Renee Willms (she/her)

Practicum Coordinator (Interim Dean of Student Life)

Renee is excited to be working with students through the Centre for Career and Vocation! She joins the Centre for Career and Vocation team having previously co-directed CMU's travel service-learning program (Outtatown), where she developed a love for experiential learning, community, and doing hard things.

As Practicum Coordinator, her role is primarily about listening to student stories, and helping them think about and explore who they want to be in the world both at CMU and beyond. She does this through advising and coordinating work integrated learning placements, as well as building partnerships with organizations and supporting the overall mission and vision of the Centre for Career and Vocation. Renee also works as an instructor at CMU, leading the practicum seminar where she thinks collaboratively with students about vocation, professional development and life design.

Renee holds an honours degree in History from Brock University and is currently an MA Candidate at Regent College, UBC. When she's not working or studying, she's probably walking and on the phone with long distance friends and family, drinking coffee, or asking people what they've read/listened to/watched lately that she should add to her never-ending list.

Christine Kampen Robinson (she/her)

Director of the Centre for Career and Vocation; Director of Practicum

Christine is a listener, finder, and teller of stories. Her academic training has focused on the connection between language and identity and how the stories we tell about ourselves show what we believe about ourselves. At the Centre for Career and Vocation, she combines her background in Applied Linguistics and her belief in hope-centred career development to support student vocational discernment. She does this through taking a life design approach to developing programming and working individually with students.

A design thinking approach to career development means accepting and empathizing with where we are right now so that we can listen to the calls from God, from our community, from the world, to try things out and reflect on our experiences together so that we can build lives and careers that align with our values and our calling. Coming alongside students as they navigate this process is something Christine finds motivating and meaningful.

She holds a student-designed Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from the University of Winnipeg, and a Master's and PhD in German Studies from University of Waterloo, and has received training in narrative career counselling from the Stanford Life Design Lab and CERIC. When she's not working with students, Christine is probably reading a German detective novel or dancing terribly in her living room, just for the joy of movement.

Kayla Thiessen (she/her)

Practicum Coordinator

Kayla loves helping students follow their curiosity and learn important skills for navigating life after university. In her role as Practicum Coordinator, she helps students find work-integrated learning opportunities by listening to their stories and interests, building relationships with partner organizations, and then fostering connections between the two. As the instructor for the Practicum Seminar class, she encourages students to reflect on their practicum experiences and to ask big questions about meaning and fulfillment in their work. Through her work in the Centre for Career & Vocation, Kayla also enjoys helping students prepare for work beyond the classroom through building resumes, cover letters, and job search skills.

Kayla holds an honours degree in Anthropology from the University of Winnipeg and an MA in Material Culture Studies from the University of Sheffield. Outside the office you can often find her at local vintage shops and bookstores on the hunt for a hidden gem, starting her next DIY project, or enjoying a games night with friends and family.

Isaac Kuhl-Schlegel (he/him)

Practicum Coordinator

Isaac is thrilled to help students listen for callings and develop the creative agency to respond. He works as one of CMU's Practicum Coordinators. This includes collaborating with students on finding placements and, as an instructor for Intensive Practicum, supporting students in completing and reflecting on their practica. Isaac is also teaching the course Vocation, Work, and Meaning in Winter 2024.

After completing his own Interdisciplinary Studies honour's degree at CMU, Isaac moved on to a Master of Theological Studies at the Toronto School of Theology. He lives in Winnipeg with his wife Courtney and their surprisingly old cat. He enjoys spending time in choirs, wandering conversations, and the margins of books. To answer a common question in advance: yes, that is how he normally holds a pencil.

Tim Cruickshank (he/him)

Practicum Coordinator, Director of Estamos

Tim brings an appreciation for the stories and experiences of others to his position on the Practicum team. With a wealth of experience in immersive, experiential learning, he values the opportunity to walk alongside students as they explore their interests, follow their curiosity, and come to greater depths of self-understanding.

On top of his role in the Practicum office, Tim is the Director of Estamos, CMU's intercultural study abroad program. Together, these two roles bring together Tim's passion for intercultural experiences, immersive learning, and personal and vocational growth.

Tim holds an Master of Arts in Theological Studies from CMU. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Tyndale University, Toronto. In his spare time, he enjoys following the Toronto Raptors and Michigan St. basketball. He also enjoys cycling, hiking, canoeing/kayaking, teaching his dog new tricks, and growing veggies.

Kayden Brown (he/him)

Student Program Assistant (Peer Coaching)

Kayden is an optimistic patient listener. He joins the CCV staff while in the midst of studying psychology for his undergrad at CMU. Kayden looks to integrate his learning by helping fellow students find practicum and job placements that are meaningful and finish their degrees with experience from outside of the classroom.

People’s careers, studies and work become part of who they are which is why Kayden is excited assist students while they make decisions about their futures and help them to achieve their goals. As part of the Centre for Career and Vocation and the Practicum team, Kayden looks to integrate his interpersonal and presentation skills with his growing knowledge around the programs to help fellow students to pursue their goals.

When he’s not working or studying, Kayden is likely playing folk music with a few friends or organizing a spike ball tournament.

Katrina Lengsavath (she/her)

Student Program Assistant (Communications)

Katrina Lengsavath is a second year Arts & Sciences student at CMU. She sings with CMU Singers and Women's Chorus, and was selected as one of the school’s Leader Scholars in 2020. She feels honoured and happy to work with the Centre for Career & Vocation staff as a Student Program Assistant specializing in Communications. This is the perfect space for her to exercise her creativity and apply her passion for interdisciplinary academic and career possibilities. Her goals are to help develop the program's online presence and highlight resources for students on the CCV Instagram page (@cmu_ccv).

Katrina also serves as VP Communications on CMU Student Council’s Exec this year. When she’s not studying, sending emails, or volunteering, Katrina enjoys baking, warm cups of tea, and dancing to good tunes.