Student Support and Case Management
About our work
The Student Support and Case Management team is a multidisciplinary group of Clinical Case Managers with backgrounds in Social Work, Counselling, and Psychiatric Nursing. This team supports students who may require additional support to maintain wellness and academic success related to:
- an unexpected hospitalization
- major mental health concern(s)
- urgent family matter(s)
- and many other scenarios
Our team works closely with other departments within UBCO Wellbeing & Accessibility Services and often assist students to connect with additional supports such as Counselling services, a Nurse Practitioner, and Family Doctors. Case Managers may also work with the student’s faculty and relevant student services to support their needs. This includes departments like the Enrolment Services Office, Indigenous Programs and Services, the Global Engagement Office, and the Learning Hub, among many others. Case Managers also often help connect students with services outside the campus setting, such as Interior Health, Kelowna General Hospital, the Foundry, and relevant Government offices. These connections are tailored to the student’s individual needs and goals.
The Student Support and Case Management team also operates the UBC Early Alert program. Early Alert provides a confidential way for staff and faculty to connect students who may be facing academic, financial, or mental health difficulties. This program allows the Student Support and Case Management team to reach out and offer support to the student, often by engaging with the student and/or connecting them to relevant resources that can assist in overcoming the obstacles they are facing.
Lastly, this team provides Respondent Support for students named as respondents in connection to UBC’s Sexual Misconduct Policy (SC17), Discrimination Policy (SC7), At-Risk Behavior Policy (SC13) and/or the Retaliation Policy (SC18). Though this role is primarily done by Dan Smith, the other Case Managers can provide respondent support as well.
Meet the team
Phil Matte, MA, RPN
Manager, Student Support and Case Management
My name is Phil Matte and I have worked at UBC Okanagan since 2018. I am a Registered Psychiatric Nurse and have worked in mental health since 2004, primarily in the hospital and community health settings. My initial role at UBCO was in the Student Wellness Clinic as a Case Manager supporting students until my role changed in 2021 to Manager, Student Support and Case Management. In this role, I oversee a small multidisciplinary team of Case Managers who provide support to students who might require additional support to achieve wellness and academic success.
In addition, I also oversee matters related to student non-academic misconduct. My goal in this role, is to better understand the student’s perspective and work collaboratively to resolve the matter in a fair and just way. Though this work often entails difficult conversations, it can also be very rewarding.
When I am not at work, you can usually find me enjoying the great outdoors, camping, golfing, or on the water with family and friends. I truly appreciate living in the Okanagan valley and all it has to offer.
Nancy Guy, MSW (she/her)
Case Manager
Hello everyone! I have been working with UBC Okanagan since 2017 and feel very lucky to work with such a diverse and vibrant community. Originally from Newfoundland, I have experienced firsthand the excitement – and apprehension – of moving away from home and creating your next chapter. After either working or studying throughout several provinces in Canada, I moved to the Okanagan a little over a decade ago, and have spent most of my career as a social worker and counsellor within non-profit, community, and post-secondary settings. In my role as a Case Manager, I have the privilege of empowering students to navigate challenges and flourish in their UBC Okanagan journey. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, in addition to cooking, getting outside, and finding the odd food show to binge. I also enjoy travelling – including and especially home to Newfoundland. In the event that we meet during your time here, I am thankful for the opportunity to support you.
Anya O’Leary, MC, RCC, (she/her)
Case Manager
My name is Anya O’Leary, I joined the Case Management and Student Support team at the University of British Columbia in May 2022. My educational and professional pursuits have brought me all across Canada and now to the beautiful Okanagan; I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor in BC. Over the past decade or so, I have worked as a counsellor and in student rights & responsibilities within Post-Secondary Institutions. Supporting students through this exciting and challenging life transition is my passion. As a Case Manager, I get to be a professional problem-solver, seeking to help students be successful and achieve their version of mental wellness.
When I am not at work, you might find me teaching yoga, hiking, paddling or travelling.
Dan Smith, MACP, RCC (he/him)
Case Manager and Respondent Resource Specialist
Hey folks! It’s amazing to work with this exceptional Case Management and Student Support team. Growing up in a small town in Northern Ontario, I value a shared sense of community. I did my undergrad in Southern Ontario, moved to UBC Vancouver for work, and then came here to the beautiful territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation. I started at UBC Okanagan in Residence Life starting back in 2012 and recently returned after taking a couple of years away from the University. For much of my role, I work with respondents as the Respondent Resource Specialist on the Okanagan Campus. I’ve been working in and around students and young adults for nearly all of my career. I’m passionate about your unique experience; I’m here to help you through challenging moments and to celebrate your successes. If you bump into me outside of UBCO, I’m likely running with my doggos, going on a hike, making music, at my private practice, or hanging with friends in the sunshine. I’m honoured to those who let me be part of their journey here at UBCO and am looking forward to joining you on that path.
We work closely with the UBC Okanagan Counselling team. You may also be connected with a member of their team.