What do you do at PSS and how long have you been here? I’m part of the Grade 8/9 Educator Team, and this is my first year here! I’m teaching Socials, Science, Applied Design, Skills, and Technology, and Career Ed.

What initially attracted you to work at PSS and what do you value about working here now?  I was intrigued when I learned that PSS is a school where kids feel comfortable being themselves, and that the school cherishes their unique selves. Now, I know that big parts of learning at PSS are trust and relationships, and that’s really exciting, because I have always felt that those were key parts of a meaningful education.

What’s something you’ve learned teaching or working here?  Education is organic and wholistic – and sometimes unpredictable!

Which educator has influenced you the most in your life, and how?  Mrs. Herman, my Elementary Learning Enrichment teacher. She taught me to use creativity for problem-solving when I was in third grade, and it worked so well, I never stopped!

What do you look forward to in your role here each year?  I am eager to meet people and deepen relationships to help kids do wonderful things, and feel great about themselves.

What is an example of your approach to nurturing social, emotional, physical and intellectual learning in your work at PSS?  I’m going to be collaborating a lot with students so that we find ways to learn from one another, and helping them understand that they have unique strengths they can bring to the world.

What educational background, or ongoing professional development, do you draw upon in your work at PSS?  I draw a lot on the work I’ve done with kids in underprivileged situations and in trauma-informed practice. I also love mentoring programs within schools, and in the wider community.  I hold a Professional Development Diploma from SFU and a BA in English, History, (Majors), Religious Studies, Art History (Minors) from UBC.