CAUT staff appointments

Catherine Aubin

Executive Services Project Coordinator (Term)

Catherine joined the Canadian Association of University Teachers in April 2022 as Executive Services Assistant. Over the past few months, Catherine has demonstrated her expertise through her work on the implementation of Tradewing, as well as the great work she has done supporting programs and processes such as translation services and Defence Fund. Prior to joining CAUT, Catherine developed her knowledge and skills in project coordination and process improvement through related training and hands-on experience supporting and working on a variety of projects throughout her career.

Lissa Cowan

Communications Officer (Term)

Lissa is a communications professional with experience in working at the grassroots level to engage the public on a range of issues such as Aboriginal rights, children who have special needs, immigration and diversity, as well as biocultural diversity and climate change. She has developed and implemented communications strategies and led campaigns to increase brand visibility and help shape public policy. She was fortunate to be part of a landmark case involving First Nations fishing rights on Canada’s West Coast. She teaches writing online for the University of Calgary’s Writing Certificate program and holds seminars on proposal writing and editing. She has an MA from l'Université de Montréal in English Studies, a post-graduate diploma in writing and editing from the University of Victoria, BC., and a BA in English Literature from Concordia University.

Sarah Hedges-Chou

Organizing Officer (Term)

Sarah has over eight years of experience working on human rights issues in the non-profit sector. Most recently, she worked as a National Representative in the Human Rights Department of the Canadian Labour Congress. Before joining the labour movement, Sarah worked in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights, as Development Policy Officer at Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights and as Executive Coordinator at the Youth Coalition for Sexual and Reproductive Rights.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and a Master of Arts from Carleton University in Women’s and Gender Studies. Passionate about gender justice and equity issues, Sarah applies an anti-oppressive and feminist lens to her work. Sarah grew up in rural Ontario and now lives in Ottawa, on unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin territory.

Christie Witt

Graphic Designer (Term)

Over the past year, Christie has been working with the Communications team as a Graphic Designer while Lauren Gatti was on parental leave. Lauren will be returning to work in late November, at which time she will resume her regular Graphic Design responsibilities. Following Lauren's return, Christie will be joining the Information Management Project Team as Graphic Designer. Prior to joining CAUT, Christie worked on print and digital design projects for a variety of industries including in the technology, government relations, and healthcare sectors. She is also a certified member of the Association of Registered Graphic Designers.

Catherine Wright

Research Analyst

Catherine is an industrial relations professional with experience in research, classification, and labour relations. Catherine has previously worked in government and as a Research Officer for the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada. There, she conducted research in support of collective bargaining and grew the organization's focus on equity by spearheading the intersectional PIPSC Women in Science initiative.

Originally from Oshawa, Ontario, Catherine graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Economics and Gender Studies and a Master of Industrial Relations.