About Us

Director (she/her)

I lead our team in providing the very best academic skills support services and programs possible. While pursuing my graduate studies at Queen's, I worked at what was then the Writing Centre. Since then, I have supported students through appointments, workshops, writing courses, and campus collaborations for over twenty-five years.

Susan's name pronunciation:

Manager (1:1 Programs) (she/her)

I manage SASS' one-on-one academic skills and writing programs. I studied education, counselling, English and gender studies at institutions across Ontario, then spent time teaching and working with students who experience disability before coming to SASS.

Leslie's name pronunciation:

Manager (Outreach) (she/her)

I manage our workshop and other outreach programs. I hold a PhD in Art History and taught at Queen’s for several years before joining SASS full-time in 2021. I continue to research and publish in the fields of art history and the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Johanna's name pronunciation:

Academic Skills and Writing Specialist (she/her)

I help students to be more efficient and effective learners. My role also involves researching and developing resources and coordinating our graduate student support. My background is in linguistics, education, and educational psychology; I completed my PhD at Queen's in 2017 and have published on education topics in various leading journals.

Lindsay's name pronunciation:

Academic Skills and Writing Specialist (she/her)

I work with students across all faculties, disciplines, departments and levels of study to improve academic skills. I am passionate about student success and making learning skills accessible to all students. I completed my M.Ed. at Queen's and in my early career,  taught in the Far North. Prior to coming to SASS I spent many years developing and teaching an intensive literacy intervention program for students with learning disabilities and ADHD. 

Academic Skills & Writing Specialist (Neurodivergence Specialist) (he/him)

I work with neurodivergent students (individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia or other learning differences) to help them improve and develop their academic skills. I am passionate about working collaboratively with learners to discover their strengths and maximize their potential. I have a master’s degree in math pedagogy from the University of Waterloo and a master’s degree in education from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Prior to joining SASS, I provided learning strategy and accessibility support to students in higher education in Peterborough, Ontario. 

Departmental Assistant (he/him)

I am often the first point of contact here at SASS, welcoming students at the reception desk and connecting them to SASS services that best support their academic goals. Originally from Toronto, I bring a strong business, management, and administrative background, with experience across both for-profit and non-profit sectors, including museums, retail, and e-commerce settings. I currently oversee the day-to-day administration, scheduling, and office management, keeping things running smoothly for students, the team, and behind the scenes.

Academic Skills Support Coordinator (EAL) (she/her) (On Leave) 

I work with students who speak English as an additional language. Before coming to SASS, I studied languages, cultures, and internationalization. I hold an undergraduate degree from Queen’s and an MA in Globalization Studies from McMaster University.

Academic Skills Support Coordinator (EAL) and Writing Specialist (she/her)

I work with students who speak English as an additional language, supporting them as they develop their writing, speaking, and listening skills. Whether they’re navigating undergraduate or graduate programs, my goal is to help students feel confident, capable, and successful in their academic journey. I completed a PhD in English Language and Literature at Queen's. My research focused on the experiences of marginalized youth in educational and social contexts as represented in literature. 

Outreach and Peer Programs Facilitator (he/him)

Intercultural Academic Support Coordinator (she/her) (On Leave) 

Partnering with the Queen’s University International Centre, I support the academic success of international and multilingual students. My background is in psychology and applied linguistics (TESOL). Prior to coming to SASS, I taught in Korea and the United States.

Lydia's name pronunciation:

Intercultural Academic Success Coordinator (she/her)

In collaboration with Queen’s University International Centre, I support international and multilingual students in achieving their academic goals. I hold a PhD in English Language and Literature from Queen’s, with a specialization in environmental justice and storytelling. My teaching and research experience spans universities in Bangladesh, the United States, and Canada. Beyond my academic work, I engage in creative and community projects that promote equity and student well-being.