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
Meet Melissa, our esteemed Senior Administrative Representative and 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 the highest integrity.
Melissa’s role extends far beyond administration. As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, she brings her specialist knowledge to all student immigration matters, ensuring families and partners enjoy a smooth transition and peace of mind throughout the process.
Behind the scenes, Melissa is the architect of our program’s communications and knowledge management. She has thoughtfully organized and curated everything from our website and email communications to user guides and program materials, making sure each resource is clear, accessible, and genuinely helpful. Her attention to detail and commitment to clarity set our program apart, providing students, parents, and partners with the tools and information they need at every step.
Melissa’s extensive background in K-12 administration, combined with her personal experience hosting international students from around the globe, gives her a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of cultural adjustment. She is renowned for her empathy, organization, and unwavering support.
With Melissa on our team, you can be certain you’re in experienced and compassionate hands—supported by someone who believes in building community through both expert guidance and thoughtful communication.
Adrienne Daniel
Meet Adrienne Daniel, an invaluable member of the Comox Valley International Student Program, whose approach blends strong leadership with a genuine passion for student success. Adrienne’s background in Adventure Tourism Business Management, complemented by specialized training in leadership and conflict resolution, shapes her people-first approach and steady organizational hand.
Adrienne’s multifaceted role touches nearly every stage of a student’s journey. She coordinates all aspects of student travel—overseeing arrivals and departures, approving out-of-district trips, and ensuring the highest standards of care and compliance. She is equally meticulous with academic documentation, managing everything from report card processing to legal validations with unwavering attention to detail.
Known for her expertise in relationship management and guest relations, Adrienne is a trusted resource for students, homestays, and partners alike. She thrives on building trust and creating open lines of communication, weaving together a supportive network that helps every student feel seen and valued.
Adrienne’s primary focus is student well-being. Through proactive outreach and attentive guidance, she helps students build meaningful connections, navigate new experiences, and grow in confidence during their stay in the Comox Valley. Whether she’s answering questions, solving problems, or simply offering a friendly word of encouragement, Adrienne’s commitment ensures each student enjoys a safe, fulfilling, and truly transformative experience in Canada.
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.
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.