The OCQAS operates within the structure of the Colleges Ontario, and is responsible to a separate Management Board. The staffing model of the OCQAS ensures that the services provided to colleges will be in the language of operation for the colleges: French-language service to the French-language colleges, and English-language service to the English-language colleges.

We are proud of our vision and our work to ensure quality and consistency across the post-secondary education system. If you’d like to learn more about our vision and what we do, please visit here.

We also have a dedicated Management Board that provides us with guidance and support. If you’d like to learn more about our management board, please click here.

  • Karen Belfer, PhD

    Executive Director

    Karen oversees the self-regulatory mechanisms for the public colleges in Ontario and is responsible for the operation of the Credentials Validation Service and the College Quality Assurance Audit Process.

    Prior to joining OCQAS, Karen was Dean of the Centre for Instructional Development and Applied Research at Vancouver Community College (VCC), a unit responsible for college-wide instructional development, program review, curriculum development, educational technology and applied research. She was also responsible for the School of Instructor Education, Centre for Business Studies, and the School of Arts and Science – University Transfer and College Foundations.

    As an Educational Consultant for the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), University of British Columbia (UBC) and Technical University of British Columbia (TechBC), her focus was the design and implementation of new educational approaches and technologies to enhance the teaching and learning process.

  • Sylvie Mainville, M.Ed.

    Quality Assurance Manager

    Sylvie provides management services in support of the Ontario College Quality Assurance Service (OCQAS) organizational needs. She works with the Executive Director and the Management Board to ensure ongoing consistency of the OCQAS processes with international best practices in quality assurance for and within Ontario’s Colleges.

    Prior to this role, her studies in linguistics, psychology and education led her to teach preschool to senior-aged students in a variety of settings including schools, colleges, non-profit agencies, corporations, and even for members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

    She came to OCQAS from Cambrian College where she managed all QA processes and mechanisms including new program development and program review, policy and procedure redaction, and all course, program and institution level accreditations and audits. At Cambrian, Sylvie established and actioned an audit process to review third-party educational institutions (for international students).

    Sylvie loves communicating and engaging with invested parties during the development and implementation of projects and offering supports and training in both French and English to the college community.

  • David Vares, PhD

    Quality Assurance Associate

    David supports the organizational objectives of the Ontario College Quality Assurance Service (OCQAS) by providing resourceful application and alignment of the Standards of Practice for International Education Quality Assurance Audit (SPIEQAA) for and within Ontario’s Colleges.

    David is an experienced post-secondary professional known for his dedication to international student support and engagement. His leadership as the Executive Director of a Graduate Student Association brings an interactive understanding of organizational initiatives, enhancing academic operations, and fostering cultural relevance in various aspects of student life.

    David is also a sessional professor within the University and College sector. He has a proven track record in post-secondary academic audits, college program accreditation, continual improvement feedback planning, forecasting data analysis, research and student supervision.

    David has a passionate history of non-profit board and governance and is a dedicated community leader in various fields, including education, research, healthcare, finance, economic development, and youth sports.

  • Karan Talreja

    Social Media Strategist

    Karan creative and strategic expertise shapes the social media and branding direction at OCQAS. With a robust marketing background from India’s top brands and enhanced by a digital marketing certification from York University, he plays a key role in strengthening OCQAS’ digital presence. Karan’s efforts ensure that every message is clear and impactful. His experience in Ontario’s educational landscape as an international student gently informs his creative process, enriching OCQAS’ content with diverse perspectives.

    Karan’s passion for design and a constant quest for innovation are at the heart of his approach, always seeking out fresh, impactful ways to create meaningful work.