News & Stories

Dec 12, 2025
Congratulations to Dr. Nancy Perry on her upcoming retirement

Dr. Nancy Perry will retire on December 31, 2025, following 29 years of exemplary service to the ECPS Department. Throughout her career, her passion, insight, and steadfast commitment have profoundly influenced students, colleagues, and the wider community. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and the significant contributions she has made over the years. Please […]
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Dec 10, 2025
In Memoriam: Dr. Sharon Kahn

Dear Colleagues, We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Dr. Sharon Kahn, Professor Emerita in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology and Special Education (ECPS), who passed away on November 3, 2025. A pioneering leader in equity, a devoted educator and a respected and cherished colleague, Dr. Kahn leaves an enduring legacy […]
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Nov 25, 2025
Congratulations to Fall 2025 ECPS Graduates

Congratulations to the following Fall 2025 Graduates: “Take pride in how far you’ve come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don’t forget to enjoy the journey.” — Michael Josephson
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Nov 20, 2025
PhD Candidate Marcus Lau Publishes Article on Inclusive Classroom Collaboration

We are excited to recognize Marcus Lau, PhD candidate in Special Education at ECPS Department, for his contribution to Teacher Magazine (BC Teachers’ Federation publication). His article, “Curiosity, Care, and Collaboration: Empowering School-Based Teams in an Inclusive Classroom,” offers a thoughtful and analytically grounded reflection on the relational dimensions of inclusive educational practice. Drawing on […]
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Oct 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Dr. Bonita (Bonnie) Long

Dear Colleagues, It is with profound sorrow that we share the passing of Dr. Bonita (Bonnie) Long, Professor Emerita in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education (ECPS). Dr. Long passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025, in the arms of her husband, Dr. Robert (Bob) Schutz, also a longtime UBC faculty […]
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Oct 21, 2025
Three ECPS Faculty Members Have Been Inducted Into the UBC Quarter Century Club

Congratulations to our three ECPS faculty members who have been inducted into the UBC Quarter Century Club. Drs. Anita Hubley, Bruno Zumbo, and Joseph Lucyshyn (retired August 2025), were honoured at the Annual Quarter Century Club celebration hosted on October 20th. The UBC Quarter Century Club was first established in 1996 by President David Strangway to […]
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Sep 18, 2025
HDLC Expands Graduate Programs with New Concentrations in Learning in Digital Cultures

The Learning in Digital Cultures (LDC) concentration in the HDLC M.Ed. program explores how digital technologies shape the way we learn, work, and connect. You’ll examine the relationships between people, technology, and digital environments, while tackling issues like digital inequality, algorithmic bias, and online risks. With a focus on social justice, culture, and Indigeneity, this […]
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Aug 25, 2025
Congratulations to Dr. Joseph Lucyshyn on his upcoming retirement

Dr. Joseph Lucyshyn will be retiring on August 31, 2025, after 25 years of distinguished service to the ECPS Department. His passion, wisdom, and unwavering dedication have shaped the experiences of students, colleagues, and the broader community. Thank you for your leadership and countless contributions to our community. Please join us in celebrating his achievements […]
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Jul 30, 2025
Five ECPS Graduate Students Receive Federal Research Awards

We are proud to announce that five ECPS graduate students have received prestigious federal research awards for the 2025/26 academic year through Canada’s Tri-Council agencies (SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR). These awards recognize outstanding academic achievement and support graduate research across Canada. ECPS Recipients: Name Award Tayler Colton SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship Alayna Finley SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship Yue […]
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Jul 28, 2025
Redefining Self-Care with Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen

“I strongly believe in community care. When we focus too much on the individual, we risk treating burnout and stress as personal problems, instead of recognizing them as collective challenges.” We are pleased to share a recent Q&A interview featuring Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen, ECPS Associate Professor in Counselling Psychology, and an investigator at the BC […]
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Jul 01, 2025
Dr. Thomas Schanding Appointed Head of ECPS

Headship Announcement: Dr. Thomas Schanding Appointed ECPS Department Head We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Thomas Schanding as Head of the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education (ECPS) for a five-year term, effective July 1, 2025. We extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Jenna Shapka for her dedicated leadership […]
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Welcome New Faculty: Dr. Sarah Pastrana

ECPS is pleased to welcome Dr. Sarah Pastrana as an Assistant Professor of Teaching in Special Education in the Autism and Developmental Disabilities and Behaviour Disorders concentration Dr. Pastrana has over 20 years of experience supporting autistic individuals and children, youth, and adults with developmental disabilities and/or behaviour disorders, and their families. She has been […]
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Welcome New Faculty: Dr. Nicole Dunn

ECPS is pleased to welcome Dr. Nicole Dunn as an Assistant Professor in Counselling Psychology Dr. Nicole Santos Dunn received her PhD from the Clinical and Counselling Psychology Program at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education and completed her CPA-accredited residency at the University of British Columbia. Nicole’s research is multidisciplinary and grounded in […]
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Welcome New Faculty: Dr. Eun Young Kwon

ECPS is pleased to welcome Dr. Eun Young Kwon as an Assistant Professor in Special Education in Deaf and Hard of Hearing concentration Dr. Kwon brings 17 years of experience as a Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, having worked in diverse educational settings in the Delta School District and the British Columbia […]
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Promotion of Drs. Bedi, Kroc and Sam

We are delighted to announce the promotion of the following two ECPS faculty members effective July 1st, 2025. To know more about the profile of these faculty members, please click on their names. Dr. Robinder Bedi, promoted to Professor Dr. Ed Kroc, promoted to Associate Professor Dr. Johanna Sam, promoted to Associate Professor
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