MEET OUR 2022-23
PROGRAM COORDINATORS
Kira Lagadin
(she/her)
University of Victoria
Kira is going into her third year of law school at the University of Victoria. She obtained a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Calgary in 2017, and then went on to work as a Project Manager at a digital marketing agency in Calgary, Alberta prior to beginning law school. Kira worked with several non-profit organizations in this role, which sparked her current passion for improving access to justice. Kira loves music, camping, dog parks and the ocean.
Brooklynn Malec
(she/her)
University of Victoria
Brooklynn was born and raised in Prince Albert, SK (Treaty 6 Territory). She earned a BHSc in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Calgary and spent time during her undergraduate studies providing peer support at the UCalgary Q Centre, a safe space for LGBTQIA2S+ students. Brooklynn now volunteers with the PBSC Trans ID Clinic. She is looking forward to continuing her involvement in PBSC as the 2022-2023 PBSC School Year Program Coordinator. In her spare time, Brooklynn enjoys hiking, knitting, foraging, and learning French.
Abigail Falk
(she/her)
Thompson Rivers University
Abigail has just finished her first year as a law student, and will be the first person in her family to complete a law degree. She is primarily interested in family and criminal law, and has greatly enjoyed her time volunteering with the TRU chapter of Pro Bono Students Canada. Abigail is incredibly excited to serve as a school-year coordinator for TRU's PBSC chapter, and hopes to continue growing as an advocate through this experience.
Leigh Lester
(she/her)
Thompson Rivers University
Leigh (she/her/hers) is an incoming 3L and returning PBSC Student Coordinator at Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Law. Leigh came to law school in pursuit of a career dedicated to social justice and has found inspiration with Pro Bono Students Canada. When not in class, she can be found at the local Spin club, enjoying toddler-paced walks with her two children, or playing Wordle. Leigh’s favorite Taylor Swift album is Evermore.
Hannah Breckenridge
(she/her)
University of British Columbia
Hannah is a second-year JD student at UBC’s Allard Law. She is originally from Newfoundland, where she studied political science and economics at Memorial University. She is passionate about PBSC’s collaborative approach and how it allows students, lawyers, and organizations to work together to build supportive, connected communities. Hannah also volunteers with high school speech and debate, works at a cycling studio, and likes to take walks outside on the east and west coasts of Canada.
Lauren Ferguson
(she/her)
University of British Columbia
Lauren is thrilled to serve as a PBSC Program Coordinator for the summer and school year. Before law school, she studied Media and the Public Interest at Western University. She was driven to study law to learn more about combatting systemic injustice. Highlights from her first year of law school include volunteering with Bella Coola Legal Advocacy Program through PBSC and taking the Indigenous Cultural Competency Certificate. She is passionate about fostering sustainable connections with communities and nature, decolonizing law, and increasing access to justice.
Malik Mate
(he/him)
University of Calgary
After finishing his first year of law school at the University of Calgary, Malik is excited to be taking on the role of summer and academic year Program Coordinator for the chapter. Prior to law school, Malik played varsity basketball. He loved the team aspect of the sport and is looking forward to being involved in team setting again with PBSC.
Aaron Brown
(he/him)
University of Calgary
Aaron Brown is a law student at the University of Calgary. He was a project leader for the Trans ID clinic and will be the upcoming 3L program co-ordinator. Aaron is passionate about access to justice and finding ways to make the legal system more inclusive and equitable.
Payton Eckert
(she/her)
University of Saskatchewan
Payton Eckert is going into her second year of study at the University of Saskatchewan College of Law. She was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She received a BA in Criminal Justice and Sociology from the University of Winnipeg in 2020. In the 2021-2022 school year, Payton volunteered with PBSC with the Consent Project and gave presentations to over 300 high school students. Her dream one day is to practice criminal law or human rights law and work towards ensuring that everyone has equal access to Justice in her community and beyond.
Lisa Wanlin
(she/her)
University of Saskatchewan
Lisa is in her second year of law school at the University of Saskatchewan. Before law school, she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies and Master of Arts in Political Studies from the University of Saskatchewan. Her master’s focused on freedom of expression and labour picketing and she hopes to work in labour and employment law. Lisa grew up on a farm near Eastend, Saskatchewan. Lisa volunteered with PBSC this past year and was placed with the Elizabeth Fry Society. She is passionate about access to justice and volunteerism.
Ashley Bains
(she/her)
University of Manitoba
Ashley is an incoming 3L at the University of Manitoba - Robson Hall. This is her second year as a program coordinator, and she is very excited to continue her involvement with PBSC. As a law student, she enjoys being very involved within Robson Hall. She is the University of Manitoba’s Lexis Nexis representative, volunteers with Humane Canada, serves as the senior assistant editor for the Banking & Finance Law Review and is the incoming Vice-President (External) for the Manitoba Law Students Association. In her spare time she enjoys solo-travel, hanging out with her two cats, and checking out local breweries.
Tyson Priebe
(he/him)
University of Saskatchewan
Tyson has been engaging with Access to Justice issues for many years through his academic, professional, and volunteer history. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Urban and Inner City Studies through the University of Winnipeg in 2021 and, prior to attending law school at the University of Manitoba, he worked at a non-profit agency called 1JustCity. Through this work and schooling, and many years of volunteering in Winnipeg’s inner-city, he has consistently interacted with marginalized and unhoused communities on a daily basis. He is excited to apply these experiences to his program coordinating position at Pro Bono Students Canada!
Hannah Smith
(she/her)
Lakehead University
Hannah is a graduate of Lakehead University, receiving her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies and Political Science in 2020. She also received her Masters's degree in Gender Studies from Queen's University in 2021. Hannah is passionate about intersectional feminism, gender-based violence and helping others. As a leader, she has extensive experience in advocacy work both on and off-campus. As a future lawyer, Hannah is eager to pursue a career in criminal, family, or human rights law.
Timi Robert
(she/her)
University of Windsor
Timi is currently a 1L at Windsor Law! She is a member of The Black Law Student Association at Windsor Law and is also currently a member of the student law society as the 1L equity and Diversity Representative. Timi chose to go to Law school because of her love of advocacy, and wanted to use this degree to help others and provide affordable legal aid to those who without it won’t be able to get help. She doesn’t know what kind of law she wants to go into yet but she’s confident she’ll figure it out in the next three years!
Serafina Guthrie
(she/her)
University of Windsor
Sarafina is going into her 3L at the University of Windsor in the Single JD program. In 1L, she volunteered with PBSC Windsor Chapter on the Pro Bono Radio Project. Additionally, she was the 1L Representative for the Windsor Alternative Dispute Club and 1L Representative for the Equity and Diversity Committee. In 2L, she was the President of the Windsor Alternative Dispute Resolution Club and the National Moot Director for the BLSA Canada Julius Alexander Isaac Moot. Sarafina is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University in Leadership and Law & Society and a Certificate of Project Management from Sheridan College.
Nassima Kaddoura
(she/her)
Western University
Nassima is starting her second year of law at Western University. Prior to accepting an exciting position as Program Coordinator, she was a PBSC volunteer at Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants. Nassima has an interest in international public law and a passion for human rights advocacy. Prior to attending law school, she joined St. Leonard’s Society as a research assistant on the federal framework surrounding Bill C-228 that focuses on reducing recidivism in Canada. Nassima enjoys spending her free time reading and reviewing books, travelling, playing sports and trying out new eateries with friends and family.
Ryan Krause
(he/him)
Western University
After working with many non-profits across Canada in his undergrad, Ryan looks forward to taking his passion for creating meaningful change and bringing it to the PBSC. In his free time, Ryan likes to rock climb, volunteer with charities, and go on hikes and is excited to connect with other like-minded law students from across the country.
Samantha Khaouli
(she/her)
Osgoode Hall Law School
Samantha is a current JD student at Osgoode Hall Law School, class of 2024. She completed her undergraduate degree at Western University in Political Science. Presently, her interests are in immigration law. Through her studies and volunteer experience with the FCJ Refugee Centre, Samantha became passionate about increasing access to justice in Ontario. She is excited to continue working with PBSC this summer to work toward this goal.
Miray Guirguis
(she/her)
Osgoode Hall Law School
Miray Guirguis graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Her interests include criminal law and providing legal aid for vulnerable and disenfranchised communities. Miray's passion for advocacy stems from being a first-generation immigrant from Egypt, and her interest in social justice was further fuelled throughout her experiential learning at Osgoode's Community and Legal Aid Services Program in the Criminal Law Division. Miray's involvement with PBSC began in her first year as a volunteer with Innocence Canada, followed by her work in the Mental Health and Criminal Defence Project. She is excited to further PBSC's mission and provide meaningful placements for students.
Noa Levin
(she/her)
University of Toronto
Noa Levin just finished her first year of law school at the University of Toronto and is looking forward to the Program Coordinator role. Prior to law school, she studied English Literature and Psychology at McGill University and worked as the Community Manager for a Montreal-based startup. In her free time, Noa loves cooking and reading, and has recently learned how to crochet.
Andrea Almeida-Pasko
(she/her)
University of Toronto
Andrea is very excited to be serving as the Program Coordinator for the University of Toronto Chapter PBSC in 2022-2023. Prior to joining the Faculty of Law at U of T, Andrea received a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University and she be starting her 2L year of a joint JD/MA Criminology program. Andrea has always been passionate about advocating for victims of injustice and worked on a PBSC project to help survivors of gender-based violence in 1L. She wishes to continue her advocacy work by practicing in criminal law after law school.
Simran Hunjan
(she/her)
Lincoln Alexander
Simran Hunjan is an incoming 2L at Lincoln Alexander Law. Simran is passionate about advocating for and giving back to the community. She has participated and led previous pro-bono consulting programs where she helped non-profit organizations in London, Ontario. In her spare time, Simran enjoys hiking and trying new coffee shops.
Soha Atiq
(she/her)
Queen's University
Before coming to law school, Soha completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Ryerson University, during this time she co-founded her start-up, set up a non-profit in her native country, and worked alongside the City of Toronto. At Queen’s law, Soha has worked as a Project Lead with PBSC and facilitated hackathons with the Queen’s technology law club among many other ventures. Outside of school Soha loves makeup and interior design and has decorated several homes in the past few years.
Isaac Pekeles
(he/him)
Queen's University
Isaac Pekeles is an incoming 2L student at Queen’s University. He grew up in Vancouver, BC and completed his undergraduate degree in Pharmacology at Queen’s University. Isaac joined PBSC in his 1L year as project lead for the Family Law public legal education project. He is exceedingly excited to be joining PBSC as a school year Project Coordinator!
Stephanie Viger
(she/her)
University of Ottawa (Common Law)
Stephanie is entering her third year at the University of Ottawa in the French Common Law program. She is from a small town in Northen Ontario and understands the need to create a better access for justice, and the importance of providing law students with valuable experiences. Stephanie is excited to be part of PBSC and working with the National Team!
Mallory Gitzel
(she/her)
University of Ottawa (Common Law)
Mallory is in 2L and strives in all things she does to help connect people with the resources they need to succeed. She is pursuing human rights law and hopes to continue to focus on pro bono work and connecting with non-profit organizations. She is excited to study law while exploring Ottawa!
Marielle Dessailly
(elle)
Université d'Ottawa (Droit Civil)
Étudiante en droit à la section de droit civil de l'Université d'Ottawa, elle est passionnée par tout ce qui a trait à l’accès à la justice. D’ailleurs, elle porte un intérêt marqué pour le droit des femmes et le droit des autochtones. Également, elle est impliquée auprès de plusieurs clubs de la Faculté qui organisent diverses activités afin de faire découvrir aux étudiants des domaines de droit. En outre, Marielle fait partie de l’équipe Pro bono au sein de l’Université d’Ottawa depuis bientôt quatre ans. Cette expérience grandement enrichissante lui a permis de participer à la mission du Réseau national d’étudiant(e)s.
Rosalie Gagnon
(elle)
Université d'Ottawa (Droit Civil)
Rosalie est une étudiante à la Licence en droit civil à l’Université d’Ottawa. Outre sa passion pour la lecture l’ayant poussée à s’inscrire dans le programme, elle possède une volonté concrète de faire une différence dans la vie des justiciables. Ce désir est né lors sa formation collégiale en Sciences humaines, où elle a été conscientisée aux différents enjeux liés au système juridique canadien. Elle a effectivement eu la chance d’étudier, dans le cadre d’un cours de sociologie avancé, les injustices et les conséquences sociales découlant des lacunes de notre système judiciaire. Depuis, elle souhaite s’impliquer afin d’améliorer le système juridique.
Nancya Linteau
(elle)
Université Laval
Nancya Linteau est une étudiante de première année en droit à l’Université Laval. Persévérante et soucieuse de l’accès à la justice, elle fera tout son possible pour relever les défis reliés à son nouveau poste de coordonatrice pour l’année scolaire 2022-2023. Elle sera quelqu’un sur qui compter et travaillera en équipe pour atteindre les objectifs de Pro Bono. Les valeurs que prônent Pro Bono sont des valeurs qu’elle a développées lors de son bénévolat. Elle est très honorée d’avoir la chance de pouvoir apporter sa contribution afin de favoriser l’accès à la justice, l’équité et la diversité.
Mélahelle Sicotte
(elle)
Université Laval
Mélahelle est étudiante au sein de la Faculté de droit de l’Université Laval. Ayant à cœur la justice sociale, elle a eu le privilège de participer comme bénévole à un projet Pro Bono dans une maison d’aide et d’hébergement pour femmes et enfants victimes de violence conjugale. Son implication lui a confirmé l’importance de favoriser l’accès à la justice. Mélahelle partage les grandes valeurs de EPBC et se démarque par son dynamisme, la qualité de son travail ainsi que son bel esprit d’équipe. En tant que coordonnatrice, elle souhaite mettre à profit son expérience et redonner à la communauté.
Emanuelle Atongfor
(elle)
Université de Montréal
Emmanuelle Atongfor est une étudiante au Baccalauréat en droit à l’Université de Montréal. Elle a toujours eu à cœur de favoriser une justice davantage accessible, surtout pour les populations les plus vulnérables. C’est pour cette raison qu’elle s’est impliquée à titre de bénévole au sein d’EPBC durant sa deuxième année. Sa future implication à titre de coordonnatrice Pro Bono pour l’année scolaire 2022-2023 démontre de sa forte volonté à vouloir apporter une contribution significative à la mission d’EPBC.
Florence Richard
(elle)
Université de Montréal
Dès son entrée à l'Université de Montréal en droit, Florence a été grandement sensibilisée au problème d'accès à la justice dans la société et de la chance qu'elle avait d'étudier en droit. C’est pour cette raison qu’il lui est très cher de s’impliquer au sein de sa communauté afin de partager ce privilège. Être coordonnatrice de programme au sein de EPBC représente une excellente opportunité pour s’intégrer dans le monde juridique ainsi que pour développer des liens avec des organismes communautaires. C’est donc avec beaucoup d’enthousiasme qu’elle entame ce mandat.
Jacqueline Sirois
(elle)
McGill University
Jacqueline est une fière Fransaskoise originaire de Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Elle débute sa deuxième année en droit en septembre à l’Université McGill. Jacqueline est passionnée par le droit public. Elle a l’objectif de rendre le droit accessible aux communautés minoritaires et marginalisées. Avant ses études en droit, elle a complété un baccalauréat en science politique avec une mineure en droit à l’Université d’Ottawa, où elle a travaillé au Sénat du Canada pendant plus de 5 ans. Elle a hâte à encourager l’engagement d’autres étudiant.e.s dans la mission d’EPBC pour l’année scolaire 2022-2023.
Léa Brousseau-Bellavance
(she/her)
McGill University
Léa Brousseau-Bellavance poursuit présentement ses études à McGill au programme B.C.L./J.D.. Diplômée du baccalauréat en communication, politique et société de l'UQAM, elle s'est intéressée à l'impact des médias et des discours politiques sur l'opinion publique, dans une perspective féministe. Elle s'intéresse principalement aux enjeux reliés au droit des personnes marginalisées, des enfants et des victimes de violences sexuelles. Son implication en tant que bénévole avec PBSC lui a permis d'effectuer de la vulgarisation juridique dans le domaine du droit du logement. Elle travaille depuis plus de 5 ans auprès de personnes présentant un trouble du spectre de l'autisme et des troubles graves de comportement et a travaillé à la défense des droits des personnes handicapées.
Éliane Duguay
(elle)
Université du Quebec à Montréal
À l'automne 2022, Éliane entamera sa troisième année au Baccalauréat en droit à l'UQÀM. Elle a développé un intérêt marqué pour la justice sociale et l'accessibilité à la justice. Elle s'intéresse plus particulièrement au droit de la famille, de la protection de la jeunesse & du travail. Elle a été clinicienne à la clinique juridique de l'UQÀM et est présentement mentore pour des étudiantes de première année en droit. Sinon, elle s'intéresse à la relation d'aide, au travail social et la psychologie humaine.
Clara Landry
(elle)
Université du Quebec à Montréal
Débutant un baccalauréat en droit et étant étudiante universitaire de première génération, son parcours se démarque particulièrement par son désir de justice sociale. Elle est activement impliquée au sein de plusieurs organismes, notamment au sein du LAB22 où elle siège sur le comité-conseil JEUNESSE 22 en tant qu’ambassadrice de la région de Montréal. Elle est également fondatrice de l’initiative culturelle, environnementale et éducative Transition radicale qui a pour objectif de démocratiser l’accès à la littérature et d’éduquer sur des sujets touchant le la justice sociale et climatique. Elle est récipiendaire de la bourse du Jour de la terre du Canada 2022.
Guillermo Arroyo
(il)
Université de Sherbrooke
Guillermo est un étudiant de 2e année au baccalauréat en droit à l'Université de Sherbrooke. Né en Colombie et ayant grandi à Montréal, il a par ailleurs complété des études en sciences politiques et développement international à l'Université McGill, un parcours qui lui a donné la piqure pour l'engagement communautaire. C’est dans cette optique que Guillermo se joint aux rangs d’EPBC afin d’améliorer l’accès à la justice. Avide débatteur et sportif, il est un passionné de la vie qui espère transmettre son énergie aux étudiants pro bono lors de son mandat.
Emy Moreau
(elle)
Université de Sherbrooke
Emy est étudiante au baccalauréat en droit et sciences de la vie. En effet, passionnée par le domaine pharmaceutique et les brevets, elle espère y trouver sa place. Dynamique et pleine d'ambitions, elle saute à pieds joints dans ce nouveau défi qu'est Étudiant(e)s Pro Bono du Canada.
Frances Borgmann
(she/her)
University of New Brunswick
Frances (incoming 3L) is excited to return as a PBSC Program Coordinator for the UNB Law Chapter. The law is complicated and legal services are costly: Frances believes that those with legal knowledge have a duty to assist those in need, particularly marginalized communities. Frances' goal for this academic year is to create at least one more client-facing project and to boost UNB Law's social media presence. Mississauga, Ontario is Frances' hometown. Her interests include soccer, reading, running, live music, annoying her five sisters, and any movie starring Daniel Day-Lewis.
Alix Coulombe
(elle)
Université de Moncton
Originaire du Nouveau-Brunswick, Alix détient un baccalauréat en criminologie et une mineure en psychologie de l’Université de Moncton où elle complète actuellement son parcours en droit. Alix possède un intérêt fort pour la justice sociale et l’accès à la justice. Son réel désir de faire une différence et d’avoir un impact auprès de ses futurs clients la pousse à constamment se dépasser et à chercher des moyens d’aider les autres. Toujours en quête d’apprentissage et de nouvelles stimulations, Alix est une personne proactive qui donne son 100% dans chaque tâche qu’elle entreprend.
MEET OUR ONSITE SUPERVISORS
Steve Perks
University of Victoria
Tracy Wachmann
(she/her)
University of British Columbia
Kaila Mikkelson
(she/her)
University of British Columbia
Andrew Pilliar
(he/him)
Thompson Rivers University
Gideon Christian
University of Calgary
Sarah Buhler
(she/her)
University of Saskatchewan
Trina McFadyen
(she/her)
University of Manitoba
Robin Sutherland
(he/him)
Lakehead University
Hope Buset
Lakehead University
Anna Maria DeCia-Gualtieri
(she/her)
University of Windsor
Kimberley Gagan
(she/her)
Western University
Charlée Tolliver
(she/her)
University of Toronto
Lisa Del Col
(she/her)
Osgoode Hall Law School
Michael Molas
(he/him)
Queen's University
Pascale Ouellette
(she/her)
University of Ottawa (Common Law)
Aminata Bal
(elle)
Université de Montréal
Stephen De Four-Wyre
(he/him)
McGill University
Stéphanie Bernstein
Université du Quebec à Montréal
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Jessie Courteau
(elle)
Université de Sherbrooke
Martha McClellan
(she/her)
University of New Brunswick
Leanne Shafir
(she/her)
Ryerson University
MEET THE TEAM @ NATIONAL!
Jennifer Nadon
(elle)
Université d'Ottawa (Droit Civil)
Yves Goguen
(il)
Université de Moncton
CHAPTER FUNDERS
We are grateful to our Chapter funders, and our 22 law school partners across Canada, for championing PBSC's work and impact.
