As the Principal of Lady Eaton College, I foster a community of learning where all members and fellows feel welcome, valued, and respected. In my role as principal, I facilitate activities and programming that highlight the academic interests and achievements of members of the College community and Trent University, both within the university and to the wider external community. I manage a team of professionals who provide support services to members of the College and work to build lifelong connections between the College and alumni. 

I joined our professional team as College Assistant at Lady Eaton in 2021 after almost a year away from LEC! I had worked previously in LEC for about 9 years in a different role and then spent about a year away, working at Champlain College Office then Gzowski College Office filling in as one of their College Assistants and I am SO excited to return home to Lady Eaton from my fabulous work abroad program and into the role of College Assistant here! As a proud Trent Alum and current Administrative staff member and long-time LEC friend, I hold a strong first-hand knowledge of the campus environment, organization, and the academic and non-academic resources available to students, faculty and staff. In this role, I provide administrative support to all members of the College Office team in the day-to-day operations of the Lady Eaton College Office. 

Melanie began working at Trent University in November of 2001 in the Canadian Studies Department running an experiential education program for International Academics who studied Canada. For seven years after this, Melanie worked in Continuing Education, building and running the General Interest and Professional Development Certificate programs for members of the Peterborough community. In 2009, Melanie returned to her roots in outdoor education and experiential learning and as the Coordinator of Camps and Campus Recreation at the Athletic Centre. From 2014-18 Melanie was Head of Champlain College and proud to be the first woman to have the job in the 50 year history of the College. Through all of her roles, the most meaningful part for Melanie has always been working with students and being able to support them as they navigate their own journeys. As an Academic Advisor, Melanie is able to do this work every single day and she looks forward to working with you during your time with Lady Eaton College and at Trent. 

Educational Background: Bachelor of Arts in History (Trent University); Graduate Certificate in Corporate Communications (Seneca College); TEFL Certificate (University of Toronto).

Passions and Interests: I love spending time outside, biking, camping, swimming, and meeting friends and family for picnics. As a lifelong learner I devour podcasts on a wide range of topics and also enjoy reading and taking classes when I can.

My role was created specifically for transfer students. I work with campus partners to understand the strengths and challenges transfer students are experiencing in order to provide appointments, resources and programming to support them. I understand transfer students come with hard-earned credits and a focus on what they want to achieve while at Trent. My aim is to support students with their transition to Trent – from course registration and planning to adjusting to new systems and places.

Natalie started at Trent in 2013 as a student studying Sociology and Education, later completing her Master of Education from Trent's School of Education. As an Academic Skills Instructor, Natalie supports students with strengthening the learning skills needed for university: managing time, reading and notetaking, studying and exam prep, as well as writing skills and assignment support. Natalie enjoys supporting students through offering programs and events, creating learning resources, and meeting with students in individual appointments. For Natalie, the best part of her role is meeting students and watching their confidence grow in their ability to reach their academic goals.