Campus Ministry  |  Staff

Fr. Chris Valka, CSB, Chaplain/Campus Minister

Father Chris Valka, C.S.B. was recently ordained a priest for the Congregation of St. Basil in May 2009 and currently serves as the Campus Minister to the University of Windsor through Assumption University in Windsor, Ontario.

Fr. Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications/Public Relations from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas (1997); a Master of Science Degree in Secondary Education/Administration from Canisius College in Buffalo, New York (2006); and a Master of Divinity Degree from University of St. Michael’s College Faculty of Theology at the University of Toronto (2008).

Prior to his association with the Basilian Fathers, Fr. Chris was employed in special event coordination, marketing and public relations fields in both the non and for-profit sectors. Fr. Chris taught in high-risk, urban high schools for three years before professing vows with the Basilians, after which his primary ministry was at Salt + Light Television. As a Deacon, Fr. Chris was assigned to St. Albert the Great Newman Parish on the campus of New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Most recently, Fr. Chris taught American Literature, Public Speaking and Microsoft Office at Catholic Central High School in Novi, Michigan. Additional special assignments have included work at Seton Hall University, the United Nations and World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney, Australia.

Andrea Kitz, Program Coordinator

Andrea is from Hamilton, Ontario.  She is a recent graduate of the University of Windsor. She holds a B Ed in Primary Education and a BA Honours in Drama in Education and Community.

Andrea’s studies and work have always centered on creating engaging educational experiences for students of all ages. She has a passion for travelling and spent a summer in Italy teaching English. In addition to volunteering with the Children’s Liturgy program at Assumption, Andrea has previously worked as a Den Parent for the Stratford Shakespeare Festival School, Camp Director at the John Freeman Walls Historic Site & Underground Railroad Museum, and Front of House Manager for Essex Hall Theatre.

Andrea feels very blessed to be working as Program Coordinator for Campus Ministry where she feels an overwhelming sense of community, love, and support from everyone involved.

Thomas Dula, Faith Formation Coordinator

Thomas is from Windsor, Ontario. He is a recent graduate of the University of Windsor. He holds a B Ed in Dramatic Art and Religious Education as well as a BA Honours in Drama in Education and Community.

Thomas enjoys adventuring into new cultures and has taught English as a Second Language in both China and Italy. Thomas has taught for the Greater Essex County School Board for several years as an After School Drama Teacher. He worked with students from inner city schools producing many successful plays. Thomas feels the need in teaching and mentoring students in Theatre as he believes it creates confident and innovative individuals. He has shared this love for the Arts while working at the Stratford Shakespeare School as a Den Parent the past two years.

Thomas is grateful for being apart of the Campus Ministry team as the Faith Formation Coordinator. He hopes to continue the amazing work and experiences Campus Ministry has to offer.

Baillie Gibson, Program Assistant

Baillie is from Chatham, Ontario. Currently studying Psychology with a minor in French. In her spare time she enjoys participating in retreats, sports, and anything that keeps her busy.

When Baillie was asked why she wanted to work at Campus Ministry, she replied, “The atmosphere at Campus Ministry is just an incredible feeling. From the moment I walk in, I feel welcomed and blessed to have such a great place to work. I look forward to all the things I will learn and be able to bring it forth to my life’s encounters.”

Baillie aspires to be an international development worker after completing her university studies. Starting nationally and later on internationally to help those who need it most.

JC Girard, Program Assistant

J.C. was born in Windsor, Ontario and moved to Merlin, Ontario before beginning Grade One. She is currently in the Concurrent Education Program at the University of Windsor which is a fancy way to say that she will graduate with her B.A. in Psychology, B.Ed in Primary Education, and E.C.E. from St-Clair College.

J.C. is currently pursuing in a minor in Communication Studies to explore her newfound love for advertising, mass media, and public relations. Although she feels passionately about education and the development of young children, J.C. has multiple interests that do not lead to any particular career path and is quite content simply living one day at a time!

J.C. is very excited to be working for Campus Ministry because she feels her energy and enthusiasm can be put to good use by showing others that they can simply “Come as you are.”