Learn about Our Team and Culture
We are a team of dedicated professionals, ready to meet the needs of our students, parents and partners.
Mr. Greg Kochanuk
Greg has dedicated his 26-year career with Comox Valley Schools to inspiring students and fostering a love of learning. A passionate educator with a background in teaching history and English, Greg transitioned into school administration in 2012, bringing his classroom expertise to a leadership role. His lifelong commitment to education is exemplified by his Bachelor‘s and Master’s degrees from the University of Victoria.
Greg‘s journey in international education began in 2014, when he started recruiting students in Japan and Hong Kong. This move was inspired by his daughter’s transformative exchange experience with a school in Sendai, Japan. As an advocate for cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship, Greg has championed numerous programs across the school district. His qualifications as an IDI administrator have equipped him to take a leadership role in anti-racism and discrimination initiatives.
Greg is proud to be part of the Comox Valley international team. He is inspired daily by his colleagues’ expertise and the phenomenal success of the students who choose Comox Valley as their education destination. His dedication to the transformative power of international education shines through in all he does.
Josie Jiang
Josie is responsible for the development and implementation of the international recruitment, marketing and enrollment plan for the program. She began her international education journey in 2010 in Australia and made her way to Canada in 2012. Josie has a Masters degree in Education and achieved her second Masters degree in Intercultural and International Communication from Royal Roads University in Victoria. She moved to Comox Valley in 2019 and is super proud of the community, schools and opportunities this beautiful area can offer to her students, including a global mindset, intercultural awareness and personalized academic pathways.
Josie is a passionate and innovative international education professional whose experience has covered from the post-secondary to K-12 sector. She loves her students and always looks forward to supporting their growing paths in Canada. In her spare time, Josie likes to travel, volunteer in the community and make connections with people.
Melissa Jobe
Melissa is the first point of contact for agents and applicants, expertly guiding them through the admissions journey. As program registrar and a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, she handles applications, acceptance documentation, financial transactions, and all student immigration matters with care and integrity.
Melissa also manages our program’s communications and resources—organizing the website, user guides, and emails to ensure students, parents, and partners always have clear, helpful information. With deep K-12 administrative experience and a background as a homestay host, Melissa brings empathy, attention to detail, and dependable support to every interaction.
Adrienne Daniel
Adrienne brings energy, creativity, and a people-first approach to student life in the Comox Valley International Student Program. With a background in Adventure Tourism Business Management and training in leadership and conflict resolution, she’s dedicated to fostering connection, inclusion, and growth.
Adrienne organizes a vibrant calendar of activities—from excursions and cultural events to wellness initiatives—helping every student build friendships and feel at home. Known for her approachable nature, Adrienne is committed to supporting students both inside and outside the classroom, making their time here truly memorable.
Sabrina Hysa
Sabrina brings global perspective and care to our international program, drawing on her background in adult education, administration, and extensive overseas experience in Albania, Italy, and Japan. She manages all student travel and insurance needs with organization and empathy, supporting students, parents, and partners at every stage.
With a decade of high school experience in the district, Sabrina excels at building relationships and ensuring smooth transitions. She also works closely with our homestay team to support hosts and foster welcoming placements. Sabrina’s approachable, detail-oriented style ensures everyone feels confident and supported throughout their Comox Valley journey.
Youn Hee Edmonds
Introducing Youn Hee, an integral member of our team since 2006, who brings her personal experience and passion for education to her roles as Homestay Supervisor and Marketing Representative for South Korea and Japan. Youn Hee’s primary role is to ensure that both our students and host families cultivate wonderful experiences and lasting memories.
Having left her family in South Korea to study in the USA during her middle school years, Youn Hee intimately understands the challenges that international students face when they arrive in Canada. Her experiences fuel her passion for helping students navigate and overcome these challenges. As a former host herself, she also offers insights into the unique aspects of hosting international students.
Youn Hee holds an Education degree from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and has lived and worked in South Korea, the USA, and the UK, before making Comox Valley her home. With this diverse background, she brings a rich, multicultural perspective to her role.
In addition to her professional responsibilities, Youn Hee has actively volunteered in various children’s schools and sports associations, including minor soccer, baseball, and ice hockey. She is a proud mother of two boys and brings the same dedication to her work as she does to her family. With Youn Hee in our team, you can be assured of empathetic and experienced support.
Krista Oliphant
Meet Krista, our dedicated Homestay Coordinator, whose genuine passion for working with youth shines through in every aspect of her role. With years of hands-on experience supporting students of all ages, Krista draws on a rich background of travel and international living to help students and homestay families thrive in the Comox Valley.
Krista’s own adventures abroad have given her a deep appreciation for the excitement and challenges that come with studying in a new country. She understands how transformative it can be to step outside your comfort zone and embrace new cultures, and she brings this empathy and insight to every student and family she supports. Whether she’s guiding new arrivals through their first days or helping host families create welcoming homes, Krista is committed to ensuring everyone feels connected, supported, and ready to make the most of this unique experience.
Known for her approachable nature and steady guidance, Krista is always ready with a listening ear or practical advice. She believes that the heart of a successful homestay experience lies in open communication, mutual respect, and the small moments of connection that turn strangers into family. Krista is proud to play a part in building those bridges, and she finds inspiration daily in the resilience and growth of the students and hosts she works with.
With Krista as part of our international team, students and families can count on compassionate support and a wealth of experience as they embark on their journeys in the Comox Valley.