“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” Sir William Arthur Ward
Successful education is about the long-term growth and development of the student; not short term gain.
Our goal is to enable our children to become true life-long learners striving to be the best that they can be, inspired by teachers, parents and experts who themselves are scholars.
The unique and fundamental relationship between student and teacher is central to successful learning. In smaller tutorial groups, under the personal and expert guidance of a master teacher, students are skillfully guided into developing analytic and creative skills; challenged to think critically, to reflect, to speak and to write with logic and concision. It might have become cliché, but it remains fundamentally true that students are not vessels to be filled with knowledge (or with skills), but are lamps to be lit.
An experienced AP and IB mathematics educator, her qualifications include Bachelor degrees (B. Sc. and B. Ed. – University of British Columbia) and a Masters degree in Mathematics Education (Simon Fraser University). Stella has been teaching since 1990, first with the Vancouver School Board and then with Mulgrave School before co-founding Alcuin College in 2012. Her administrative experience includes responsibilities as Gifted Program Coordinator, Mathematics Department Head, Principal of the Senior School and Assistant Head, Academics overseeing the three IB programmes (PYP, MYP and DP) from Kindergarten through to Grade 12. Stella has also worked with the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care on various curriculum, assessment and evaluation teams and has co-authored several mathematics textbooks with McGraw-Hill Ryerson.
A recent graduate of UBC’s Bachelor of Education program, Andrew also holds a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies from Capilano University. A self-described nerd with a passion for the social sciences, travel, music, and games, he bridges these academic and creative interests with a background in competitive lacrosse, rugby, and ice hockey to foster teamwork, curiosity, and confidence in the classroom. Combined with a natural gift for connecting with students, Andrew actively creates a safe, dynamic space where every student feels seen, supported, and motivated to grow.
Combining his love of teaching, traveling and challenges, Sergio completed his Bachelor of Education degree (SFU, 2013) with a specialization in international and global education. As part of his program, he taught in Qu-jiang No.1 High School in Xi’an (China) as well as in Vancouver. After graduating from the PDP, Sergio spent two years in England at both independent and public schools before returning to Canada to teach in Richmond. Sergio is elated to be part of the community at Alcuin College and enjoys challenging his students and developing lifelong learners. He is passionate about teaching and believes the classroom should be a place that promotes self-growth, exploration, and creativity. Sergio has been a member of our staff since 2016.
Khyati joins Alcuin College as an Administrative Assistant, bringing over 11 years of experience in education as a Visual Art Instructor in Tokyo, along with administrative experience in Canada. Her background in education has given her a strong passion for supporting students, families, and school communities, while her Office Administration with Technology training at BCIT has strengthened her skills in administration. Outside of work, Khyati enjoys reading, painting, sketching, and discovering new movies.
Bryan aims to create a welcoming classroom culture where students can build resilience, teamwork, and identity. His background includes teaching in Sweden, alongside educational experience in China, Japan, Ecuador and Colombia. He is very excited to bring positive global perspectives to the classroom community. Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Bryan earned a Bachelor’s of Education with a focus on Elementary Curriculum from the University of Victoria. In his spare time, he enjoys playing sports such as hockey, baseball and floorball.
Liana leads the administration at Alcuin College and ensures the school is organized and runs efficiently. Liana studied law in South Africa and spent several years in banking before moving to Canada. Since moving to Canada, Liana has gained over 15 years’ experience in administration and joined Alcuin College in 2014 to support Stella and Eddie in building Alcuin. Liana is passionate about education, organization and administration and loves to combine them with the Alcuin philosophy.
An English and Latin teacher by training, his qualifications include a Bachelors and Masters degree (General Linguistics – University of Stellenbosch, South Africa), Higher Education Diploma (University of South Africa) and Diploma in Educational Leadership (CAIS Leadership Institute). Eddie was a Senior English teacher and a Senior Examiner in English and Sesotho for the National Certificate Examinations. He was also a provincial representative on the National Committee for Foreign Language Learning of South Africa.He served for several years as an Administrator; both in his native South Africa and in Canada. As Principal Education Specialist in South Africa, he was responsible for a number of secondary schools and adult centres during the time of transition to a post-apartheid education system. He joined Mulgrave School in 1999, directed the development of the Middle and Senior Schools, and led the school through the implementation of the IB Diploma Programme. He was the Deputy Head of Mulgrave School, Director of Education Technology and Global Outreach Coordinator until September 2011. Eddie, the Head of Think3R® Education, is the co-founder of Alcuin College and the Chair of the Board of Directors. You can follow @edteach3r on Twitter.
Penny’s goal is to create an environment that is fun, engaging, challenging and most of all, a safe place for children to grow as students and as people. A member of our staff since 2018, Penny has a B.A. in Communications, a Masters degree in Cross Cultural Education, and over 10 years experience of teaching in California and Tennessee. In her spare time, Penny can be found baking and spending time with her family.
A member of our staff since 2020, Maddie is thrilled to return to Alcuin College after spending the 24-25 year teaching in the Yukon. She earned an Honours degree in Kinesiology with a minor in French Studies from Western University, before completing her Bachelor of Education at Queen’s University. Maddie has taught French Immersion in both Ontario and the Yukon, and she is passionate about sharing her Acadian heritage with her students. Her energetic and enthusiastic teaching style creates a dynamic classroom environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and personal growth. Outside the classroom, Maddie is an avid outdoor enthusiast. She enjoys playing hockey, snowboarding, hiking, running, and backcountry camping. Her love of adventure and nature often inspires her teaching, encouraging students to explore and connect with the world around them.
Edànet’e? Katelynn Holtorf siyah (How are you? My name is Katelynn Holtorf). Katelynn is a member of the Tlicho Dene band and grew up in a small community in the Northwest Territories.
She earned a BEd in Elementary Education from the University of Alberta. Katelynn is an energetic, positive individual who seeks to help her students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. To foster a love of learning within her students, she utilizes an inquiry-based and student-centered approach to teaching. Katelynn prioritizes the building of genuine relationships with her students, a welcoming classroom environment, and meaningful learning experiences. In her free time, she loves to engage in physical activity, explore her community, sing, bake, and connect with her Indigenous culture by creating beadwork. Katelynn has been a member of our staff since 2022.
Rose holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from Capilano University, where she developed a strong foundation in the Reggio Emilia approach. She believes children are capable, curious, and active learners, and she is passionate about creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences through project-based and inquiry-based activities. She enjoys building strong relationships with her students and supporting both their academic and social growth. Rose creates a welcoming, engaging, and inclusive classroom where all learners feel valued and supported. Outside the classroom, she enjoys staying active. She loves hiking, biking, and swimming, and values spending time outdoors. Rose is excited to be part of the Alcuin College community and looks forward to learning and growing alongside her students.
Tish Jolley holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Vancouver Island University, British Columbia, and a Higher Diploma in Education from Edgewood College of Education, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. After teaching in South Africa for a number of years, both in the public and independent school systems, she emigrated with her family to Canada in 1996, where she assumed the roles of class teacher, curriculum coordinator, IB PYP coordinator and Vice-Principal at Mulgrave School in West Vancouver. She was instrumental in preparing the way for a concept-based curriculum, incorporating an inquiry approach to learning. She has supported teachers in the development of their pedagogical skills to ensure a conceptual focus and to enhance learning through inquiry. Tish is an experienced workshop leader and site visitor, both authorising and evaluating IB PYP schools in North America. She continually seeks to expand her understanding of how children learn, and in her mission to provide the optimum learning opportunities for students, she continues to be active in bringing teachers together to collaborate, and to share ideas and strategies that will enhance learning for the students in their care. Her interest in the curriculum and the learning process have been driven by her belief in the potential of all learners and her desire to ensure that every learner, in every classroom, can achieve success, everyday. Tish has been a member of our staff since 2019.
Marty brings over 14 years of experience teaching AP/SAT Chemistry and Biology. A graduate of the University of Toronto with an H.BSc., he honed his passion for helping students succeed while teaching in South Korea. After returning to Canada, he earned his B.Ed. from Vancouver Island University (VIU) and applied his pedagogical skills as a teacher in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District, focusing on chemistry, math, and sciences. Outside of teaching, Marty is an aviation enthusiast who enjoys road cycling and cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Marty has been a member of our staff since 2025.
Janet has been teaching mathematics for over 20 years. A trained IB teacher and a past examiner for IBDP Math Studies, she taught in Bahrain and in the Philippines before returning to Canada, where she worked at Rockridge Secondary and at Mulgrave School. Janet holds Bachelors degrees (B. Sc., University of Ottawa and B. Ed., Queens) and a Masters degree in Mathematics Education (UBC). A leader with the Girl Guides of Canada, she enjoys camping and exploring the North Shore with her family. Janet has been a member of our staff since 2014.
A member of our staff since 2016, Lori has over 20 years of experience providing learning support for children in various educational settings. Having a strong understanding of learning differences and how they can impact learning, she works closely with students and families to adapt and enhance programmes to assist students in reaching their goals. Lori holds a B.A. in Psychology and Rehabilitation Services (York University) and a Special Education Diploma (UBC), and has recently upgraded her counseling education to focus specifically on counseling children and adolescents. Lori has also taken further studies in gender and sexual diversity in youth as it pertains to counseling. In her spare time, Lori enjoys hiking, gardening, birding, and hanging out with her family and numerous pets.
Sanaz Moshaver, CPA, brings over 10 years of teaching experience at Vanier College and Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business, where she has taught a wide range of accounting, business, finance, and taxation courses. Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from UBC, a Graduate Diploma in Accountancy from Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business, and advanced specialization through the CICA In-Depth Tax Program. With a background in audit and taxation at PwC, she brings real-world business experience into the classroom, helping students connect theory to practical applications. She is committed to creating engaging and inclusive learning environments that promote critical thinking through case-based instruction, collaborative learning, and hands-on activities.
Mhairin is a graduate of Simon Fraser University, where she obtained her B.Ed. with a focus on secondary teaching and English Language Arts. She is also an alumna of Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia where she graduated with a B.A. and a double major in English and Russian Studies. Mhairin discovered a passion for Russian language acquisition in her first year of undergrad that would eventually take her to Saint Petersburg State University in Russia where she obtained her language certification. As someone who was born and raised on the North Shore, Mhairin is no stranger to the beautiful hiking trails and campsites that are available here in Coastal B.C. When not at school, she enjoys volunteering with Scouts Canada, as well as pursuing her photography and writing. Mhairin first joned Alcuin in 2020.
Born with a passion for education, Amir has tutored his classmates since he was 10, and his official experience began 17 years ago, immediately following his Bachelor of Physics. He particularly appreciates using technology to design his inquiry-based lessons, tailored to the needs and strengths of his classes. He has a beautiful knack for connecting with his students and is always patient. He is an enthusiastic Physics and Calculus teacher with a passion for animals and video games, as well as a penchant for heavy metal, rock, and house music. His thirst for knowledge and his love of teaching have made him a good fit for any classroom in the different countries he has worked as an educator. He has completed his master’s degree in educational leadership. Also, he is an advocate for animal welfare. Amir has been a member of our staff since 2019.
Marie-Hélène Tessier is an interdisciplinary artist, playwright, director, and French educator currently completing a PhD in Performance Art at the Sorbonne. She holds degrees in French Literature (BA), Visual Arts (BFA), Holistic Education (MA), and Theatre & Creative Writing (MFA, UBC).
As a high school French teacher, she brings learning to life through Lumières, her unique teaching method that connects language to art history, literature, theatre, and philosophy. Marie-Hélène takes a humanist, interactive approach where students engage in debate, critical thinking, and the exploration of global Francophone cultures. She creates a dynamic environment that encourages students to take creative risks, express big ideas, and build confidence in their voice.
Shintaro is a recent University of British Columbia B.Ed. graduate who also holds a B.A. in Human Rights and Social Justice from Carleton University. His passion for teaching grew out of coaching basketball and Ultimate Frisbee, and he currently serves as head coach for UBC’s Development Team. Off the field, Shintaro volunteers with the BCPFFA Burn Fund’s Burn Camp—an experience that deeply shapes his trauma-informed approach to education and care. In the classroom, he focuses on building genuine, trusting relationships with his students to create a safe, inclusive space where students feel empowered to grow as learners and individuals. Shintaro is dedicated to fostering creativity, self-growth, and teamwork both in the classroom and on the field.
Inye dohoht’i? Ihzi Asia Winter-Sinnott uuzhi. (Hello, how are you? My name is Asia Winter-Sinnott.) Asia is a member of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun from Mayo, Yukon, a small northern community. She earned a BA in Native Studies and a BEd. in Fine Arts from the University of Alberta. She believes in creating meaningful relationships with all students and a learning environment that nurtures the whole student (mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally) and in helping students develop their socio-emotional awareness. Asia strives to engage all students by following an inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning, as well as by incorporating Indigenous knowledge and culture into her classroom. In her spare time, Asia likes to be active outdoors, make beaded earrings, create and view art, listen to music, dance, learn her Indigenous language, Northern Tutchone, and other cultural skills and expand her knowledge of her field. Asia has been a member of our staff since 2021.
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