Get To Know Our Newest Faculty & Staff

Hometown
Quaint Georgian town of Bewdley, UK.

University
Birmingham City University (UK) and The University of British Columbia.

What Brought me to Meadowridge
My husband, daughters, and I came to BC on holiday back in 2019 and stayed with our good friends Mr. and Mrs. Jackson and their lovely family. Having heard many good things about Meadowridge, I came to visit for a couple of days and liked what I saw! Having moved here last August to study for my master's at UBC, I have also enjoyed many days as a TOC here at Meadowridge.

Interesting Fact
I used to back and train young horses and help rehabilitate ‘problem’ horses using natural horsemanship techniques. I’ve also ridden and trained racehorses as well as show-jumping my own horses to a high level.

Most Important Teaching Lesson Learned
There are no wrong questions - never be afraid to ask!

Favorite Book
Being nostalgic toward the UK, I chose Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan. But there are many other favourites too! I love a good book!

Favorite Pastime
I love horse-riding, playing guitar and singing, and spending time with my husband and six-year-old twin daughters Scarlett and Evelyn, and our Alaskan Malamute Logan - especially while camping!

What I look forward to in the year ahead
Finding out the special talents of everyone in my new class as well as getting to know the wider Meadowridge family!

Hometown
Port Coquitlam, BC but I'm originally from Preston, England. 

University
University of Liverpool, UK and Masters of Education at Edgehill University, UK. 

What Brought me to Meadowridge
We recently moved close by and I have always heard amazing things about Meadowridge School at various ISABC conferences. 

Interesting Fact
I am obsessed with Disney and have many 'Hidden Mickeys' around the house. 

Most Important Teaching Lesson Learned
Those who won't at the beginning, shine brightest in the end – this has always been true of my music students over the years. But another quote that I live by is, “when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance...”.

Favorite Book
Kasper in the Glitter by Philip Ridley. It may be a children's book, but it's one of the best!

Favorite Pastime
Singing, dancing, acting, playing guitar, and watching movies and musicals. 

What I look forward to in the year ahead
I am so excited to meet the students, families, and staff at Meadowridge. I am passionate about Music and the Performing Arts and being able to inspire young people and make them feel the same way is my main aim. 

Hometown
Cranbrook, BC

University
University of Lethbridge for BSc and BEd, and St. Francis Xavier for MEd (I have completed over half of my courses!)

What Brought me to Meadowridge
The exciting opportunity to integrate outdoor learning on campus with my students.

Interesting Fact
One of my favourite countries I have traveled to is Uzbekistan.

Most Important Teaching Lesson
Take time to have fun with what you teach

Favourite Book
Come, Thou Tortoise by Jessica Grant

Favourite Pastime
Getting outside! Hiking, kayaking, camping, cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing are some of my favorite activities.

What I Look Forward To In The Year Ahead
The opportunity to be a part of the school community.

Hometown
Whitewood, Saskatchewan

University
University of Regina

What Brought me to Meadowridge
Moving home to Canada after the past two decades abroad (more or less – I lived in Montreal for four years). I've taught in Thailand, Montreal, Cambodia, and the Philippines (my family's other home). I also know and have worked with Ms. Megan Ferneley and Mr. Charles Schofield before

Interesting Fact
My secret wish is to be a Broadway star

Most Important Teaching Lesson
Always have a backup plan

Favourite Book
The MaddAddam Trilogy by Margaret Atwood, My most recent favorite is The invisible Life of Addie La Rue by V. E. Schwab

Favourite Pastime
Camping, hiking, yoga, and reading - when I have the time to do these things!

What I Look Forward To In The Year Ahead
Reacquainting myself with beautiful BC.

Hometown
I was born and raised in Campbell River and now happily live in beautiful Maple Ridge with my husband, two children, and lively border collie, Nahla. 

University
Simon Fraser University

What Brought me to Meadowridge
After a chance meeting with the Elementary School Principal while volunteering at a local regatta, I did a school tour where I fell in love with Meadowridge’s program and philosophies.  

Interesting Fact
I still hold the 400-meter track record for 12-year-old girls in Campbell River. I still enjoy running to this day, except maybe not as fast.  

Most Important Teaching Lesson Learned
The strength of our student relationships makes the difference in translating our passion for teaching into their passion for learning.    

Favorite Book
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.

Favorite Pastime
I love to travel. Over my lifetime I have visited 15 countries. Recently, I visited Spain, Portugal, and the island of Barbados.

What I look forward to in the year ahead
I look forward to fostering new relationships with my students and coworkers, teaching using the IB philosophy, as well as supporting and inspiring students to explore their passions in the Grade 5 Exhibition! 

Hometown
Winnipeg, MB

University
University of Lethbridge

What Brought me to Meadowridge
I was ready for a change and in need of renewed inspiration. 

Interesting Facts
I can fall asleep anywhere, anytime...like during Jurassic Park at the movie theater or on a plane before take-off.  Easy.

Most Important Teaching Lesson Learned
Stand up for what you believe in, even if it means you're standing alone.  This motto came in handy just recently and I have no regrets.

Favorite Book
The Break by Katherena Vermette and Goodnight Moon by Margaret Brown

Favorite Pastime
Cooking and watching reality TV

What I look forward to in the year ahead
I look forward to refining and celebrating my ‘teacher life’ and finding my place at Meadowridge!

Hometown
I am a true Vancouverite, born in Vancouver.

University
I attended UBC, SFU & the University of Quebec in Chicoutimi.

What Brought me to Meadowridge
The sense of community, access to a beautiful outdoor space, and the connection between my teaching philosophy and IB, educating the whole child.

Interesting Fact
I used to be a Flight Attendant

Most Important Teaching Lesson Learned
"Be the change that you wish to see in the World" -Ghandi

 Favorite Book
Charlotte's Web by E.B White

Favorite Pastime
Being active in the outdoors

What I look forward to in the year ahead
Sparking enthusiasm for language learning outdoors!

Hometown
Kitchener, Ontario

University
Trent University

What Brought Me to Meadowridge
My passion for inquiry, play-based and experiential learning.  I am excited to join a team dedicated to building connections - connections to children, community and nature. My goal is to continue to learn, through inquiry, with my students and colleagues.

Interesting Fact
My goal is to learn the ukulele this year! 

Most Important Teaching Lesson Learned
Connectedness matters most.

Favorite Book
Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak and The Neverending Story by Michael Ende

Favorite Pastime
Connecting with nature as much as possible. My ‘magic sit spots,’ hiking, camping, and paddleboarding.

What I look forward to in the year ahead
Playing and learning outdoors and in our magical music classroom! Sparking curiosity and 21st century learning through play, inquiry and experiential learning! P.S. GO KANAKA!

Hometown
Maple Ridge, BC

University
After high school, I got right to work and I have gained 15 years of groundskeeping experience!

What Brought me to Meadowridge
I wanted to be a part of a small community, and Meadowridge is close to home.

Interesting Fact
I'm a fun guy

Most Important Teaching Lesson Learned
Time is valuable. Don’t take it for granted.

 Favorite Book
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie – It’s a murder mystery

Favorite Pastime
My favourite pastime is spending time with my family, whether it’s playing outside or playing video games inside.

What I look forward to in the year ahead
I look forward to meeting the rest of the staff and students here at Meadowridge

Hometown
Surrey, BC

University
I obtained my Media Communications degree at the British Columbia Institute of Technology and I’m currently working on my master’s at Royal Roads University

What Brought me to Meadowridge
I’ve worked in the post-secondary education sector for the past several years and I knew I wanted to continue working in an educational environment. When I came across Meadowridge, I was immediately drawn to the gorgeous campus and the stories I read online about the school community

Interesting Fact
I grew up in Kolkata, India, where there’s a little Chinatown in the region of Tangra

Most Important Teaching Lesson Learned
Establish strong relationships wherever you go and build a network of friends, professionals, and mentors to support you in navigating your career and in life

Favorite Book
The Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Favorite Pastime
Hiking, cooking, foraging for mushrooms

What I look forward to in the year ahead
Getting to know the Meadowridge community and writing about the incredible people at the school