What do you do at PSS and how long have you been here?  I work alongside Heidi, as a Co-Principal. I have enjoyed working as a TOC in all the classes at PSS and working part-time with the delightful Sages since December 2019.

What’s something you’ve learned teaching or working here?  There is an immense amount of learning and development that takes place when children are playing, engaging their curiosity and exploring.

Which educator has influenced you the most in your life, and how?  During my first teacher practicum, I was fortunate to have a mentor who taught with endless love and compassion.  Sherri Usselman effortlessly guided her multi-aged students through challenges that helped them flourish and shine. She encouraged me to share her space and gave me the confidence to lead the class with my own style. Her guidance has influenced all the students and adults I have ever taught. Thank you, Sherri!

What is an example of your approach to nurturing social, emotional learning in your work at PSS?  I love listening to conversations and seeing special connections being formed through stories and laughter. While doing so, I observe students who are not yet ready to share and try to establish relationships with those who might not be as vocal or comfortable sharing. I have a strong belief that every child’s brilliant thoughts and ideas should be heard or seen- either vocally or through art, drama or play. My goal is to help those students feel safe enough to express their thoughts, in whatever fashion they are comfortable with.

If you could bring anyone back to life and have dinner with them, who would it be?  I recently read a book to my daughter about this courageous boy named Iqbal Masih. He fought to protect and save others from bonded child labour. Unfortunately, he was such a threat to those in power, they had to stop him. 

If I could have dinner with Iqbal, I would like to borrow from his courage and discover how, at such a young age, he was able to make the world a better place by rescuing those who were being oppressed.

What’s one item on your bucket list?  I have always dreamt of building a school in a less privileged part of the world.

What educational background, or ongoing professional development, do you draw upon in your work at PSS?

• Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in History and Educational Psychology, SFU 
• Certificates in Counselling Practice, Counsellor Training Institute
• Smart Learning Training – Susan Close Learning
• Tween and Me Training – B.C. Council for Families
• Restorative Justice Workshop– Justice Institute of British Columbia
• Leadership Development Training – MBTI
• Mindful Learning– Mind UP Program
• TBRI and Trauma Informed Classrooms Certificate – Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development
• Compassionate Integrity Training – Center for Compassion and Integrity and Secular Ethics, Life University