Conflict Coaching

Conflict shapes our lives; how do we shape conflicts? Conflict Coaching provides students with an opportunity to learn more about their conflict styles, using the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument. Explore your results with a conflict coach and learn how to apply this knowledge to your everyday life.

Find your preferred conflict style

To request a virtual Conflict Coaching session with one of our advisors, please visit https://elevate.ucalgary.ca. Under Advising, select “Student Conduct Office” to see our appointment times. Once you have booked with us, we’ll contact you with more details and a code to complete the online Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument assessment.

If you are requesting conflict coaching to discuss a particular conflict, please note there are specialists across campus who may be better suited to support you, depending on the context of the conflict. Here is a short list of those supports:

  1. Conflicts between graduate students and supervisors

    Contact Graduate and International Academic Specialists

  2. Conflicts where Residence Community Standards apply

    Contact the Residence Life Coordinator for your building

  3. Conflicts where there are mental health concerns or where counselling is desired

    Contact Student Wellness Services

  4. Conflicts involving sexual violence

    Contact Sexual Violence Support


Conflict Coaches

Andrew Barry

Andrew Barry

Specialist, Conduct and Conflict Management (Residence)

Andrew Barry is the Specialist, Conduct & Conflict Management (Residence). He has a special interest in ensuring students feel safe at school. Holding a Master of Education degree from the University of Cape Town, his dissertation examined the safety of students at a high school in an area with a high crime rate. While he was a Master’s student, he founded the South African version of the It Gets Better Project, an anti-homophobic and transphobic bullying campaign. Prior to joining the Student Conduct team, Andrew worked at Leadership and Student Engagement, and the Students’ Union. Outside of work, Andrew can be found hiking with his Kerry Blue Terrier Etienne and travelling as much as possible.

Andrew’s CliftonStrengths top five themes of talent are Achiever, Analytical, Context, Intellection, and Responsibility. His top 3 preferred conflict modes according to the TKI assessment are Collaborating, Accommodating, Compromising.

Renata Gordon

Renata Gordon

Specialist, Conduct and Conflict Management (Residence) - Currently on maternity leave

Renata Gordon is the Specialist, Conduct & Conflict Management. She is interested in how people relate to one another, and what makes a healthy community. Originally from Edmonton, Renata has worked at the University of Calgary since 2014 and helped coordinate a variety of different student programs prior to this role, including the Peer Helper Program, the Welcome Centre for new-to-Calgary students, and Bystander Intervention Training. Currently pursuing a Masters in Conflict Analysis and Management through Royal Roads University, Renata is working to better understand how conflict can affect and transform our lives. Outside of work, Renata can be found practicing yoga, watching good stand-up comedy, and cross-country skiing in Kananaskis (but usually not all at the same time)!

Her StrengthsQuest top five themes of talent are Strategic, Connectedness, Empathy, Intellection, and Input. Her top 3 preferred conflict modes according to the TKI assessment are Accommodating, Collaborating, and Competing.

Isabel Fandiño

Isabel Fandiño

Advisor, Student Conduct & Conflict Management

Isabel Fandiño is the Advisor, Student Conduct & Conflict Management. She is interested in how people perceive and experience conflict in their everyday lives, and how it can be framed in constructive ways. Originally from Brazil, Isabel has worked at the University of Calgary since 2018 and has supported a variety of different student programs prior to this role, including programs from International Student Services, Residence Services, as well as research projects in the Sociology department. Recently, Isabel completed a Masters in Sociology from the University of Calgary, focusing on the experiences of International Graduate Students and their families. Outside of work, Isabel can be found exploring Calgary's art and culinary scene.

Isabel's CliftonStrenghts top five themes of talent are Context, Communication, Activator, Adaptability and Strategic. Her top 3 preferred conflict modes according to the TKI assessment are Compromising, Collaborating, and Competing.

Katie McLean

Katie McLean

Coordinator, Community Justice Initiatives

Katie is the Coordinator, Community Justice Initiatives. She has a keen interest in encouraging factors of overall wellbeing. When working with students, her goal is to lead with empathy and understanding. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Guelph, a Master of Education from the University of Ottawa, and is completing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Prior to joining the Student Conduct Office, Katie was the Coordinator, Neighborhood Relations and Off-Campus Living at the University of Guelph. Outside of work, Katie enjoys singing, improv and standup comedy, hiking and skiing, cooking, and spending time with her daughter and husband. She is grateful to live and work on treaty 7 lands.

Katie’s CliftonStrengths top five themes of talent are Adaptability, Winning Others Over, Empathy, Positivity and Activator. Her top 3 preferred conflict modes according to the TKI assessment are Competing, Compromising and Avoiding.