Today, we’re thrilled to shine our faculty spotlight on Canadian Literature instructor Bea Oertel — a passionate educator, published author, and dedicated community leader.

Just last year, Bea celebrated the release of her debut novel, The Warehouse, a young adult science fiction story published by Friesen Press. Inspired by a vivid dream, the novel follows protagonist Kim through a journey marked by abandonment, loneliness, and ultimately, resilience. The book has resonated with readers for its emotional depth and imaginative world-building. Bea is currently hard at work on the much-anticipated sequel, The Battle for Eden.

Her writing recently made waves in the Coquitlam College Student-Staff Book Club, where The Warehouse sparked lively discussions around themes of identity, imagination, and the transformative power of storytelling.

Outside the classroom and the pages of her books, Bea is also a force in the community. She volunteers with Inner Hope, mentoring urban Indigenous youth, and lends her voice to the VOC Sweet Soul Gospel Choir under the direction of Checo Tomahaso.

We’re proud to have Bea as part of our faculty — bringing not only literary insight to her students but also a passion for community, creativity, and connection.