| Staff
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| The
Mediated Learning Academy staff is comprised of specialists
dedicated to your child's growth. |
Principal
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Kathleen
Jeffrey
Ms. Jeffrey holds a Bachelor of History and Archeology from SFU;
a B.A.A. Design (Honours) from the American College for the
Applied Arts in London England; her Professional Development
Program (PDP) from SFU; a Certificate in Liberal Arts from SFU;
and her M.A. in Educational Psychology from SFU. Kathleen is
also a Bright Start Trainer of Trainers, is trained in F.I.E.
levels 1, 2, and 3; trained in Dynamic Assessment for Young
Children and L.P.A.D.; and trained in Parent as Mediator. Ms.
Jeffrey has been associated with the Variety Learning Centre
since 1996 as Summer School Teacher, Saturday Class Teacher,
Tutor, Professional Educational Trainer and Fund Raising Chair.
Ms. Jeffrey is also the only language arts program trainer for
McGraw-Hill Ryerson Press in British Columbia. Ms. Jeffrey has
taught numerous workshops across Canada, the US and Europe on
Mediated Learning Experience, Phonemic Awareness, and Language
Acquisition in Young Children. Ms. Jeffrey was in Russia in November 2003, where she was invited to present her research in
Parental Mediation and Language Development at the Russian State
University. She completed her FIE Trainers II level in July 2004
in Amsterdam. She then proceeded to Israel to work with Prof.
Feuerstein and Prof. Alex Kozulin in August 2004. |
Charity Director, Speech Pathologist
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Ingrid
Jeffrey
Ms. Jeffrey received her Masters in Speech Language Pathology
and Audiology from the University of British Columbia, where
she is currently a Clinical Associate Professor in the Speech
Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine. Having just retired
from 23 years as an SLP with Vancouver School Board, and 6 years
before that with Coquitlam School Board, she is now devoting
her energies to Executive Director of the Charity and work as
a Speech Pathologist at the school. Ms Jeffrey was instrumental
in starting the charity and Variety Learning Centre 13 years
ago and continues on with her passion for helping and diagnosing
children. Ingrid is the one of the few authorized LPAD Dynamic
Assessment Trainers in Canada and received her training as well
as taught in Israel with Prof. Rueven Feuerstein. |
School Secretary
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Tara Hackman (main school)
Coming soon... |
Janny Wong (annex)
Janny graduated from SFU with a bachelor degree in Business Administration.
Her majors were in Accounting and Marketing. She has local and international work experience with a
few major Canadian corporations. She is also fluent in both Cantonese and Mandarin. Janny is excited
to be part of the MLA staff and look forward to starting her work at the new school.
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Speech
Pathologist
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Marina Gonigberg
Mrs. Gonigberg is thrilled to join the dynamic and vibrant teaching staff at the Mediated Learning Academy.
Mrs. Gonigberg holds a M.A. in Speech Language Pathology and Special Education. While living in Israel she
completed a one year training course in LPAD and FIE at the Hadassah-WIZO Canada Research Institute under
the guidance of Professor Feuerstein and Professor Alex Kozulan. Mrs. Gonigberg specializes in literacy as
well as cognitive and language delays. She has been involved with the Variety Learning Center for the past 12 years. |
Haley Oxenham
Haley joined the team at the Mediated Learning Academy in April 2006. Just prior to this, she completed her Masters
of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from UBC. When not at work, Haley enjoys running and
skiing. She is excited to be a part of the teaching staff and the Mediated Learning Academy.
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Robyn Church
Robyn Church is originally from Vancouver (actually a second generation Vancouverite!). She has a Bachelor of
Music Performance from the University of Cincinnati and a Master's in Speech-Language Pathology from UBC. Ms.
Church is also a Certified Early Music Specialist. Prior to becoming an SLP, Ms. Church taught group music
and movement classes for preschoolers and their caregivers. For the past 4 years she has been working at the
Surrey Early Speech and Language Program helping preschoolers who have speech and/or language learning challenges.
Often the job of an SLP is to help children talk and listen better. However, it is limited to address a child's
language separately from the child's thinking. It is extremely exciting to work at the Mediated Learning Academy
where there is not the separation of language and cognition.
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Stephanie Clare
Stephanie joined the staff at the Mediated Learning Academy in September 2008. Originally from Kamloops,
Stephanie has lived in Vancouver for the past eight years. After finishing her Masters in Speech-Language
Pathology at the University of British Columbia in 2006, Stephanie worked in the Burnaby School District
for two years. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, running, and playing hockey. Stephanie is excited
to become part of the diverse team at the Mediated Learning Academy! |
Occupational
Therapist
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Kathy Obergfell
Mrs. Obergfell joined the team of the MLA in January of 2004. She graduated from the University of British
Columbia with a Bachelors of Science in Occupational Therapy. Mrs. Obergfell also completed a post-graduate
program in rehabilitation from UBC/McMaster University. Mrs. Obergfell has worked in rehabilitation since
1991 and is elated to have the opportunity to work with high school students in a setting which offers
in-house occupational therapy from K-12.
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Jenny Sexton
Ms. Sexton is thrilled
to have joined the Mediated Learning Academy as an occupational
therapist. After Graduating in 1986 in South Africa, she worked
in psychiatry, which led to pediatrics. Mrs. Sexton and her
family immigrated to Canada in 1999, and she has been working
in an early intervention program in the Tri-Cities area and
runs a small private practice. Mrs. Sexton looks forward to
developing the occupational therapy services at the MLA! |
Jacqui Soll
Jacqui Soll, working as an occupational therapist, joined Mediated Learning Academy in January 2006. She
graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Occupational Therapy. After working in a Spinal Unit at a General Hospital she had a break to
raise her family. Se returned to occupational therapy, going into paediatrics. In 1999 she and her family
immigrated to Canada where she worked as an occupational therapist in the School Aged Therapy Program and
the Early Intervention Program. She feels fortunate to work at MLA and provide direct therapy intervention
to the students at the school. |
Physiotherapist
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Sue Castell-Brown
Sue is thrilled to be part of the dynamic staff and to be given the opportunity to start the physiotherapy services at the Mediated Learning Academy. Sue graduated as a physiotherapist from Cumberland College of Health Sciences, Sydney, Australia in 1989. Sue worked at Royal Alexandria Hospital for Children in Sydney her first year, and then did locums and private practice work before deciding to travel overseas for a five month trip. That was fifteen years ago!! Except for one year working in Burlington, Vermont in private practice, Sue has worked in Vancouver. Her experience in Vancouver has included working in private practice, with active rehabilitation programs and hospital outpatients. Sue has now returned to working with children as she joined the Mediated Learning Academy in April 2006. |
Counselors
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Sara Woodwark
Ms. Sara Woodwark majored in psychology for her B.A. from Simon Fraser University, and received her M.A. in Counselling
Psychology from the University of British Columbia. Previously, she received an art diploma from The Vancouver School of
Art and the Emily Carr College of Art and Design. Ms. Woodwark has counseled children and adults for 18 years and often
incorporates art in her work with children. She is a parent and very experienced with parenting issues. She has worked
extensively with children with different learning styles, with deaf and deaf/blind clients and was on both the child
and adult teams at Family Services of Vancouver. She is experienced in treating trauma and depression, is a certified
level 2 EMDR practitioner and is a trained play therapist. She provides Neurobiofeedback for children and adults with a
wide variety of presenting problems. She enjoys consulting with the children, parents and staff at Mediated Learning
Academy and continues with an active private practice. |
Dr. Natalia Gajdamaschko
Dr. Natalia Gajdamaschko, LT lecturer and adjunct professor at the Faculty of Education Simon Fraser University, is a
Vygotskian psychologist, trained in Moscow, Russia. In North America, she has served as a Visiting Research Fellow at
the Vinson Institute of Government and the Torrance Centre for Creative Studies at the University of Georgia (USA).
As the recipient in 1993 of an Advanced Scholars Award by the International Research and Exchange Board (IREX), she
spent an academic year at the University of Connecticut's School of Education and National Centre for Gifted and
Talented conducting research on gifted education and educational psychology. Dr. Gajdamaschko has presented papers
at numerous European, North American and World congresses in the fields of educational theory, gifted education,
educational psychology and organizational psychology. She currently serves as the Vice-President of the International
Vygotsky Psychology Association. |
Graham Galette
Graham is a second generation Vancouverite with an Italian/Scottish heritage. He finds his work, as a
counsellor at the MLA not only rewarding but also in tune with his philosophy. For him the MLA is like a family
of friends, where everyone strives to be nonjudmental and aware of forming significant attachments so all can
develop their gifts. Graham has been a teacher, a family therapist and a school psychologist. He has worked for
various school boards (Langley, Vancouver, Burnaby), maintains a private practice and was a psychologist at the
Maples Adolescent Treatment Centre. Graham has received extensive training in Critical Incident Stress
Management and was a member of a Critical Incident Team for 10 years. He has received training in Threat
Assessment and is a certified level 2 EMDR practitioner. He also has a diploma from the Pacific Coast Family
Training Institute and is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of British Columbia.
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Teachers
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Keith Hansen
Mr. Hansen has a Bachelor of Education from Simon Fraser University. Within the
classroom, he loves to see his students enjoying books and the creative writing process. During his free time,
Mr. Hansen enjoys reading, playing sports, and being outdoors with his family. Other interests include coaching
baseball and basketball, reading, and learning more about science.
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| Carson Ho
Mr. Ho graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in Elementary Education. His course work included
a wide range of subject areas. Carson has experience with the YMCA, The Boys and Girls Club, private music
instruction, and music therapy. He has previously worked with students that included a wide range of special needs.
Carson is also an established musician and a children's entertainer. He plays the guitar, bass, drums, cello, banjo,
piano and has experience as a deejay. |
Rosyln Jackson
Born in South Africa, Roslyn emigrated
to Canada and taught in Alberta. She later moved to Vancouver,
where she taught with Vancouver School Board for a number of
years. She teaches Home Economics with the MLA and is pleased
to use her university background in this area. |
Tina Kirshenbaum
Ms. Kirshenbaum has taught at the MLA since its inception. Ms. Kirshenbaum graduated from Simon Fraser University
with a degree in History and a Bachelor of Education, minoring in Learning Disabilities and has been a teacher at
the MLA since its inception.Originally from Montreal, Ms Kirshenbaum is fluent in English and French. She has
worked with an inner city neighbourhood house and won an award for teaching and inclusion from “The Children’s
Centre for Ability”. Ms Kirshenbaum also has a counseling certificate and 8 years of experience working with
youth and families.In her spare time Ms Kirshenbaum enjoys reminiscing about her days as an amateur contemporary
dancer and expanding her knowledge of history and current events. She loves paddling along beautiful bodies of water
and has been known to accept challenges to plunge herself into it regardless of season or temperature. |
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Erin Slaney
Mrs. Slaney joined the team at the Mediated Learning Academy in 2004. Her resume is diverse and includes work
experience as a child/youth counselor with street kids, an ESL teacher in Japan, and SEA work with the Vancouver School
Board. Mrs. Slaney has traveled abroad to 22 different countries. From her travels, she developed an interest in
multicultural education. Some of Mrs. Slaney's interests include reading, traveling, cooking, and swimming. She
enjoys working and learning alongside her students. Erin graduated from the teaching program at SFU and did practicum
work in the Caribbean. |
Thomas Vincent
Mr. Vincent has a BEd, SFU; and a TLITE Graduate Diploma, SFU. He has coaching levels 1 and 2 in Baseball and
soccer. He is an iron man athlete. We welcome him with over 26 years teaching experience at both elementary and secondary
as well as ESL, gifted and special needs teaching experience. |
Alana Noel
I have obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Simon Fraser University and a Bachelor of Education
from the University of British Columbia. While going to university I taught skating for the City of Port Moody,
as well as working at the Port Moody Public Library. I feel that students should be provided with opportunities to
think critically and actively participate in their education. I enjoy spending time outdoors, being active, and reading. |
Joyce Westereng
Joyce has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, with a minor in Physics.
She has received her BEd. from UBC and has taught Math, Science,
Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Information Technology in Nanaimo,
Clinton, Vancouver and West Vancouver. She enjoys teaching and learning
through hands on activities and believes that learning is life-long.
Ms. Westereng has various interests such as crafts, sewing, crocheting,
carpentry, making soap and bath products, painting, hiking, camping and
sailing. Sailing is the new interest with week-long sailing trips in
Howe Sound and the Gulf Islands. |
Valerie Gauthier
Valerie received her Bachelor of Education with honours from the University of Alberta. Her focus
throughout her degree was Special Education. Ms. Gauthier attended many conferences given by the Special Education
Association of Alberta, in order to enhance her teaching abilities. Recently, Valerie had the wonderful
experience of living and teaching in Birmingham, England, where she began her career working with children
with various special needs. Luckily, she was able to take advantage of her location and travel extensively
around England, Scotland, and Ireland. Now that she has returned home, Valerie is extremely pleased to be
working with the knowledgeable and caring staff at the Mediated Learning Academy. She looks forward to a
great year challenging her new students. |
Nathan Blackburn
Nathan Blackburn is a graduate of King’s University College where he obtained a Bachelor’s
Degree in History and English Lit. Nathan is also a recent graduate of the University of Western Ontario, where
he received his B.Ed. For the past two years, Nathan has run a summer program for adults with special needs. In
the past, Nathan has also spent time as a Children’s Worker for the Canadian National Institute for the
Blind, a tutor, a guitar instructor, and a camp counselor for teenagers with physical and developmental disabilities.
Nathan is also proud to have published two teaching guides for the Passages to Literature series. In his
spare time, Nathan enjoys music, reading and cycling. He is proud to be a part of the Mediated Learning Academy. |
Oonagh Rodgers
Oonagh Rodgers holds a B.A. Degree from Open University (through Queen's, Belfast) specializing in English and Drama,
A Cert. in Education from Queen's University, Belfast, a Higher Diploma in Education from Trinity College, University
of Dublin. She also holds teacher certification from Ireland, England, Ontario and BC (Professional). Other
qualifications include, ESL (Brock), Religious Philosophy and Spirituality (Ireland and Ontario) Diploma in Journalism
(ICS Canada), Poetry Writing Cert.(UK)
Oonagh brings a wealth of teaching experience to MLA. She has worked as a teacher for 37 years with children (K-12) and
adults in Ireland, England, Portugal, S.Africa and Canada. Specialist subjects include Religious Philosophy and
Spirituality, Literature, Creative Dance and Drama and Creative Writing. Ms.Rodgers has undergone intensive study and
training in Theology, Philosophy, Spirituality, Gregorian Chant and Meditation at the Dominican House of Studies,
Ireland. She has also completed a two year course in the Theory and Practice of Psychosynthesis at the Institute of
Psychosynthesis, Dublin and a one year course in the Healing Arts at the 7Way Healing School and Complementary Therapy
Centre in England.
Oonagh has also owned her own part-time business 'Anamcara Enterprises' which sought through education, seminars,
workshops, and individual coaching, to facilitate and support the ongoing awakening to spiritual awareness and
personal development. She has also given over 100 workshops and seminars to a wide variety of groups - teachers,
professional and spiritual leaders, community workers, unemployed and other community groups. Oonagh believes strongly
in integrating the Arts into learning at every level, whether child or adult. Her approach is unique and as a result
one of her projects in Ontario was televised for Vision TV.
In accepting the post of English and Drama teacher at MLA, Oonagh hopes to dedicate her talents and experience to
facilitate the learning of her students. |
Lucas Anchor
Mr. Anchor has a B.A. in Communications, a B.Ed. (Honours, top 10% of students) and PDP teacher certification
from SFU. He has recently returned from Japan and Korea where he taught English education to grade 1-6 students. He
has extensive training and experience working with special education students/students with behavioural and psychological
issues through his work with the FOCUS Foundation. He has a coaching Level 1 Theory and Technical Certification for football. |
Fred Minty
Mr. Minty has a B.A. (Honours) Math, University of Oregon; MA Math, North-western University; and Ph.D. work Math,
UBC. He has taught College Math at U.B.C., Malaspina College, and the University of the Pacific California. He has authored
and edited high school level Math text books and was the metric editor for a B.C. Home Economics text book. He currently
teaches Math 11 and 12 for Coquitlam Continuing Education. We welcome him with 42 years of teaching experience. |
Dan Birsan
Mr. Birsan has a B.E.; Graduate Diploma in Sports Administration from Concordia University, and a B.C. P.Q.P.
teaching certification from Simon Fraser University. He was a professional basketball player with the Romanian National
League. He also played for “The Stingers” of Concordia University in Montreal. He is fluent in English,
French and Romanian and has taught at the high school level for the Coquitlam School District no.43 and Surrey School
District no.36. He has also taught at the elementary school level in Montreal, Quebec. He is a dedicated coach and has
worked with children in multiple environments from sports recreational leagues to intensive sport camps.
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Fisal Khan
Mr. Khan has a B.A. International Relations York University; MA, Political Science, University of Toronto;
PhD work; Political Science, ESL certificate University of T.; B.Ed. University of T. He has taught in the UK and Ontario
including Special Education History classes and at York University. He was academic counsellor at Woodsworth College,
University of T. During the Gulf War he served as a special consultant for the Middle East for the Government of Canada,
External Affairs. Mr. Khan has coached soccer and taught Fine Arts Classes. |
Blair Yochim
Mr. Yochim passionately specializes in the middle and high school Mathematics and Sciences subjects and has received a
“Teacher of the Year 2006 Award” from a local tutoring referral agency for his effective tutoring with many
students. For more than a decade, he has been very active in the BC Government/Science World program called “Scientists
and Innovators in the Schools (SIS)” and has presented to over 7,000 students throughout BC. He previously was a
Professional (Electrical) Engineer and is the inventor of a patent on data encryption. Other interests include puzzles,
magic, astronomy, space travel, philosophy, vegetarianism, and is actively concerned with social, environmental, and
animal issues."
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Jennifer Pritchard
"I graduated from the University of Victoria in 2000 with a Bachelor of Education. I started my career in New Zealand
teaching high school Mathematics for two years. I moved from there to Korea for another year of teaching. I have now
landed back in Canada, my home, and I am looking forward to a new life experience at the Mediated Learning Academy. In my
free time I enjoy the outdoors and being creative."
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Kelli Lein
Kelli graduated in 2004 from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She also
took part in the International Education Module of SFU's Professional Development Program, through which she worked with
First Nations schools in Northern BC and completed a teaching practicum in Trinidad. Her subsequesnt teaching experience
ranges from teaching Kindergarten to Adult Education and she has worked both in Canada and abroad.
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Peter Woods
Mr. Woods became a staff member at the Mediated Learning Academy in 2006. He has a Bachelor of Education degree from the
University of Winnipeg. Mr. Woods has worked with children and adults with special needs at the YMCA, in social services
organizations and at summer camps. He has taught in Canada and ESL in Korea. Mr. Woods enjoys traveling, cycling, reading
and spending time with his family and friends. |
Matthew Jeang
Matt is a proud graduate of the SFU Professional Development Program from the Social Justice Module. He has taught at
various private Christian academies in the Lower Mainland from K-12. He is also a tutor with Sylvan Learning Centre.
Prior to teaching, he worked in the Environmental and Engineering industry with both private consulting companies and
government agencies in Alberta.
He is an advocate for equality and justice through literacy programs. He has volunteered with Save the Children
Canada, Frontier College, Ray Cam Community Center, Union Gospel Mission, and Mosaic. He has been a long time coach
with B.C. Special Olympics. Moreover, he has worked with the homeless on the Downtown Eastside.
He is an avid sports fan who enjoys exploring the great outdoors, playing tennis, ice-hockey, football, and badminton.
Having been trained (NCCP) in basketball and volleyball and he is looking forward to coaching this year.
Matt was recently married this past summer. His wife, Andrea, is also a teacher.
I am looking forward to my first year at MLA. With the support from all the dedicated staff, I will work diligently
to maximize the growth of your wonderful children. |
Stephen Chang
Steven Chang holds a B.A. in English and a B.Sc. in Mathematics from UBC, where he also received a degree in education
in secondary program. He also obtained a TESL certificate from UBC while completing his B.A., and a minor in Chinese
Language Studies while finishing his B.Sc. Steven believes learning is a life-long process and is currently enrolled in
Guidance Counseling Diploma Program at UBC. He is a member of Golden Key International Society, and enjoys academic and
intellectual challenges.
In his free time, Steven has volunteered as a counselor and advisor for over six years in a youth group, where he
has helped young people deal with various issues. He also worked for a couple of summers as a camp counselor for an
organization that specialized in organizing integrated camps for children with special needs, as well as adults with
special needs. Steven has volunteered with many different charities, and has also coordinated various fundraising
events for different charities. He finds it extremely rewarding and satisfactory when he is able to work with others
to give back to the society.
Steven is a new teacher to MLA, and he is excited to teach the grade 6/7 modified class this year. He believes
learning should be fun and purposeful, and plans to challenge his students (academically, intellectually and
otherwise) daily while having fun and exciting activities! |
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Special Education Assistant
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Leeanne Cole
Leanne is a SEA for the primary divisions. She graduated from the Fraser Valley College with a diploma in Social
Services. She has worked as a teacher assistant for the Mission and Terrace School Boards. In addition to her teacher
support experience Leeanne has also worked as an Integration Support Worker, Residential Care Worker, and Intervention
Worker. She has lived in various places around the country such as New Brunswick and Parksville. Besides enjoying her
work at the Mediated Learning Academy, Leeanne also enjoys running, playing soccer, and valuing the friendships she
has made throughout her life. |
Younis Suleman
Younis graduated from Mosul University with a Forestry degree. He worked as a college instructor with Mosul
University in Mosul, Iraq, as a Research Officer at the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia, then as a college
instructor with Omar Elmukhtar University in Libya. Younis arrived in Canada as an independent immigrant along with his
family and worked for a landscaping company before joining Stenberg College in Surrey where he completed the SEA Diploma
program in 2005. |
Stephan Fournier
Stephan Fournier has been teaching and coaching students in one form or another for over 20 years. He first answered his
calling at the age of 15 when he started coaching swimming and gymnastics at the local YMCA in Winnipeg, Manitoba. After
graduating from music school, Stephan started accepting private music students as well as traveling the country playing
in various bands. Presently, Stephan spends his time studying martial arts where he holds a 2nd degree Black
belt in Karate, 1st degree black belt in Iaido, brown belt in Aikido as well as a level 1 coaching certificate
for Karate BC. He also has recently opened his own karate dojo in Burnaby and is MLA’s choir director, guitar
teacher and karate instructor.
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Sharon Klein
Sharon is a newcomer to the MLA and is a SEA in a Grade 5 class. She is a certified Orton Gillingham tutor with tutor
associate status and has tutored for the past 5 years at James Cameron School. She enjoys working with children and
has a great love of animals, especially dogs. In the past she has been a puppy walker for BC Guide Dogs which she found
to be a very rewarding experience. Sharon is confident in her experience as a tutor and is a pleasure to have in the classroom.
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Marilu Dias
Marilu was born in Lima, Peru and immigrated to Canada in 2005.
She has a background in psychology, and has worked at the MLA as a SEA since 2006. Her resume includes over 10 years work
experience with children and youth with special needs and psychological challenges. She has worked as a children's
play therapist and counselor with adults and parents in her country. During her spare time she enjoys to be with her two
kids and husband, and do handcrafts. She believes in mediated learning experience as a process of learning and living. |
Nicole Murphy
Nicole is going on her second year working at the Mediated Learning Academy. Previously she graduated from
West Coast College of Healthcare and received a diploma for Community Support Justice Worker specializing in
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Prior to this, she worked with children and adults who have special needs. In her free
time Nicole enjoys spending time with her family and friends and being active outdoors. Nicole is looking
forward to another year to learn and grow with the staff and students of MLA. |
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