Dr. Jody Arndt

Director of the Wellness Services.

(she/her/hers)

Since 2022, I have led Wellness Services at Mount Royal University as Director, managing Health Services, the Injury Prevention Clinic, Student Counselling Services, and the Healthy Campus Team. My mission is to ensure the MRU community benefits from comprehensive programs that actively support physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Collaborating closely with our Wellness Services teams, I’ve spearheaded impactful initiatives such as Nourish U, addressing food insecurity, and the After Hours Peer Support Center, providing crucial after hours crisis support for our student population. I bring into this role an MSc in Psychiatry (U of A), a PhD in Psychology (U of C), and over a decade of healthcare leadership experience. When I’m not at work, you’ll find me climbing, mountaineering, snowboarding, or enjoying quality time with my kids.

Mariberth Blanco

Administrative Assistant to the Director of Wellness Services.

(she/her/hers)

As the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Wellness Services at Mount Royal University, I play a key role in supporting students and staff by managing various administrative tasks, including scheduling, communication, and record-keeping. My responsibilities also extend to handling the Wellness Services budget and ensuring thoughtful financial management to benefit the university community. With 17 years of experience in administration and student services, I work closely with the Director and team to maintain access to essential resources that foster student well-being.

Drawing on my background in administration, finance, and Information Technology, I am passionate about supporting student success in academic, emotional, and social realms. I am committed to creating an inclusive environment where students feel safe and encouraged to seek help when needed. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, singing, dancing, exploring new places and spending time with my family.

Yemi Adeyemi, MD, MPH

Manager of the Healthy Campus Team

(she/her/hers)

My journey into health promotion began with earning a medical degree in Ukraine, driven by a passion for empowering individuals to take charge of their health through education. This passion deepened when I completed a Master’s in Public Health in the United Kingdom, which broadened my understanding of community wellness and prevention. In Nigeria, I focused on sexual and reproductive health advocacy, leading award-winning educational initiatives to bridge gaps, counter misinformation, and provide accurate resources. My diverse global experiences bring cultural sensitivity, empathy, and innovation to my approach, enabling me to address health promotion through an inclusive lens.

Now, as the Manager of the Healthy Campus Team, I lead a dedicated group delivering creative and timely health promotion strategies tailored to meet the evolving needs of our student community. From workshops and infographics to collaborative events, we thrive on thinking outside the box and building strong partnerships across campus. When I’m not working, you can find me dancing to Afrobeat music or spending time with my family—moments that remind me of the importance of balance and joy, values I strive to bring into my leadership and advocacy every day.

Mariana Liconte

Administrative Assistant

(she/her/hers)

As an Administrative Assistant for the Healthy Campus Team at Mount Royal University, I provide essential support to the manager and team, ensuring smooth office operations and the success of our coordinated programs. My role includes managing administrative tasks, facilitating communication, and assisting with logistics to help deliver impactful wellness initiatives to the university community.

I am passionate about fostering a healthy and supportive campus environment where students feel empowered to access resources that enhance their well-being. Working closely with my team, I help ensure that our programs run efficiently and effectively, contributing to a culture of wellness and student success.

With a background in administration and customer service, I bring strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming space.

Outside of work, I enjoy travelling and staying active. I prioritize wellness in my own life and love encouraging others to do the same.

Telaina Wallace

Health Promotion Specialist

(she/her/hers)

I hold a Master of Public Health from the University of Saskatchewan and currently work as a Health Promotion Specialist at Mount Royal University on the Healthy Campus Team. In this role, I develop and coordinate evidence-based programs that prioritize a holistic, inclusive and strengths-based approach to student well-being. My work is centered around fostering environments that support student growth and resilience. By collaborating with various campus groups, I strive to help students build the wellness tools they will need throughout their academic journey and empower them to carry these tools with them long after graduation.

Ashley Barrett

Mental Health Outreach Coordinator

(she/her/hers)

 With a deep recognition towards the transformative power of peers supporting their communities, my work has always focused on mental health and creating caring spaces of all kinds. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Alberta, where my passion for fostering these environments began. In my former role as Peer Support Centre Coordinator at the UofA, I oversaw a peer-led service offering supportive listening and crisis intervention. Now, as the Mental Health Outreach Coordinator at Mount Royal University, I develop and implement mental health programming, including initiatives like Steps to Well-Being, Peer Health Educators, and annual mental health campaigns. My work is driven by a great care for students, an understanding of their challenges, and an immense admiration for their resilience. It’s truly an honor to guide and empower the absolutely incredible student volunteers who strengthen the MRU community with their care and enthusiasm.

Charmène Brewer

Health Outreach Coordinator

(she/her/hers)

I joined the Healthy Campus team because of my passion for helping others lead a healthier lifestyle and wanting to make an impact on students as they navigate university life. Driven by a love for sports and an enthusiasm for teaching and educating, I strive to create a lasting impact on students by providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to live active, healthy lives both during their time in school and beyond. I am dedicated to inspiring and empowering students to take charge of their physical health and overall well-being and to leave MRU with more skills, knowledge, and friendships than they came in with. I have been a part of the Peer Health Education Program since its inception at MRU, and I have enjoyed watching the students that volunteer with me grow and flourish in their roles. And as a Health Outreach Coordinator, getting the opportunity to write reference letters for the students in the next stage of their lives has been thoroughly rewarding. I am a wife and mother to 2 sporty kids and 1 rambunctious dog, and to keep active, I play hockey and attend F45 classes!

Julia Nicholls

After Hours Peer Support Program, Coordinator

(she/her/hers)

I am a dedicated Registered Social Worker (she/her) with a Master of Social Work in Leadership in Human Services from the University of Calgary. My journey began at Mount Royal University, where I earned a Social Work diploma before completing my Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Calgary. Over the years, I’ve developed a diverse background, leading and building high-performing teams, managing programs and projects, and providing specialized supervision in team leadership and social work practice. My experience spans areas such as poverty reduction, financial empowerment, and crisis intervention.

As one of the Program Coordinators of the After Hours Peer Support Centre at Mount Royal University, I strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all students. My practice is rooted in transformational and servant leadership, with a focus on coaching, capacity-building, and collaboration. I value humor, respect, education, community, and wellness, and I am passionate about driving innovation within the social work field.

My ultimate goal is to elevate the social work profession and improve the quality of life for both current and aspiring social workers by fostering empowerment and championing systemic change.

Sarah Dubreuil Karpa

After Hours Peer Support Program, Coordinator

(she/her/hers)

 Born and raised in Calgary, I’ve always drawn from my diverse background and wide-ranging interests to guide my work in supporting individuals and communities. With Master’s degrees in both Education and Social Work, I bring an interdisciplinary approach to everything I do. I combine expressive arts, outdoor experiences, and experiential learning to offer a holistic perspective when helping others navigate their journeys.

At present, I serve as the Coordinator of the MRU After Hours Peer Support Centre, where I continue my work helping students navigate personal growth through both practicum and volunteer experiences within the program. I’m passionate about fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where individuals can thrive and find a strong sense of community and belonging.

Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting clients across the lifespan, from early childhood to adulthood, in facing challenges like mental health concerns, addiction, domestic abuse, homelessness, grief and loss, identity (re)discovery, and crisis support. For the last 9.5 years, I have been supporting youth aged 15-20 in an educational setting. Additionally, I run a private practice in Calgary’s Beltline, where I apply my clinical skills in a more personalized, one-on-one environment.

Outside of work, I’m a mom of two, who keeps me on my toes every day, and I’m an avid pug lover. When not spending time with my family, I love expressing myself through art and poetry, and I enjoy outdoor activities like whitewater rafting and rock climbing. When life slows down a bit, I plan to further my formal education in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, driven by my passion for finding new ways to engage and support students in all aspects of their educational journeys.