Our Administration team comes from a diverse background and collectively has broad and extensive experience in the field of education. We do what we do because we love helping individuals step through challenges and achieve their education goals. We deeply believe in Rhodes Wellness College’s values and are honoured to help, encourage, guide, lead, plan, and problem-solve so that our students can become the helping professionals they want to be and make a difference in their own lives, the lives of those they love, and our communities.
Board of Directors
Education
Student Services
Admissions
Operations
Marketing
Board of Directors
Executive Chair
Ben Colling, MA Leadership
Ben has been a professional administrator in post-secondary education for over 20 years, helping organizations in the areas of program development, community involvement, student services, and business development. He established B.C.’s largest Master of Arts of Education program, has been successful in enriching each of his schools with international growth, and has a huge passion for human development. He established the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s Leaders of Tomorrow program and has a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University.
Ben is an eternal optimist that believes there is greatness in all of us!
Facilities Planner
Paul Leong
Paul is a retired architect who practiced architecture under his own firm for over 30 years. He has a diverse experience in various residential, commercial, and interior design projects. His architectural firm’s services ranged from architectural design, facilities planning, budgeting, contract negotiations, construction management, interior design, and navigating the complex city approval processes.
Paul believes any planning and decision process involves a collaborative effort and he embraces this philosophy to achieve successful project results.
Communications Designer
Mayura Yamanouchi-Colling, BDes
Mayura graduated with a Bachelor of Design degree from Emily Carr University. She is currently in Emily Carr’s Masters of Interdisciplinary Design program. She has worked in education for over ten years. Mayura is a designer who believes that good design can change the lives of people for the better. She enjoys walking with her canine collaborators, paying attention to the liveliness of the local animals, trees and plants, and the old knowledge of the land. Originally from Tokyo, Mayura has specialized in design work for over eight years and is passionate about improving connections between diverse populations, as well as humans to nonhuman animals.
President
Brian Parker, BM
Brian has over 20 years of experience in private post-secondary education, and the automotive industry. He is known for consistently delivering results, and achieving goals. He’s an ethical and loyal leader with a reputation for elevating the performance of academic institutions. He enjoys taking on challenges and brings a calm, honest approach to managing his teams. He truly cares about the success of students and employees. Previously he was the President of The Art Institute of Vancouver and Fortis College in Ohio.
Education
Acting Director of Education
Kirsten Johansson MA, RCC
Kirsten is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master’s degree in Expressive Arts Therapy and Psychology. She holds additional certification in Relational Somatic Therapy, as well as training in Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
Kirsten teaches in the Wellness Counselling program at Rhodes Wellness College. Her classes invite students to explore the material through engaging discussions, creative exercises, independent self-study, and practical hands-on sessions with peers. She strives to create a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment for each student to thrive.
In addition to teaching, Kirsten has a counselling practice in Vancouver. Her work addresses issues related to trauma, grief, anxiety, depression and relationships. On occasion, Kirsten facilitates wellness retreats for small groups incorporating mindfulness based Eco-Art Therapy. For more information about Kirsten, please visit her website: kirstenjohansson.com
Special Educational Consultant
Bea Rhodes, MPCC-S, MEd
Bea Rhodes is a Registered Professional Counsellor, and Counselling Supervisor. She founded Rhodes Wellness College in 1996. She holds a Master of Education (Adult Education) from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelors Degree from Simon Fraser University. For many years, Bea was a college instructor and contract trainer for the University College of the Fraser Valley. She worked in the Federal and Provincial Prison system, providing counselling and conducting Life Skills programs for convicted offenders. Additionally, she has designed and instructed many counselling, wellness, and personal development programs over the past thirty years. Bea believes that we are all interconnected and that “hurt people hurt people.” Bea teaches the Basic Counselling and Sexual Abuse & Trauma sections in the Life Skills Counselling semester, as well as Advanced Trauma in second year.
Manager of Counselling & Supervision
Kerry Vega, MPCC-S, RCS, MA (Clinical Counselling), BA
Kerry is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, a Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling and Qualified Clinical Supervisor, with a Master’s degree in Clinical Counselling.
Kerry teaches Supervised Clinical Practice, Ethics, Business & Marketing, and Mental Wellness, as well as providing Counselling Supervision for second year students (and beyond) with Rhodes. Additionally, Kerry teaches business, leadership and communication courses for multiple agencies and corporations, as well as in her private practice where she provides both counselling, coaching, and business development courses for wellness practitioners growing their own practices.
Manager of Engagement and Improvement
Tova Payne, RHN, B.Sc. (Psychology), LCD
Tova is a graduate of McGill’s Psychology program, a Certified Life Coach, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, and Certified Yoga Teacher, with over 17 years’ of experience in the health and wellness industry as an instructor, facilitator, curriculum designer, and coach. Tova has been involved in developing curriculum since 2009 with the launch of a yoga teacher training she took from inception to completion. Her passion for designing curriculum continued as she created several programs and supported other colleges with course content and innovation in a multitude of arenas spanning from business to nutrition, and mind-body-spirit wellness. In 2019 she was the lead developer for the Professional Integrative Nutrition Program collaborating with subject experts to launch an integrative program at Rhodes.
Manager of Coaching Education
Jill Cherewyk, PCC, RPC
Jill Cherewyk is a passionate and purpose-driven instructor, facilitator, and grief and loss coach and counsellor. She serves as the Manager and Senior Instructor of Coaching Education at Rhodes Wellness College, where she also teaches Mental Wellness and Leadership. Jill brings a deeply holistic, experiential approach to her work, rooted in her training and lived experience. She is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation and a Registered Professional Counsellor (RPC) with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association. Since graduating from Rhodes Wellness College in 2016, Jill has been committed to helping others cultivate awareness, clarity, and empowerment through transformational experiences. She is especially passionate about training and mentoring instructors to step into their authentic leadership style, using the experiential group process model she loves and believes in. Jill’s leadership style is collaborative, compassionately direct, and infused with a sense of play. She models the very tools and skills she teaches, creating spaces that invite courage, depth, and meaningful change. Whether she’s facilitating a group, coaching a client, or leading a team, Jill is guided by a belief in the ripple effect—how personal transformation radiates outward to impact communities and beyond. She lives and works on the unceded territory of the Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, known today as Vancouver, British Columbia.
Supervisor of Education, Life Skills Counselling
Vanessa de Souza, MSW RSW
Vanessa de Souza (she/her) graduated with her Masters in Social Work from the University of Toronto and is a registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist. She brings a wealth of experience having worked in crisis and suicide intervention, peer support training and facilitation, counselling, and group facilitation in numerous settings, such as healthcare, elementary school, post-secondary, and community non-profits. She values an eclectic approach to counselling, utilizing a variety of different modalities, while supporting her clients through an anti-oppressive and anti-racist lens. Vanessa is currently teaching the Mental Health courses in the counselling department. Vanessa aims to support students in strengthening their counselling skills so that they may effectively bring their whole selves to their clinical practice while integrating professionalism and clinical theory.
Supervision, Nutrition Program
Chantal Russell, RHN, RYT
Chantal Russell is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Ayurvedic Wellness Consultant & Yoga Teacher Trainer with over 15 years of international teaching experience. Chantal has enjoyed working with clients one-on-one and facilitating group workshops throughout yoga studios, festivals and conferences around the world, educating and empowering people to heal through nutrition & holistic living. From 2014-2020 Chantal served as the founder & director of The Well Yoga Studio on Bowen Island, and managed the Nutrition and Yoga program at The Orchard Recovery Center for drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Today she’s honoured to serve as the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at Rhodes Wellness College, along with serving as part of the faculty of the Professional Integrative Nutrition Program, and enjoys teaching online through her virtual studio, The Well, focusing on women’s health. When not teaching, Chantal can be found playing with her son, exploring the trails of Bowen with her horse Summer, writing & reading by the fire, or sharing her love of healing foods and nourishing conversation. Learn more at thewellbychantalrussell.com
Director of Student & Career Services
Janice Prinsloo, RPC
Janice is a counsellor, coach, and mentor dedicated to helping individuals and families create meaningful, lasting change. Guided by her passion for personal growth, leadership, and accountability, she empowers others to take ownership of their lives and move toward their goals with clarity and confidence. A graduate of the Professional Counsellor Diploma program at Rhodes Wellness College (2014), Janice has been a member of the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association since 2015. Since graduating, she has spent years supporting others through both counselling, coaching, and mentorship, bringing empathy, curiosity, and insight into every interaction. In her role as Director of Student & Career Services at Rhodes Wellness College, Janice is committed to creating a supportive and empowering environment where students feel seen, understood, and inspired. She supports their journey with a deep sense of care and dedication to their success.
Student Success Supervisor
Mackenzie Parker, BA, PCD
Mackenzie serves as a Student Success Supervisor at Rhodes Wellness College & the Vancouver School of Healing Arts, and as a professional counsellor in private practice. She proudly earned her Professional Counselling Diploma in 2023, bringing experiential know-how, resourcefulness, empathy, and care to her work supporting prospective, current, and student alumni. Mackenzie values heart-led leadership, self-responsibility, humility, respect, and unconditional positive regard for all walks of life. Beyond her role at Rhodes, she immerses herself in reading about the heart, spirit, or the fascinating world of fungi, music, and dance.
Student Success Supervisor
Fiona Caldwell, PCD
Fiona lives by her top 3 values: authenticity, compassion, and connection. Mixing this up with a cupful of intuition, spirituality, a holistic approach, and a good measure of fun, is her best recipe for daily life. All are welcome and accepted with unconditional positive regard with Fiona. Fiona is a Graduate of the Professional Counsellor Diploma program with Rhodes Wellness College. Thanks to Rhodes, she was able to discover these fundamental values and foster them within herself. These values are highlighted in Fiona’s passion in creating a safe space for all people to be seen and heard with honest communication. Fiona is attentive in all aspects of a person’s journey but particularly where disenfranchised grief and loss exist. With many years of experience in the Spa and Wellness field and on-board cruise ships, Fiona has traveled and worked around the world. Originally from England, Fiona has lived in Europe, New Zealand, Australia and now Vancouver.
Alumni Services Coordinator
Cyndy Ramsay, RTC
After previous successful careers as a legal assistant and then Quality Assurance Manager in the helicopter industry, Cyndy took a leap of faith to pursue her true calling through study with Rhodes. As a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor and End of Life Doula, Cyndy is witness to the depths of grief and love that so closely walk alongside one another. She is passionate about supporting substance-affected individuals, helping them to realize that self-worth, healthy boundaries and unconditional love can co-exist. Cyndy maintains a private practice where she feels privileged to live out her values, serving others from a place of integrity, humility and gratitude. To learn more about Cyndy, please visit graceextended.ca
Operations Supervisor, Rhodes Counselling Centre
Sarah Jarosz, RPC-C
Sarah is a compassionate professional who has dedicated her career to helping others and fostering personal growth. With a remarkable 18-year tenure in corporate account management, Sarah cultivated invaluable skills in building meaningful relationships. However, her unwavering passion for supporting individuals on a deeper level led her to embark on an inspiring journey of self-discovery and professional evolution. Sarah transitioned into a role as a coordinator at Rhodes Wellness College Counselling Centre, where she facilitates transformative experiences for students, oversees administrative tasks, coordinates client appointments, and ensures the overall functioning of the centre to deliver the proper support to student counsellors and clients. Sarah also has her practice as a clinical counsellor, where she helps others rediscover inner strength, overcome obstacles, and improve relationships with themselves.
Coaching & Counselling Lab Facilitators
Dan McMath
As a perpetual learner Dan is always seeking opportunities to grow and improve not only inside but to help others, through mindfulness and focus, find clarity and purpose. He brings this into his own private coaching and counselling practice where he meets with couples and individuals challenged by communication, anxiety and self-awareness impeding authenticity and boundaries. Fun fact, Dan is also a Master Instructor in scuba diving and enjoys local diving here in beautiful British Columbia’s emerald coast. Dan enjoys a deep-rooted curiosity that is seated in wonder which brings with him a great compassion for the human condition while driving him toward the client/student centered approach and trauma informed lens. We all have “stuff” and Dan has a kindness and warmth with heart wide open to give students and clients a safe space to express, learn and grow.
Coaching & Counselling Lab Facilitators
Logen Melville, PCD
Logen is a graduate of Rhodes College PCD Program. She currently works as a crisis counselor on the downtown eastside. She also has a small private practice – ConsciouSpace – focused on supporting the active healing process of individuals who are ready for change. As a certified pranayama breathwork teacher with much experience in addictions and trauma, Logen understands the relationship between breath and the central nervous system.
Logen is passionate about self-responsibility and conscious communication as a means to empower. A firm believer that expansion and growth are always possible, Logen embraces the acceptance of imperfections as the basis for a joyful and connected life.
Coaching & Counselling Lab Facilitators
Jill Cherewyk, PCC, RPC
Jill Cherewyk is a passionate and purpose-driven instructor, facilitator, and grief and loss coach and counsellor. She serves as the Manager and Senior Instructor of Coaching Education at Rhodes Wellness College, where she also teaches Mental Wellness and Leadership. Jill brings a deeply holistic, experiential approach to her work, rooted in her training and lived experience. She is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation and a Registered Professional Counsellor (RPC) with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Since graduating from Rhodes Wellness College in 2016, Jill has been committed to helping others cultivate awareness, clarity, and empowerment through transformational experiences. She is especially passionate about training and mentoring instructors to step into their authentic leadership style, using the experiential group process model she loves and believes in. Jill’s leadership style is collaborative, compassionately direct, and infused with a sense of play. She models the very tools and skills she teaches, creating spaces that invite courage, depth, and meaningful change. Whether she’s facilitating a group, coaching a client, or leading a team, Jill is guided by a belief in the ripple effect—how personal transformation radiates outward to impact communities and beyond. She lives and works on the unceded territory of the Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, known today as Vancouver, British Columbia.
Admissions
Admissions Director, Operations
Tricia Vivienne-Blanc, ADJ, CLC
Tricia has almost two decades of experience in creative management and client relations. She loves connecting and supporting others towards personal development. As an empath, she believes deeply in the power of collaboration and the rewards that exploration can produce.
Director, New Student Development
David Fisher, BSc, PLCC, PFA
David has over ten years’ experience working in the education industry. His desire to help others achieve their goals has inspired him to become a certified life coach, goal setting coach, and life story coach. He is also an award-winning public speaker and communication coach.
He is excited to be at Rhodes, believing that as we connect better with ourselves, we can help better connect with others, making a measurable difference in the world.
Admissions Specialist
Jameson Dean, PCD
Jameson has been in the wellness, sales, and service industry for the past 10 years, providing a wide range of products and services including spiritual coaching, counselling, intuitive readings, technology, and fashion product offerings.
Jameson is someone who meets people where they are through a loving heart-centered approach with caring passion and consideration for everyone’s previous journeys and preferred futures. Jameson has previously graduated with his Professional Counselling Diploma from Rhodes and continues to learn more about business, life coaching, energy work, counselling and end-of-life studies while conducting online wellness counselling and spiritual coaching sessions.
Admissions Advisor
Madison Johnson, BA
Madison has over 5 years of experience coaching and working with students in and outside the post-secondary realm. Through an empathetic lead approach, Madison helps students meet both their personal and professional goals.
Madison’s passion for personal development is what led her to Rhodes, and she is excited to come together with like-minded individuals to help foster wellness and education in others.
Admissions Specialist
Domenica Milillo, BBA
Domenica has worked in education for the past 18 years. Her passion is to work with students in all aspects of their admissions process, from providing program information and funding resources to coming up with solutions or removing barriers. She puts students at ease and helps them gain confidence with their career choices with her positive nature. Domenica has specialized in the past in helping students enroll in nursing, ECE, RMT, and many other helping professions and she also has created additional funding pathways by working with organizations such as Work BC, HRSDC, etc. She has also helped in fundraising for charitable organisations. Dome
Senior Admissions Advisor
Rachel Belair
Rachel is a champion for all things health and wellness, bringing over 8 years of experience in consulting and coaching in this field. In addition, she is a certified yoga teacher and believes breath and movement can be a used as a powerful healing modality. She has a passion for guiding individuals on their personal journey to reach their highest potential. She believes everyone has their own unique story, purpose and gifts to bring into the world. Now more then ever, she wants to support others in finding this voice and path.
Admissions Specialist
Sandra Verma, MBA, BBM, CLC
Operations
Registrar
Betty Chen, BA
Betty has over 10 years working with both domestic and international students. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at Simon Fraser University. She brings experience from various parts of Asia in international trade and education.
Student Financial Supervisor
Tushar Shetty, BSc, DBA
Tushar holds a Bachelor’s in Accounting and Finance from University of Mumbai and Post Degree Diploma in Business Administration from Camosun College. Tushar enjoys being part of the Rhodes team and provides all his support to Finance and Administration. Being compassionate and shedding light in people’s lives is something Tushar takes pride in.
When he’s not at Rhodes, Tushar usually go-biking around the city and play tennis.
Receptionist
Mia Nguyen
Mia, a graduate of Douglas College, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Management, along with a Postgraduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management. Possessing a solid foundation in business operations and logistics, Mia is well-equipped for professional endeavors. With four years of invaluable experience in customer service, Mia has honed her ability to connect with individuals from various backgrounds. Her positive demeanor and innate passion for interaction make her a natural at building strong relationships and addressing customer needs effectively. Beyond her professional pursuits, Mia is an avid animal lover. When she’s not immersed in her work, you can often find her spending quality time with her beloved dog and cat. Her genuine affection for animals reflects her compassionate nature and adds depth to her character.
Education Administration Supervisor
Dietrich Menzer
Dietrich graduated as class valedictorian with a BA in Pastoral Leadership from Pacific Life Bible College. At Rhodes, Dietrich provides support to Administration, Finance, and Operations in completing various tasks. His experience working in trades and operations places him in a unique capacity to handle anything he is given with grace and precision. Originally from Washington State, Dietrich is an avid adventurer and enjoys outdoor activities—such as exploring, hiking, biking, and paddleboarding.
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Communications & Marketing Team
Director of Communications & Marketing
David Chua, BSc
David has over 10 years of experience in marketing, communications and advertising with a distinctive ability to deliver highly effective and measurable strategies that drive growth, new students, brand awareness, and reputation. He excels between strategy, marketing and collaboration. Prior to joining Rhodes Wellness College, David worked at ILAC, Canadian Tourism College, Sterling College and a number of prominent marketing agencies within Germany and Canada. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Portsmouth, UK and studied Graphic Design and Marketing Communications at BCIT. Having lived in 6 countries David enjoys working with people from a wide variety of cultures, backgrounds, personalities and languages.
Communications Designer
Mayura Yamanouchi-Colling, BDes
Mayura graduated with a Bachelor of Design degree from Emily Carr University. She is currently in Emily Carr’s Masters of Interdisciplinary Design program. She has worked in education for over ten years.
Mayura is a designer who believes that good design can change the lives of people for the better. She enjoys walking with her canine collaborators, paying attention to the liveliness of the local animals, trees and plants, and the old knowledge of the land. Originally from Tokyo, Mayura has specialized in design work for over eight years and is passionate about improving connections between diverse populations, as well as humans to nonhuman animals.
Marketing Specialist
Daniel Pérez, BA
Daniel graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Animation and Digital Arts. Daniel has a multitude of talents due to his vast experience working in many different areas, such as web development, video production, animation, and marketing. Daniel believes that everything and everyone has a good story, and he loves finding and telling those stories. Daniel is really dependable, adaptable and loves to learn about any subject. He is so very grateful and excited to start with Rhodes Wellness College and Vancouver School of Healing Arts.
Education & Marketing Administrator
Noah Colling, BBA
Noah, born and raised in Vancouver, is passionate about mental health and wellness. He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business, specializing in marketing and international business. With a strong and creative mindset, Noah plays a key role in helping Rhodes Wellness College thrive by enhancing marketing efforts and developing innovative programs tailored to the needs of students and the wellness community. His extensive knowledge of technology and data-driven strategies makes him an invaluable asset to Rhodes’ administrative team, ensuring the college remains competitive in an ever-evolving education landscape.
