My educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree with an English Major from Thompson Rivers’ University (Kamloops, BC) and a Bachelor of Education from U of A via their Teacher Education North program out of Grande Prairie Regional College. My background in Social Studies comes as much from my actual life as it does from university classes. I grew up in Alberta, the USA, and Pakistan and since childhood have been fascinated by history and how the social world works. I am a member of a medieval reenactment group and study history and current events in my spare time.

My Experience working in schools is varied and includes teaching kindergarten through grade twelve. I have worked in a school in the far north of Alberta, rural and urban schools, and a Hutterite School. I have taught all elementary subjects as well as Junior High and Senior High English, Social Studies and Visual Arts. I also have experience working with students who have a variety of disabilities.

My passion is for teaching an understanding of the world we live in now, through the lens of the past, as our history gives us context for the present and helps us plan for the future. My goals are for students to leave the courses that I teach with an interest in the wider world, an understanding of their place in it, critical thinking skills, an ability to access, comprehend, and clearly communicate information, and a desire to learn more. 

I look forward to the ongoing adventure that Holden Rural Academy holds for both students and staff.