Our team

Meet the Financial Aid team

• Debra White – Manager, Student Awards and Financial Aid

  Debra started her career at Durham College working in one of the entrepreneurial divisions at the Whitby Campus in 1995. In her role there, Debra learned the importance of maintaining safe work practices, which is something she was able to carry with her in all future roles.

  During her years at the college, Debra was able to advance through various positions, including working in the Dental Clinic, Academic Upgrading Office and the School of Interdisciplinary Studies. In 2010, Debra entered into the world of Financial Aid at our university, holding roles such as Financial Aid Assistant, University Works Coordinator, Financial Aid Officer and Senior Financial Aid Officer. Debra currently holds the position of Manager, Student Awards and Financial Aid.

• Leticia Simon – Senior Financial Aid Officer

  Leticia graduated with a Bachelor's in Business Administration from the University of Santa Cruz do Sul in Brazil, and also has a Business Management Diploma from the Rio Grande do Sul Federal University.

  She moved to Canada in 2007 and started her Canadian work experience by attending the Enhanced Language Training program, where she had the opportunity to do her work placement at Durham College. Before her placement finished, she was offered a contract position at our university in the Accounts Payable department and has held various other roles, including Accounts Receivable and Financial Aid Assistant. Leticia is currently a Financial Aid Officer, where she loves connecting with the students daily and assisting with their journey to completing a degree.

  When not at work, she likes to spend time with her family and take care of her houseplants—especially her orchids.

• Stephanie Costanza – Financial Aid Officer

  Stephanie grew up in Ajax and is a graduate of Centennial College, where she received an advanced diploma in Business Administration and a diploma in Marketing.

  Her career in post-secondary education began at Seneca College as a Degree & Credit Transfer Coordinator. In 2014, she made the transition to Ontario Tech University with a role in the Admissions Department.

  She has held various positions with the University, which include Program Assistant with the Faculty of Business and IT, Academic Advisor with the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Senior Academic Advisor with the Faculty of Engineering and currently a Financial Aid Officer with Student Awards and Financial Aid.

  While not at work, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family and watching her boys play soccer and hockey.

• Sarah Desjardins – Financial Aid Officer

  Sarah grew up in Oshawa and completed her Honours Bachelor of Science with a major in Molecular Biology and Genetics from the University of Guelph. After graduation, she worked as a Research Technician in a molecular biology laboratory at The Hospital for Sick Children. She then went on to work at St. Michael’s Hospital, first in a dietetic research lab looking at the effect of B vitamins on ischemia, then in an orthopedic research lab studying the effect of stem cells on bone and tendon healing. The most enjoyable part of this work was being able to assist the various post-secondary students who came through the labs, which is why she was thrilled to snag a position at Ontario Tech in the Office of the Registrar. Sarah worked for three years on the Information and Client Services team, assisting students on the frontline, before being seconded to a Student Awards Officer position within the Student Awards and Financial Aid team. After six months as an Awards Officer, she is now a seasoned Financial Aid Officer.

  Outside of work, Sarah keeps busy with her husband, two children, and an adorable Boston terrier puppy.

• Melanie French – Financial Aid Officer

  Melanie grew up in Courtice and is a graduate of Durham College, where she received an advanced diploma in Business Administration-Human Resources Management and a diploma in Office Administration-Legal.

  She has over 15 years of work experience in post-secondary education in the areas of Financial Aid and Awards, Admissions, Records, and International and Continuing Education. She has held positions with Durham College and Fleming College.

  Using the skill sets she achieved from these experiences, she accepted a position with our university as a Financial Aid Assistant. Currently, Melanie holds a position as a Financial Aid Officer where she enjoys meeting with students one-on-one and helping them have the best experience while on their post-secondary journey.

  While not at work, Melanie enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves time away from the city, where she enjoys cottage life in Haliburton.

Meet the Student Awards team

• Cory Lusted – Senior Student Awards Officer

  Part of the campus community for over 20 years, Cory brings extensive knowledge from a variety of areas. From Athletics and Admissions and Recruitment at Durham College—to Athletics, and Student Awards and Financial Aid at the university—Cory has done and seen a lot on this campus. He has the experience of being both an esteemed graduate of Durham College and a passionate employee of our university.

  When not involved in the world of Student Awards, Cory—a proud father, husband, brother, son and friend—can be found chauffeuring his three children, spending time at Planet Fitness or playing pickleball or softball with his buds.

  Life would not be complete without his daily fantasy sports fix or cheering on our hometown Maple Leafs and Blue Jays, as well as, the Buffalo Bills. Let’s go, Ridgebacks!

• Kurshid Dain – Student Awards Officer

  Kurshid moved to Canada in 1998 and joined the Council of Ontario Universities (COU) the following year. At COU, she held various positions across several divisions, including the Ontario Council on Graduate Studies and the Quality Assurance Secretariat.

  With more than 20 years of experience, Kurshid has worked closely with universities and academics across Ontario, supporting numerous committees and managing major award competitions and adjudication processes.

  Driven by a passion for student engagement, Kurshid joined the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies in 2012.

  Outside of work, Kurshid enjoys cooking and baking, especially sourdough bread, taking long walks, and spending quality time with her family.

• Jessica Husted – Student Awards Officer

  Jessica holds professional degrees, including an MBA and a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance with a specialization in International Business.

  She has held various roles within the Finance department, demonstrating her expertise and commitment. With a solid foundation in Financial Management, Jessica transitioned to the Student Awards and Financial Aid team, initially as a Student Awards Officer and currently as a Financial Aid Officer. She thrives in fostering meaningful interactions with students, is deeply committed to enriching their academic journey and is committed to cultivating a positive and exceptional experience through her work.

  Jessica loves to spend time with her family and watch her children playing sports and taking her dog Bebe for walks, as much as possible.

• Sonya Winkworth-Chmatil – Student Awards Officer

  Sonya is an outgoing, bubbly member of our team who goes out of her way to ensure students have a wonderful experience at Ontario Tech.

  Sonya is a graduate from Durham College with a diploma in the Pharmaceutical and Food Science Technology program. She is currently completing her Bachelor of General Studies - Arts and Science through Athabasca.

  Following graduation, Sonya worked for Durham College first as a Life License Qualification Administrator at the Whitby campus, assisting students with their government qualification requirements, before she was promoted to a Purchasing Clerk. In 2009, Sonya made the transition to Ontario Tech as an Accounts Payable Coordinator with the Finance department. She has held various positions under the Office of the Registrar, which include Financial Aid Assistant with Student Awards and Financial Aid, Enrolment Services Coordinator I and II with Enrolment Services and currently a Student Awards Officer with Student Awards and Financial Aid.

  Outside of work, Sonya likes spending time with her husband, three kids and getting her hands in any DIY project she can find.

• Linda Craig – Financial Aid and Awards Assistant

  Linda has enjoyed working in post-secondary education for many years. She started at Durham College in the Accounting Department and has held positions in the Faculty of Business; Continuous Learning; the Facilities Department as well as teaching part-time in the Office Administration program.

  She has been with the university for over 15 years working in the Human Resources Department and the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies before joining the Student Awards and Financial Aid team.

  Linda loves to spend time with family and friends and enjoys her trailer on Sandy Lake in Buckhorn.

Meet our Director

• Andra Drinkwalter – Director, Student Financial Assistance and Enrolment Services

  Andra graduated from Brock University with a Bachelor of Arts in Popular Culture, but enjoyed the university environment so much that she joined Ontario Tech as an employee when it first opened its doors to students in 2003. Over the years, she has held progressive positions throughout her career at the university and continually strives to build inclusive, supportive and positive teams. Her goal is that these teams will be able to be successful in providing high-quality service and support to students.

  Outside work, Andra keeps extremely busy with her two kids, pursuing her master’s degree, playing soccer and reading.