Meet the Faculty

"I teach because I love teaching and it allows me the opportunity to make a difference in my students lives. What I love most about teaching is inspiring students to pursue their hopes and dreams. I do this by creating classroom moments that engage students while creating a positive and fun learning environment.”

Chris has a very diverse background. From living and working overseas in key corporate positions; ranging from working for the South Korean government in their Foreign Direct Investment Department, to travelling the globe as the investor relations manager for one of the largest technology joint ventures in Asia.

With stops along the way in equity research, financial services as a wealth advisor, and consulting; Chris now spends his time doing what he loves most, learning about new technologies (AI and Blockchain), teaching and creating robust businesses that provide value.

You can learn more about Chris on LinkedIn.

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Laurie Logan is a proud Algonquin College Alumni who graduated with top honours in the Small Business Management program in 1998.  Upon graduating, Laurie immediately seized the opportunity to implement her educational background to begin her own successful entrepreneurial journey. Laurie has taken those experiences and is now a respected business Professor and consultant.  Continuously expanding her business network, she helps other like-minded entrepreneurs build successful businesses.

A full time professor at Algonquin College since 2004, Laurie stays current by regularly attending business networking events, updating her skills and knowledge through further education, and performing guest speaking engagements for small and large business organizations.  Laurie’s colleagues and student learners recognize her passion for teaching and inspirational leadership, which has resulted in numerous ‘Excellence in Teaching’ awards.

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Entrepreneur – Educator - Author Chris is a full-time professor in the Business Management and Entrepreneurship (B-ME) program who thrives on teaching his students who have the goal of owning or managing a small business. “Entrepreneurial students are in a different class all by themselves” says Castillo, “they are leaders, not followers, and they take the steps necessary to learn how to succeed in their chosen field; it’s a privilege to help them do that!” As a seasoned professor, serial entrepreneur, investor and published author (Knowles/Castillo), Chris shares his entrepreneurial experiences and knowledge, giving the students in the program the added bonus of having the author of their textbook standing at the front of their class! Chris has started over 10 businesses ranging from restaurant, coffee shop, jean manufacturing, internet business to currently a mechanic shop and international entrepreneur coaching/consulting company. He is also an early stage investor in local and international businesses. Chris is a highly sought after entrepreneur consultant/coach, educator and conference speaker and has gained the reputation of being “One of Canada’s Finest Entrepreneurship Instructors” and was awarded to represent Canada in a World Trade University Global Conference on Youth Entrepreneurship in 2006 in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Chris is also a philanthropist having worked with Street Kids International in Ecuador and Peru helping and coaching street kids to start businesses that were not harmful to them and ultimately leading them to getting off the street. Chris also assisted in the start-up of Jade’s KIDS Foundation in British Columbia. Back to Chris's Info.

Love what you do and it's not work. I am very fortunate to love what I do. After teaching at Algonquin College for 10 years, I still am excited to walk into each new class. The next 15 years must be about innovation NOT imitation. By working side-by-side with our future entrepreneurs and managers, we have weekly discussions and applied learning in my Business Management and Retail Management classes where we begin to tackle the concerns of today and brainstorm ways of making business efficient, effective and sustainable; all while ensure that each student begins to find their place in this exciting future. "A very charismatic individual with a great understanding of how to connect with her students and get everyone to participate." - B-ME Alumni Back to Cheryl 's Info.

Erika is a Professor in Human Resources and is the School of Business Faculty Coop Coordinator.

Erika has over 11 years of teaching experience and over 8 years Coop experience at Algonquin College.

Her industry experience has been as a Human Resources Generalist for both public sector organizations and private enterprises.

Erika holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Ottawa with a double major in Human Resources Management and Marketing.

Erika enjoys guiding and supporting students through their academic journey to develop skills which will enable their success for their chosen career.

When she is not teaching Erika enjoys travelling and participating in a wide variety of sports.

Back to Erika's Info.