Meet the Staff

Director of Student Ministries
Rob Rhea (email)

Robby loves God, Sue (his darling wife), Nathan and Hannah (his darling kids) and likes learning, fishing and eating B-B-Q ribs. Robby's reason for working in student ministry is a result of the life changing experiences that he had as a student and has observed in the lives of other students. He sees the years that a person is at university as pivotal in that persons spiritual, emotional and physical growth with the sky as the limit. He believes it is his life calling to see the truth of Gods word and the influence of the Holy Spirit bring transformation in all areas of the lives of university students. As they are transformed to be like Christ they will undoubtedly change the world for Him.

Coordinator of Chapel Programs      

Victoria Esson (email)

Victoria was raised in a small town called Strathroy in   southern Ontario.  As a recent graduate in Biblical Studies, she is no stranger to the TWU community and is now honoured to serve as staff in Student Ministries.

On the one hand, Victoria is a thinker and academic; one who thoroughly enjoys reading about and discussing theology, philosophy and social justice issues.  On the other hand Victoria is also a musician, artist, and writer who has been heavily influenced by a musical family and home church back in Ontario.  It is her desire to use all of these gifts and passions for God and His glory. 

Since attending TWU, the idea of discipleship as being vital to one’s walk in Christ has become very apparent to Victoria.  Worship is not just a musical experience; it’s a life dedicated to honouring and serving God in every area, “[offering] our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God” for his is our “true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1-2).  Discipleship and spiritual formation in the lives of university students has been placed profoundly on Victoria’s heart.  Through Christ-centered worship and study of the Word, it is Victoria’s desire that Trinity Western students might be continually transformed into the likeness of Christ through the Holy Spirit, revealing His glory and gospel to the nations (2 Cor. 3:18). 

Coordinator of Discipleship and                           Group Ministries

Dyan Pauls (email)

Dyan graduated with a psychology degree from TWU in 2001 and then worked in Student Life ('01-'02) as an intern before attending Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Fresno, California.

After receiving her Master's of Marriage, Family and Child Counseling degree at M.B.B.S. in 2004 she worked for a non-profit organization providing professional counseling services to children and their families within a school context. Athough she loved this experience, Dyan's true passion is to work with college-aged students and was thrilled when God provided an opportunity to return to TWU.

Dyan views these college years as pivotal in forming their personal and spiritual identity. She remembers her own time at TWU and the growth she experienced, so her desire is to encourage and challenge others to fulfill their God given potential and feels blessed to have the opportunity to witness God at work in these student's lives.

In her spare time, Dyan enjoys cycling, hiking, beachcombing and taking in a great movie. She also loves being an aunt to her nephew and 3 nieces.

Johannah grew up in the heart of South America.  Some of the best years of her life were spent in Cochabamba, Bolivia where her parents were missionary camp directors.
 
After graduating from high school, Johannah attended Wheaton College outside of Chicago.  There she worked in Residence Life as a Resident Assistant and Assistant Resident Director.  These years instilled in her a love of students and a clear calling to vocational ministry.   This led her to work with university students in Spain and then eventually to Regent College where she got her Masters in Spiritual Theology  (think: Christian spirituality).  Her time at Regent deepened her passion for the Church and its history.

Johannah has been living in Vancouver for the past six years. These years have rivaled her time in Bolivia in terms of stability and community—for an MK this is no small miracle! She is involved in the prayer and homeless ministries of her neighborhood church in East Van and has also been known to do quite a bit of salsa dancing.  Johannah is passionate about justice, loves to read and write (creatively), and considers herself a true mountain girl at heart.  Most weekends you can either find her dancing, hanging out with her housemates and neighborhood friends, or skyping her family who lives all around the world (Spain, Dubai, Ethiopia, U.S).

Coordinator of Outreach and Evangelism          Chett Fitchett (email)

Chett is a familiar face at TWU, having graduated in December 2008. Combining his passion for Christ, the Church, and the students of TWU, he’s amped to share in the impact TWU is making on our community and the world.

Chett began his life as a married man on August 22, 2009. In his hometown of Vernon, B.C. Chett married Katherine, a woman he defends as being “the most beautiful girl in the whole-wide-world, inside and out!”

Chett combines humor and creativity with a serious commitment to love God and neighbor. These come together in a desire to harness the vibrant passion of students who are seeking to change the world with Christ’s love and compassion. Chett believes that the Word of God is living and active, and he loves the challenge extended by those who are not ashamed of the Gospel—who dare to be disciples of the King.  

You may overhear Chett talking about theology and the interaction between Christianity and culture, but you’ll also find him walking around in nature (being distracted by little bugs), inventing some new wacky game or caring for his fish.