Our instructors

Rahim Thawer

Rahim Thawer, MSW, RSW, CCS holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Social Work at the University of Alabama. He is an instructor at the School of Social Work at the University of Alabama and provides services as a psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and consultant through Affective Consulting & Psychotherapy Services.

Based in Toronto, Rahim is a multifaceted professional who works as an instructor, psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, consultant, public speaker, podcast host, and author. His research focuses on how anti-racist, queer-affirming psychoanalytic frameworks can support social workers, trainee therapists, and organizational leaders.

Rahim’s approach to behavioural health emphasizes examining the intersections of mental health and systemic oppression. As a settler and visitor on Turtle Island, he reflects deeply on what it means to live ethically on this land. A dynamic public speaker and published author, he combines serious discourse with humor, sass, and a playful touch of pink to engage his audiences.

His published works include The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Guys (New Harbinger Press) and the forthcoming The Politicized Practitioner (Blue Cactus Press). He is also a Fellow at the Mark S. Bonham Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies at the University of Toronto, a member of the Counselors for Social Justice (American Counseling Association), and the Ontario Association of Social Workers.

Rahim’s professional interests include using psychoanalysis to explore unconscious barriers that hinder the successful and sustainable implementation of DEI initiatives within nonprofit and healthcare settings.

Arthur Thuot

Arthur Thout, HBA, MFA, is the facilitator at StoryCorp, a company that delivers storytelling workshops to businesses and government. He has helped organizations in healthcare, energy, technology, government, aerospace, education and financial services tell their stories.

A dynamic and engaging facilitator, Arthur has been recognized for teaching excellence by departmental and university awards from the University of Florida, where he taught professional communication as well as beginning, intermediate and advanced fiction-writing. He teaches storytelling at the University of Ottawa’s Professional Development Institute, and has previously served as the European, Latin American and Asia-Pacific project director for a media agency.

Arthur has written for Pharmaceutical Executive, Oil & Gas Financial Journal, Corporate Board Member, Forbes Africa, Fortune en Español and Bloomberg Businessweek México on topics ranging from Chinese traditional medicine entrepreneurs to Argentinian board games.

Tiffany Timbers

Tiffany Timbers, PhD, is an assistant professor of teaching in the UBC Department of Statistics, and Option Co-Director and an instructor for the UBC Master of Data Science (MDS) program. After obtaining her doctorate in neuroscience at UBC in 2012, Tiffany carried out data-intensive postdoctoral research in behavioural and neural genomics at Simon Fraser University. During this time, she also gained valuable experience teaching computational skills to students and scientists through her work with Data and Software Carpentry, the SFU scientific programming study group, and teaching a course in computation in physical sciences at Quest University. Learn more about Tiffany on her personal website.

Fenneke Tjallingii-Brocken

Fenneke Tjallingii-Brocken works with purpose-driven leaders and organizations to create conscious workplace cultures that enhance internal effectiveness and external engagement. With over 20 years of experience in mindfulness and a systemic coaching approach, she helps clients navigate challenges, build resilience, and achieve their goals. Known for her deep connection with clients, she specializes in leadership coaching, team coaching, mindset, communication, and stress management. She holds multiple certifications, including Professional Certified Coach (ICF), and is an expert in fostering conscious leadership and self-discipline.

Ricardo R. Trujeque

Ricardo Trujeque (he/him), BCom, MSM, is an entrepreneur and dedicated educator with a 25+year career at the intersection of technology, communications, and education.

Ricardo has co-founded several software as a service (SaaS) companies that span digital media content production/distribution, marketing automation, language assessment, disaster resilience assessment and, currently, immersive environments for training and education. He has led ideation, planning and product management working closely with teams across operations, marketing, software development, sales, and operations bringing transformative solutions to market. He has also worked as a consultant for several private and public organizations internationally.

A renowned course author and seasoned lecturer, Ricardo has been a long-time collaborator with UBC, contributing to the creation of cutting-edge educational programs and content. Since 2021, he has spearheaded the development and delivery of highly successful programs at UBC Extended Learning, focusing on AI, Data Management & Analysis, Digital Transformation, Cloud Strategy, Digital Media, and Simulation. These programs have attracted nearly 500,000 student enrolments, underscoring their impact and popularity.

Eric Tung

Eric Tung has an MA in English from UBC and has been teaching at UBC Continuing Studies since 2004. Eric is also a Change Management Consultant and has over 15 years of corporate experience in change management, business and strategic communications, facilitation, stakeholder engagement, training, and technical communications. In addition, he designs and delivers custom writing and change management workshops to various clients, including engineering and consulting firms.

Sinan Uluc

Alejandra Urizar

Jennifer Van Evra

Jennifer Van Evra has been working as a Vancouver-based freelance writer for over a decade. Her work has appeared in many publications, including The Globe and Mail, Equinox, Mother Jones, Elm Street, Canadian Wildlife, The Georgia Straight, Vancouver magazine and The Vancouver Sun. She also works as a producer, reporter and broadcaster with CBC Radio. Jennifer won the UBC Continuing Studies John K. Friesen Excellence in Teaching Award in 2013.

Shelley-Anne Vidal