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Sheida is a doctoral student in Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo. She researches human-computer interaction, human-factors engineering, and interaction design. Her current research emphasizes the development of usable and effective touchscreen interfaces for individuals with dementia and mild cognitive impairment. 


Sheida Marashi

Researcher

Alexis is a doctoral student in Measurement, Evaluation, and Research Methodology (MERM) at the University of British Columbia.  She focuses on issues of low-quality data in online samples and measurement validation. Alexis is dedicated to establishing and implementing best research practices to uphold research accuracy and integrity. 

Alexis Webster

Researcher

I am in my last year pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of British Columbia. Psychology and human behaviour has been a topic that has caught my interest since I was young. I enjoy learning about the complexities surrounding why we do what we do. I hope to continue my education and pursue a master’s degree in counselling psychology.

Lissy Liu

Research Assistant

Brishk graduated from the Faculty of Science at UBC, majoring in behavioural neuroscience. Her journey into psychology is rooted in a strong desire to understand individual and collective behaviours, particularly the impact of daily environmental factors on human behaviour. Outside the research group, she enjoys reading, painting, and volunteering at various research outlets.

Brishk Manzoor

Research Assistant

I am in the fourth year of studying for my Bachelor of Psychology and English Literature at the University of British Columbia. My passion for psychology stems from my desire to help others find stability and joy in their lives, as well as my love for learning about and exploring the human mind. Outside academia, I volunteer as a crisis responder and enjoy practicing hot yoga.

Tessa McDermid

Research Assistant

Sheldon recently completed his Bachelor of Psychology at the University of British Columbia.

His areas of study include clinical psychology, developmental psychology, and social justice. He hopes to research how these fields intersect to improve our understanding of the diverse factors involved in human development. He plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and hopes to use his knowledge and skills to help guide struggling young adults.

Sheldon Sargent

Research Coordinator

I am currently in my final year of pursuing a dual degree in Bachelor of Psychology and Master of Management at the University of British Columbia. My interest in psychology began with a desire to learn about the intricacies of the human mind and has since expanded to encompass the influence of culture on individuals. Venturing into vocational psychology and acculturation research, I am captivated by the impact of cultural transitions on individuals' career paths and identities.

Chahat Garg

Research Coordinator

Research

Diane is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Professional Certified Coach and Chartered Professional in Human Resources. She currently works with Family Services Employee Assistance Programs (FSEAP) as an Account and Training Manager, assisting organizations with the mental health of their employees and their families.  She has worked for years in corporate cultures in recruitment, coaching, and human resources, primarily within the legal industry.

Diane Cronk

Clinical Supervisor

Anita is a career development practitioner (registered with the Career Professionals of Canada) with many years of experience facilitating conversations and programming for newcomers to Canada. Anita's educational background is in social work, but decided to take a career pivot to career coaching, program planning, and adult learning.

Anita Sayaphet

Coach and Facilitator

Ron Steckly

Volunteer Support Worker

Spencer G. Niles is a professor of counselor education and co-director of the THRIVE Research and Intervention Center. He served as Dean (2013-2020) for the School of Education at W&M where he was ranked as the 11tth most influential dean of education in the United States. He is the current Editor for Counselor Education & Supervision and served as Editor for the Journal of Counseling & Development and The Career Development Quarterly. Niles has authored 155 publications and delivered over 170 presentations.

Spencer Niles

Clinical Supervisor

Counselling & Coaching

Board Member

Kamlesh Thakur

Kamlesh Thakur has 20 years of solution architecture, software engineering & design, business operations and consulting leadership, specializing in growing technology companies.

Board Member

Pam Mandel

Pam Mandel has 40 years experience in implementing accounting processes for small to mid size non-profits and helping them grow through offering her strategic management expertise.

It's Better Together.

Thrive Professional Society began in 2021 as an informal club with 4 people. In 2022, it held 165 events with over 5,000 attendees and 15 volunteers. In 2023, Thrive incorporated as a non-profit in British Columbia and began offering regular educational group programming and free career coaching.

Emma is a volunteer writer for Thrive who holds a Master’s degree in English. She is passionate about writing articles that encourage her readers to explore new professions and ways of approaching work. In her spare time, Emma can usually be found reading a good book or hiking on Vancouver’s North Shore.

Emma Riek

Staff Writer

As a Writer, Pooja dives deeper into understanding nuances of youth engagement possibilities in Canada, while imparting her knowledge about career prospects and dealing with interviews. She has a knack for problem solving and critical thinking that results in effective outcomes. In her leisure time, she enjoys going to the movies, dancing, selective reading, painting, cooking and engaging in meaningful conversations over coffee dates.

Pooja Shah

Staff Writer

The love for reading and the joy that comes with it, the reader in me found a resort as a writer. Associated with Thrive Professional Society as a Staff Editor, I bring 7 years of experience in crafting stories that connect. Together with the team, we are trying to create an open space of resources for all newcomers to Canada.

Mitali Raval

Editor

Hello, I'm Danni, a dedicated Marketing student at UBC Sauder in Vancouver, with a fervent belief that every exceptional product and service deserves recognition. As a Marketing Assistant and Dance Teacher, I've cultivated strong communication, problem-solving, and time-management skills.

Danni Sun

Digital Marketing Specialist

I'm Aisha, the marketing enthusiast at Thrive. With a genunine passion for the dynamic world of marketing, I find joy in developing strategic narratives that resonate and leave a lasting impression. I  my role, I embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and evolve. I believe in the power of blending creativity with cutting edge strategies to meet and exceed our marketing goals. I aspire to be at the forefront of transformative marketing initiatives, exploring new technologies that can elevate Thrive's presence and engage our audience in meaningful ways.

Aisha Waqar

Digital Marketing Specialist

Marketing

Shruti is an experienced Business Analyst worked in multiple industries like Real Estate, Hospitality, Furniture & Home Improvement. With an educational background in Computer Science Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration, Shruti has honed her analytical skills combining it with technical expertise and strong business acumen. 

Shruti Gupta

Project Coordinator

Jamil Reza Chowdhury is a DevOps Engineer and Business Analyst. He is fluent in English and French and completed his master's degree at Concordia University in Montreal, QC. As a tech-savvy professional, he brings a passion for innovation and a broad perspective cultivated through his experiences.

Jamil Chowdhury

Business Analyst

Operations

Partners and Sponsors

Logo image of Thrive Professional Soceity sponsor Jane
Logo image of Thrive Professional Society sponsor Microsoft
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