Our Staff

Dean and Director

  • Julia Denholm

  • Bertrand Lee

Julia Denhom

Dean, Lifelong Learning

Welcome to the English Language and Culture Program (ELC) at Simon Fraser University. SFU is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in Canada and has a long tradition of providing quality instruction that helps people develop and achieve their personal and educational goals.

We welcome you into our community. Here, you will work with others to gain first-hand information about and insight into Canadian university life. As a member of SFU's ELC community, you will have access to the university's computer labs and libraries, and you will find plenty of opportunities to connect with other students—both Canadian and international. Welcome and enjoy your time at SFU!

Bertrand Lee

Program Director

As the director of ELC, I welcome you to Vancouver and to our program. We are committed to providing you with an enriching cultural learning experience and helping you to strengthen your English communication skills. 

Bertrand Lee joined ELC in September 2012. He brings with him many years of teaching English as an additional language, as well as experience in program management and curriculum development of non-degree language and culture programs.

Staff

  • Jacqueline Sinclair

  • Judy Shabtai

  • Atsuko Takenaka

  • Geoffrey Taylor

  • Ximena Bernal

Jacqueline Sinclair

Marketing Coordinator

Email: jmsincla@sfu.ca
Phone: 1-778-782-7975

Jacqueline Sinclair has been with ELC since 2000. Please contact her if you have any questions regarding ELC, agent contracts, promotional materials, advertising, brochure requests or fair information.

Judy Shabtai

Program Coordinator

Email: judy_shabtai@sfu.ca
Phone: 1-778-782-5123

Judy Shabtai is the program coordinator for the English Language and Culture Program at SFU. She brings over 15 years of experience in language training, program coordination and administration. Judy is dedicated to working with our students to ensure that the ELC program will be a memorable experience. She was recognized for her dedication to our students in SFU News.

Atsuko Takenaka

Program Assistant

Email: elc_budget@sfu.ca
Phone: 1-778-782-5022
Fax: 1-778-782-7965

Atsuko Takenaka joined ELC in December 2008. She has a background in accounting. Her work experiences in Japan and Canada have developed her deep understanding and awareness of cross-cultural interaction. She enjoys fishing and scuba diving in her free time. She is responsible for processing tuition payments as well as maintaining financial and student records.

Janet Kwok

Program Assistant / Student Engagement

Email: elc@sfu.ca
Phone: 1-778-782-5126
Fax: 1-778-782-7965

Janet Kwok's passion is helping students achieve their academic aspirations by providing advice from her wealth of experience in post-secondary education. She has worked with university students in B.C. and Saskatchewan, particularly in the areas of financial aid and admission. She is especially familiar with the needs of international students. Janet is an avid traveller, and she has lived and worked in the United Kingdom and in China.

Geoffrey Taylor

Instructional Coordinator

Email: geofft@sfu.ca
Phone: 1-778-782-7923

Geoffrey Taylor is the instructional coordinator for the English Language and Culture Program at SFU. He brings over 18 years of EAL experience to the role, including a proven track record in designing and adapting curriculum, coaching and training instructors, and helping language programs meet learner needs.

Ximena Bernal

Activities Coordinator

Email: suppelc@sfu.ca
Phone: 1-778-782-5174

Ximena Bernal organizes the variety of group activities enjoyed by students in the ELC program. She is currently studying business at Capilano University. Born in Mexico City, Ximena has lived in Vancouver since 2016 and completed high school here. In her spare time, Ximena enjoys travel and the outdoors, including hiking and team sports (especially soccer).