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.
Amy Ho
Since 2009, Amy Ho has embarked on an illustrious tenure with the International Student Program, initially offering her expert Cantonese translation services to support students navigating their new academic environment. Her unwavering dedication and exemplary performance quickly propelled her to the vital role of homestay coordinator. In this capacity, Amy was instrumental in orchestrating the nuances of student accommodation, guaranteeing a seamless transition for international students into their new, nurturing homes within the Comox Valley.
In her current position as Senior Administrative and Activity Coordinator for the International Student Program, Amy continues to forge a positive influence on the student community. Her responsibilities encompass a broad spectrum of administrative duties, the orchestration of enriching student activities, and the seamless facilitation of day-to-day operations. Amy’s meticulous organizational prowess, keen attention to detail, and amiable nature are the cornerstones of her success.
Amy’s overarching commitment to excellence is evident in her relentless pursuit to enrich the International Student Program and leave an indelible mark on the educational journey of international students.
Melissa Jobe
Meet Melissa, our esteemed Senior Administrative Representative. As the linchpin of our admissions process, Melissa serves as the first point of contact for agents and applicants, expertly guiding them through the application journey. As the program registrar, she meticulously reviews applications, provides crucial acceptance documentation, and manages all financial transactions with utmost integrity.
But Melissa’s role extends beyond administration. As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, she brings her specialist knowledge to bear on all student immigration matters. Her invaluable support to our families and partners ensures a smooth transition for our international students.
Melissa boasts an impressive 17-year administrative tenure in the K-12 sector, with 8 of those dedicated to our International Program. Her direct experience in helping students assimilate into Canadian culture is unparalleled. Having personally hosted students from Germany, Japan, Korea, Mexico, China, Spain, Switzerland, and Vietnam, she truly understands the challenges and rewards of cultural adjustment.
With Melissa on our team, rest assured you are in experienced and compassionate hands.
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.
