Getting to know our team at the Bissett Student Success Centre


Our staff at the Bissett Student Success Centre come from a variety of backgrounds – just like our students. When you make an appointment at the Centre or register for an On Track program, you can request a specific advisor or we'll pair you with someone based on your program and year of study. We hope to see you soon!

Administration

Heather Dominey: Administrative Assistant



Heather Dominey: Administrative Assistant

I provide support to our staff, students, and other university departments. You will find me waiting to help you as your first point of contact when visiting the Centre.

After working for the Cosmetology Association for 10 years, I started my career at Dalhousie in 2004 as a program assistant and finance clerk for the College of Continuing Education. I enjoy helping others, so came to Student Academic Success Services in 2010. Wanting to provide the best experience for students visiting the Centre, I have dedicated myself to providing a welcoming service to all of our students. I have learned from seeking out professional development opportunities, but the best knowledge I have gained comes from the students who have shared their experiences.

I grew up in Middle Sackville, just outside of the city, but now enjoy living in Halifax with my husband and son. During the summer, I enjoy the ocean while staying in Chester. 

I look forward to meeting and welcoming you to the Bissett Student Success Centre!

How I identify: White, cisgender, female, mother, wife, daugher, sister, aunt.

Pronouns: she, her, hers


Heather Dominey: Administrative Assistant

I provide support to our staff, students, and other university departments. You will find me waiting to help you as your first point of contact when visiting the Centre.

After working for the Cosmetology Association for 10 years, I started my career at Dalhousie in 2004 as a program assistant and finance clerk for the College of Continuing Education. I enjoy helping others, so came to Student Academic Success Services in 2010. Wanting to provide the best experience for students visiting the Centre, I have dedicated myself to providing a welcoming service to all of our students. I have learned from seeking out professional development opportunities, but the best knowledge I have gained comes from the students who have shared their experiences.

I grew up in Middle Sackville, just outside of the city, but now enjoy living in Halifax with my husband and son. During the summer, I enjoy the ocean while staying in Chester. 

I look forward to meeting and welcoming you to the Bissett Student Success Centre!

How I identify: White, cisgender, female, mother, wife, daugher, sister, aunt.

Pronouns: she, her, hers


Heather Dominey: Administrative Assistant

I provide support to our staff, students, and other university departments. You will find me waiting to help you as your first point of contact when visiting the Centre.

After working for the Cosmetology Association for 10 years, I started my career at Dalhousie in 2004 as a program assistant and finance clerk for the College of Continuing Education. I enjoy helping others, so came to Student Academic Success Services in 2010. Wanting to provide the best experience for students visiting the Centre, I have dedicated myself to providing a welcoming service to all of our students. I have learned from seeking out professional development opportunities, but the best knowledge I have gained comes from the students who have shared their experiences.

I grew up in Middle Sackville, just outside of the city, but now enjoy living in Halifax with my husband and son. During the summer, I enjoy the ocean while staying in Chester. 

I look forward to meeting and welcoming you to the Bissett Student Success Centre!

How I identify: White, cisgender, female, mother, wife, daugher, sister, aunt.

Pronouns: she, her, hers

Karen McCrank: Director of Advising and Career Services

I moved to Halifax with my husband and dog in December 2018 to serve as the Director of Careers after 14 years at the University of Toronto. I am grateful for the various roles I’ve held in Student Affairs, but am most passionate about the work I’ve been able to support in Career Services. When I was in high school, I had a guidance counsellor tell me I wouldn’t get in to university. It was the push I needed to believe in myself; at that moment I knew I wanted to someday be in a position to support people to achieve their goals in a way I hadn’t been.

Although I now have two degrees, many interests, work and life experiences, I didn’t always know exactly what direction my career would take. By following my curiosity, connecting with people who could guide me, and knowing my strengths, I have been fortunate to find roles doing what I’d wanted to since high school – support people in achieving their goals. I’m excited to be a part of Career Services at Dalhousie and we would love to help you with your own career questions.  

Hobbies: travelling, hiking, biking, camping, enjoying good food & drink with friends and family

How I identify: wife, sister, daughter and aunt, white, cis-gender female, able-body

Clifton Strengths: Futuristic, Maximizer, Strategic, Ideation, Connectedness

Pronouns: she, her

Career Services

Nia Macfarlane, Employer Engagement & Events Coordinator

Nia Macfarlane: Employer Engagment and Events Coordinator

Hailing from Halifax, I have lived in this beautiful city for most of my life. I moved to Antigonish to study at StFX University, and graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Honours Leadership & Management. 

Since then, I've held a variety of roles within the higher-education sphere. I'm a published researcher with particular interest in storytelling and the lived experiences of people within equity deserving groups. 

Being able to connect folks with the resources they need to succeed is one of my passions, and I'm thrilled to be able to continue that with the Career Services team here at the BSSC. As Coordinator, Employer Engagement & Events, I hope to enrich our local and global workforces by connecting employers and candidates with their perfect matches. 

Opportunity awaits, and I'm delighted to be part of your journey.

Fun Facts: I love travelling and lived in Spain for 6 months. Music is a huge part of my life and I enjoy singing and songwriting. I love organization and design - my dream would be to restore a beautiful old home.

How I identify: Daughter, sister, auntie, partner and friend. Cis-gender female, white, able-bodied.

Clifton Strengths: Achiever, Maximizer, Relator, Intellection, Positivity

Pronouns: she, her

Student Success Advisors

Terra Duncan

As the first member of my family to attend university and as someone who had to rely on student loans, I found the transition from high school to university challenging. When I needed help, I was never sure who to turn to. I longed for a friend who could help me identify my academic and extracurricular interests; someone who could connect me to helpful resources and inspire me to grow into the best possible version of myself. I became a Student Success Advisor so I could offer students the kind of support I wish I had. I want students to understand that anyone, from any walk of life, can achieve success in university through self-reflection, hard work, and tenacity.

Three fun facts: I have visited 25 different countries (and counting)! Wonder Woman is my idol. I am writing a non-fiction book.

How I identify: Sister, Aunt and Godmother of Indigenous, French-Canadian and Irish ancestry

Clifton Strengths: Context, Intellection, Developer, Relator, Learner

Pronouns: She, her, hers

Cheyenne Henry




Cheyenne Henry: Student Success Advisor

I was born and raised in Winnipeg. As an Anishnaabe (Ojibway) woman from the Prairies, I would also like to acknowledge the Mi’kma’ki territory I now reside in. I am honoured to be exposed to the rich culture and traditions of the Mik’maq. 

I received my Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba in 2004. I spent many years working in community development in Winnipeg’s inner-city as well as academic advising and program coordinating with the University of Winnipeg. I have extensive experience working with urban Indigenous communities and inner-city communities in areas of housing, poverty, economic and community development, adult literacy, and learning and youth programming. I am also a visual artist who has contributed to many community arts projects and programming in Manitoba. 

I am excited to have joined Dalhousie’s Bissett Student Success Centre in the summer of 2017. I believe learning is a lifelong journey, and students come to university to not only gain knowledge and a degree but also to contribute ideas, to inspire and be inspired, connect to peers, and gain new experiences. These are all important and vital part of one’s educational path. I aspire to always provide an environment where students feel safe, heard, and encouraged to seek out and share pieces of their journey with me. I look forward to serving our diverse, progressive and ambitious students of Dal! 

How I Identify: Anishinaabekwe (Ojibway woman), single parent, mother, daughter, sister, artist

Clifton Strengths: Developer, Arranger, Empathy, Connectedness and Responsibility

Pronouns: She, her, hers

Sarah Ready

I found my way to Dalhousie from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and came in as a new student from high school. I found an interest in the science of the human body and graduated with a Kinesiology degree in 2009. Throughout my undergraduate degree, I worked and participated in extracurricular activities on campus. Through this, I found a passion for working to support students transitioning to university. I started professional roles in Student Affairs after graduation to continue to support students. 

With my background working in Student Affairs, I understand there are a variety of factors that affect student success. I want to work with you to create a plan for your time at Dalhousie that is reflective of your dreams and aspirations. With that in mind, I want to ensure that you are connected with the supports that work for you to achieve success towards your goals.

Fun Facts: In my free time, I enjoy playing and watching sports. I spent almost 12 years of my life living in residence buildings.

How I identify: cisgender female, daughter, sister, able-bodied

Clifton Strengths: Positivity, Developer, Empathy, Achiever, Arranger

Prounouns: She, her, hers

Catherine Robertson



Catherine Robertson: Student Success Advisor

I grew up in a small village in England and moved to Canada when I was 18 to start at Dalhousie University. I studied at Dal for 5 years and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a minor in Psychology. Through my volunteer and work experience, I realized that I was keen to support students, their mental health, and their journey at university. During my undergraduate degree and once I graduated, I worked in higher education supporting students.

A student's transition to university and journey there can be exciting, rewarding, and fun but also challenging. I want to support you on that journey and help you be successful in whatever way that looks to you.

How I Identify: white, able-bodied, cis-gendered, queer woman, daughter, sister

Clifton Strengths: Learner, Ideation, Intellection, Achiever, and Arranger

Pronouns: She, her, hers

Studying for Success

Jessica Chubb: Studying for Success Coordinator



Jessica Chubb: Studying for Success Coordinator

I began my career in higher education in 2004 as a graduate writing assistant at Saint Mary’s University (SMU) while pursuing my master’s degree. After 5 years in that role, I went on to hold the position of manager of the SMU Writing Centre. In 2010, I became the coordinator of the Dalhousie Studying for Success (SFS) Program, where my main responsibilities include helping to develop students’ skills in becoming more effective learners. I think the best part of this role has been getting to interact with students, supporting them on their journey to success, and being able to witness positive changes in their academic life.

In addition to my primary work-related duties, my dedication to helping others learn can be seen in my pursuits. For 5 years, I volunteered on a weekly basis in the English Language Learning Program of the Halifax Public Library, where I tutored new immigrants to Canada. For 6 years, I was an instructor with the Refining Program in the College of Continuing Education, where I helped students regain their academic skills necessary for success. For 10 years, I taught students how to effectively write for academic purposes.

I hold an LL.B. (Hons.) degree from the University of London, a B.A. (High Hons.) in International Studies and Politics from the University of Saskatchewan, and an M.A. in International Development from Saint Mary’s University.

Fun Facts: I LOVE to travel and visit new and exciting places. Love theatre, music, and the arts in general. I like museums, castles, and anything with historical significance. Also, I’m originally from the Caribbean, but I hate intense heat. I love winter even when no one else does!

How I identify: Afro-Caribbean, immigrant, proud Canadian, daughter, friend, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, cis-gender female, able-bodied

Clifton Strengths: Relator, Achiever, Harmony, Connectedness, Intellection

Pronouns: she, her, hers

Peer Advisors

Brooke Cramer

Brooke: Peer Advisor

About Me: I found my way to Dalhousie University from London, Ontario, and started my education in the Dalhousie Integrated Science Program. I have since found an interest in Psychology and Neuroscience, along with Law. With this, I am a second-year student currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with a Minor in Law, Justice, and Society, and I one day hope to pursue higher education at Law School. I have always loved getting involved in my school and local communities, and I was overjoyed to see how many opportunities are available at Dalhousie! I am a member of the Dalhousie Science Society, the Dalhousie Accessibility and Inclusion Society, and The Dalhousie Integrated Science Program Mentorship Committee, just to name a few. 

My Best Tip for Success: University is so much more than just going to class, writing exams, and getting good grades. University is an opportunity to learn about yourself, your passions, and your strengths. Not only is it important to focus on school, but also yourself as an individual. Get involved in extracurriculars, go to social events hosted by Dalhousie, or volunteer! This will help you explore who you are and make invaluable connections for the future. School is so much more than your grades. You come first. 

How I Identify: Cis-gender female, daughter, granddaughter, friend

Charlie Forbes

Charlie: Peer Advisor

My name is Charlie Forbes (they/them pronouns) and I am a fourth year student finishing my BA in sociology with a minor in creative writing. As a queer and trans student with ADHD and other learning disabilities, I struggled with traditional classroom learning in high school and the beginning of university. Because of this, I am passionate about celebrating students’ strengths and (neuro)diversities, and I know how important it is to foster an inclusive and accessible learning space for students of all backgrounds. I began my degree at Acadia university and transferred to Dal in my second year, and I found the Bissett Centre’s On Track program incredibly helpful in that time of transition. In the future I hope to go into education, so this peer academic advising position is an exciting opportunity for me to work in my chosen career field. In my free time you can find me exploring nature, reading and writing science fiction stories, doing yoga, and taking care of my plant collection.  

Tip for success: Do not let grades define who you are as a person. Grades can be a good measure of how you are doing in a given class or subject, but whether they are low or high, they do not reflect on your value as a person. Learning about your strengths and passions outside of the classroom environment can make room for grades to be just one way of determining where you're at on your learning journey. 

Pronouns: they/them

Joseph Lahey

Joseph: Peer Advisor

I was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I just finished my Bachelor of Arts, with Honours in Sociology and a Minor in Gender and Women’s Studies, and am beginning my Master of Arts in Sociology in the fall of 2022. Broadly speaking, my Honours and graduate research explores queer people’s experiences with and attitudes towards the coming out process, and what the process means to them. Throughout my time at Dalhousie University, I have become interested in research, writing, and work that allows me to support my community. 

My best tip for success: Do not be afraid to ask for help! At Dal, there are so many people that are ready to help you make the most of your education. When you reach out and ask questions, you get the right answers, and the confidence, to move forward and succeed.

How I identify: white, cisgender, queer, able-bodied, settler.

Pronouns: he/him

Hayley MacDougall

Hayley: Peer Advisor
I was born and raised in Pictou, Nova Scotia and am proud to call Halifax my second home. I am in my third year in the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program, and in the future I hope to pursue a master's degree in occupational therapy. I have always loved working with people and giving back to my community. One of my passions is Relay for Life, which is a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society. I have taken part in this fundraiser for the past few years and had the opportunity to help organize it at Dalhousie in March, 2019. In addition to helping people, I love that volunteering enables me to meet like-minded individuals through shared goals and passions.

My best tip for success: As important as it is to focus on academics, it is just as important to focus on yourself. University should not be a constant cycle of "work-eat-sleep-repeat". You will learn so much about yourself and your hopes for the future through participating in extracurricular activities, volunteering, being employed part-time, spending time with friends, and having some "down-time" to unwind. There are many opportunities on campus to meet new people, gain valuable experiences, and explore your passions. 

How I identify: Cis-gender female, able-bodied, daughter, sister

Pronouns: She/her

Yara Ahmed

 

Yara: Peer Advisor 

I am an international student from Egypt, raised in the UAE, and currently pursuing my fourth year of my undergraduate degree in Applied Computer Science. I moved to Halifax three years ago, and through part-time jobs and extracurriculars I’ve been able to build and join several communities that have made Halifax feel like my second home. I wholeheartedly believe in the power of campus involvement and what it can do for your personal and professional growth, and look forward to helping students embark on the exciting opportunities that a university career can offer them. In my free time, you can find me at the gym, listening to podcasts, spending time with friends, or running Dalhousie’s Girls That Lift society!

Tip for success: Do things that scare you, often! I believe that every uncomfortable moment is a moment of growth, and there is no better time to grow and discover your potential than your time at university. Whether it’s a job you’ve never done before or a public speaking opportunity, if it interests you, go for it! 

Pronouns: she/her

Retirement Notice

Pat Schappert: A Message From Pat



Pat Schappert: Student Success Advisor

My mug and I have gone home to retire after 40 years of work, effective May 1st. The lockdown mid-March and subsequent extended vacation in April had me bowing out well under the radar. So, you may not have noticed.

I’ve met with many students during my almost 13 years at DAL, and hope that I have provided the advice that you have needed along the way. I cherish the many relationships with Staff and Faculty over these many years. You've enriched my life in so many ways.

I would especially like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues, who were part of the Bissett Student Success Centre, and made these last three years so memorable!!!  I laughed and learned a lot, even though I was trying to coast to the finish line.

This pandemic has altered all of our lives, whether it is at the start or end of our career paths. Take this time to learn something new or even find a different way to do something you already know. My list so far includes: making face masks, crumb quilting, baking and cooking in different styles! We're currently close observers of Monarch butterfly caterpillars in our back garden!

There are some things I've put on hold because of our current conditions, but this chapter of my life is only beginning. Be patient and kind to yourselves.