Academics

Daniel Liao is a licensed chemical engineer and brings extensive private and public sector experience to his position as Dean, Applied Science, Technology and Trades at St. Lawrence College.

Daniel’s private sector experience includes many years in the biotechnology and biofuels industry in positions of increasing responsibility. In his former role with Mascoma Corporation as Pilot Plant Manager, he led cellulosic ethanol R&D and commercialization activities in Canada and the United States.

Daniel’s experience in higher education includes serving as Research Associate at the University of Toronto where he was credited for his work on the high-profile “Reinvent the Toilet Challenge”, an initiative launched and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to develop next-generation toilets that will deliver safe and sustainable sanitation to the 2.5 billion most disadvantaged people in the world.

As an administrator and prior to joining SLC, Daniel held the role of Associate Dean, Magna School for the Skilled Trades at Sheridan College, where he provided strategic leadership to Sheridan’s skilled trades and apprenticeship programs in meeting the needs of employers and industry partners in the Peel and Halton regions of Ontario.

Daniel holds Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Engineering degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. Daniel was named co-inventor on 4 patent applications and holds co-authorship on well cited peer-reviewed publications for technology related to the production of cellulosic ethanol.

Brad Barbeau was named Associate Dean, Applied Science and Computing, in September 2022. Brad was most recently the Program Coordinator for two computing programs, Computer Systems Technician and the new Cybersecurity post-graduate certification program that launched in fall 2022. Brad has also been a full-time computing professor since 2019 and a part-time professor since 2011. Prior to SLC, Brad was Associate Director of IT at Smith School of Business, Queen’s University, where he was responsible for IT Infrastructure and Operations including AV technology for programs and academic spaces at the School, in addition to leading, supporting and empowering his team of IT staff. Brad holds Bachelor of Computing, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Education and Master of Education degrees, all conferred from Queen’s University.

Outside of academia, Brad was previously a municipal councillor in the Township of South Frontenac and is also an avid musical performer with his role as an organist and choral conductor at St. George’s Cathedral in Kingston.

Aidan is a long time Kingston resident serving the community and a dedicated skilled trades faculty member at SLC since 2011. From then until now, Aidan has taught a variety of courses in the Mechanical, Industrial Electrician, and Wind Turbine Technician programs. Aidan has previously been program coordinator for Wind Turbine and Industrial Electrician. Most recently, Aidan has been Program Coordinator for Mechanical Technician, Industrial Mechanic Millwright, and General Machinist. Aidan has more than 30 years of professional experience in industry and at the college. Prior to SLC,  Aidan’s career, included Managing a local hydraulics specialty shop, he owned and operated an industrial service and fabrication company, and he assisted other fabrication and millwright companies in management roles as well as being a dedicated employee of Lafarge for 13 years. Aidan is a graduate of SLC and holds an Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology alongside a Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) for Industrial Mechanic Millwright. Aidan has also completed his In-Service Teacher Training Certificate from St. Clair College as well as the SLC Leadership Development program.

Patrick is no stranger to the SLC community, which he joined in 2014 as a part-time faculty member teaching Computer Applications and later Management Science and Operations Management in the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program. In 2017 Patrick joined the School of Business as a full-time faculty member and Program Coordinator. Patrick’s SLC accomplishments include the successful launch of the new Business Analytics (BA) Graduate Certificate Program.

Patrick has extensive experience as a business leader and entrepreneur across several industries. His academic accomplishments include a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, a Master of Arts Degree in Economics, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

Patrick has served on several committees and boards including Sustainable Kingston, the Data Analytics Working Group, City of Kingston Workforce and In-Migration Strategy Board and the Afro-Caribe Community Foundation, Kingston. He has volunteered with the United Way KFL&A and in his spare time, he enjoys watching movies with his three children.

Jamie joined St. Lawrence College Kingston Campus in 2016 as a partial load professor in the School of Community Services and Justice Studies & Applied Arts. In 2018, he moved into a full-time Program Coordinator and Professor role in the Mental Wellness and Addictions Worker Program. 

Prior to joining SLC, Jamie had 20+ years of community-based experience across the lifespan continuum supporting children to older adult populations, their families and in collaboration with community stakeholders – both on the frontlines and in leadership roles.

Jamie is a Registered Psychiatric Nurse. In addition to a Psychiatric Nursing Diploma from Douglas College, New Westminster, BC and a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing from Douglas College and Thompson Rivers University, BC, Jamie has completed a Professional Master of Education from Queen’s University focused on curriculum studies. 

Jamie is passionate about engaging, teaching, and learning. His MEd fueled his desire to be pedagogically innovative and to seek opportunities to infuse Indigenous ways of knowing and being into his teaching.

Jamie is the Associate Dean of our Business, Accounting, Human Resources, Marketing, Tourism, and Hospitality programs. Further, Jamie is currently overseeing the development and launch of two more exciting programs within his portfolio, more to come there!

Jamie is a compassionate leader dedicated to fostering positive environments for students and staff. For the past five years, Jamie has served as the Manager of Skills, Training, and Economic Development in the College’s department of Innovation and Business Engagement, where he focused on designing custom training programs that addressed regional skills gaps and promoted workforce development.

Jamie's passion for community enrichment extends beyond his professional role at SLC. As a testament to his commitment, he serves as the Board Chair of Brockville and Area's Community Foundation, and Board Member of the Brockville and Area Chamber of Commerce. Jamie's track record of leadership is evident through his past volunteer work with the Ontario Trillium Foundation, as well as his role as Vice President for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa.

Jamie has received numerous federal and academic awards that recognize his innovation and capacity to implement groundbreaking solutions. His educational background further complements his expertise, with a master’s degree in Philanthropy and Non-profit Leadership from Carleton University's School of Public Policy and Administration, as well as a bachelor's degree in business (honors) with a double major in International Business and Economics.

Teresa Pires was named acting Associate Dean for the School of Business in October 2023. 

Teresa is a caring leader committed to creating supportive and positive learning and working environments for students and staff. A proud native of Kingston and an alumnus of St. Lawrence College, Teresa brings over 12 years of leadership experience from one of Canada's top Business Schools. She has worked with students from different backgrounds, cultures, and industries. She's a graduate of St. Lawrence College's Human Resources and Early Childhood Education programs. She also holds multiple undergraduate degrees, a Certificate in Business, and a Master of Public Administration from Queen's University.

Beyond her professional achievements, Teresa has served on the board of directors for the St. Lawrence Youth Association and Dress for Success Kingston. For the past three years, she has mentored young women through the Girls E-Mentorship (GEM) program, a highly-rated charity committed to empowering high school girls facing socioeconomic barriers.

Teresa has been a part-time faculty member at the School of Business at St. Lawrence College since January 2022. Teresa has travelled to over 50 countries, speaks three languages and continues to develop her intercultural awareness through educational training opportunities.

As Associate Dean, General Business, Teresa will be responsible for the following School of Business programs:

• Law Clerk
• Health Care Administration
• Project Management
• International Business Management
• Digital Marketing Communications
• Supply Chain Management
• Advertising and Marketing Communications
• Advertising and Marketing Communications Management
• Office Administration - General
• Office Administration - Health Services
• Office Administration - Legal
• Office Administration - Legal/Health Services
• Business Analytics
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

An educator and musician, Les Casson joined the faculty at St. Lawrence College in 2007 with expertise teaching writing and communications and has served in a variety of roles from professor to program coordinator, academic manager to associate dean. She was appointed Dean, Faculty of Creative Industries and Brockville Campus in August 2022.

In all her roles, Les prioritizes positive relationships, faculty growth and development, and student success. She has been a champion for creative industry programming at SLC and proudly served as the College’s first Associate Dean of Arts, Media, and Design, leading teams in Brockville, Cornwall, and Kingston. Les is also a sought-after leader within the Ontario College system, contributing to a range of sector-wide committees and task forces, including academic contract negotiations.

Les holds a BA (Hons) and MA in English Literature from Queen’s and a BEd from Western. Her teaching career began in high school English and Drama classes in Hamilton, Ontario, and her musical adventures have taken her from basement folk clubs to festivals and concert venues across Canada and the northeastern United States. Les’s professional experience in the arts uniquely positions her to lead the growth and development of SLC’s Creative Industries portfolio and her leadership experience enables her to offer strategic support for the Brockville Campus and community.

Jamie Edwards was named Associate Dean for the School of Arts, Media & Design in September 2022. Jamie brings to the role prior experience as an Acting/Interim Associate Dean, deep expertise in teaching and learning, and an active creative practice in the arts. He holds a Bachelor of Music with Honours from the University of Toronto and two Education degrees from Queen’s: a Bachelor of Education with a specialty in Outdoor and Experiential Education, and a Professional Master of Education with a specialty in Assessment and Evaluation. He has also recently completed an Intercultural Studies Certificate from UBC and embarked on further studies in University and College Administration at the University of Manitoba in fall 2022.

In his years at SLC, Jamie has been repeatedly recognized for innovation, service excellence, and an enthusiastic desire to support effective teaching and learning. As a member of the SCTL — whether as an eLearning or a Curriculum specialist — Jamie was a go-to resource for faculty across the College. As an Acting/Interim Associate Dean, Jamie faced operational complexities with creativity, innovation, and a consistent commitment to building relationships, fostering equity and inclusion, and empowering faculty and students. He leads with empathy, humour, humility, and smarts. Jamie’s experience as an educator, a musician, an administrator, and a coach make him the ideal leader to support the faculty and students in the School of Arts, Media & Design.

Dr. Barb Le Blanc is a highly regarded health care professional and nurse educator with over 35 years of experience in various positions such as staff nurse, Coordinator of Quality Improvement, Manager of Infection Control and Clinical Services Manager.  In addition to her extensive health care related experience, Barb brings years of experience serving in the post-secondary education system, most recently as Associate Dean of the BScN program at SLC, and previously as a Professor and Coordinator in the BScN program at Algonquin College.  In her role as Associate Dean, Baccalaureate Nursing,  Barb was instrumental, along with the excellent BScN faculty, in the development of our BScN curriculum and the PEQAB and CNO approvals of SLC’s stand-alone nursing degree.  Additionally, under Barb’s leadership, SLC’s BScN students consistently rank amongst the top hires in our communities and perform in the top percentile on the licensing exam. 

Barb is a skilled researcher with a focus on student success, learner diversity in nursing education, and educational culture and experience.  She is well known for her research Gender Performativity in Nursing; Men, Power and the Construction of the Ideal Nurse and has been invited to present her research nationally and internationally.  An advocate for lifelong education, Barb has her BScN from the University of Ottawa, a Master’s in Nursing from the University of Southern Queensland, a PhD in Nursing from the University of Ottawa, she has attended law school and has completed SLC’s Leadership Development Program.  Barb is future focused, working to expand both Nursing and Allied Health program offerings and enhance our interdisciplinary approaches to education.

Jennifer is passionate about science and lifelong learning. She completed her undergraduate degree at Western University where she received a Bachelor of Medical Science with an Honours in Microbiology and Immunology and then went on to complete a Masters in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Ottawa.

Her background includes leading research and projects in health and environmental fields, as well as teaching. She started her career working for the National Research Council of Canada at the Stacie Institute for Molecular Sciences. In 2008 she had the opportunity to join the River Institute in her hometown of Cornwall, Ontario. This opportunity also connected her to St. Lawrence College teaching part-time for 9 years in a variety of programs.

Jennifer joined SLC full-time in 2017 as an Associate Dean for the Cornwall campus. She provided academic leadership tri-campus as Associate Dean, School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Pathways. In October 2022, Jennifer was appointed Associate Dean, School of Allied Health.

Laralea Stalkie, RN, BNSc, MSN has more than 28 years of experience in healthcare, including public health, community nursing, and acute care. Laralea has a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on curriculum design and development. She is also a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Society.

Laralea has had a diverse career in nursing and progressive nursing management. After completing her master's degree, she joined St. Lawrence College in 2006, as a Clinical Instructor before moving into a Faculty position the next year, teaching in the areas of health promotion, primary healthcare, and community nursing. She served as Program Coordinator for years 2, 3 & 4 of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, for 9 years on the Kingston Campus. Laralea immensely enjoyed her time as a faculty member, teaching approximately 1500 nursing students during her career. She has also mentored many new faculty members during her time in the School of Nursing. Laralea has been involved with curriculum design and development with both the Laurentian University program and the SLC Standalone degree. Laralea was appointed Associate Dean, School of Nursing in September 2022.

During Covid, Laralea assisted on the frontlines as a Quarantine Officer for the Public Health Agency of Canada, and also for the local public health unit performing immunizations. Nursing is something she is very passionate about.

Her areas for scholarship include health promotion, student learning experiences, community health, and community simulation. Laralea has presented at local, regional, and national conferences on these topics over her career at SLC. She has also authored Pearson's Canadian Neighbourhood, a virtual community health resource for nursing, and co-authored community simulations to accompany this. She has recently authored and co-authored chapters in a new Canadian Practical Nursing medical surgical text. 

Research/Scholarship Interests

Professor Stalkie is the Canadian author of the Canadian Neighbourhood, a virtual community designed to enhance nursing education. She has presented at several national conferences in the area of community nursing over the past several years. Research interests include entry to practice education requirements for community health nursing, the impact of the determinants of health on vulnerable populations, family responses in health and illness, advanced planning with people with dementia, health promotion in correctional inmates, and teaching innovation in community health.

Publications & Presentations

Stalkie, L. (2024-in press). Populations Receiving Medical-Surgical Care. In K. Poser. (1st ed.)  Linton and Matteson’s Medical Surgical Practical nursing in Canada. Elsevier.

Stalkie, L. & Cooper, V. (2024-in press). Palliative and Hospice Care. In K. Poser. (1st ed.) Linton and Matteson’s Medical Surgical Practical nursing in Canada. Elsevier.

Stalkie, L. (2024-in press). Sexually Transmitted Infections. In K. Poser. (1st ed.) Linton and Matteson’s Medical Surgical Practical nursing in Canada. Elsevier.

Stalkie, L. & Dowling, D. (2019). Hungry for knowledge: The feasibility of an on-campus food program. St. Lawrence College, ON.

Dowling, D. & Stalkie, L. (June, 2017). The Amazing Assessment: Community Health Nursing. Presentation at the Community Health Nurses’ of Canada Conference, Niagara Falls, ON.

Dowling, D. & Stalkie, L. (May, 2017). The Amazing Assessment: Community Health Nursing. Presentation at the SLC Nursing Symposium, Brockville, ON.

Stalkie, L. & Dowling, D. (2016). Examination of the Literature: What is known about the learning needs of nursing students and/or nurses entering clinical forensic and/or prison environments? St Lawrence College Synapse Conference, ON. 

Stalkie, L. (June 2016). Using Pearson’s “Neighbourhood” to transform BScN education. Presentation at the Community Health Nurses’ of Canada Conference, St. John's, NLFD.

Clark-McMullen, D., Poser, K., & Stalkie, L. (May, 2014). How “Pearson’s”  Neighbourhood can Influence and Enhance Learning Outcomes in Nursing Education. Presented at the St. Lawrence College Nursing Symposium, ON.

Dowling, D., & Stalkie, L. (June, 2014).  The healthy partnership initiatives: an intersectoral approach to the cultivation of the community health nursing standards in BScN nursing students. Poster presentation at Community Health Nursing Conference, Ottawa, ON. 

Blasko, B., Stalkie, L., & Yateman, S. (June, 2013). Primary healthcare and health promotion in non-traditional community clinical settings: Presentation of a BScN program and a correctional facility collaboration that enables a unique student community clinical practice to advance community nursing competencies. Presented at Community Health Nursing Conference, Kelowna, BC.

Poser, K., & Stalkie, L. (July, 2013). The Canadian Neighbourhood Simulations for Version 1.0. Pearson Canada: Toronto.

Farella, C., Stalkie, L. (2012). How the Neighbourhood by “Pearson” can Influence and Enhance Learning Outcomes in Community Health Education for Nursing Students. Oral presentation at the Community Health Nurses’ of Canada Conference, Toronto, ON. 

Stalkie, L. (2012). The Canadian Neighbourhood. Online resource and faculty guide. Pearson Canada, Toronto, ON.

Dyke, J., Farella, C., Jessup-Falcioni, H., Martin-Saarinen, J., & Stalkie, L. (2011). How nurse educators influence and minimize the impact factors affecting learning outcomes for community health nursing students. Poster presentation at the Community health nursing conference, Halifax, NS.

Rennais holds a B.A., B.Ed., and M.Ed. from the University of Calgary. She also holds post-graduate certificates in Curriculum Development & Instructional Design, and Human Resource Management from Mount Royal University and the University of Manitoba. She completed her Ed.D. in Leadership in Higher Education at the University of Western Ontario. Her doctoral work evaluated adaptive, ethical, and collaborative approaches to leadership. Rennais examined organizational improvements in admission processes that lead to the creation of Indigenized admission tools for postsecondary admission. 

Prior to her arrival to St. Lawrence College, Rennais held academic chair roles in Business Administration and Early Learning and Education. Rennais collaborated with faculty, Indigenous Educational Partners, and worked with over 14 First Nations’ communities to establish in-community college career programs. Rennais is a dynamic, innovative, and strategic leader who successfully led multiple college initiatives including, but not limited to the first accredited business school in Manitoba with the Accreditation Council for Business Schools (ACBSP). She worked diligently to create four tuition-free “Earn While You Learn Mentorship Programs” in Early Childhood Education (ECE) and successfully collaborated with her team to secure capital investments that led to an additional early learning centre.

Rennais has co-authored Canadian Settlement in Action: History and Future, an Open Educational Resource. She led the development of the first Settlement Practitioner Job Standards and Salary Classification Guide in Alberta. As a consultant, Rennais has led curriculum development projects with not-for-profit organizations and postsecondary institutions. She was a member of the Federal Government’s Settlement Agency of the Future, a member of the Prior Learning Recognition Working Group with the Canadian Association for Prior Learning, and a member of the Manitoba Prior Learning Assessment Network. Rennais is passionate about teaching, learning, and educational policies that promote inclusive educational experiences for learners pursuing postsecondary education.

Ining Tracy Chao joined St. Lawrence College in 2016 as the Associate Dean of International Education. Her portfolio includes all international programs offered by our affiliates in Canada and China, and the English as Second Language programs at the College. 

Ining has been involved in developing online and blended educational programs for over 20 years. She comes from a background of curriculum and learning design, particularly in international and intercultural contexts. Cross-border education and intercultural teaching and learning is Ining’s passion and lifelong pursuit. She has played a leadership role in transforming classroom into a place where cultural diversity of the teachers and students thrives. Her expertise includes culturally inclusive teaching and intercultural competence development. She also uses bilingual (Chinese and English) Storytelling to promote multilingualism and global citizenship.

Ining has a BA in Library and Information Studies from National Taiwan University, MA in Educational Technology from Concordia University and the Certificate of Intercultural Studies from University of British Columbia. She is a certified Intercultural Development Inventory administrator.

Louise has held progressive tri-campus leadership roles since arriving at SLC in 2010 in both the Human Resources & Organizational Development area and within the Academic Division. During that time, she has been recognized by her peers and awarded two different leadership excellence awards. Prior to coming to the College, she worked in the nonprofit sector as a management consultant where she led projects of national and provincial scope on behalf of nonprofit sector clients and government agencies.

Louise’s educational background exemplifies her passion for lifelong learning. Her formal credentials include an Honours Bachelor of Arts from Trent University, an M.A. Integrated Studies (Educational Studies) from Athabasca University and a Doctorate of Education (Higher Education Leadership) from Western University.

André is the Associate Dean of Contemporary Teaching & Learning which has tri-campus responsibilities in Brockville, Kingston, and Cornwall. In his role, he provides strategic oversight to the School of Contemporary Teaching and Learning.

André’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s of Art (Sociology), Master of Arts (Sociology), and Master of Education (Post-Secondary Studies). Prior to his appointment as Associate Dean, he worked as an Instructional Designer, Faculty Member, Curriculum Developer, Manager of Hybrid/Online Course Design, and was the Lead Social Researcher for a company that focused on student engagement. This combined experience has given him a strong appreciation for the relationship that exists between curriculum design and meaningful learning experiences.

His passion for contemporary education and technology has also led him to promote teaching strategies that help transform learners into active digital citizens.