Hi there! I’m Yue-Ching, the Chair of the Recreation Studies Department, and I’m passionate about helping students explore the vibrant world of recreation and community services. I teach in both the Bachelor of Recreation Management Program and the Recreation Leadership Diploma Program, where I’m always excited to experiment with new ways to make learning more dynamic and engaging—like through our Virtual Exchange projects with Penn State University and Hyflex learning opportunities. During my time at Langara, I also taught in the Department of Geography & Geology and worked in Langara’s Centre for Intercultural Engagement.
With a rich background in recreation and community services, I’ve had the pleasure of working with both public and private organizations, including non-profits like swimming and triathlon sport groups. My experience spans everything from aquatic services to senior programs, and I even managed fitness and aquatic facilities for a municipality before stepping into my role at Langara. My expertise lies in project management, facilities operations, and policy development, which means I’ve been lucky enough to work on everything from research and curriculum design to organizing large-scale community and sporting events.
Research Focus
I’m currently leading an exciting 3-year project called “Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEAs) in Public Recreation,” funded by NSERC. This initiative aims to create more inclusive recreation opportunities, especially for racialized and immigrant groups. I’m proud to be working alongside partners like the BC Recreation and Parks Association, the City of Burnaby, the City of Courtenay, and the South Asian Community Hub.
I’m also involved in Applied Research at Langara College as the Social Sciences & Humanities Research Coordinator. If you’re curious about my recent work, you can check out my latest publications on my Google Scholar profile.
Community Engagement
Community service is at the heart of everything I do. I’ve co-founded the Tri Cities Triathlon Club and have served on the board for Triathlon British Columbia. I’ve also had the honor of being a Sport Chair for both the 2016 and 2020 BC Summer Games.
In the world of aquatic recreation, I work with the Lifesaving Society and various municipalities to organize professional development opportunities for those in the field. I also serve as an advisor for the BC Recreation and Parks Association’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives, and I’m involved in training programs for the Recreation Facilities Association of BC.
One of the highlights of my career has been working closely with community partners to secure over $45,000 in grants for students to gain hands-on learning experiences, as well as more than $30,000 in new scholarships for students in the Recreation Studies Department.
Credentials
I hold a Master of Science in Geography from Simon Fraser University, and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Physical Geography, where I specialized in geomorphology and hydrology. I’ve also completed certificates in Liberal Arts from Simon Fraser University and Project Management from the University of British Columbia. I’m a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), an Intercultural Development Inventory Qualified Administrator, and I’ve been trained in IAP2 public engagement methodology.
Let’s Connect!
Whether you’re looking for program advising, interested in chatting about a course, or want to discuss an applied research project, I’d love to connect with you! Feel free to book an appointment, and I look forward to meeting you.