Jacqueline Côté
Student Development Officer, Disability Support
My CBU student experiences are as a first year student straight out of high school, living away from home for the first time and then as a mature student working full-time and caring for small children. I loved CBU so much that I had to work here! I’ve been an employee for almost 10 years and have worked in three different departments. My career has also included working in healthcare as an IT adult educator, tutoring children from grades 1 to 12, as a parenting program facilitator, and running an ADHD and LD support group. In 2009 I received my Master of Arts Integrated Studies-Educational Studies. My focus in that degree was on working with people who, like myself, have disabilities. I love working at the Jennifer Keeping Centre because helping students with disabilities reach their full potential is incredibly rewarding. I have five kids, a husband and a dog. I love spending time with my family, going camping (in a small trailer with a bathroom!), spending time at the beach in any season, and sci-fi and superhero movies.
Holly MacDonald
Student Development Officer, Student Affairs
Growing up in a very rural area along the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, my transition from high school (graduating class of 42) to university was intense. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Sociology and a minor in Psychology, knowing I wanted to pursue a career that involved helping people. I found myself at CBU in 2017 working as an Academic Success Coach and have also had the pleasure to work as a Student Placement Officer and learn more about the co-op program and BACS work placements.I absolutely love advising; some of my university classes were so impactful and it is exciting to be a part of another student’s academic journey. Outside of CBU, I am a mom of 3, a lover of all music and a glue-gun extraordinaire. I look forward to meeting you!
Mike MacIsaac
Student Development Officer, Student Affairs
After completing my Bachelor of Arts Degree, I came to CBU to complete a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology (Co-op). After going on to work in the aerospace industry for approximately 6 years, I returned to CBU in 1996 as an employee. When I’m not taking care of my family, my main role(s) has evolved from coordinating placements for Co-op and BACS students, to academic and career advising. I really enjoy meeting students from all over the world, learning about their career interests and discussing with them, their path to get there. Fun fact: I have worked on some very interesting projects including the manufacturing of parts for the Canadarm (Space Shuttle Robotic Arm).
Ian MacQuarrie
Student Development Officer, Student Affairs
Born and raised in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, I’ve been a proud Caper my entire life. My journey at Cape Breton University began in 2010, when I enrolled in my Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in psychology. After graduating in 2015, I became a proud CBU Alumnus. Deciding to further my education, I continued my studies at Nova Scotia Community College, where I received my diploma in Social Services in 2017. I joined the Enrolment Services department at CBU in 2017 as an Enrolment Services Professional and recruiter. My job involves providing in-office services to students as well as travelling throughout Nova Scotia to recruit high school and community college students to join our CBU family. My favourite part of my job is meeting new people and helping our students in any way that I can. When not in the office or travelling, you can find me spending time with family and friends, as well as cheering on my favourite team, the Toronto Raptors. I look forward to meeting you and guiding your journey here at CBU!
Eli Quirk
Student Development Officer, Student Affairs
I am a white settler whose family resides in Unama’ki (Cape Breton) on the traditional and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people. I completed my studies at CBU with a Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies with an Area Major in Communication, English and Business. Throughout my life I have volunteered, facilitated and co-organized events supporting 2SLGBTQ inclusive youth in Cape Breton and beyond. I am a lifelong learner and, as a white queer/nonbinary person, I continue to educate myself on the intersectional aspects of my position here at CBU. Outside of my work at CBU you can find me spending time with my family and friends, walking on a beach somewhere or supporting local small businesses across the island. I have two senior cats Henry and Ollie whose favourite activities include napping, eating and more napping.
Dionne Romard
Student Development Officer for Students of African Nova Scotian and Canadian Descent
I am a proud African Nova Scotian female born and raised in the Black community of Whitney Pier in Sydney NS. After graduating high school, I decided that I wanted to work within the school system. I attended the Teachers College in Truro and graduated with my Diploma in Early Childhood Education. I then worked at the CBVRSB as a Teacher’s Assistant for a couple of years and then transitioned into becoming Student Support Worker. Being a Student Support Worker is where I realized this is the work that I was meant to do. While working as a SSW I continued my studies at the Nova Scotia Community College where I received my Diploma in Social Services. After working for the CBVRCE for 24 years ( 17 of those years being an SSW) I made the move to join the CBU team in August 2021.
