Career Counselling

Malou Twynam, Career Counsellor

MEd Counselling Psychology, University of Toronto (OISE)
MA Sociology, University of Waterloo

Malou earned her Master of Education in Counselling Psychology in addition to a previous Master’s Degree in Sociology. Prior to joining the team at the UTM Career Centre, she worked for seven years in career services assisting persons with disabilities to achieve their career goals. She also has experience providing personal counselling to post-secondary students and adults. She enjoys helping students to discover their unique gifts, explore career possibilities and make confident career decisions. Malou enjoys outdoor adventures including kayaking, camping and hiking. She is also an avid reader and cook. 

Claire Smith-Victor, Career Counsellor

Claire worked at UTSC and as a sessional College Professor at George Brown College prior to joining UTM Career Centre. She holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Counselling (now Counselling Psychology) with a focus on Career Counselling, from the University of Ottawa. Always being aware of the importance to lift as she climbs, Claire has volunteered as a Mentor to newcomers at CultureLink and the Newcomer Information Centre of the YMCA of Greater Toronto. She is currently on the Board of Directors of Skills for Change.

Claire believes every student has the ability to make academic and career decisions that are right for them. In addition to resources and support, what they require is an understanding of how their values, interests and acquired skills can help in that decision-making process. Claire loves being outdoors walking trails and riding her bike. She has walked the trails of Kathmandu Valley, trekked the Annapurna Sanctuary and climbed to Uhuru’s peak on Mt. Kilimanjaro.  

Jamie Kunkel, Career Counsellor

Jamie has over 8 years of experience in the post-secondary career development field and worked at the University of Guelph-Humber, UTSC Career Centre and UTSC Arts and Science co-op before joining the UTM Career Centre. She is currently completing her MEd in educational research, interdisciplinary studies, with a combined focus in inclusive education and school and counselling psychology. Jamie believes in the importance of resilience in career development and encourages students to start with their strengths and view setbacks as an opportunity to learn.  

Outside of her time at work and school, Jamie enjoys distance running (very slowly), listening to true crime podcasts, Legos, puzzles and watching copious amounts of reality TV. 

Dan Zamfir, Career Counsellor, Registered Psychotherapist (RP) 

MEd Counselling Psychology, University of Toronto (OISE) 

Ed Developmental Psychology, University of Toronto (OISE) 

B.Sc. Life Sciences, McMaster University 

Dan has over 4 years of counselling and psychotherapy experience ranging from work in private practice, non-profits, and with students at UTM in Career Counselling. Dan originally began his career counseling journey as a practicum student intern, and subsequently was hired on as a full-time role. Dan focuses his work on building strong rapport with students and working with them collaboratively on their career journey to accomplish and work towards their goals. 

Outside of working, Dan loves to play golf, video games, and spend time with his partner Liz and dog Lindor.  

Panayiota Platanitis, Career Counsellor 

Panayiota has worked in student affairs for 15 years, helping students through career counselling and academic advising roles. She has enjoyed assisting students one-on-one and in groups, but also behind the scenes, by developing resources and tools to help students turn their careers from abstract ideas, into realities. Her favourite part of her work is helping students turn on the metaphorical “lightbulb” over their heads as they identify even the smallest insight that moves them along in their career. Outside of work, she enjoys getting her hands messy, completing various creative and DIY projects.