Emma L.

Emma obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree with a combined major in English and French from the University of British Columbia. She is now completing her internship through the University of British Columbia. Emma found her passion for teaching in high school when a teacher helped her through a difficult subject through patience, kindness, and most importantly, his belief in her potential. She wants to do the same for others because she strongly believes that all children are gifted and that each child deserves their chance to succeed.

Emma had the very fortunate opportunity to travel to the United Kingdom in the spring of 2024 to study and observe England’s curriculum and their classrooms. During her time overseas, she was not only able to gain unique experience in various classrooms, but also foster her love for travel. In the future, Emma will be taking full advantage of the many breaks the teaching career has to offer to travel the world.

Outside of teaching, Emma loves to dance. She danced competitively in the Okanagan for 15 years, and now dances occasionally when she has the time. She also loves going to the gym, golfing, watching live music, and enjoying all of what the Okanagan has to offer.

Janet L. M.

Janet has been teaching for 22 years. Her most recent career choice has been teaching high school at Chief Gabriel Cote Education Complex on the Cote First Nation, SK.
Before that, in Vancouver, BC, she was a teacher trainer at Greystone College offering Cambridge University’s (UK) Teachers’ Knowledge Test (TKT) and Teaching Young Learners (TYL). In Japan she taught conversational English to children (pre-school, elementary, and junior high levels) and adults (conversational and in-house business classes) to a variety of Japanese companies in Fukui-Ken. In India, she taught ESL, English and PE at Kodaikanal International School. Janet is also a certified Outward Bound Canada Field Leader.

Janet is an award-winning author (Canada’s Legendary Ski Team – The Crazy Canucks, with a foreword by Peter Mansbridge). One of her books, Radar the Rescue Dog, celebrates Radar, Canada’s first certified avalanche rescue dog. The foreword is written by the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and monies go to the Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Assoc., CARDA. She is currently working on her seventh book. Her writing has appeared in the Pique Newsmagazine, Ski Canada and several other publications.

Janet is also a Goodwill Ambassador for Friends to Mankind, an international non-profit foundation that works with individuals, corporation and philanthropic organizations towards the betterment of humanity.

Vincent T.

Vincent is a certified teacher based in Kelowna, British Columbia. Vincent was born in The Netherlands and immigrated to The Okanagan in 1997 with his parents and three siblings. At four years old, Vincent began his Canadian education as an ELL student in Penticton, where he closely studied the rudiments of the English language. This was the first step in what would become a deep love for English literature and language studies. Vincent began creative writing at an early age, creating stories, writing poems or songs, and journaling on a regular basis. This love of the arts also inspired a longstanding love of music. Vincent was a drummer for nearly 12 years and continues to play guitar recreationally. Vincent likes rock music, in particular. Vincent completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at UBCO in 2018. He completed a B.A. in International Relations: a cross-curricular degree program which allows students to study a combination of Philosophy, History, and Economics. He started his teaching career in Victoria later that year, working with international students from all over the world. It was here that his love of teaching was ignited. Working alongside students to solve problems, ask and answer questions, and explore/discover new things became a favorite pastime. At the heart of Vincent’s pedagogy is building relationships with his students. In fact, his belief is that trust and connection are at the heart of all successful learning outcomes. Vincent completed his Bachelor of Education degree at UBCO in Kelowna in 2022 where he now continues to reside and work. While Vincent’s educational experience has largely been with middle and high school students, Vincent also has a keen interest in working in primary education. His main educational focuses include literacy development, language proficiency, creative thinking, and self-expression. In his free time, Vincent enjoys sports such as soccer, basketball, and golf. He is also an avid hiker and regularly goes camping to discover new places and enjoy quiet time away from the city.

Gissela V.

Born in Ecuador and raised in Chicago, Gissela began her education career at the age of eighteen tutoring middle school math and reading. Deciding to pursue education further, she traveled to her home country where she worked as an ESL Teacher for three years. It was during this trip that she fell in love with teaching and returned to Chicago to graduate with a Bachelor’s in English Literature and Secondary/Middle Ed. with an ELL endorsement. Eight years of classroom experience has taught Gissela that relationship building, goal setting and collaborative learning are essential for a students’ growth. Gissela considers herself a lifelong learner, which is why she is not only continuing a postgraduate degree but she loves to attend local classes to learn new skills such as sewing or health and body mobility. Being an avid reader and a lover of hot cocoa and winter weather – she enjoys reading poetry, manga and biographies of people who inspire her. She loves to host Book Clubs with her friends and travel with her husband – anywhere as long as it has mountains and a body of water!

Nikki P.

Nikki is passionate about inclusive learning and has a talent for making learning materials come alive for both kids and adults. Currently attending the University of the Fraser Valley specializing in Adult Education, she has discovered a passion for Literacy and Teaching English as a Second language at all levels. She also has pursued Professional Tutoring qualifications through the National Tutoring Association as a Certified Intermediate Tutor. Currently an Instructor at the Centre for Arts & Technology teaching Professional Development courses. Nikki has lived in many places across Western Canada and has stayed in Kelowna for the fishing and vast hiking opportunities. A huge fan of YLW tacos, you can catch her tutoring both online and in-person with a huge focus on helping students and parents reach educational goals.