Program Team

Tim Brigham: Project Lead

Taanishi everyone! I’m a proud father of four amazing young women and grateful to live on the territory of the Cowichan people. 

I am also the proud Project Lead for the PPA program/Project Connect – a program that has exceeded my hopes in its impact on our graduates’ lives and career goals. 

I feel fortunate to work with a dedicated group of graduates and experienced researchers in the Natoonikew Aansaamb (searching together) research team. The research shows the project has truly lived up to its title by not only connecting students to useful skills but also through connecting or re-connecting many students with their culture. 

I’m excited to be part of telling the story of this project which I believe has important lessons for other online programs focused on meeting the needs of Indigenous students. 

Kelly Loffler: Online Learning Coordinator

Taanishi, my name is Kelly. I reside in Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty 1 Territory, the lands of the Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Ininew (Cree), Oji-Cree, Dene, and Dakota ancestors and families, and the birthplace of the Métis Nation. I am a citizen of the Métis Nation British Columbia and the Manitoba Métis Federation.

In my role as Online Learning Coordinator for the Professional Project Administrator (PPA) program, I am privileged to support the Indigenous students enrolled in the program, the instructors that facilitate the courses, and the PPA team. I was a student myself in the PPA program when I began my Royal Roads journey in 2020 then continued as a research assistant on the Project Connect research project where we explore the impacts of the PPA program on those involved with it to continually enhance the program for future cohorts.

I am incredibly proud to be a part of the good work Professional and Continuing Studies at Royal Roads University is doing in both the PPA program and the Project Connect research. Maarsii!

Christina Schlattner: Learning and Development Advisor

Hello! I gratefully reside and have raised a son on the traditional lands of the T’Souke First Nation. 

I am honoured to collaborate with this team including the Indigenous students. Together we weave traditional Indigenous ways of learning and knowing into a program that helps participants create a fulfilling and sustainable future.

My background is transformative learning for adults. I have worked in program development, facilitation, evaluation, and communication. I had the wonderful experience of working with and learning from Nuu-chah-nulth people, who taught me how to listen with an open heart.

Val Cortés: Research Coordinator

It is such a privilege to be in relationship with this wonderful research team! 

Through co-teaching Collective Leadership in the PPA Program and engaging in the Project Connect research project, I have learned so much about Métis Culture and Indigenous ways of knowing and being; as a result, I experienced a resurgence in interest and love for my Mexican culture, languages, and origins. 

As a mother, preserving and celebrating culture is a priority; as an educator, I strive for creating spaces that allow us to learn from each other, feel connected, and take action to enhance our communities.