Instructor Bios
School of Business

Meet...

I began teaching in the Business Administration diploma program at SAIT in January of 2008, focusing primarily on courses in the Financial Services major including investments, accounting and economics. In September 2011, I also began to teach the first cohort of the Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting) degree.

Life before SAIT:

In addition to my 30-plus years of teaching experience, I have worked as a stockbroker in various firms and as an assistant manager for a trust company. Before beginning my career in finance, I worked as a radio DJ, playing rock music over the airwaves in BC and Ontario.

My professional credentials include two undergraduate degrees (BA in Honours History and Bachelor of Education), a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance and a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation. I have also successfully completed the Canadian Securities Course (CSC)®.

Favourite moments in class:

“The best part of teaching is interacting with students and seeing that I make a difference in their lives. I strive for a classroom climate that encourages both a passion for learning and humour.”

Spare time:

My favourite pastimes are running, walking and hanging out with my best friends: Jersey, a black lab-border collie, and Yukon, a husky-shepherd.  I devour mystery novels and always enjoy catching a good sports game, including the SAIT Trojans. Each summer, I like to relax for a few weeks at my cottage in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

A student weighs in:

Greg is a really awesome teacher. He is enthusiastic, always willing to help students and clarify any of their questions. I enjoyed being in Greg’s class because he teaches well and he is always in a good mood. He remembered students by their name and acknowledged them.

I love coming to his class because Greg makes the learning environment comfortable and fun, but also challenging.

Greg was great, really helpful and understanding. He had great knowledge about the course and made studying a fun experience.

Greg Streich is a passionate instructor who is inviting and charismatic.

Meet...

David has taught in the School of Business for six years and in the Radio, Television, and Broadcast News program since 1998. He currently teaches a variety of courses in marketing, management and accounting in the Business Administration diploma and the new Bachelor of Business Administration degree. David has also been involved in the development and delivery of business courses for SAIT Corporate Training and Continuing Education.

Life before SAIT:

After college, David launched his career in broadcasting where he landed management positions in some of Canada’s most listened-to radio stations. He spent 10 years in corporate practice in a variety of marketing roles spanning industry sectors including energy, information technology (IT), hospitality, automotive, media and tourism. He has also been a successful entrepreneur with profitable small business start-ups in media/IT and public relation. David holds an MBA from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia.

Favourite moments in class:

“Having taught marketing at SAIT for six years I am now beginning to hear from some of my very first students who have climbed through corporate ranks, or have started their own businesses, and realized tremendous personal and professional success.  That I might somehow have been part of a chapter in those stories is most humbling and rewarding.”

Spare time:

Hobbies:  running, strength-training, motorcycling

Movies:  A Clockwork Orange, Taxi Driver, Rear Window

Best thing about teaching at SAIT:

“SAIT’s brand is anchored in the real-life experience. It is what draws students and I believe what draws instructors from their respective fields. There is a sentiment, for me, of being able to engage a student not merely with academia, but more importantly, from the front lines of business. The Institute is thus enriched with like-minded professionals, creating a deep and energetic culture of knowledge and experiential capital.  Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?”

Meet...

Stephen teaches the majority of the financial accounting courses in the Bachelor of Applied Business Administration degree program, including Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced Financial Accounting as well as Accounting Theory, Internal Auditing, and Directed Field Studies.

Life before SAIT:

Stephen has more than 20 years of industry experience in a number of roles. Some highlights include the four years he spent in Bosnia as a civilian contractor to the Canadian Peacekeeping Forces, followed by a similar role in Afghanistan. Upon returning to Canada, Stephen operated his own management consulting business. He is thrilled to bring a wealth of real‐world experience to his classes at SAIT.

Favourite moments in class:

One of Stephen’s favourite moments of his teaching career came when a former student received a reward and national recognition for earning a top mark on the CGA exam. Stephen thrives on witnessing the collection of little successes as his students learn, grow and eventually succeed with the course material.

Spare time:

Stephen is an avid traveler, whose explorations have taken him to almost 50 countries on five continents. His goal is to eventually visit all seven continents.

Best thing about teaching at SAIT:

The best thing about teaching at SAIT is the “aha” moment, when a student has been struggling with a difficult concept, and you can see them working through it. When they finally get it, you can see their faces light up. It’s a great feeling!

A student weighs in:

“My favourite part about the course is how easily approachable the instructor is. If we need help, he is readily available.”

Meet...

Peggy teaches a variety of courses including Microsoft Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator and Integrated Business Applications. She also helps to coordinate practicum placements for the second‐year students.

Life before SAIT:

Peggy holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and has extensive teaching experience. Before joining SAIT, she taught at Mount Royal College in a similar diploma program, as well as evening classes. Peggy is also a certified Microsoft Office Specialist in the 2007 editions of MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

Favourite moments in class:

Peggy believes that for many of her students, their two years at SAIT are one of the most memorable times of their lives. She finds it very rewarding to be a part of their educational and personal growth journey, and to assist them with the transition to practicum and attaining their career goals.

Spare time:

Peggy has been fortunate enough to visit many areas of Canada and the United States. Also an extensive globe‐trotter, she has traveled to Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Germany and the Czech Republic.

Best thing about teaching at SAIT:

I am proud to teach in an institution where the curriculum is continuously being modified and improved so that our students are learning the most up‐to‐date, relevant skills. I think that having blended delivery using laptops has proven to be hugely successful for our students.

Students weigh in:

“Peggy is a wonderful teacher and very respectful to her students. She makes coming to class fun and interesting.”

“Peggy is a fantastic instructor. Her passion for teaching is greatly appreciated as it inspires me to do my best work.”

“Thank you for your support over the past two years. You were always there for me and always willing to help. You made my two years at SAIT so enjoyable.”

“You are an incredible instructor and I feel fortunate to have met you. I look forward to what the future holds.”

“I learned so much from you. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into helping me succeed.”

“I would like to say how lucky I was to have you as an instructor. You are so kind, patient, understanding, and wonderful to be around. Don’t ever change.”

Meet...

Judith Pond brings a fresh perspective to her classroom by bridging the gap between creative and professional writing. Having taught communications at SAIT for nine years, and having published works of poetry and short fiction, Pond is an expert at communications of all kinds.  According to Pond, whether communicating through a memo, an email, a story, or a poem, the goal of good writing is always the same: To get the message across as eloquently and economically as possible. “Good writing saves time, saves money, and saves your reputation,” says Pond.

Pond’s understanding of communications has led her to develop the new Critical Thinking and Critical Reading and Writing courses this year for SAIT’s new Business Administration baccalaureate program. “This course will take students on a journey through language all the way from prefixes and verbs, through to looking at propaganda and patterns of organization,” says Pond.

Life outside SAIT:

Originally from Nova Scotia, Pond acquired her Masters degree in German Literature from Queens University at Kingston, Ontario, and from the Rheinische Friedrich Wilhelms Universitat in Bonn, West Germany. Pond is now working online towards an MFA in creative writing from the University of British Columbia, with support from SAIT’s own Professional Credential Enhancement program. This experience shines through in her work. “It’s really awakened me, and put freshness into my teaching,” says Pond.  “For one thing, I know firsthand what it’s like to be a student again.”

Favourite moments in class:

Much to her students’ pleasure, Pond believes that people don’t learn unless they’re having fun. That said, she loves seeing people applying themselves, and learning to take responsibility for their own learning. “Students’ self esteem improves a lot with the skills they learn in communications,” says Pond. “One of my favourite moments is at the end of the semester when these groups of people, who didn’t know much about communicating when they started, are all dressed up, with their Power Point presentations, looking ready for the business world.”

Spare time:

In addition to her determination to master the short fiction form, Pond loves being active. An ultra-marathon runner, Pond runs everywhere, whether it be to work, to the mall, or to the grocery store. “It’s my passion,” she says.

Best thing about teaching at SAIT:

“I really enjoy the opportunity to take part in the lives of people who have decided to change their circumstances,” says Pond. “And helping them realize their goals and dreams.”

Students weighs in:

“Judith made class discussions interesting, enjoyable and sometimes controversial so everybody could pitch in their two cents without having the fear of feeling stupid. She cares about every person that walks into her classroom.”

Meet...

I’ve been an Instructor in SAIT’s School of Business for 12 years, teaching about financial planning, banking, economics and more.

Life before SAIT:

I graduated from Algonquin Polytechnic in Ottawa and then studied Business at York University, Toronto. I’ve completed the Canadian Securities and Investment Funds in Canada courses. Before joining SAIT I worked for 12 years with the TD Bank Financial Group where I gained experience in trade finance, treasury management, international banking, corporate and commercial lending, and private banking.

Favourite moments in class:

Having a student tell me he had an interview with a financial institution coming up later that week because he networked his way into an information meeting, having used skills and tools he’d gained in my class.

Spare time:

Hobbies include collecting automobile racing memorabilia, digging holes in the backyard for more gardening projects that my wife comes up with, and waiting for the sequel to the “Wall Street” movie to come out. I can be spotted on the C-train reading the latest issue of “The Economist”.

Best thing about teaching at SAIT:

One of the best parts of teaching comes from learning how my students have done with their careers, even years after they graduated. I frequently receive emails from former students to update me about what they are doing; they often comment t that what they learned at SAIT has made an important difference to their careers.

Students weighs in:

“This is my favourite teacher  I’ve had in a very long time.”

“Instructor is very knowledgeable about the material.”

“The instructor likes what he is teaching and it shows.”

“It is nice to have a teacher who cares whether the students are successful or not.”

Meet...

I teach various courses to an array of business oriented students (Business Administration, Automotive Marketing, and Hospitality Management). I have taught everything from customer service to statistics.

Life before SAIT:

I lived in Oklahoma for 4 ½ years while working on my PhD. I have taught for a number of years at SAIT and also at Mount Royal University in their business program. I have held positions in the private sector with employers ranging from Fortune 500 companies (Xerox, Kodak, 3M and GE) to more entrepreneurial ventures (an importing company, a consulting company, a house painting proprietorship, and a bicycle handle manufacturer).

Favourite moments in class:

I am very proud that many of my students have found success with companies or by undertaking their own ventures. Proving that instructors are fallible, I gave out a midterm one semester that unintentionally had the answer sheet stapled to the back. My students were so honest, though, that they told me right away.

Spare time:

 I’m a single dad so that takes a lot of my time. My son and I share a passion for Halloween and zombies. We can often be found watching really B-grade horror movies.

Best thing about teaching at SAIT:

There are a few things that really stick out about teaching at SAIT. First, we have motivated students who really have a desire to get more out of their education than just a letter grade. The faculty and staff at SAIT are really what make it a joy to come to work each day. They are supportive, professional and really care about their students.

A students weighs in:

“Cam’s class was like watching a David Letterman episode, but learning something at the same time.”

Meet...

I started teaching at SAIT 11 years ago and I still enjoy it immensely! In addition to teaching, I’m also very active in curriculum design and textbook publishing.  I have designed courses in advertising, integrated marketing communications, statistics, and marketing research for both stand-alone and blended delivery. 

Life before SAIT:

After completing doctorate work at the University of Surrey, England, I launched my professional career working in two Canadian advertising agencies. Perhaps my most exciting early advertising experience was working on the team that developed “conditioning shampoo” for Johnson and Johnson.

I later moved to the client side of the industry, as a senior member of the marketing team for the Toronto Transit Commission.  Next up I turned my avocation with amateur sports into a vocation, and helped manage several nation and international sporting events. Before joining SAIT I ran my own Calgary-based marketing communications consulting business.

Favourite moments in class:

My philosophy of teaching and learning is about discovering one's potential and challenging one’s self to be the best you can be.

My students are known for the innovative projects they are asked to produce for their marketing and management courses.  One team produced a 3D hamburger to communicate the various layers of a marketing case study. In a marketing communications course, one team presented their multi faceted plan as a birthday party in which all classmates participated.

Spare time:

I maintain my passion for sport and I am also an avid traveler. My favourite movie is Top Gun because it is about being the best you can be, while my favourite book is The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman, a USA Olympian who discovers valuable life lessons through his avatar, Socrates.

Best thing about teaching at SAIT:

Our students come to SAIT with diverse backgrounds and abilities.  This creates a special opportunity to help students discover their unique potential and to encourage them to share their strengths with others different from themselves.

A students weighs in:

"It's the perfect class with the perfect Instructor."

"Mrs. Nash has made this class the most enjoyable compared to the other classes. She is a very effective instructor."

"She makes learning fun and enjoyable.  I couldn't ask for a better teacher.  She treats us all with respect and creates a comfortable learning environment."