Welcome to WIS! What would you like us to know about you?
I come from a small town in British Columbia, Canada, but I have most recently lived in Paris for just over a year. Previous to that I lived in different parts of Malaysia for 16 years, and it was there that my children grew up. They are now adults living in a ski town in British Columbia. When my husband was offered the chance to relocate to Namibia we jumped at the opportunity! We very much look forward to many adventures in southern Africa.
Could you tell us a little about your philosophy of education?
I believe in guiding children’s learning while allowing them to have input and choice whenever possible in order to meet the needs of diverse personalities. I like to build a respectful and fun classroom community so that children feel safe when practicing their skills and voicing their opinions and ideas. I enjoy collaborating with staff members and I feel that children should also learn to work with others and build positive relationships.
People often like to know their teacher’s academic background and professional experiences. What and where have you studied? Where have you worked?
I graduated from the University of Victoria on Vancouver Island with a BA in linguistics and then later from Malaspina University College with a Bachelor of Education. I taught on Vancouver Island before moving to Malaysia, where I taught in three different schools, two of which were PYP schools. I have taught Grade 2, 3, 4 and 5, but this will be my first time teaching Grade 1 and I am very excited about it! I have coached girls’ soccer from U11 to varsity, and have also coached a bit of basketball.
What do you do when you aren't teaching?
I love to play sports. Aussie rules football, Gaelic football, soccer, and Ultimate frisbee are my favourites. I am an avid cook, reader, photographer and traveler. I am very much looking forward to exploring Namibia and doing a lot of camping along the way.
Why did you choose WIS?
As my husband got a job in Windhoek, it was an easy choice to want to work at an international school that is also a PYP school.
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