Human Resources

Palak, Christine

A community minded, socially engaged, Chartered Professional in Human Resources, Christine is working towards her Master of Arts in Leadership through Royal Roads University, and comes with a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Diploma in Human Resources Management from The British Columbia Institute of Technology. Christine is also a Certified Coach Practitioner and SHRM-SCP.

Christine has worked in human resources within the financial services, high-tech software, entertainment & gaming, and most recently manufacturing industries rounding out her experience and finding her passion in training, employee engagement, labour relations and coaching & development.

Christine also brings with her several years of experience in Operations/Management from large well-renowned companies such as McDonald's, Starbucks and Seattle’s Best Coffee, prior to working in human resources for the past 8 years.

When Christine is not wearing her HR hat she enjoys volunteering within the local community supporting projects to preserve and restore our environment and ensure its protection for future generations.

Roubaud, Claudia

Claudia Roubaud is a professional with over twelve years of progressive experience and knowledge across a wide variety of business management functions that include: human resources, budgets and accounting, change management, risk management, project management, strategic business planning, business analysis, performance management systems, customer service, communications, etc.

Claudia has been with The City of Calgary municipality for over ten years in various capacities. She is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and a Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP). She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Law & Society (pre-Law) from the University of Calgary, a Master in Business Administration (MBA) graduate degree from the University of Phoenix, as well as a number of continuing education certificates. She is a lifelong learner with a passion for informal and formal learning and development opportunities.

Thakrar, Harshil

Harshil Thakrar is an accomplished and engaging senior human resources professional with over 15 years of progressive human tesources leadership experience in multiple industries, including public, private, union and non-unionized organizations. Harshil is passionate about teaching and sharing with students his extensive knowledge and background in collaborative leadership and innovative training, change management, employee engagement and building strong performance management cultures.

Harshil holds a Masters of Business Administration in Human Resource Management and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology and Psychology from Simon Fraser University. He is certified in Advanced Dispute Resolution from Windsor Law School and is a certified LEAN Blackbelt. Harshil is also a member of the BC Human Resources Management Association and a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR).

Gay, Su-Yan

Su-Yan Gay is a human resources (HR) professional who brings over 15 years of HR experience to Ashton College. For over ten years, Su-Yan worked for a large crown corporation where she served as the Manager for Learning & Development. Her most recent position took her to Alberta, where she held a Senior HR Advisor role within a municipal government organization.

Based in Toronto, Su-Yan is currently managing her own HR consulting firm (NAYUS Consulting Group) where she is working with small business owners in the Caribbean, assisting them with their human resources and talent management needs.

Su-Yan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Education degree (specializing in Adult Education) from Brock University, and a Master's degree in Human Resources Management from York University. In addition, she is a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL), a Certified Training & Development Professional (CTDP) and is currently pursuing becoming a Certified Executive Coach.

Bachert-Burke, Heidi

Heidi Bachert-Burke brings more than 20+ years of progressive knowledge and experience working as a Human Resources professional. A majority of these years were with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Toronto, where she worked in a Senior Management HR & Administration role for news and multimedia platforms. Her responsibilities included managing the full spectrum of HR and administrative activities for multiple domestic and international locations; ensuring compliance and managing risk in unionized & non-unionized workplaces; analyzing data and providing evidence-based results; implementing and directing best practices and strategies to meet organizational goals & diversity initiatives; partnering with stakeholders and providing guidance and mentorship to her direct reports.

At Ashton College (Vancouver campus), Heidi teaches all six Human Resources Management CPHR core competency courses (both in-class and online), including Professional Practices of Human Resource Management, HR Analytics, Organizational Effectiveness & Strategy,  Employee & Labour Relations & Occupational Health and Safety, Recruitment. Retention & Selection, Organizational Learning, Training & Development, Total Rewards, as part of the Diploma in Human Resources Management Program.

Heidi is a Faculty Award winner, recognized for improving students’ performance and engagement, sparking inspiration, developing their analytical reasoning skills, and re-conceptualizing their way of thinking. In addition to applying work-related, industry experience, she uses learner-centred teaching methods such as active, cooperative and inductive learning, as well as a variety of interdisciplinary approaches to engage and encourage students to collaborate. Heidi remains current and relevant by reading professional journals, articles, trade press, and researching. She shares her work and meets with other professionals to discuss ideas and connections. She mentors students. She also volunteers with her local BC municipal arts council.

Heidi has a BA in International Relations and Sociology and an MA in Political Science. She continues to set her sights on career development, learning and personal growth.

Boga, Jabeen

Jabeen Boga is a Human Resources professional with over ten years of progressive experience across a wide variety of human resources functions that include employee relations, performance management, change management, HRIS, health and safety and total rewards. In addition to this, she is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR), Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional ​(SHRM-SCP) with responsibility for offices that span across Western Canada.

Jabeen earned her undergraduate degree from Simon Fraser University obtaining Dean’s Honour Roll status. She also supports human resources in the community sitting on the Greater Advisory Council for CPHR BC & Yukon as well as leading the Career Advancement Network.

Jabeen has worked for a number of large organizations, including KPMG and TD Bank. She is passionate about the field of human resources and about sharing her knowledge through mentoring and teaching. Jabeen is part of the Ashton College faculty instructing the Diploma in Human Resources Management program. As a recipient of HRD Canada’s 2015 and 2017 HR Awards, she is excited to share her experience and passion for the field of human resources with you.

Jabeen has been appointed to the Item Writing Panel for the National Knowledge Exam for CPHR Canada in 2019. Members of this panel will write, review, and approve items for the National Knowledge Exam (NKE) for CPHR Canada