the Global Engagement Student Ambassadors.
One piece of advice that you received as a new student: One piece of advice that I found useful when I was a new student at Laurier was to get involved in clubs that you like. That is how you get to make great connections.
May Xu
Major: 4th-year Digital Media and Journalism
Hobbies and clubs: I am a member of ISAB and I like singing and taking photos. When I have free time, I usually watch movies or edit the photos I took.
One piece of advice that you received as a new student: Take advantage of your social media platforms. There are so many upcoming events posted on social media, such as Facebook. Don't be afraid to ask for help or guidance; everyone was a freshman once!
Zhenghang (Jason) Xu
Major: 2nd-year Business and Technology Management
Hobbies and clubs: Reading novels, listening to music, playing video games, playing tennis and badminton. I am also part of ISAB.
One piece of advice that you received as a new student: For me, and international student, I always find it good to communicate with your classmates and professors. Exchanging feedback and ideas can help a lot in getting involved in the social network here.