Our instructors

Don Genova

Don Genova is a BC-based award-winning freelance food and travel journalist. Over the years he has contributed to such publications as the Globe and Mail, National Post, enRoute, and Western Living. He is a regular contributor to Flavours magazine and Gulf Islands Aqua. Don is a veteran radio and television contributor, including many regular spots with CBC Radio and independently produced documentaries for the Food Network. His latest radio column with CBC Victoria is called Food Matters, and delves into the world of sustainable eating in British Columbia. His first book, Food Artisans of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, was published in April 2014.

Don earned a Masters of Food Culture from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy in 2007. He also holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science from the University of Waterloo and is an Honours Graduate of the Humber College Radio Broadcasting Program.

Don's Blog: http://blog.dongenova.com

Twitter: @dongenova

Nahid Ghani

Melanie Gorman Ng

Mitchell Gray

Mitchell Gray is the founder of Word Merchant Communications, a writing and editorial consultancy. He holds Master of Arts (political science) and Master of Journalism degrees from the University of British Columbia. Mitchell is an award-winning writer with experience in news, magazine, online, academic, business, creative non-fiction and fiction writing. He has also recently completed his first feature-length screenplay. Mitchell has a background in writing coaching and curriculum development and has helped many students refine their skills in written English and academic argumentation.

Rochelle Grayson

Rochelle Grayson, co-founder of ArtSites.ca, is a consumer and digital media executive with 20 years of business, technology, and education experience. She has led and launched several innovative digital media initiatives, working with a combination of both small and large companies, as well as highly analytical and creative individuals. Rochelle is equally comfortable discussing digital media business models, social media trends, online community building, and internet and mobile technologies.

For the past five years, Rochelle has been teaching courses in the Social Media at the University of British Columbia. She is also the industry chair and program advisor for the UBC Certificate in Digital Strategy and Award of Achievement in Social Media.

Since 2008, Rochelle has been nominated as one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network, been named “The New Executive Cool Hunter” by Canadian Business Magazine, been included as one of Vancouver’s Top Forty Under 40 by Business in Vancouver, and listed as one of Vancouver's Top 10 Technology Women.

Rochelle holds an MBA in Finance and Business Policy from the University of Chicago, and Master Certifications in Product Development Management and Business Facilitation.

Rochelle Grayson is the 2015 recipient of the UBC John K. Friesen Excellence in Teaching Award.

Anthony Green

Anthony Green, BTech, is the Manager of Security Operations and Compliance at Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC), where he leads the team responsible for CPABC’s security program. Anthony is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with nearly a decade of experience safeguarding Canada's largest companies and public organizations. His expertise has made him a sought-after speaker on the global stage, regularly traveling worldwide to share insights on critical cybersecurity issues.

Anthony has been an advocate for lifelong learning and mentoring new generations of cybersecurity professionals. He is the lead cybersecurity instructor at UBC Extended Learning. His passion for teaching extends internationally—collaborating with top universities in Kenya and helping government officials in Malaysia enhance their cybersecurity capabilities. Anthony has been volunteering with ISACA Vancouver Chapter since 2019 and served as the Chapter’s President from 2022-2023. His leadership significantly expanded the chapter's reach and impact within the cybersecurity community.

Anthony is now furthering his impact into the cybersecurity startup space as the Western Canada Ambassador for the Canadian Cybersecurity Cluster - In Sec M.

Whether he's securing data, educating future leaders, or guiding industry organizations, Anthony is dedicated to making the digital world safer for everyone.

Zipporah Greenslade

Michael Griffin

Michael Griffin, PhD, is an associate professor in the Departments of Classical, Near Eastern and Religious Studies and Philosophy at UBC. His doctoral research at the University of Oxford focused on ancient thought. He is the current producer of Ancient Sources, a series of podcasts and Internet resources showcasing UBC research into the ancient world and its modern legacy. He is also joint general editor of the Ancient Commentators translation project, and Professor-in-Residence at UBC's Totem Park residence. He is particularly interested in the practice of philosophical education (paideia) in late antiquity, and the role that philosophy – ancient and modern – can play in cultivating public citizenship and human flourishing. Professor Griffin’s personal website can be found at http://www.michaeljamesgriffin.com/#about

Imran Hakamali

Imran Hakamali, MASLED, earned a bachelor and master in American Sign Language at Gallaudet University for the Deaf and hard of hearing. He has lived and taught ASL in Montréal, Washington, DC, Toronto and Vancouver, which he now calls home. An instructor for 22 years, Imran is known for his fluency and grace in ASL, and his passion for travelling and meeting and connecting with people.

Mireille Hamel