Our instructors

Deborah Blenkhorn

Deborah Blenkhorn, BA (Hons), BEd, MA, PhD (ABD), has taught for UBC's English department, Sauder School of Business, Faculty of Engineering, and at UBC Extended Learning for writing programs and the Experience University Life program. She has also been a writing instructor at SFU's Segal Graduate School of Business, and teaches undergraduate English at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Besides her academic articles and book reviews, and participating in community reading and writing groups, Deborah's projects include blogging and, most recently, e-portfolio development.

Michelle Boulton

Michelle Boulton

Michelle Boulton is the owner of 3c publications, where she leads a team of communication professionals who help organizations translate complex information into clear and compelling content.

Michelle began her career as a journalist, worked in marketing and print production, and eventually launched her own company. She has produced a range of content (from websites to academic journals) for a diverse group of clients (public and private sectors, non-profit, education, science, agriculture and industry).

With more than 30 years’ experience, Michelle is passionate about sharing what she has learned with others. She is an engaging facilitator who loves teaching and encourages learners to bring their own experience and expertise to the class.

She is a member of the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada, a past president of Editors Canada and the current head of Plain Canada Clair.

Arlene Brenner

Iva Cheung

Iva Cheung (She/Her/Hers), MSc, MPub, PhD, is a plain language trainer and researcher, and a Certified Professional Editor with Editors Canada. Iva runs a publishing consultancy that offers indexing, print design, and editing services. She has provided plain language training to health, academic, and legal professionals. As an accessibility advocate, she works with people who use health services to co-create communication tools they can understand.

You can learn more about Iva on her website.

Daniela Chimisso Dos Santos

Daniela Chimisso Dos Santos, BA, LLB, LLM, SJD, is an expert on mining and sustainability. She has practised law in the oil, gas and mining industries for close to 20 years, and has extensive national and international experience in Sub-Saharan Africa, South America and Asia.

Daniela is the principal consultant at Invenient Consulting Solutions, and was recently a senior governance advisor at the sustainability consulting firm Proactiva. She has also held roles at McCarthy Tétrault, Shell, Hatch, and Vale where she led a team of more than 45 lawyers in 11 jurisdictions.

In addition to serving as a board member of Transparency International Canada, Daniela is a member of the ICC Canada Task Force on Addressing Issues of Corruption in International Arbitration. She’s also a member of the Environmental Appeal Board, Forest Appeals Commission and the Oil and Gas Appeal Tribunal in British Columbia. The United Nations Development Programme has recognized her as an extractives expert.

Daniela has published in the areas of mining and sustainability, business and human rights, mining finance, and sovereign debt and human rights. She has lectured and spoken at universities, events and associations across North America, and has presented her work at Harvard Law School, University of Cambridge Law School, Center for International Governance Innovation and Society for Institutional and Organizational Economics.

Diana Cho

Diana Cho, BA, BSW, MPS, is an American Sign Language instructor, and has been a program administrator, facilitator, and career and admissions counsellor.

At the Rochester Institute of Technology, she served as a departmental and program administrator, and staff and student supervisor. She implemented, delivered and taught curriculum and service programs, and was a career and admissions counsellor. While at the Vera Institute of Justice, Diana worked to improve services for women with disabilities and Deaf women who have experienced violence. She has also served as meeting facilitator with several national non-profit organizations, and has volunteered for countless community activities.

Diana is Deaf, and delights in supporting and empowering Deaf and hearing people. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Bachelor’s degree in Logic and Buddhism, and Master’s in Professional Studies, concentrating in Deaf Education and School Psychology. Outside of teaching, she is completing life coach training.

June Choi

Chantelle Cocquyt

Dianne Cook