People of Columbia

14 years ago Shannon Simpson was a new graduate from Brock University when she got the call from Columbia International College (CIC) that she had got the job.  What she didn’t anticipate was to find a family and home at CIC.  “My career here has been more than I could have imagined.  I feel like I’ve really grown as a…

It starts with a seed.  Seeds like ideas, can grow into opportunities and become something incredible.  For 19 years, Cathy Cheeranjie has nurtured and pioneered the growth of the Student Development Department at Columbia International College.  As the Head of Student Development, Cathy has been able to see programs grow and provide students with an enriching experience outside of the…

For 15 years, Heather Tremble worked in the business community when she decided to embark on a new journey towards the educational world.  Heather has found great joy teaching in the classroom as the Business Teacher at Columbia International College (CIC). Heather succeeded in obtaining a university degree and several other degrees including her MBA and her Master’s degree in…

All the way from the City of Medellin in Colombia, Vanessa Restrepo recounts her growth from coming to Canada at the age of 19 to working hard to get to where she is today as the Security Supervisor at Columbia International College. "One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was that I could accomplish anything, as long…

As the Manager of Admissions at CIC, Marina Rosas is responsible for ensuring that student's admission requirements and questions are all properly mannered and answered.  With thousands of applications every year, Marina is a leader in ensuring her team is prepared in receiving applications and providing the proper tools and information to students and their families to transition to CIC…

Mr. James Lawlis (Music Teacher at Columbia International College) One of the main focuses of music education is to encourage students to build relationships by providing them experiences to share with others.  As a music teacher, James Lawlis understands this concept as he’s been teaching his students self-discipline, dedication, teamwork and self-confidence for 16 years. James Lawlis’ musical journey began…

Diana Reid (Principal at Columbia International College) Family is a word that means so much to CIC’s Principal, Diana Reid.  Not only is she proud of her own family, but proud of her CIC family.  As Principal at Columbia International College, Diana has had the privilege of providing Total Care Education to the students and their families of CIC. (more…)