Green Dot trainers
Get to know our very own UM Green Dot trainers: passionate, skilled, and committed to creating a safer university community.
Each trainer brings their own experience, expertise, and dedication to helping students and staff recognise and act as a bystander to sexual violence. Learn more about who they are and what drives them to make a difference.
Joyce Grul - Maastricht University Office
She/her
English and Dutch
Joyce has spent her academic and professional life talking about positive sexuality, sexual encounters, and relationships - because sexuality is part of who we are. It shapes how we see ourselves, how we interact with others, and how we form relationships, also at work and in education.
Through those conversations, one truth became clear: far too many people are harmed by sexual violence. Today, Joyce leads Maastricht University’s Sexual Safety Programme, working to prevent sexual violence and strengthen a safer, more inclusive UM community.
Jack Rees - Maastricht University Office
He/him
English
For the past seven years, Jack has worked closely with students and staff as a weightlifting coach at UM Sports, helping people build not only physical strength, but also confidence, resilience, and connection. Through his work, he’s seen firsthand how a sense of safety and trust can shape how we show up, in the gym, in the classroom, and in our communities.
These experiences have shaped Jack’s dedication to fostering environments where everyone feels respected and supported. He brings that commitment to his role with Maastricht University’s Sexual Safety Programme, working to prevent sexual violence and promote positive relationships across the UM community.
Ola Pawlowska - Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience
She/her
English
Ola is a behavioural scientist focusing on sexuality and relationships. At Maastricht University, she works as a teacher, engaging students in critical conversations about sexual health, intimacy, and relational dynamics. Her research and teaching reflect a strong commitment to fostering openness, respect, and inclusivity in both academic and broader community contexts. Through her involvement with Green Dot, Ola contributes to the prevention of sexual violence and the promotion of healthier, more supportive environments for staff and students alike.
Mick Fleuren - Student Services Centre and UM Sports
He/him
English and Dutch
Mick works closely with students and staff as a basketball coach and Sports Coordinator at UM, supporting student sports associations and helping people enjoy sports and connect people through sport. Through this work, he has seen how a safe and supportive environment can empower students to thrive, not only in sports, but also in their studies and personal lives.
Mick believes that many changes in society start within universities, which is why he is proud to contribute to creating a culture of safety and respect at UM. He brings this commitment to his role as a Green Dot trainer, working to prevent sexual violence and foster positive, inclusive connections across the UM community.
Mayke Pothof - School of Business and Economics
She/her
English and Dutch
Since studying Business and Economics at UM in 1995, Mayke has been interested in creating and maintaining a safe learning environment. After first working in an international context abroad, and now for almost 19 years at UM in different roles, she still believes in the strength of a socially safe working environment in which sexual safety is also key.
Currently, as a PhD coordinator and Internal PhD confidential advisor, she continues to strive for an inclusive environment among PhDs and beyond, because people learn, create, and develop best when “you and I are okay.”
Caroline Kortbeek - School of Business and Economics
She/her
English and Dutch
Caroline has been working at the School of Business and Economics (SBE) for quite some time in various support staff roles. During that time, she has seen not only her colleagues and students, but also her children and their friends, grow and develop. This made her realise how crucial a sense of safety is for anyone to flourish in life.
Therefore, Caroline is happy to be an ambassador for Green Dot and offers interactive bystander workshops to strengthen positive university norms and promote a safer environment for all.
Ceren Cingi - Faculty of Science and Engineering and University College Maastricht
She/her
English
For the past four years Ceren has been working as an Education and Research Officer at University College Maastricht (UCM). In addition to this role, she has joined the Green Dot team since 2024. Both in her tutorials and workshops, she aims at creating a welcoming atmosphere where people can engage in respectful dialogs and learn from each other.
Ceren's enthusiasm to bridge the gap between research and practice nicely translates into providing evidence-based workshops. She finds it highly important to address the topic of sexual safety and is glad to be a part of a team that aims to foster safer environments for all.
Laura Smeets - Faculty of Science and Engineering and University College Maastricht
She/her
English and Dutch
For the past five years, Laura has worked as a Student Counsellor at Maastricht University College (UCM), supporting students through a wide range of personal and academic challenges. In that role, she has spoken with many students who have experienced sexual violence, conversations that are often deeply personal, and always important.
These experiences have deepened Laura’s commitment to creating a university environment where safety, respect, and care are the norm. She brings that commitment to her role as a Green Dot trainer, working to prevent and reduce sexual violence and to strengthen a culture of active bystander support across the UM community.
Nisali Perera - Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience
She/her
English
Nisali has worked on multiple levels of sexual violence prevention and the understanding of sexual behaviour. She was a research assistant at the Sexuality and Wellbeing Lab in Malaysia, gaining experience in studying sexual behaviour across cultures. In Sri Lanka, she contributed to policy-focused, community-based projects addressing sexual bribery, while in academic contexts she has carried out research on sexual violence prevention and response.
She is a strong advocate for evidence-based interventions and is dedicated to turning research into culturally sensitive practical solutions. In her role with the Sexual Safety Programme and Green Dot team, she applies this commitment to her work. Her goal is to help build a safer and a more inclusive university community.