Staff
Welcome to the Indigenous Student Resource Centre at Memorial University St. John’s Campus.
University life can be difficult and the staff at the ISRC are here to help you on your journey--from start to finish and everything in between! Whether you are deciding if Memorial is the university for you or preparing to cross the stage at convocation we are here when you need someone to walk with you.
There are three staff positions at the ISRC, with their offices located in Juniper House at 208 Elizabeth Avenue.
Valeri Pilgrim
Manager, Indigenous Student Resource Centre
Valeri has been the Manager of the Indigenous Student Resource Centre since November 2018. Prior to this, she served in the capacity of International Student Advisor with the Internationalization Office from 2014 to 2018. Her first role at Memorial was as the Aboriginal Liaison Officer from 2011 to 2014. Valeri attended one semester at Memorial, however her Bachelor of Arts degree is from the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. She also holds a Master of Philosophy degree from the University of Oslo in Norway where she lived with her young daughter for two and a half years. Valeri grew up in Nain, Nunatsiavut in northern Labrador and is of Inuit ancestry. She has two children.
Reporting to the Director, Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation, the manager of the Indigenous Student Resource Centre (ISRC) oversees the development of programs, resources and supports to empower Indigenous students to thrive at Memorial University. This includes providing operational direction in the areas of Indigenous student success, and cultural initiatives.
The ISRC manager leads and represents the student centre in its day-to-day operations, ensuring a student-centred approach to program planning and delivery. The manager is responsible for hiring, orienting, and supervising the staff in the ISRC. The manager will establish and maintain collaborations with other student supports and services units and beyond to lead, partner, or support activities that enhance Indigenous student success. The manager is also responsible for ensuring the ISRC’s budget is planned, prepared, and monitored in keeping with university policies and procedures.
Office: Juniper House, BP-2005
Phone:709-864-3495
Email: vpilgrim@mun.ca
Office Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Katie Hayward
Indigenous Student Wellness Navigator
Katie is no stranger to Memorial, having completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Behavioural Neuroscience with a minor in Biology here in 2016 and currently working towards a Master’s in Counselling Psychology. Previously working with Memorial as an Animal Care Technician II for almost three years post-graduation. However, her career path pivoted from animals to the community sector in 2019, as a Case Manager for marginalized individuals through a prominent non-profit organization in downtown St. John’s. Later, having the amazing opportunity to work in the Innu communities of Labrador. Entering this field has been the driving force of Katie’s passion for social justice, reform and education.
Born, raised, and currently residing in St. John’s, Katie has familial ties to the Bonavista and Newman’s Cove area. She is most content outdoors, whether it be camping, hiking or spending time at the cabin - or with a paintbrush in hand.
As the Indigenous Student Wellness Navigator, Katie empowers Indigenous students attending the St. John’s Campus, Marine Institute and those studying via distance education to thrive at Memorial. This is accomplished by offering an inclusive space, facilitating healing and wellness programs, cultural events and educational sessions. Katie further works with students by identifying and responding to individualized wellness needs of students in a variety of ways, including: navigating systems, referrals, cultural support, case management and connecting students to community-based resources to meet their holistic health needs.
Office: Bruneau Centre, IIC-2002A
Phone: 709-864-3716
Email: kmhayward@mun.ca
Office Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Open office hours for student drop-ins:
Monday: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
In the event of emergency or scheduling conflicts please email or call Katie to arrange to meet outside of open office hours.
Sonya Clarke Casey
Indigenous Student Academic Advising Officer
Sonya Clarke Casey began her role as a Indigenous Student Academic Advising Officer in November, 2024. Sonya is not new to Memorial, as she completed two degrees at the university. She has also held several positions at the institution, including Student Liaison Officer with the former Aboriginal Resource Office. Much of her career has been spent working in community, in the helping fields.
Sonya grew up in Newfoundland, and has Inuit ancestry with familial ties to Nunatsiavut. She is the first generation to have been born on the island portion of the province.
Sonya can often be found out tending to her vegetable garden, cooking up a new recipe in the kitchen, reading a book, or outside hiking. Sonya is happy to be back on campus and she’s even happier to be supporting Indigenous students.
Office: Juniper House, BP-2002
Phone: 709-864-8137
Email: sclarkecasey@mun.ca
Office Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.