Contact Indigenous Learning

Indigenous Transition and Learning Advisor

How to contact me:

Email: k_mcdonald96718@fanshawec.ca

Kasey is available to students who are transitioning to Fanshawe. She can assist with financial applications such as bursaries, OSAP, First Nation Sponsorship, etc. Kasey also helps locate classrooms, talk to professors, assist with school work, time management and budget plans. Basically, everything a new student needs help with when they arrive at Fanshawe!

Indigenous Recruitment and Community Relations Coordinator

How to contact me:

Email: rsmith@fanshawec.ca

About me:

Rochelle Smith graduated from Fanshawe College’s Business Marketing Program in 2013. She is from Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, born and raised. Rochelle’s unique blend of knowledge, cultural understanding, and relationship-building gives her an innate ability to foster good relationships, partnerships and collaborations for student success.

Rochelle understands the importance of establishing trust and rapport, particularly when working with Indigenous communities and stakeholders. Her respectful and inclusive approach allows her to effectively communicate and engage with people, creating an environment of mutual understanding and cooperation. She understand how impactful post secondary can be, and is here to help assist First Nations, Métis and Inuit students through out their academic endeavors.
​​Graduated:

Business Marketing 2013 (Fanshawe) & Professional Lands Management Certification 2023 (Algoma University & NALMA)

Outreach Regions:

Turtle Island

Rochelle focuses on recruitment and relationship building. She visits high schools, communities and employment centres. Assists with the application process to Fanshawe College and can assist with financial applications. She is knowledgeable in a lot of program offerings, assists with career exploration and, similar to the transition advisors, is available to help students with their transition to Fanshawe. Rochelle is often the student’s first point of contact with the college, and we want to ensure students know someone upon arrival at college.

Indigenous Academic Advisor

How to contact me:

Email: v_tsakos@fanshawec.ca

About me:

Victoria Tsakos is a graduate of Fanshawe College’s Social Service Worker Program (2019) and King’s University College’s Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) program (2023) and the University of Toronto's Master of Social Work (Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency) program (2025). Victoria was born and raised in London, ON, and is a member of Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte (Tyendinaga First Nation). 

Victoria’s education and experience working in the areas of Indigenous education and employment informs her understanding of the multifaceted obstacles Indigenous individuals encounter when pursuing higher education and building careers, coupled with an appreciation for the unique strengths and resilience that they possess and bring to learning environments, industries, and communities. Victoria is passionate about Indigenous representation and success in education and beyond. 

What I Help With:

Victoria is here to support you in your academic success in a way that's personalized to your needs, helping you feel confident, informed and supported throughout your post-secondary experience. She can help you navigate your program, understand your options, and make informed decisions about your education. Victoria offers guidance on things like program pathways or changes, course selection, academic planning, and withdrawals, and can help you understand financial processes such as bursaries, OSAP, and Indigenous post-secondary funding. She also supports students in addressing challenges as they arise, creating individualized success plans, advocating when needed, and connecting you with internal and external supports that can strengthen your overall well-being and academic journey.

Knowledge is powerful, but the process of learning is transformational and can lead individuals to heights that they may have never believed or envisioned that they could reach. Contact Victoria for support with unlocking your potential.

Indigenous Transitions and Learning Advisor (WRIT support)

How to contact me:

Email: a_kennedy87002@FanshaweC.ca

About me:

My name is Andrea Kennedy, an Indigenous Transition and Learning Advisor. Raised in Brockley on the outskirts of London, my grandad taught me about plants, and my grandma trained me in painting and other art forms.

At Mississippi Valley State University, I competed on the Track and Soccer team while earning a BA in Sociology and a Minor in Studio Arts. After, I completed a 1-year certificate in Fine Arts Foundations at Fanshawe and attended the Institute of Indigenous Learning's Summer College.

Today, I support our resilient Indigenous students with writing, general questions, stress relief activities, and more! On the weekends, you'll find me selling my handmade foraged botanical jewelry at markets and creating permanent art with handpoked tattoos.

​​Graduated:

BA in Sociology and Minor in Studio Arts (Mississippi Valley State University) & Fine Arts Foundations Certificate (Fanshawe)

Indigenous Student Recruitment Associate

About me:

Shekoli!

My name is Andrew VandenBusch, and I also go by Andy. I am a proud member of Oneida Nation of the Thames and belong to the Wolf Clan. I graduated from Fanshawe College’s Early Childhood Education program in 2021, and I now serve as the Indigenous Student Recruitment Associate in the institute of indigenous learning here at Fanshawe.

In my role, I am passionate about supporting and empowering Indigenous secondary school students as they explore and transition into post-secondary education. I am committed to building meaningful connections, sharing opportunities, and helping students feel confident, welcomed, and supported as they take the next steps in their educational journeys.