Like the alternate students I teach now, I did not fit into the mainstream schools.  I did not graduate high school, but I returned to school as an adult and completed my B.Ed. with specializations in English and Social Studies.  After I graduated, I did not pursue a career in teaching, and I did work in computers, hospitality, and even stand-up comedy.  Those experiences taught me a lot about life and gave me some great skills to take into my teaching career.

I continued with my learning taking university and graduate level courses in women's studies, network administration, computer programming, and counseling.  Ultimately, I finished an MA in Interdisciplinary Studies from Royal Roads, and I am now taking graduate level courses in counselling to earn my Registered Clinical Counsellor designation.  I have also taken several shorter courses throughout my career to learn skills in management and administration such as the BCPVPA Short Course and JIBC courses.

When I did return to teaching, it was not long before I realized that I had both an affinity and a passion for helping at-risk youth to be successful and overcome their barriers.  This led me to the position I have now at the Agassiz Centre for Education (ACE) where I have created many successful programs, some of which have won awards.

The Legion

Creating a relationship with the Legion led to the students building relationships with the members and gradually overcoming some of the negative stereotypes of alternate students.  The students began to volunteer at Legion events and the Legion allowed us use of their hall for our fundraisers and special events.  With the hall having a commercial kitchen, it was the perfect opportunity to create a formal graduation.  We had a hall, we had a kitchen, so now we had a graduation.

Senior/Teen Events

At our first graduation in 2009, I was approached by a member of the local senior peer support group.  He told me that the seniors were afraid of my students and he wanted to change that.  We created events where the students and seniors would have lunch together and spend the afternoon engaged in an activity.  The events continue not only with our school, but the elementary students are now involved as well.  Both groups have built strong bonds and it has been a positive experience for everyone involved.

Christmas Morning for Seniors

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