Who We Are

Melodie Esau, Operations Coordinator

Melodie has been with Healthy Campus Alberta since 2018 and is responsible for systems and project management. She can be contacted at [email protected]

Jennifer Nate, Administrative Assistant

Jennifer is pleased to bring her organizational and collaboration skills to support HCA in the role of Administrative Assistant. She has a background in administration and communication, with experience working at postsecondary institutions and non-profits. You can contact her at [email protected]

Makayla Freeman, Project Assistant

Makayla worked with HCA in 2018 as the Student Communications Assistant and has rejoined the team as the Project Assistant. She is working on a few projects, including website updates and student staff orientation, and is a Bachelor of Arts student studying Psychology at the University of Calgary.

Katherine DeCoste, Student Communications Assistant

Katherine joined the HCA Team in Spring 2020 and is responsible for community newsletters, managing the website, and promoting the 2020 Wellness Summit. She is in her final semester of a BA Honours in History and English at the University of Alberta, where she is currently working on her thesis. She is passionate about mental health supports on campus, as well as fostering community engagement and involvement. Previously working in communications for Regina’s Warehouse District and Arts Collaboration Enterprise at the University of Alberta, she has seen how communications work is crucial to building strong, engaged communities both in person and online. In the fall, Katherine will begin her MA in English at the University of Victoria. 

Helen Pethrick, Student Research and Knowledge Exchange Assistant

Helen joined the HCA Team in Spring 2020 and is responsible for developing content for the learning calendar. She is a Master of Arts student at the University of Calgary, studying the mental health experiences of first-year university students. She brings her background in student services, research, and teaching to the Healthy Campus Alberta team. Helen is driven by an excitement for learning experiences and a passion for supportive, inclusive post-secondary environments. In her spare time, she finds peace and balance in practicing yoga.

Katherine Liu, Student Event Assistant

Katherine joined the HCA Team in Spring 2020 and is responsible for supporting the 2020 Wellness Summit. She is a first year medical student at the University of Calgary, where she previously studied in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program. Her work at Healthy Campus Alberta is motivated by her passion for mental health advocacy and building strong and resilient campus communities. Driven by her interest in sustainable development and global health, Katherine has also led initiatives at the U of C to build youth leadership capacity and create learning spaces where students can thrive. When she isn’t studying, Katherine enjoys driving out to the mountains, exploring new restaurants, and finding new shows on Netflix!