| Staff
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| The
Mediated Learning Academy staff is comprised of specialists
dedicated to your child's growth. |
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. |
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. |
Vice Principal, Annex
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Jim Brown
Jim Brown began his career in 1967, teaching grade nine and eleven English in Alberta. After being too cold, too many times,
there, he moved to Kamloops and taught in various schools before moving to Vancouver. In Vancouver he took an active role in
running city wide sports programs over a number of years as well as spending time in the classroom and acting as head teacher.
He moved to England for a period in 1977 and spent his teaching time in a one room building in the New Forest while passing
his leisure time racing on the Solent. After retiring seven years ago, he quickly found out that one can only play so much
golf, so began working at Mediated Learning Academy in a number of capacities. He looks forward daily to the diverse
challenges presented at the school and enjoys the dedication of the teachers and students, feeling that working with
them is a privilege. |
Pauline Stephen
I recently retired from the Coquitlam School District where I worked for 21 years with many varied types of
students. I started my career teaching a full day kindergarten class for children with developmental delays.
I also taught a regular kindergarten class and then a district program for elementary aged students with conduct
disorders &/or oppositional defiance. I eventually moved into Learning Assistance and began working with learning
disabled and other students who were struggling with reading or math. I trained in Reading Recovery to specialize
in early reading skills. For the past 9 years I have been a consultant on the school district’s autism team. In
this position I taught classes to both teachers and special education assistants on all aspects of autism. As well,
I worked with individual elementary, middle and secondary school teams to support them in providing service in all
aspects of their students’ programs.
On a personal level, I have 4 grown children of my own and just recently became a new, very proud grandparent. |
School Secretary
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Tara Gallant (main school)
Tara joined the Mediated Learning Academy in 2005. She graduated with a degree in Business
Administration from the Halifax Business Academy, with an updated certificate from Sprott Shaw College. She has 5
years experience as a Licensed Daycare Operator, as well as personal hands on experience with children with learning
challenges. Personal interests include taking credit courses in Interior Design. She has 2 school age children, one
of whom attends Mediated Learning Academy. |
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.
|
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 Kozulin. Mrs. Gonigberg specializes in literacy as
well as cognitive and language delays. She has been involved with the Variety Learning Center for the past 17 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. |
Speech-Language
Therapist
|
Kari Bergstresser
Kari attended the University of British Columbia and obtained her MSc in 2006. She has worked for the Surrey School
District, Vancouver Island Health Authority and British Columbia Centre for Ability. She has been working for the
Mediated Learning Academy since November 2009. Outside of work, Kari spends her time playing the violin, snowboarding
and running along the seawall. |
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! |
Rachelle Thomas
Rachelle is a recent graduate from the University of British Columbia where she
earned a masters degree in Occupational Therapy in 2008. Following graduation, Rachelle landed her dream
job at the Mediated Learning Academy in September 2008. She loves working with kids and is thrilled to be
starting her career as an occupational therapist at MLA. Outside of work, Rachelle enjoys playing beach
volleyball and taking her dog on hikes. |
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. |
Occupational
Therapist / Physical Therapist Assistants
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Saloni Dholakia
Saloni is a newcomer to MLA and is finishing her BSc in Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology at Simon Fraser
University, with focus on both rehabilitation and development. She has been tutoring, counselling, and coaching
children for over five years and holds a first degree black belt in karate. Saloni is very excited to assist
within the physiotherapy and occupational therapy programs at MLA this year. |
Ashley Secrest
Ashley Secrest is a student at Simon Fraser University in her final year of study. She is working towards
her Bachelors of Science in the faculty of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology with a concentration in
Active Health and Rehabilitation. She hopes to continue her education with a Masters of Physiotherapy in
the coming years. In her free time Ashley enjoys playing soccer, snowboarding and spending time with
friends and family. Ashley enjoys working with children and is excited to work with the students of MLA!
|
Nicola Toews
Nicola Toews attends Simon Fraser University and is completing a bachelors degree in Biomedical Physiology and
Kinesiology, with a concentration in Active Health and Rehabilitation. She plans to further her education with a
masters degree in either Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy, and work in pediatrics. She has 5 years of
experience working with children of all ages, and is excited to join the Mediated Learning Team! |
Counselors
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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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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. |
Teachers
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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. |
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.
|
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. |
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. |
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 college, 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 3rd degree Black
belt in Karate, 2nd 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 Music teacher and Karate instructor. |
Leah Grenda
Ms. Grenda graduated from UBC with her Bachelor of Education. Prior to this, she attended UVic and received an honors
degree in English. Ms. Grenda has experience working with children of all ages and abilities through The Boys and Girls
Club, Easter Seals Camps, and Big Sisters of British Columbia. Growing up in the Okanagan (the daughter of two amazing
teachers), Ms. Grenda enjoys biking, yoga, soccer, ‘crafting’ and spending time with her family and friends. Aside from
her love of teaching and learning, Ms. Grenda is passionate about traveling, and takes every opportunity possible to spend
time in the outdoors. |
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. |
Lindsay Immerseel
Nelson Mendela once said that education can change the world and it is this
belief that has become the core of both Ms. Immerseel's personal and
professional phiolosophy. Ms. Immerseel has recently relocated from
Napanee, Ontario to Port Coquitlqam, British Columbia. She graduated with a
Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Psychology from Trent University and a
Bachelor of Education Degree from Queen's University with a focus on Special
Education. Ms. Immerseel enjoys fitness, travelling, photography, writing
and spending time with family and friends, however teaching has always been
her true passion. |
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. |
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. |
Henry Kuan
Mr. Kuan graduated from UBC with a B.A. degree in English and obtained a TESL certificate from UBC while completing his B.A.
He also completed his PDP and received a degree in education in secondary program at UBC. He has been working with children
in the education field for the past eight years; which came in the forms of working for an international language school,
tutoring students and as a volunteer teacher’s assistant with the Vancouver School Board. Mr. Kuan believes that learning
is an ongoing endeavour in which we learn to improve ourselves through the improvement of others. In his free time, Mr. Kuan
enjoys reading, playing a wide range of sports and spending time with his family. |
Paul Lau
Paul has been an educator for many years. He has tutored and taught students at all levels, from elementary school
to secondary school, and has also taught ESL to international students and adults. Although he grew up and attended
public schools and university in B.C., he ventured out East and graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree from the
OISE/University of Toronto in 2008. Paul has worked with youth as a Scout leader and at his church. He has also worked
as a teacher at various private schools and is an instructor with Sylvan Learning Centre.
He enjoys the physical games of badminton, tennis and hockey, and the mental game of chess.
Paul is excited to be a part of the MLA community, and will be teaching the modified Grade 6/7s this year. He hopes
to make learning fun and help his students realize their individual potential, and at the same time, learn from them as
much as possible. |
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. |
Eva Perez
Miss Perez graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Double Major in Psychology and Spanish. She then
traveled through Europe and spent 6 months teaching English in Cuenca, Spain. She is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Her Bachelor of Education is from the University of British Columbia and she is very passionate about teaching. Miss
Perez believes in engaging students by creating a differentiated learning environment and feels strongly about including
the arts within the classroom curriculum. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, being active, and spending time with
friends and family. |
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."
|
Jessy Sahota
Jessy graduated from Thompson Rivers University with a B.A. Geography and a Bachelor of Education Degree.
He has obtained a Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) certificate from Thompson Rivers University. Jessy has
worked with students in the public school system and has experience working at the university level. He has taught at
various summer camps and has coached youth basketball and soccer. Jessy is an avid sports fan. He enjoys traveling,
soccer, reading and spending time with family and friends. |
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. |
Christina Wilson
Christina received her Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Teaching Certification from Simon Fraser University. In the 3
years between completing her BA and being certified as a teacher she spent a year in Japan teaching English and traveled
to 10 countries in Europe. Christina spent her first 2 years at MLA as an SEA and now looks forward to taking on a new
role as a teacher. In her second year at MLA, Christina used her 12 years of dancing experience to start a dance club.
She looks forward to many more years of working with the wonderful students at Mediated Learning Academy. |
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. |
Krista Wuensche
Ms. Wuensche attained her B.A. , with a major in history and an extended minor in biology, at the University of the Fraser
Valley in 2005. She then went on to complete her professional development program (PDP) at Simon Fraser University, where
she also attained a Bachelor of Education in Environmental Education. She has worked as a full time grade 7 teacher in
northern B.C. as well as having worked in a diverse array of private schools and grades in the Lower Mainland. She has
enjoyed being part of the MLA team since 2008. Some of Ms. Wuensche’s hobbies include gardening, learning languages,
baking, teaching herself piano, art and spending time outdoors. |
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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Special Education Assistant
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Shaheen Bhagudi
Shaheen is a newcomer to the Mediated Learning Academy and is very excited to be working as an SEA. She is currently
finishing up her 4th year at Simon Fraser University, working towards a major in Sociology and a minor in Health
Sciences. She enjoys the ongoing learning process that new experiences such as this one entails, and is excited to
see what the future holds for her. Her hobbies include reading, spending time with family and friends, and staying
active. |
Maria Bello (Marilú)
Maria is from Lima, Peru, and immigrated to Canada with her husband and 4 children in 2006. She has a background in Education
and has worked for over 10 years as an Early Childhood Educator in Lima. She has been with MLA since 2007 working as an SEA.
She is fluent in Spanish. She enjoys working with the children at MLA and seeing how well they progress. |
Meagan Bento
Meagan in a newcomer to MLA this year, and is very excited about working with this diverse team of educators and students.
Meagan has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education with an Endorsement in Elementary Education from Western Washington
University, and an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree from Pierce Community College. Having worked with children since 2001,
she knows that this is her true calling in life and absolutely loves her job. She has experience teaching at the Elementary
level, as well as many years of experience working with children of various ages at KinderCare Learning Center. In her free
time, Meagan loves spending time with her family and friends, and her dog Maya. She loves reading and has a great collection
of children’s books that she would love to share with the students at MLA whenever she can. Meagan is looking forward to this
new opportunity, and can’t wait to start the new school year at MLA! |
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. |
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. |
Heather Gerrits
Heather is a co-op student from SFU and is in her last year of studies, majoring in psychology. She is a SEA in a grade 2/3
class at the Annex and is excited to join the Mediated Learning Academy team for the school year. After completing her
bachelor degree, Heather hopes to enter the PDP program and pursue a career in teaching and counselling. |
Andrea Gomez-Ugarelli
Andrea was born in Lima, Peru, and moved to Vancouver at the age of 15. She is now pursuing her bachelor of arts
from Simon Fraser University. Her major is psychology, and her minor is learning and developmental disabilities.
She has experience working with children from different developmental backgrounds, and ages. She is fluent in
English and Spanish. |
Larrie-Angelique Hong
Larrie-Angelique graduated from De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines with a degree in Psychology. She recently
moved to Canada to pursue a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Special Education from Simon Fraser University. She has
volunteered at the Down Syndrome Research Foundation as a literacy teaching assistant for students with Down Syndrome and
Asperger Syndrome. Prior to moving to Canada, she worked for Adidas Regional-Shanghai office as marketing assistant. |
Jeannie Jang
Jeannie Jang is excited to be part of the MLA team as of September, 2009. She is just finishing up a Biomedical
Physiology and Kinesiology degree (Active Health & Rehabilitation) from Simon Fraser University. With her keen
interests in holistic health, education, and children, she believes MLA would be a perfect place for her to mingle
with all the great staff and students. Whenever she has a break from school and work, Jeannie enjoys attempting
extreme outdoor activities, playing her cello, trying new foods, and baking sweet treats. Rehabilitating/training
dogs as well as personal fitness training humans are her new passion. Jeannie can't wait to meet the rest of the
MLA family. |
Chantel Johnstone
I am an SEA for the grade 5 class at the Annex. I have been a behavioural Interventionist / Respite Care for 5 families
and also for Mainstream, before coming to MLA. I have training in Relationship Development Intervention and Applied
Behavioural Analysis programs, and Child Development. I really enjoy working with the great team at MLA. During my
spare time, I enjoy spending time with my daughter and family. Looking very forward to the rest of the school year !!!!! |
Sharon Klein
Sharon is currently in her third year at MLA and is a SEA in a Grade 6/7 class. She is a certified Orton Gillingham
tutor with tutor associate status and prior to MLA, tutored for 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 looks forward to another year of working with the
diverse students at MLA. |
Elsie Li
Elsie is in the process of completing her second degree in Linguistics at Simon Fraser University. She also finished her
teaching practicum for the Teaching English as a Second Language Certificate program from SFU last year. After graduating
from the University of Victoria with a history degree, she has taken a special interest in language teaching and learning.
She taught Language Arts in a high school in Hong Kong in summer 2006 and has been working as an ESL teacher at various
non-profit organizations, such as S.U.C.C.E.S.S., after she moved to Vancouver. She has lots of experience working with
youth. She believes that learning is a life-long process and that she hopes to help youth to become better learners through
her time at MLA. |
Joe Li
I am a fourth year undergraduate student studying at SFU in the Faculty of Health Sciences. I have spent the past two summers
working for the Developmental Disabilities Association (DDA) as a Program Worker (PW) in a group home environment. While
working as a PW, I assisted my coworkers with programs for our clients. During my second work term with DDA, I was given a
bigger role and the opportunity to create and implement my own programs. My programs were designed to improve the cognitive
abilities of the clients I worked with, for example, memory and number skills. I am excited to be working for the Mediated
Learning Academy as a Special Education Assistant. I am also looking forward to gaining new experiences as well as applying
the skills and knowledge I have previously gained. Aside from working and schooling, I enjoy listening to music, playing
guitar, bass and piano, writing, photography, and playing sports. |
Julissa Liñan
I started at MLA in 2008. I received my Bachelor Degree in Education in Lima-Peru where I was born. I have extensive
experience working with kids and parents, creating and implementing programs using different methodologies and
techniques. I also have a Tutoring Diploma and a Fine and Gross Motor Skills Development Program Diploma, which
have both helped me improve my approach to children with respect to their own abilities and uniqueness as individuals.
I have an MBA and I look forward to going back to college and getting my certification from BC. Since learning and
teaching are my passions, I find being at MLA an enriching experience where I can help and learn everyday from my
coworkers and students. In my spare time I enjoy sharing time with my son, traveling, reading, dancing, watching
movies and shopping. |
Nicole Murphy
Nicole started at the Mediated Learning Academy in 2007. 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. |
Vi Ngo
Vi is an SEA for the main school. She is currently studying at Simon Fraser University, majoring in Criminology
and minoring in Psychology. When she is not at work or school, Vi volunteers for a local crisis phone line for
women. In her free time, Vi enjoys swimming, biking, and doing various crafts. |
Franca Paoli
I was born in Italy, went to Scotland as a little girl and did all my schooling there. I was promoted after my
graduation to attend Teacher's college in Glasgow. At that time my parents came to Scotland and took me to Canada.
Here in Canada I took several courses in Ethnic Relations at S.F.U. I was employed by the V.S.B. for 33 years as
a multicultural Consultant, dealing with all sorts of problems, working with parents and school personnel. I loved
my job and enjoyed working with students, and so when the opportunity to work at MLA came up, I was glad to join.
I'm still having a wonderful time helping the students learn. |
Tammy Simeon
Tammy joined the Mediated Learning Academy in 2009 where she is a SEA at the Annex. Prior to working here,
she has several years of experience working at two different preschools and a daycare centre. She has experience
working with younger children with different challenges and has combined that with her opportunity working with
the kids from the Annex. She is energetic and very excited to being a part of an incredible team. |
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. |
| Others |
Charles Wangersky (Information Technology)
I was educated at a large engineering school that nobody has heard of (Rensselaer Polytechnic) in New York State, and have
held a number of computer jobs in Europe and both ends of Canada. When my eldest son started attending MLA, I was unpleasantly
surprised at the state of the computers at the school, and promptly volunteered to drag the school's IT platform kicking and
screaming into the 20th Century. I am now working at the school one day a week, trying to keep our IT up to date with the
relentless march of technology.
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