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Lindsay “Linds” Sullivan (she/her/hers)

MA, BA, BSW, RSW

Manager, Access and Belonging 

My name is Linds, and I’m a Registered Social Worker whose career has included a broad range of experiences such as work with folks in community support, advocacy and health care settings. Many of my professional endeavours have included creative approaches and initiatives that bridge art and advocacy. My way of being and working with folks is grounded in respect. I am committed to working towards and actioning spaces where folks feel heard, valued, and seen.

Informed by navigating my personal lived experience at the intersection of identity and mental health, I look forward to continuing to work together on what matters most to each student, and to support the development of a meaningful journey while at Nipissing University (NU). I’m someone who you can connect with if you have questions, concerns or ideas about equity, access, belonging or anything else that impacts your quality of experience at NU.  

When I’m not working at NU, you’ll usually find me writing music, rocking out in my band, camping whenever I can, or enjoying the comic relief my two dogs bring. I’m a big fan of Snoopy and I put hot sauce on just about everything! 

I look forward to working with you and am so excited and honoured to be part of the Access and Belonging team! 

Sarah Clermont

Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Coordinator

Hi, I’m Sarah Clermont (she/her), the Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Coordinator (SVPEC) at Nipissing University. My role is all about supporting students—whether that’s through one-on-one conversations, connecting folks with resources, or running workshops that spark important conversations about consent and community care. When I’m not on campus, you can usually find me outside enjoying nature, teaching Zumba, or spending time with my super smart dog, who can use buttons to ask for treats, play, or go outside.

Sexual Violence Prevention and Education

Vicky Waithaka

Student Support Navigator

As your Student Support Navigator, I am here to help you figure out university life, whether you're thriving, struggling, or just trying to make sense of it all. I’m here to support you through academic stuff, personal challenges, and everything in between. I’ll celebrate your wins, navigate the tricky stuff like conduct processes and connect you with resources to help you succeed in your student experience. 

Outside of work, I’m all about music, food, travel, and outdoor adventures that push me out of my comfort zone. I jumped out of a plane this year and completed my third Spartan Race this past August. If you need someone who understands perseverance and how to climb over literal and metaphorical walls, I’ve got you. Elephants are my favorite animal. They are known for their incredible memory, empathy, and resilience, qualities I bring into my work every day.

Priscilla Bency

International Student Coordinator

As part of the Access and Belonging team, I support international students in their transition to life on campus and in Canada. In my role as International Student Support Coordinator, I help students navigate resources, answer questions or simply be a friendly face to talk to.

Students can reach out to me for support with UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan), settlement-related concerns, building community or navigating services available both on and off campus.

A little about me: I believe that a cup of tea and a good playlist can fix almost anything. Creating welcoming and inclusive environments is something I’m passionate about and I’m always happy to connect!

International Student Support

Gracie Liritzis

Frontline Support

Gracie helps keep things running smoothly for the Student Learning and Transitions and Access and Belonging teams. She’s often the first friendly point of contact for students and staff, handling bookings, organizing appointments, and supporting programs behind the scenes.

Tulsa Phido

Student Experience Coordinator, Access and Belonging 

Hi, I'm Tulsa! In my role, I’m dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive campus experience for everyone. I help students find their place, build meaningful connections, and access the resources they need to thrive. I work across different areas of the university to ensure students can connect with the people, opportunities, and support systems that foster a sense of belonging and success. My goal is to make university life easier to navigate, and a lot more inclusive.

Outside of work, I enjoy listening to music, experimenting with new recipes, and spending time with my orange cat, Steven.

Maria Cristina Aguillera Valle

International Student Support Assistant

Originally from Brazil, I am a Master of Science in Kinesiology student at Nipissing University. As the International Student Support Assistant and an executive member of the International Student Mentorship Program (ISMP), I help organize events, including the International Student Orientation, pair mentors and mentees, and ensure international students feel supported by connecting them with the right resources throughout their transition to campus life. I also work with the WUSC (World University Service of Canada) team to assist refugee students and am also developing TAP – The Ambassador Program, which will recruit students to serve as NU Ambassadors and help connect with prospective international students. Outside of work and studies, I enjoy animals, reading, the outdoors, sunsets, and experiencing the beauty of Northern Canadian winters.

Indulekha Thaimadathil Venu

SVPE Outreach Assistant

Hello! I'm Indulekha (You can call me Indu!), and I am truly honored to be your new SVPE Outreach Assistant for the 2025-2026 term. I'm deeply passionate about being a resource and a catalyst for change, and my goal is to foster safer spaces built on a foundation of compassion, empathy, respect, and resilience for everyone.What truly drives me is the chance to align my work with my purpose, merging my deepest ethical values with tangible, grassroots action.

Beyond my advocacy work, I'm a self-proclaimed expert in the art of napping (can't resist!) and an extreme cinephile with love for cinema. I also find joy in writing, exploring new places, and engaging in thoughtful conversations, and sometimes, just doing nothing, valuing time both with myself and with people, simply listening to them.

I am super thrilled and grateful to contribute as a member of the Access and Belonging team, to be a supportive resource, and I look forward to collaborating to make a meaningful impact.

Dawson Thompson

Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Outreach Assistant

Dawson Thompson is a Bachelor of Education student at Nipissing University who is passionate about creating inclusive, supportive, and equitable communities. As a Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Outreach Assistant, Dawson is deeply committed to fostering safe and respectful spaces where everyone feels valued and heard. Through workshops, events, and campus outreach, he promotes awareness, consent, and inclusivity while encouraging open dialogue and empathy.

Dawson values community connection and advocacy, believing that education plays a powerful role in building understanding and inspiring positive change. He strives to bring compassion, creativity, and collaboration into everything he does - both within the classroom and beyond.