Faculty members
Diedre Desmarais
Area Director
Dr. Diedre A. Desmarais is Area Director of the Access and Aboriginal Focus Programs. She was the previous Registrar and Director of Students at the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv), Lecturer for both FNUniv and University of Regina in Indigenous Studies, Political Science and Women and Gender Studies. Dr. Desmarais’ doctorate is in Political Science and her research interests include Canadian politics, post colonial and conflict theory, Indigenous identity and health care policy as it relates to Indigenous elderly.
Wanbdi Wakita
Grandfather in Residence
Wanbdi Wakita has spent a lifetime making prayers for people. As a residential school survivor, Chief of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation and Sundance Chief, Wanbdi has walked many paths. For three decades he supported inmates in various Correctional Institutions. Presently he is the Grandfather in Residence for the University of Manitoba Access Program. In 2016 he received the Order of Manitoba for his lifelong work to champion a message of healing and unity between all nations.
Emily A. McKinnon
Academic Specialist Math and Science
Emily McKinnon earned her PhD in Biological Sciences from York University, a Diploma in University Teaching and a master's in Forestry and Environmental Management from the University of New Brunswick. She taught her first university course in 2009 and has been teaching for the Access Program since 2018. Emily is our resident bird biologist and has expertise in field-based research and teaching. She currently teaches BIOL1000, BIOL1020, BIOL1030, and STAT1000 and is also involved with K-12 science outreach initiatives.
Stephanie Olson
Academic Specialist Reading and Writing/Instructor
Stephanie Olson has worked in the field of English language instruction for over 20 years. As a faculty member of the University of Manitoba’s Division of Extended Education, she teaches composition and literature courses in the Access Program and is active in research. She also brings over 10 years of experience directing continuing education programs delivered to both domestic and international audiences. As an immigrant to Manitoba, she is particularly passionate about supporting the learning needs of newcomers, and is happy to volunteer her time on the boards of two newcomer-serving organizations, Manitoba Start and English Online. Stephanie holds a master's in English Language and Literature from Mannheim University, Germany and a Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language from the University of Manitoba.
Carlos Miranda García
Personal Counsellor
Carlos Miranda García is a Personal Counsellor in the Access and Aboriginal Focus Programs at the University of Manitoba. He holds Master of Social Work and Bachelor of Science in Psychology degrees. He has worked with a diverse population in various community programs in Manitoba and Alberta including: crisis services, adapted education support, mental health and brain injury. He is passionate and committed to providing services from a cross-cultural and holistic lens.
Absatou (Abby) M. Edgar Williams
Personal Counsellor
Absatou (Abby) M. Edgar Williams holds a master's Degree in Counselling and Psychology, and a bachelor of arts in Psychology and Sociology. She has been practicing Personal Counselling since 2007. She has worked in various organizations including a private practice, a high school and is currently at University of Manitoba working as a Personal Counsellor at the Access and Aboriginal Focus Programs. She is a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She is very passionate about her work and provides holistic and cross-cultural counselling support.
Shawna Bowler
Student Support Case Manager
Shawna Bowler has over 12 years experience in social work case management and has worked with a wide diversity of clients throughout urban Winnipeg and rural and northern Manitoba. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Native Studies and a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Manitoba as well as a Master of Social work (Indigenous Specialization) degree from the University of Victoria. She is a currently registered member of the Manitoba College of Social Workers and her ancestral community is Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation. Shawna follows an anti-oppressive approach to social work practice that is rooted within Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing.
Administrative staff
Lorna Trapp
Student Aid Advisor and Assistant to the Director
Carol Johnston
Area Coordinator
Leslie Backlund
Program Assistant, Access and Aboriginal Focus Programs
Mike Tarleton
Academic Advisor
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Contact us
Contact Access and Aboriginal Focus Programs
Migizii Agamik
Room 221 – 114 Sidney Smith St.
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
Extended Education
185 Extended Education Complex
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada