Adam Weaver was raised in Ancaster, Ontario – a town outside of Hamilton. He received his BA (Honours) from Queen’s University and his Master’s and PhD from the University of Toronto. Adam’s studies were in human geography.

Between 2003 and 2016, he taught tourism management in the School of Management at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. He regularly taught a first-year course as well as upper-year courses that addressed tourist behaviour, recent advances in tourism scholarship, and qualitative research methods. He served as director of the undergraduate degree program in tourism management and as a deputy head of the School of Management.

More recently, at Niagara College, Adam served as an Associate Dean in the School of Business and Management. He routinely teaches introductory courses as well as ones that address hospitality technology and entrepreneurship. His scholarly interests include cruise tourism, tourism marketing, and retailing activities connected with tourism. Adam’s research has been published in scholarly journals such as Annals of Tourism Research, Tourism Analysis, International Journal of Tourism Research, International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Journal of Vacation Marketing, Tourism Geographies, and Current Issues in Tourism.

Brian’s career in the Hospitality and Tourism industry started over twenty years ago here in Niagara working summer jobs on Clifton Hill and at the Sheraton Fallsview hotel. This is where he realized his calling for this industry.

He attended the University of Guelph where he received his Bachelor of Commerce degree specializing in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Upon graduation he was selected into the Leadership Development Program at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler resort in British Columbia. Throughout his career he has worked in a variety of leadership roles in exotic destinations such as the Caribbean, Hawaii and Dubai. In 2006, Brian joined the Niagara College team. He is a firm believer in the applied learning environment and prides himself on his ability to build relationships with his students. Brian is a supporter of Be World Ready experiences at Niagara College. He has lead student trips to Walt Disney World, France and Ireland. In 2015, he was recognized as a Niagara Champion for his commitment to recruitment and going above and beyond for potential new students. In 2016, he was awarded the Educator of the Year Award which is voted by the students.

As a Professor, Hospitality and Tourism at Niagara College, Janet is charged with igniting purpose and passion within the “Workforce of Tomorrow. Janet worked with global industry leaders in the hospitality industry before making the journey to the world of academics.

Working with students from a variety of demographics has provided a world of learning opportunities for Janet which she translates into her teaching every day.

Internationally recognized for her contribution to industry organizations, including Lifetime Achievement Honoree PCMA and Hall of Fame Inductee M&IT Magazine. Janet has served in local, national, and international volunteer leadership roles with MPI, PCMA, SITE.

Jakobsen’s students are subjected to the “Monday Morning Ready” philosophy, where they are expected to act like professionals from day one of their “career launch”. Specifics include “Dress for Success”, signing a RESPECT Code of Conduct, timely arrival to class and assignment submissions and honing the fine art of “handwritten thank you notes” for guest speakers and industry professionals they encounter.

Study locally work globally. Join us today for an adventure of a lifetime.

With a healthy dedication to the evolving Spa and Wellness Industry, Susan has developed many genuine and everlasting relationships with numerous high profile industry partners, both domestically and internationally.

Susan has a passion for education and training and is highly motivated and dedicated to achieving the highest of student satisfaction. Her enthusiasm and determination is demonstrated by a creative teaching style that encourages an exceptional practical based learning. Susan embraces the multi-faceted Spa Industry and continues to stay current with the newest trends in service protocols as well as product science and technology.

Education

• University of Waterloo
• Gina’s School of Aesthetics and Electrolysis
• North American School of Podiatry (NASP)
• Oncology Training International
• Institute DerMed
• Intercosmetics Spa Technology

Scholarly Interests

Product and Ingredient Knowledge with a Scientific base, Practical Based Learning Best Practices, Accessible Education, Infection Control, Advanced Skin Care Practices, Medical Spa Innovations

Agnes Nowaczek was originally raised in Poland and immigrated to Canada with her parents at the age of fourteen. She learned English as she entered high school and completed her education in Ontario. She received her BA (First-Class Honours) from Brock University and her MA and PhD from the University of Waterloo.

Agnes’s studies were in outdoor recreation and planning, with strong focus on sustainable tourism and ecotourism. Outside of academia, Agnes is an Ecotourism Consultant and TICO Certified Travel Counsellor, aiming to create deeper connections between travelers and nature. She has completed projects in Poland, Peru, Costa Rica and North America, all centered around sustainable tourism, and ecotourism in particular. Her professional and academic interests focus on visitor behaviour and management, experiential education and transformational visitor experiences, codes of conduct, ecotourism ethics, policy planning, program design and evaluation. Agnes is currently pursuing several projects related to her earlier work on experiential education for students, as well as new projects examining the authenticity of ecotourism activities and building regional identity and resilience. She is very passionate about incorporating holistic worldviews into education and research, such as Indigenous and Aboriginal perspectives. To support her colleagues, Agnes serves as the reviewer of peer-reviewed journals and books, and as the Associate Editor for the Journal of Ecotourism. She is one of the founding board members of the North American Global Ecotourism Network (NAGEN).

With over 14 years of teaching experience, John Rondinelli is a dedicated professor within the School of Hospitality and Tourism at Niagara College. He holds an MBA in Finance and Strategic Management as well as a Master of Science in Education (MSc. Ed).

Before transitioning to academia, John had an extensive 28-year career as a Burger King franchisee. His leadership and expertise in the industry were recognized nationally, earning him accolades as the best Canadian operator for multiple years. Additionally, John played a significant role in representing Canadian franchisees on the Financial Advisory Committee in Miami, Florida, where he provided valuable insights and guidance.

John’s blend of practical industry experience and academic knowledge makes him an invaluable asset to Niagara College, where he inspires and prepares the next generation of hospitality and tourism professionals

Kristina Inman is a Professor of Hospitality, Food and Beverage and teaches into all of the programs in the School of Hospitality and Tourism, where you will find her teaching most often in the sensory lab. She is a certified CAPS Sommelier and a certified TAC Tea Sommelier who graduated with distinction from the University of Toronto with a double degree in History and Celtic Studies and a minor in Cinema Studies.

Kristina previously spent ten years working in the wine industry in Niagara, including restaurant management at Peller Estates and as the retail manager at Trius Winery. She was the lead Sommelier at both properties. Her other education and experience comes from many years of travelling through the wine, beer and culinary destinations of the world, and she furthermore spent time living and working at a bistro café in Galway, Ireland.

More recently, Kristina received accreditation as a French Wine Scholar [FWS] and completed her Loire Valley Masters with the Wine Scholar Guild, both with honours. Kristina is an accomplished writer whose publications include magazine articles, a newspaper column and blogs for beverage associations.
She has been nominated numerous times for Educator of the Year by her students and she is proud to be part of the Niagara College faculty team.

Ms. Maurice is the Coordinator/Professor of the Esthetician Program. Her education is with Brock University, Canisius College, University of California Irvine Extension and the LubaMera School of Esthetics.

A passionate interest in the beauty and wellness industry along with the commitment to student success is what inspires Lisa Maurice to design the best program for student skill development and professional Spa experience. She has continued to expand her range of expertise by pursuing her Certification in Hospitality and Spa Management, Oncology Esthetics, Medical & Laser as well as many other leading edge wellness therapies. She is ever mindful of the rapid change in the world of Hospitality especially Esthetics and networks with professionals in North America and Europe to constantly bring global trends and knowledge back to the program. Lisa’s scholarly interests include Education and Curriculum Development and Trends; Hospitality and Spa Operations; Advanced Skin Care Technologies; Holistic Esthetics.

Throughout her experience in the hospitality and tourism industry, Mary has held a variety of strategic management roles within world class hotels and resorts in Vancouver, Whistler and Hawaii. Since residing in Niagara, she has gained experience from working at prestigious wineries and a craft brewery as a leader in hospitality sales and service.

Mary has recently graduated from Royal Roads University in Victoria with a Master of Arts degree in Tourism Management. Most importantly, her career has led her to discover a passion for teaching young professionals where she can share her experiences from the industry in an academic setting. In her spare time, Mary loves spending time with her family locally and in her hometown of Vancouver, golfing, running, cooking, exploring the outdoors and discovering new places.

Osvaldo Avila was born in Havana, Cuba. In 1995, he graduated from Sergio Perez College from the Technical Hospitality Arts Program. Following his graduation, he proceeded to work at such renowned places as the Hotel Meliá Cohíba, Morro Cabaña Resort, and the Tocororo Restaurant.

In 1998 he was presented with the opportunity of travelling to Spain where he attended the University of Saint Paul de Mar for post-graduate courses. His academic travels continued onward to Niagara College in Canada and then to the Pan-American University of Mexico in Mexico City. Upon his return to Cuba, Osvaldo worked in the Japanese Embassy in Havana.

In 2002, he came to Canada and since then has become a Canadian citizen. He started his career in Canada at Casino Niagara and the Fallsview Casino and Resort since its opening in 2004. Osvaldo joined Niagara College, Canada in 2008. Since that time, Osvaldo has taken on a variety of new and exciting challenges within the College’s academic division, and the International Division serving as a Senior Education Advisor for Niagara College’s Education for Employment projects.

Osvaldo holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Strategic Management, a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management as well as several diploma and certificate-level specializations in business and culinary arts.

Steve Carroll is an award-winning educator and full-time Professor of Hospitality and Tourism at Niagara College. A graduate of the University of Calgary, Steve also holds a Masters Degree in Sport Management from the University of Ottawa and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) with Canadian Society of Association Executives.

In addition to serving as Executive Director of Golf Ontario, Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of Canada and the Ontario Volleyball Association, he held the same staff leadership position with the PGA of BC and was part of the management team with Golf Canada and The Portage Group, a management consulting firm for associations and not-for-profits. As a college educator, Steve began his teaching career in the fall of 2017 and was recognized and honoured as Part-Time Educator of the Year at Niagara College for 2019.

Steve’s volunteer activities in Niagara Region include Venue Lead for Golf at the 2022 Canada Games and is currently a member with the Niagara Hospitality Human Resources Professionals Association.

No matter the business, success is driven by aligning your team to one vision.

Vince’s experiences across North America have given him the opportunity to work in diverse work environments and in various types of operations from convention hotels to vacation ownership to training and education.

As an educator, Vince believes his role is to train future hospitality professionals that demonstrate superior leadership and personal integrity.

Education

• Niagara College
• Southern New Hampshire University
• Florida International University

Scholarly Interests

Hospitality Technology and E-commerce, Hotel Operations and International Education.

Dr. Clark’s interest for tourism related research developed early in her career as an undergraduate at Brock University, St. Catharines.

Tourism research activities continued through employment with local and provincial government organizations as well as academia. Her passion for research and the critical investigation of hospitality and tourism issues is practiced through teaching research methods courses to future management professionals in the Bachelor of Business Administration (Hospitality).

Education

• Brock University
• University of Waterloo
• University of New South Wales, Australia

Scholarly Interests

Consumer Behaviour (attitudes, motivation, decision making), traveler behavior, marketing and communication, events and tourism research issues

Jennifer has had a life-long passion for travel.  She has worked for a tour operator as a trip leader, which took her to 8 different countries.  She is also a TICO certified travel counsellor.

Jennifer is also a passionate outdoors person who has led canoeing, hiking and kayaking trips throughout Ontario.  Prior to teaching at Niagara College Jennifer worked in Outdoor Education teaching students and adults of all ages in both educational and corporate development contexts.

Scholarly Interests:

In the classroom, Jennifer is passionate about using technology to engage her students and providing experiential learning opportunities.

Education:

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education with a specialization in Outdoor Adventure Leadership as well as a Bachelor of Education from Laurentian University.  She also holds a Master of Applied Disability Studies degree from Brock University.