Staff Directory Master Reduced

2010 - 2011
Staff Directory
1
Webber Academy 2010 WEBBER
- 2011 Staff
ACADEMY
Janet Adamson
Grade VI Homeroom
Mrs. Adamson earned both her Bachelor of Education and her Bachelor of Arts
(English) degrees from the University of Lethbridge. She began her career teaching
Grade Five in a small northern Alberta community and Grade Five/Six for the Calgary
Public Board of Education. Both of these positions provided her with a wealth of
knowledge and experience as she worked with students from a variety of cultures,
backgrounds, and abilities. Mrs. Adamson came to Webber Academy in 2004. In the
years since, she has taught Grade Five Language Arts, Grade Five and Six
Geography/History, Grade Five Math and Grade Five and Six Art. Now, in a half time
position as a Grade Six Language Arts specialist, she spends her days at school
striving to inspire her students to gain a life-long love of literature.
When she isnʼt teaching, Mrs. Adamson spends her time pursuing her own love of
reading (especially young adult fiction to recommend to her students) and her
passions for painting, cooking and interior design, as well as, of course, spending
quality time with her wonderful family.
Paul Adolphe
SH English
Mr. Adolphe was born in Calgary, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the
University of Calgary, earned a degree in Education from the University of
Victoria, and a Masters degree in Education from Gonzaga University . He is
married to his very patient wife, Laurel, and has a wonderful two year old
daughter named Charlie-Jean Parker.
Mr. Adolphe coaches the Junior and Senior High golf teams, and brings over
twenty years of teaching experience to Webber Academy, where he has been
instructing English for the last four years. Jason Ash
Grade V Homeroom
Mr. Ash grew up here in Calgary and graduated from the University of Calgary in
1996. In university, he specialized in the Sciences as well as in Psychology. After
university, Mr. Ash was hired at Rundle College where he spent nine years teaching
primarily Grade Four and Five subjects. He has been teaching now for over 14 years
and has taught various subjects and grades including French. Mr. Ash is now in his fifth year at Webber Academy and is teaching a Grade Five
homeroom. Currently, he is also the coach of the Grade Eight and Nine Girls
Volleyball team. Mr. Ash hosts Science Olympics every year for Division Two
students. Since the induction of the Olympics, Webber Academy has won Gold
twice. He is also a member of the APEGGA Science Committee.
Mr. Ash is an avid sports fan. He enjoys the outdoors and spending quality time with
his family.
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WEBBER ACADEMY
Michael Asmus
JH/SH Physical Education
Mr. Asmus is an enthusiastic and dedicated Physical Education teacher. He has a
passion for health and physical education and he is a strong role model for his
students as he practices what he preaches. He is a strong believer in developing
a healthy body and mind in his students and encouraging each student to reach
their full potential in the gym and in the classroom.
Mr. Asmus graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Arts and a
Bachelor of Education. He began his basketball career at Red Deer College and
finished playing at the University of Calgary. He has since focused his passion for
athletics on coaching and educating young athletes. He has had the opportunity to
coach several sports including basketball, golf, track and field, and badminton
through his previous position at Iron Ridge Middle School. His passion for
coaching basketball has taken him to expand his knowledge of the game through
organizations such as Alberta Basketball, Red Deer College, University of Calgary,
University of California Berkley and Stanford University. He continues to help the Calgary Red Jackets youth
basketball organization. Mr. Asmus is excited to be a part of the Webber Academy faculty and is looking forward
to meeting the students and parents of Webber Academy.
Maureen Brandstaetter Flores
Office Administrator
Maureen is a first generation Canadian of Austrian descent. Her background
fueled her passion for history. She holds a Master of Arts in History with a
specialization in Canadian Immigration History from the University of Calgary.
Following her career as a “professional student”, Maureen partnered with her
younger brother in the family woodworking business founded by her father in
1958. Over the course of fifteen years, Maureen relished her role as an
administrator and general contractor. A smile always comes to her face when
she recalls the subcontractors shout out, “Hey Lady.” Moreover, she takes great
pride in the custom woodwork that will stand the test of time in hotels such as
Chateau Lake Louise, and the Austrian Canadian Cultural Centre in Calgary.
In May of 2010, Maureen became part of a new family at Webber Academy. She takes pride in her position in the
front office as an Administrative Assistant. Above all, she is privileged to be part of preparing students for
university and beyond.
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WEBBER ACADEMY
Erin Beattie
Grade III Homeroom
After graduating from the University of Calgary with her Bachelor of Education in
French Immersion, Mrs. Beattie moved to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan to pursue
her teaching career. She began her first year of teaching with a Grade Four French
Immersion class at Ecole King George School. The following year Mrs. Beattie
moved to Grade Two where she fell in love with the energy and enthusiasm of
Division I students. The following five years were spent at Ecole King George
learning her profession, defining her teaching style, and gaining much valuable
experience. Mrs. Beattie returned to Calgary in the fall of 1998 to join the staff at
Webber Academy teaching Grade Two. Returning from her last maternity leave,
Mrs. Beattie changed grades and moved to Grade Three.
Since joining the staff at Webber Academy, she has been involved in the
development of the Grade Two programme, the start up of the soccer club, and also
coached the Jr. High/Sr. High soccer teams in their early years. Following her love of the French language, Mrs.
Beattie also began a French Club for the elementary students. She continues to run soccer club for the Division I
students, as well as speed stacking for Division I.
Jane Bedford
Elementary Resource Teacher
Mrs. Bedford holds a Bachelor of Education Degree (with distinction) from the
University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from
Ryerson University (Toronto). Prior to coming to Webber Academy, Mrs. Bedford
worked as a Resource Support Teacher with the Calgary Catholic School Board
for 3 years, where she underwent extensive training as a specialist in literacy
skills, reading and learning strategies. She has gained a tremendous amount of
knowledge and experience over the 15 years she has spent teaching.
Mrs. Bedford has worked at Webber Academy for the past 5 years. She uses her
extensive knowledge of literacy skills to work with students that may require extra
support to develop stronger reading and writing skills. She also spends time with
our Gifted Students and offers them opportunities for enrichment or acceleration
of the concepts taught in the classroom. She is passionate about mentoring
students on their journey to reaching their full potential and loves to watch their
confidence soar to new heights.
Mrs. Bedfordʼs love of life-long learning is exemplified by her pursuit of professional development courses. Last
year, she took seminars in Gifted Education, Handwriting and Printing, and Literacy Skills. This past August, Mrs.
Bedford completed an in-depth reading instruction program with The Reading Foundation (Calgary) and is now a
Certified Member of the Discover Reading Association.
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WEBBER ACADEMY
Grant Boyko
Performing Arts Centre Manager & Advancement Administrator
A graduate of Fanshawe Collegeʼs Music Industry Arts (MIA) program, and
the University of Windsorʼs Sport and Recreation Management program
(B.Hk.), Mr. Boyko is a specialist in the technical aspects of live theatre
(audio, lighting, multimedia integration, special effects) as well as theatre
facility management. He comes to Webber Academy after spending five
years as the Technical Operator and Manager of Performing Arts Facilities
at Seoul Foreign School in South Korea – a position that provided a wealth
of experience working within an International Baccalaureate (IB) setting.
While at Seoul Foreign School, Mr. Boyko acted as the Technical Director
on countless theatrical performances, musicals, string orchestra and choir
concerts, in addition to teaching the fundamentals of audio engineering,
recording, video production, theater lighting and other relevant topics to
middle school and high school students. He also managed the day-to-day
operations of three theatre venues with the schoolʼs performing arts facility.
Mr. Boyko also actively pursues his own passion for the performing arts. He has several years of
experience in the field of music as a songwriter, recording engineer, producer, instructor and performer.
Sam Burke
JH/SH English
Sam Burke is currently serving in his seventh year as a Junior/Senior High English
teacher at Webber Academy. Besides his work in the classroom, Mr. Burke
coaches soccer as well as the Senior Debate Team and the Mock Trial Team. He
also helps to coordinate the live theatre program for the senior school.
A graduate of the University of Alberta, Mr. Burke started teaching in 1973 and,
over the years, his teaching assignments have included Social Studies, Art, CALM,
Outdoor Education, Business, Film Studies and English. He has also served as a
high school counselor and as a professional development consultant with the
Alberta Teachersʼ Association. At times, Mr. Burkeʼs career has wandered beyond
the sphere of education and his professional life has included work as a youth
counselor, business manager, writer and artist in both the private and public
arenas.
Mr. Burke is an avid reader, golfer and history buff who also enjoys traveling to warm places and making art
whenever he can. Now a father of five and a grandfather of two, Mr. Burke and his wife, Ingrid Harrison, make
their home in Woodbine in South Calgary, overlooking a beautiful section of Fish Creek Park.
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WEBBER ACADEMY
Mariaan Camp
Teacher - Librarian
Mrs. Camp started teaching at Webber Academy on June 1st, 1998, where she has
had the privilege to promote her love of reading, research and life-long learning
through her ʻdream come trueʼ job – establishing and continually expanding the
Chwyl Library. She believes that a love of reading and the skill building of in-depth
competency in the many literacies are essential to reach success as a 21st century
learner.
Mrs. Camp was born in Zimbabwe, lived in South Africa and Botswana, and is now
a citizen of Canada. She has a Bachelor of Education (specializing in Physical
Education and English Language Arts) from the University of Stellenbosch, South
Africa; a Post Graduate Honours in Education and a Diploma in School Information
Science (a Masters in Library Science equivalency from the American Library
Association) from the University of South Africa.
Since arriving at Webber Academy, Mrs. Camp has endeavoured to continue her
passion for teaching and life-long learning through her involvement in the Alberta School Library Council, on a
local and provincial level, as well as serving on the English Language Arts Council of Alberta. A highlight for her
was when Mrs. Zinda FitzGerald, the then Head of School, nominated her for the Bev Anderson Certificate of
Merit presented by the Alberta Teachersʼ Association to recognize an outstanding contribution made by a
Teacher-Librarian in a school. Mrs. Camp was honored to receive this award on May 10th, 2005. At present Mrs.
Camp is happily working in both her passions: teaching Grade 6 Language Arts and Geography/History, and
being the Teacher-Librarian at Webber Academy.
Dave Carlgren
SH Mathematics/Physics
Academic & Career Counsellor
Having graduated from the University of Victoria with a degree in Physics and Math
and from the University of British Columbia with a degree in Secondary Education,
Mr. Carlgren gained teaching experience in the international arena with positions in
Brampton, England and Christchurch, New Zealand. During his time in these two
nations, Mr. Carlgren developed his passion for playing and coaching rugby. With a
diverse background working with youth in various educational and recreational
settings varying from at-risk youth drop-in programs, to Childrenʼs Festival
volunteering and performing to teaching swimming, skating, hockey skills, and
individual tutoring, Mr. Carlgren brings a wealth of experience into the classroom.
Demonstrating his love of learning, Mr. Carlgren is currently completing his Masters
degree at the University of Calgary in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning with a
specialization in Gifted and Talented Education.
Outside of school, Mr. Carlgren referees high school and college basketball in the
Calgary area, races in triathlons, enjoys ballroom dance and plays Ultimate regularly.
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WEBBER ACADEMY
Carol Celli
Grade IV Homeroom
Mrs. Celli has been both a full-time and part-time teacher with Webber Academy
since the school opened in September of 1997. Initially hired as an educational
technology specialist, her responsibilities included budgeting for technology
integration, planning a course of action for the implementation of technology and
maintaining the schoolʼs first computer lab. As the computer teacher, she was
responsible for teaching Alberta Educationʼs Information and Communication
Technology learning outcomes to our students. Once the school moved to its
current permanent location in southwest Calgary, her role as the computer teacher
evolved into that of a technology support teacher, as homeroom teachers became
responsible for booking the computer lab and requesting technology links with their
planning. After eight years in the computer lab, Mrs. Celli decided to make a move
back into a classroom setting. She first taught Grade Three and now finds herself
as a Grade Four Teacher.
Mrs. Celli is in her fifth year as a Grade Four teacher with Webber Academy with a total of thirteen years at the
school. She makes every attempt to integrate technology with the studentʼs core curriculum program.
Prior to teaching at Webber Academy, Mrs. Celli completed her teacher internship and was employed for four and
half years with the Calgary Catholic School Board. In February of 1993, Carolʼs daughter was born and she took
an extended leave of absence to be home. Attempting to balance life as a mother and still contribute to her
familyʼs income, Carol began teaching again on a part-time basis with the Faculty of Continuing Education at the
University of Calgary. She taught computer camps over a period of three summers. With her guidance, children
learned to program using Quick Basic, Logo and Hyperstudio. Carol could not believe how much children became
motivated to learn with programming and working with multimedia. It seemed to her that studentʼs project work
came alive and problem solving was entertaining when technical tools were available for children. As long as technology is used to enhance the curriculum and not used to replace skills that we traditionally view
as important, such as handwriting and spelling, Mrs. Celli remains an advocate for technology use in school.
Christine Cho
Kindercentre Music
Ms. Cho graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Arts in
Music (Elementary Music Education) and a minor in Education. While studying at
the University of Calgary, she was exposed to the Kodaly Philosophy and
Methodology, which led her to specialize in elementary music education. She is
continually pursuing her passion by proudly operating her Kodaly Preliminary
School in its sixth year, in addition to her work as the Kindercentre Music
Specialist.
Ms. Cho has been volunteering at Calgary Korean Presbyterian Church as a
teacher, accompanist, and Childrenʼs Choir Director for thirteen years. She truly
enjoys working with children and believes that learning through singing is a
fundamental step in developing musicianship.
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WEBBER ACADEMY
Joёl Chalifoux
Director of Athletics and Physical Education
Joёl was born and raised in Red Deer, Alberta where he developed a passion for
athletics and coaching. In high school he was fortunate to be a member of the
Camille J. Lerouge Cougars who won back to back 3A Basketball Provincials in
1991 and 1992. Joёl was also a two-year member of Team Alberta Basketball
where he competed in the Canada Games against players like Steve Nash, Todd
McCullough and Greg Newton. After playing two years for Red Deer College he
was a member of the University of Alberta Golden Bears, who under the
leadership of Don Horwood won the 1994/95 CIS National Championships.
Joёl graduated with his Education Degree from the University of Alberta in 1997
and was hired by Stathcona Tweedsmuir School where he later became
curriculum leader for the Physical Education Department. After five successful
years of teaching and coaching he accepted a position as the Athletic Director and
Head of Physical Education at the newly founded Webber Academy. During his ten
years at Webber Academy, Joёl has developed an athletics programme that prides
itself in developing athletes who have a strong sense of character. His passion for athletics and the skill
development of young athletes is still evident in his teaching practices today. Joёl also organizes a major
fundraising campaign at Webber Academy for the Terry Fox Foundation and cancer research. This long standing
event is one of Joёlʼs greatest accomplishments as a teacher. To date Joёl, his many wonderful Physical
Education 30 students and Webber Academy have raised over $280,000.00 for the Terry Fox Foundation. He is
the incredibly proud father of two amazing children, Malia and Kai. Joёlʼs greatest life achievement has been his
marriage to his remarkable wife of eleven years, Corrie Chalifoux.
Patricia Clattenburg
Grade IV-VI Music
Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Mrs. Clattenburg earned her Bachelor of
Arts (Music) degree from the University of Kingʼs College, winning the Royal
Canadian College of Organists, Bach Prize inher graduating year. Following
that she obtained a Certificate in Education from Dalhousie University and
began her study of Orff-Schulwerk-Music for Children, completing her final
level at the University of Alberta. Mrs. Clattenburgʼs diverse professional experience includes teaching music
and directing award winning choirs across Canada in Nova Scotia, New
Brunswick, Quebec and Alberta. Prior to coming to Webber Academy she
taught for Edmonton Public Schools where she helped create a Performance
Standards Document for Elementary Music Education. At the same time, she
was a co-operating teacher with the University of Alberta for the Advanced
Placement Teaching Experience of undergraduate students. Mrs. Clattenburg has attended international
workshops and seminars including special studies in choral conducting at the Royal School of Church Music in
London, England as well as Westminster Choir College, Princeton, New Jersey. She is committed to nurturing a
love for music, as well as strong musicianship skills in children of all ages. 8
WEBBER ACADEMY
Rhonda Constable
Director of Finance
With a Designation as a Certified General Accountant and a Business
Administration Diploma from SAIT, Ms. Constable joined Webber Academy in
January, 2004 as the Financial Controller. She brings with her over 10 years of
accounting experience which includes working at KPMG, one of the largest audit
and professional services firms in the world.
Ms. Constable initially joined Webber Academy as the Financial Controller and in
September, 2009, took on the role as the Director of Finance. She moved from
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to pursue a career in Business.
Patricia Conway
JH English & Drama
For two years following her graduation from the University of Saskatchewan with
a Bachelor of Education in 1989, Ms. Conway taught Junior and Senior High
English in Saskatchewan and English as a second language in Tokyo, Japan.
While teaching, Ms. Conway performed in annual Fringe Theatre Festivals. In
1991, she expanded on her theatre experience by co-writing a play sponsored by
the Saskatchewan Womenʼs Secretary of State, performing on CFCR Community
Radio, and acting in Saskatoon improvisational theatre events.
Ms. Conway moved to Victoria, BC in 1992 where she pursued studies in English
and Drama at the University of Victoria and at Simon Fraser University. She taught
Junior and Senior High Drama, Junior High ELA, and Womenʼs Studies in an allgirl setting for four years.
Ms. Conway moved to Calgary in 2000. She has directed many Junior High drama events including choral
speech poetry, live plays, and video presentations. She is the director of the Webber Academy JH Cuts Club and
the Grade Seven Film Festival. Her ELA 7 students have competed in various writing contests and have achieved
publication in magazines.
Ms. Conway married Brent Dumonceaux in 2008 and celebrated her tenth year at Webber Academy in 2010.
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WEBBER ACADEMY
Janette Dias
Accounting
With a Bachelorʼs degree in Economics from the University of Agra, India and a
certificate in Financial Accounting from SAIT, Mrs. Dias joined Webber Academy in
the year 2004 as an Administrative Assistant. She brings with her 14 years of
accounting/administrative experience working at St. Patrickʼs Junior College, one
of the oldest convent schools in India. Mrs. Dias immigrated to Canada in October
2004 and is now a proud Canadian having received her Canadian Citizenship on
February 27, 2009
Mrs. Dias initially joined Webber academy as an Administrative Assistant and after
about a year took on the role as an Accounting Assistant. She has ever since
worked in that position, carrying out her responsibilities with due diligence.
Bernie Dowhan
JH Geography/History, Business
Mr. Dowhan is in his fifth year of teaching at Webber Academy. A graduate of
Brandon Universityʼs esteemed Education program, He has over twelve years of
teaching experience. Mr. Dowhan also coaches the very successful Boys Rugby
team. His hobbies include participating in a variety of sports, board games,
politics and spending time with his family.
10
WEBBER ACADEMY
Megan Elston
Math, French, Physical Education
Ms. Elston graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of
Mathematics, minor in Physics, and from Queenʼs University with a Bachelor of
Education. Ms. Elstonʼs education experience includes teaching locally, abroad, in
the public and private systems, textbook editing and marking mathematics
contests.
Ms. Elston is originally from South Western Ontario, born and raised bilingual in
Chatham, Ontario. Her high school travelling experiences compelled her to
continue exploring the world. As a result she first worked at Saint Andrews School
for Girls in Johannesburg, South Africa teaching high school mathematics, and
then completed her first full year of teaching at The American School Foundation of
Monterrey in Mexico.
Ms. Elston enjoys the outdoors and looks forward to contributing to the athletics at
Webber Academy. She played varsity rugby for the University of Waterloo and
looks forward to sharing her passion for rugby and athletics.
This year Ms. Elston is teaching Junior High Physical Education, Junior and Senior High French as well as Senior
High Mathematics.
Lindsay Fear
Grade VI Homeroom
Born and raised in Toronto, Ms. Fear graduated from the University of Toronto
with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. She has had several
years experience working in the education sector, specifically within
independent schools. After graduating, she worked for 3 years at an
International Baccalaureate girls school in Toronto, followed by an independent
boys school. She earned her teaching qualification at La Trobe University in
Melbourne, Australia, where she had the opportunity to teach the Primary
Years Programme at an internationally renowned IB school. She spent her first
year teaching in a 4-form entry school in London, United Kingdom, followed by
a year up north teaching in small village schools in rural England. 11
WEBBER ACADEMY
Deborah Ferguson
JH/SH Drama
Ms. Ferguson has a passion for the Arts as an essential part of a balanced
education. She values Theatre as a means to explore human relationships, ideas
and philosophies in history. With 11 years of post-secondary education, she has
many interests, but she holds degrees in Education and Music from the University
of Calgary, and a Performing Arts Diploma from Grant MacEwan University as well
as MMus Education at the University of Western Ontario. Deborah was in an
Honours High School program in Calgary and is a second generation Calgarian.
Life long learning is one of her principles, so she continues to read in various
disciplines and to study acting, dance and singing, including summer courses in
directing, technical theatre construction, lighting design, sound design and singing
in Italy. During her time at Webber Academy, she has developed the High School
Drama Program and served as President of the 9B Zone Drama Festival and
President of the Alberta High School Drama Festival Association. Through
association with the AHSDFA, she has collaborated with many teachers in the province. Ms. Ferguson has
worked as a professional actor and has directed, stage managed or performed in plays for 40 years. She believes
that the only way to understand theatre is to see theatre, so she attends over 30 productions a year in Calgary,
Edmonton, San Francisco, New York, London, or Stratford.
Craig Frehlich
JH Science, AISI Coordinator
Mr. Frehlich earned a Bachelor of Education and Master of Education degree at the
University of Lethbridge and has an impressive background as a Science Teacher
and Administrator. This experience includes teaching both Junior and Senior High
science in Alberta, as well as his role as Vice Principal of Holy Spirit Academy
School in High River. Mr. Frehlich was also the IB Middle Years Coordinator at
Strathcona Tweedsmuir School and Lead Teacher at the Canadian International
School in Singapore.
Currently, Mr. Frehlich works with other teachers at Webber Academy as our
A.I.S.I. Coordinator on Formative E-Assessment and teaches Junior High Science. Mr. Frehlich is an accomplished presenter on the topic of Formative E-Assessment
with recent trips to Singapore, Montreal and South Carolina. He believes as
educators, it is our charge to ensure students have the the learning tools
necessary to arm themselves to be stewards of our society and successful learners
beyond the walls of the classroom.
12
WEBBER ACADEMY
Patricia Fullerton
JH/SH Art
Ms. Fullerton grew up in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. It was at primary school
where she initially realized her passion for art. After graduating from high school
she travelled to England to specialize in textile design at Gloucestershire College
of Art where she obtained a first class Bachelors degree in Art and Design in 1976.
After 10 years working as a designer in London and Dublin and 4 years traveling in
Australia and Europe, Patricia returned to university in Liverpool, England to
complete her Post Graduate Certificate in Education, in Art and Design. She then
taught Art at a secondary school in Southport, Lancashire, England for 9 years.
Ms. Fullerton immigrated to Calgary in 1999 and initially threw herself into
volunteer work teaching English as a Second Language. She also returned to
university part time to develop her art and became a substitute teacher for a year
before joining Webber Academy in August 2001.
Ms. Fullerton is enthusiastic, dedicated and hardworking. She loves teaching art to students in Grades Seven
through Twelve and enjoys spending her days off in art galleries and volunteering at a local animal rescue. She
also enjoys a healthy lifestyle by skiing, running and hiking.
Heather Gallagher
Grade V Homeroom
Ms. Gallagher is a teacher at heart who loves to share the joy of learning with
children. She achieved a Bachelor of Arts from Acadia University and completed
Elementary and Middle teacher training at the University of Maine. There, she
graduated cum laude and was the recipient of the top award for teaching. She
came to Webber Academy in the spring of 2009 with six years of teaching
experience. Prior to moving to Calgary, Heather spent two and a half years
teaching in urban and rural public schools in the United States. Her teaching
career began at Elmwood School in Ottawa where she taught Kindergarten and
Grades Six and Seven. She has coached middle and high school athletes in
soccer and running for six years. She believes that hard work, enthusiastic
participation and a positive attitude are essential elements for academic and
athletic success.
MS. Gallagher has a passion and drive for running and recently discovered that
she enjoys the competitive aspects of the sport. 13
WEBBER ACADEMY
Vicki Grenier
Admissions Assistant
Mrs. Grenier began her post secondary education at the Alberta College of Art,
majoring in Painting. However, her career aspirations led her to obtain a diploma
in Office Administration from SAIT, and she joined Webber Academy in May, 2000.
As the school grew, Vicki had the opportunity to fulfill a number of different roles
within the administrative team, including Office Administrator, Office Manager,
Accounting Assistant, and Student Services Coordinator.
After returning from a maternity leave in 2006, Vicki was given the opportunity to
work within the schoolʼs admissions department, where she presently works with
the Director of Admissions. Each day, Vicki has the pleasure of meeting and
working with prospective families and students.
Vicki is the proud mother of two children, one of whom currently attends Webber
Academy. Though her schedule is a busy one, she still enjoys painting!
Jennifer Harriman
Grade VI Homeroom
Ms. Harriman joined the teaching team at Webber Academy in 2004. Since that
time, she has taught Grade Six Geography/History and Language Arts, with a
particular focus on creative writing. Before teaching at Webber Academy, Ms.
Harriman developed her teaching skills in a small private school in the Calgary
area where she taught a myriad of grade levels and subject areas including
Grades Two through Twelve, Science, Language Arts, World Religions and AP
Human Geography. She also spent a short stint driving the school bus before
and after the teaching day. Working with a diversity of learners and disciplines
afforded Ms. Harriman the opportunity to cultivate a wide range of teaching
strategies and skills.
Ms. Harriman completed her Bachelor of Education degree at Concordia
University College in Edmonton. Before coming to Education as a career, Ms.
Harriman completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies and Applied
Ethics from the University of Calgary and a Masters degree in Philosophy of
Religion from Kingʼs College at the University of London.
Currently, Ms. Harriman greatly enjoys a fulfilling teaching career instructing Grade Six Language Arts on a parttime basis. She finds great inspiration in her students and colleagues and hopes she sometimes provides
inspiration for them. Outside of teaching, Ms. Harriman enjoys travelling, reading and film. She is married and
has two beautiful young children.
14
WEBBER ACADEMY
Morgan Haigler
Communications Coordinator
Ms. Haigler, a former News Assistant of The University of Calgaryʼs newspaper The
Gauntlet, is thrilled to be starting her new position as a Communications
Coordinator at Webber Academy this year. Her passion for writing began after she
got her first poem published with The Poetry Institute of Canada at age 11. Since
then she has earned a two-year diploma in print media journalism at SAIT and a
Bachelor of Communications Studies from the University of Calgary.
Occasionally in her spare time she lectures as guest speaker at Mount Royal
University and designs postcards for the Springbank Creative Arts Sale as part of
their marketing and advertisement committee. Other personal endeavours of hers
include reading, traveling and learning Spanish as a second language.
Although she is busy pursuing a new career, she has future aspirations to attain a
Master of Communication Studies (MCS) as well.
Cheryl Harris
Junior Kindergarten
Mrs. Harris completed her schooling and teacher training in Cape Town, South
Africa, where she obtained a Senior Primary Teachersʼ Diploma. She has over
twenty years of teaching experience, both in South Africa, the United States, and
Canada, and has taught a range of subjects in the elementary division.
In August 2000, Mrs. Harris and her family relocated to the United States on a
cultural teaching program in North Carolina. There she taught GRade Six Language
Arts and Social Studies. In July 2006, she emigrated to Canada where she worked
for Renfrew Educational Services. Since August 2009, she has been teaching in the
Junior Kindergarten half day program at Webber Academy.
Johnathan Harris
JH Science; CALM 20
Mr. Harris completed his schooling and university training in South Africa. He
attended Paarl Teachersʼ College earning a Senior Primary Teachersʼ Diploma,
and the University of South Africa where he achieved a Bachelor of Arts degree.
He has over twenty years of teaching experience, mainly in the lower Junior High
section (Grades Six and Seven), including management positions as principal of
a state and a private school. His subject expertise is of a generalist nature;
having taught core and non-core subjects at various schools in South Africa.
In August 2000, Mr. Harris and his family departed to the United States on a
cultural program and taught at a middle and elementary school in Catawba
County, North Carolina until June 2006 when they emigrated to Canada. His
initial teaching job in Calgary was at a junior high charter school in southeast
Calgary. He has been at Webber since August 2007 and has taught mainly Junior
High science and CALM.
15
WEBBER ACADEMY
Jane Hayward
SH Geography/History; Academic & Career Counsellor
Ms. Haywardʼs love for history and its invaluable lessons is only surpassed by her
passion for her students to realize their extraordinary potential. A veteran teacher,
specializing in European and Canadian history, political and economic theory and
computer applications, Jane is also one of our Senior School career and academic
counsellors.
Before joining Webber Academy, she was an experienced teacher and had also
spent fifteen years in marketing at the Calgary Herald as the education specialist. It
was here that she honed her lay-out and design skills, and produced a myriad of
educational units and programs at both the elementary and secondary levels. Jane
won provincial, national and international awards for several of these, including her
Calgary Winter Olympics and Heart of Many Colours packages, a series of parent
pamphlets, and EducationOnline, the first education-dedicated newspaper website
in the world. During her newspaper years, she was also an educational guest
speaker at many national and international newspaper conferences from New York City to San Francisco; from
Chicago to cities in Australia.
At Webber Academy she has been involved with Voices, our student literary magazine, Senior School yearbook,
coaching, school newsletters and other school communication pieces. Presently Ms. Hayward is involved with
Senior School yearbook, the design and lay-out of Voices, and Reach for the Top.
Paul Holmes
JH/SH Geography/History, Psychology
Mr. Holmes comes to Webber Academy with a post-secondary education of more
than eight years garnering degrees and training in education, history, theology
and psychology. Equally formative has been his wealth of experience teaching in
public, private and international school settings. Travel to most continents and
living overseas in Cameroon, West Africa, have helped to broaden and enrich the
perspectives that he brings to his classes.
For the past seven years, Mr. Holmes has taught Geography/History and
Psychology at Webber Academy in the Senior School. Mr. Holmes enjoys sharing
his love of politics, economics and global issues both inside and outside the
classroom. Mr. Holmes contributes to the Webber Academy community through
his involvement as co-coach of the Senior High Debate Club, coach of volleyball
and/or basketball teams, and sponsoring the 30 Hour Famine and the Grade
Twelve Legacy Project which together have invested over fifty thousand dollars in
improving the lives of individuals and communities overseas.
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WEBBER ACADEMY
Claire Huffaker
JH/SH Geography/History,
Ms. Huffaker graduated from Texas A&M University and spent two years pursuing
graduate work in history at the University of Virginia before abandoning academia
for the real world of diplomacy. She spent 14 years as a Cultural and Press
Attaché with the U.S. Foreign Service. Postings included South Africa and India, as
well as numerous assignments focusing on Soviet and Russian affairs in
Washington, D.C. and Moscow. Since leaving the diplomatic corps, she has been a
writer, workshop presenter and teacher. In 2010, Ms. Huffaker completed an
education degree at the University of Calgary. She is in her second year teaching
Geography/History at Webber Academy.
Ms. Huffaker is an adopted Calgarian who has been happily married for 22 years
and is the proud parent of two Webber Academy students.
Audrey Hughes
Library Technician
Mrs. Hughes graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Geology
from Derby Lonsdale College of Higher Education in 1984 and worked for almost
twenty years as a Geophysicist in the Oil and Gas Industry. For over ten years
Mrs. Hughes was a manager in the processing department of a specialized
geophysical contracting company in London, and had the opportunity to travel to
places as diverse as Russia, Kazakhstan, Thailand, the Middle East and North
America.
In 2002 she moved from London to Aberdeen with her family (Duncan and
daughter, Fiona), as a result of the relocation of her husbandʼs company, and
settled in a small rural Aberdeenshire village. She consulted for a couple of years,
but then looked for a change in direction and was looking towards gaining a
teaching qualification. She became a Classroom Assistant at her daughterʼs
primary school – with a student enrolment of 32! However, before these plans
could come to fruition she and her family moved to Anchorage in 2005.
Alaska was quite the experience for the five years they spent there and as a family they thoroughly enjoyed the
chance to explore the wilderness. She enjoyed the chance to work as an Engineering Assistant, mostly working
on projects for the Alaska Department of Transport, but also on environmental permits, and became a qualified
Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan inspector. In Alaska she
was also involved as a parent at Fionaʼs school and spent three years as VP of the PTA as well as editor and
designer of the school yearbook.
Mrs. Hughes moved to Calgary in April 2010 and took a Technical Writing course to keep busy. She is now
enjoying her new position as the Library Assistant at Webber Academy which is great since she loves to be
around books.
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WEBBER ACADEMY
Joanne Hunt
Grade II Homeroom
Mrs. Joanne Hunt holds a Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of
Saskatchewan. She lived and worked in Great Britain, where she taught school for
15 years. She has taught in every year group from grades three to nine. She is
currently teaching Grade Two at Webber Academy.
Mrs. Hunt has worked as a volunteer at the Mustard Seed in Calgary, helping
homeless people to get their Grade Twelve diploma, as well as tutoring students
who were taking a first year university course. She also volunteered for many years
at The Childrenʼs Cottage, where she served on the Board of Directors for three
years.
Heather Imorde
SK Educational Assistant
Ms. Imorde attended Red Deer College and the University of Calgary while
obtaining her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (with a minor in Sociology). In
addition, she holds a Bachelor of Elementary Education degree (With Distinction)
from the University of Alberta.
For the past three years, Ms. Imorde has taught a one-on-one remedial program
at Calgaryʼs Foothills Academy, which emphasizes studentʼs phonetic
awareness, reading and writing skills. She also has experience as a K to 12
substitute teacher with the Calgary Public School Board.
Sunanda Kerr
Senior Kindergarten
Ms. Kerr is pleased to be joining the staff at Webber Academy this year as a
Senior Kindergarten teacher. Her educational background includes a degree in
Child Psychology from the University of Victoria completed in 2004 along with her
degree in Education from the University of Alberta which she completed in 2008.
Her private school experiences extend back many years ago when she attended
high school in England.
She has previously taught Kindergarten for the Calgary Board of Education as
well as served as a technology specialist for her school. Technology is an area of
expertise for Ms. Kerr as she communicates weekly with her class parents
through visual e-newsletters. She has lived in Calgary for just over one year
having grown up in Vancouver where her family still resides.
Ms. Kerr is an avid world traveler having visited fifteen countries as well as
teaching in South Korea for a summer. In the summer she enjoys sailing
competitively in Vancouver and travelled to the United States this summer to race
with her crew. Ms. Kerr comes to Webber Academy as a motivated and passionate educator who hopes to instill a
love of learning and exploration in her students. 18
WEBBER ACADEMY
Chloe Koshman
Advancement & Marketing Assistant
Ms. Koshman presently holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of
Calgary and is currently in her second and final year of the Bachelor of
Education Masters of Teaching Program. She holds the position of an
Advancement and Marketing assistant at Webber Academy. Her
responsibilities include promoting Webber Academy through assisting in the
creation of information packages, handbooks, and monthly newsletters. An
important function of her position is to create and keep current presentation
boards to maintain positive interest in Webber Academy and to inform both
parents and students of upcoming events through the use of photography and
creativity.
Janice Lacroix
Head of Elementary (Maternity Leave)
Mrs. Lacroix was born in Hong Kong, and immigrated to Canada with her family in
1973. Growing up in Calgary, she attended the University of Calgary and graduated
with a Bachelor of Education (With Distinction) degree in 1994. After teaching for two
years at Christopher Robin School (a private, primary specialist school), Janice joined
the Webber Academy staff in the spring of 1997, just as plans were underway for
opening the school in the fall. She is very proud to be a founding teacher of the
school.
After teaching Grades Three and Five at Webber Academy, Janice was appointed as
Director of Admissions for the school in 2000. That year was exciting for both Janice
and the school, as it experienced significant growth in population and the school
community was preparing for their move to a new campus.
Presently, Janice is the Head of Elementary at Webber Academy, where she has the
great pleasure of working with parents and children from Junior Kindergarten to Grade Six. She was married in
September, 2006, and in March, 2010, she and her husband Rob welcomed their first child, Mason, to their
family. After taking a year off to enjoy her family, Janice will be rejoining the Webber Academy staff in April, 2011.
19
WEBBER ACADEMY
Shawn Lawrence
SH Chemistry
Mr. Lawrence graduated from the Brooks Composite High School before attending
the University of Alberta, earning both Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of
Education degrees with a specialization in Genetics.
Since graduating, he has taught in various locations from to Eatonia,
Saskatchewan to Drumheller, Alberta. He is entering his ninth year of teaching at
Webber Academy (and has earned somewhat of a reputation for risky chemistry
demonstrations). He has enjoyed building the high school AP Chemistry/Science
program at Webber Academy.
Mr. Lawrence enjoys sports, most notably golf and basketball. He enjoys watching
movies, playing street hockey and Wii with his 10 year old son, and just simply
spending time with friends and family.
Lynn Lee
Executive Assistant; Office Manager
Mrs. Lee started at Webber Academy four years ago as an Administrative
Assistant in the front office. Today she serves double duty as Executive Assistant
to the Administration and as Office Manager. No stranger to the school
environment, Lynn has served over 15 years in the Catholic system in Calgary.
The majority of that time was spent at St. Francis High School which, at the time,
had the distinction of being the biggest high school in Calgary. During this time she
also worked with Canadian Mental Health Association assisting clients with daily
life skills and challenges. Her winter months involved many volunteer hours with
community hockey, AA hockey and the recruiting of volunteers for the annual
MACS midget hockey tournament.
Proud to be a native Calgarian, Lynn is one of those very few people you meet who was actually born and raised
in the city. She is a graduate of Mount Royal College and was a Recreational Therapist by training before being
seconded by the education system. She has two children, a boy and a girl, who are fully grown and making their
way in the young adult community. Her husband, Terry, is a building contractor and they make their home in
Hounsfield Heights.
20
WEBBER ACADEMY
Roy Lee
IT Manager
Mr. Lee was born in Taipei, Taiwan and moved to Calgary in 1999. He
graduated from Mount Royal University with a Bachelor of Applied Computer
Information Systems and Business. His last position was as a IT
manager, developing mobile applications for Apple, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, HTC,
LG, and other major mobile device manufacturers.
Mr. Lee has been working in the IT industry for over ten years and has
experience with a wide variety of systems and applications. He loves learning
new technologies and is always upgrading his collection of gadgets.
Brad LeMaistre
SH Chemistry
Mr. LeMaistre became a proud member of the Science department at Webber
Academy in January 2011. He graduated from the University of Calgary with a
Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Physics, and again two years later with a
Bachelor of Education Degree majoring in Secondary Science. Upon graduation he
taught Chemistry, Physics, and Science at St. Francis High School in north
Calgary.
Seeking a change of pace and a little adventure, Mr. LeMaistre and his wife moved
to South Korea. He accepted a professor position in the Faculty of Business
Administration at a university where he independently created the curriculum and
instructed several courses: Business Communication at the MBA and
undergraduate levels, and Parliamentary Debate in Business. Among his
accolades, he authored the textbook for the Parliamentary Debate in Business
course, and an academic research paper entitled “The Research on a
Parliamentary Debate Teaching Methodology for Enhancing Business Communication Education” published in
The Korean Association of Business Education Journal.
On a personal note, Mr. LeMaistre enthusiastically engages in a number of activities in his spare time. He is a
PADI certified scuba Divemaster and has dived in such exotic locales as the Gulf of Thailand, the British Virgin
Islands, and Sipadan Island off the coast of Borneo. He considers himself to be great on his Fender electric
guitar, when he is rocking he turns up his amp to 11. His active lifestyle includes jogging, weight training, and
camping in the summertime. At home, he is a chef hobbyist where he attempts to re-create some of the culinary
delights he and his wife have enjoyed in their extensive travels around Asia and the Caribbean.
21
WEBBER ACADEMY
Jennifer Leong
Grade VI Homeroom
Mrs. Leong came to Webber Academy in the fall of 2005, after many years in
Public Education. She is a graduate of Queenʼs University in Kingston, Ontario.
Upon the completion of her Education degree in 1984, she spent two years in a
remote northern community in Manitoba followed by a move to Calgary where she
taught on the Stoney Reserve in Morley, Alberta for the next four years. From
1990-2005 she worked for the Calgary Catholic School Board at three different
schools teaching a variety of subjects including Junior High Math and Drama, until
she discovered her passion for teaching students at the Grade Six level. She has
been teaching this grade level for the past 15 years, and loves every moment she
spends with these young adults.
Mrs. Leong has been married for over 18 years to her husband Kim, and together
they parent their 3 sons, Davis, Bennett and Cooper. She loves to cook and
travel, and is a huge sports fan, with figure skating being at the top of her list
(much to the dismay of the men in her life!). Her life has had many highlights and
she feels blessed to be able to come to school every day and work with such wonderful young people.
Christina Leppard
Grade I Homeroom
After graduating from Lancaster University in Great Britain, Ms. Leppard
completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) specializing in
early years education. Christina started her teaching career in Manchester
(Great Britain) and came to Webber Academy from the International School of
Bergen (Norway). During her time at the International School of Bergen, Ms.
Leppard taught Kindergarten and was the Primary Years Program (PYP)
coordinator. During her time as PYP coordinator she applied and was
successful in getting the International School of Bergen accredited by the
International Baccalaureate as a PYP school.
22
WEBBER ACADEMY
Dianne Lever
Grade IV Homeroom
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Mrs. Lever graduated from the University of
Calgary with a Bachelor of Education degree with minors in Language Arts and
Computer Studies. She gained valuable experience with both the Public and
Catholic School Boards at St. Vincent De Paul, Brentwood Elementary and
Colonel MacLeod schools, during her early teaching career. Dianne was also
involved in setting up and running an Early Literacy program for emergent readers
during this time.
Dianne believes that teaching is about inspiring children to utilize their talents and
guiding them toward achieving their best. She joined the teaching staff at Webber
Academy in 1997 during the schoolʼs first year of operation and held a variety of
positions during the schoolʼs formative years. First, as a Grade Five/Six teacher,
then as a Grade Two homeroom teacher for several years followed by a 1 year
term as a Senior Kindergarten teacher. Dianne then took on the administrative
role of Director of Admissions in the 2007-2008 school year and held this position for 3 years. Just this past
summer, she made the decision to return to the classroom as a Grade Four homeroom teacher. As the youngest
daughter of Dr. Neil Webber, Dianne adopted her fatherʼs vision and desire to teach with passion and create a
learning environment where bright children are taught how to make the most of their gifts.
Joyce Ma
JH/SH Mandarin
Mrs. Ma was born and raised in Beijing, China. After graduating from the Beijing
Capital Normal University, she taught Chinese language and Math at an
elementary school. During her nine years teaching in Beijing, she was awarded
a Teaching Excellence Award by Haidian Education Board of Beijing. While she
was teaching full time, Joyce continued to pursue her interest in Chinese
language and literature.
To fulfill their dream of travelling around the world, Joyce and her husband
moved to Australia in 1995. It was during those four years of teaching and
studying in Australia that she developed a keen interest in teaching Chinese as
a second language.
Mrs. Ma continued to teach Mandarin part-time in Calgary after moving here in 1999. She joined the staff at
Webber Academy in 2001. During her time at Webber Academy, Joyce has served as a consultant to Alberta
Education on the development and implementation of the Mandarin curriculum. At Webber Academy, she
spearheads Chinese New Year celebrations and organizes successful school trips to China.
A mother of two daughters, Joyce enjoys her life in Calgary and continues to study for self improvement. She is
enthusiastic, dedicated and hardworking, and with her love of children and passion for teaching, Joyce looks
forward to helping Webber Academy students to pursue their goals.
23
WEBBER ACADEMY
Anna Marie Martin
JH/SH French
Mrs. Martin was born in Edmonton, being the middle child of three girls. After
graduating from Austin OʼBrien High School in Edmonton, Anna Marie obtained a
Bachelorʼs degree in Education at the University of Alberta with a major in Social
Studies and a minor in French.
After graduating from university, she traveled to Fort McMurray, Alberta to start her
first teaching job. While in Fort McMurray, Anna Marie gained experience while
teaching in a lower economic school for three years. She taught junior French
Immersion and French as a Second Language (FSL). This is also where she met
her husband and they moved to Calgary where she taught with Foothills School
Division for five years. She taught FSL 9-12, Social Studies 9-12, Science 9, the
I.O.P program, the Green Program and various other courses. With this division,
she was also nominated for the Teaching of Excellence Award. She then left
teaching for a time to have two children; Marc and Eric who are now 12 and10
years old. After taking some time off to raise her children, she returned to teaching part-time at Edison Private
School to teach French for three years before coming to Webber Academy. Anna Marie has had lots of
experience teaching various subjects for many schools boards. She has now been at Webber Academy for 8
years where she is currently teaching French from Grades Seven to Twelve.
Mrs. Martin enjoys teaching and being with students. Her passions also include running, reading and spending
time with her family. She has developed a keen interest in fitness and maintains a balanced life-style. Anna Marie
looks forward to encouraging and working with the students at Webber Academy to help them achieve their
dreams and goals.
Geri Meisinger
Grade II Homeroom
Ms. Meisinger is a proud member of the Grade Two teaching team! Her educational
background includes a Bachelor of Arts (English/Classics Major) from the University
of Alberta, and a Bachelor of Education (with Distinction) from the University of
Calgary.
Prior to coming to Webber Academy, Ms. Meisinger was with Calgary Catholic
School District for 13 years, teaching Grade One and Kindergarten. She also taught
Senior Kindergarten at Webber Academy for one year, before moving to her current
position.
During her time at Webber Academy, Ms. Meisinger has been involved in various
student clubs, including the Jump Rope Team, Fall Baseball Club, and the Grade
One to Eight Spelling Bee Team.
Ms. Meisinger loves reading, spelling and penguins! She loves to challenge her students to do their very best
work, and to always remember that, “A try is never wrong!”
24
WEBBER ACADEMY
Geoffrey Milnes
Elementary Physical Education
Mr. Milnes graduated from Queenʼs University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts,
Honours degree. Shortly after the graduation ceremony, Mr. Milnes gathered his
most cherished possessions--a skateboard, mountain bike and his quiver of skis—
and headed out “West” in a very tired but trustworthy station wagon to stake his
claim.
While living in Banff, Mr. Milnes worked in a snowboard shop and coached with the
Rocky Mountain Riders, a youth mountain bike team. In 1999, he took up
residence in Strathcona Park Lodge on Vancouver Island and was a student in the
Canadian Outdoor Leadership Training Programme. He graduated with
certifications in Outdoor Leadership, Sea Kayak Guiding, Canoeing, Mountain
Travel and Wilderness First Aid.
In the fall of 1999, Queenʼs University accepted Mr. Milnes into its faculty of
education. He graduated there with teaching degrees in both elementary education and outdoor and experiential
education.
Mr. Milnes was hired by the Calgary Board of Education in the fall of 2000. He worked as a Grade Six teacher at
both Woodlands Elementary and Janet Johnstone Elementary Schools. In 2004, Mr. Milnes came to Webber
Academy. He has had the pleasure of working in a variety of teaching roles at Webber Academy that have
included high school Physical Education and elementary Science, Physical Education, Geography/History and
Art. Mr. Milnes has also really enjoyed opportunities to coach high school basketball, cross-country running and
the Elementary Ball Hockey Club.
Cecilia Mondaca
Grade V Homeroom
Mrs. Mondaca moved to Canada in her Junior High years. She has lived in
Calgary ever since moving from her hometown in Chile. She attended St. Maryʼs
High School, and later enrolled in Business Administration at SAIT. She began her
administrative work in education when she worked at the International School Nido
de Aguilas, where she was the administrative assistant to the Head of the
Elementary School.
Cecilia is an avid dancer and is part of the Manantial Latin American Dance
ensemble. She has performed with her dance group across Canada and has
competed at the international level. She enjoys all type of dancing, reading a good
book, and partaking in all of the activities her two children are involved in. Cecilia
has been working at Webber Academy since March 2005. She is presently the
Student Services Coordinator for the Junior and Senior High School.
25
WEBBER ACADEMY
Daniel Mondaca
Grade V Homeroom
Mr. Mondaca moved from Santiago, Chile to Canada when he was five years old.
He grew up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan but did most of his schooling in Calgary
as well as his post-secondary education. He received his Bachelor of Arts. in
Psychology prior to going into Education where he completed his Bachelor of
Education and received his teaching degree in 1994.
His teaching career began overseas at the Grange British School and later at the
International School Nido de Aguilas in Chile. Before coming to Webber Academy
in 2001, Mr. Mondaca was the head of the Gifted and Talented Program at the
International School where he introduced the acclaimed international programme,
Future Problem Solvers. Under his direction, a young group of students qualified
consecutively for two years to the finals of the International FPS Conference in
Atlanta, Georgia.
Mr. Mondacaʼs goal has been to develop teaching techniques that will help students be motivated to learn and to
make them feel that they can succeed at anything. Challenging academically able students is also a passion for
Mr. Mondaca and that is why in 1999 he attended Confratute ʻ99 at the University of Connecticut where he did
graduate work on Gifted and Talented program development.
Mr. Mondaca hopes to instill his passion of learning in the students at Webber Academy. In 2006 he was
nominated for the APEGGA Teaching Award for his work with the Grade Five Science curriculum. He also
received the Coach of the Year award in 2008 for his contributions to the schoolʼs athletic programme. Whether
you see him on the court coaching a basketball team, dancing professionally with his partner, Mrs. Mondaca, or
working with young players to develop future chess masters, Mr. Mondacaʼs enthusiasm will certainly motivate
you to do the same.
Jean Montgomery
Elementary/JH Art
A life long interest in the Fine Arts and a desire to teach, made becoming an Art
teacher the obvious choice. Ms. Montgomery graduated with distinction from the
University of Saskatchewan achieving a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of
Education.
Mrs. Montgomeryʼs teaching experience includes four years in Northern
Saskatchewan where she set up an Art Program in a Métis community school.
She spent a year as an Itinerant Art teacher in Southern Saskatchewan covering
five different schools that ranged from Hutterite Colonies to a school that taught
International students on a language exchange program. Ms. Montgomery is
currently in her fourth year at Webber Academy teaching Elementary and Junior
High Art.
Her personal passion of painting is practised during the longer summer break. And in previous years she has
shown her art work in galleries in Regina, Saskatoon and Calgary.
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WEBBER ACADEMY
Shannon Muir
JH Mathematics
Mrs. Muir was born in Regina, Saskatchewan. After she graduated from high
school in 1988, Mrs. Muir spent a year in Mulhouse, France on a Rotary Student
Exchange. This was the beginning of her “traveling bug.” The following year, her
father, was accepted to teach overseas for the Canadian Military in Baden-Baden,
Germany. Mrs. Muir went back to Europe with her family, attended the University
of Strasbourg, where she received a degree in French language and culture, and
toured all around Europe. In 1990, she returned to Regina where she began her
Education Program at the University of Regina. Since her father was still working
on the Canadian Forces base in Germany, Mrs. Muir would spend her next 2
summers working on the base as well as continuing to explore Europe.
In 1994 Mrs. Muir received her Bachelor of Education from the University of
Regina. She started teaching that year in Brooks with the public system in Junior
High Math, the last four years she was the Math Department Head, and stayed
there for the 7 years. Because she was an active member of the Alberta Teachers Association she got the
chance to work with Project Overseas where teachers from across Canada go to another country for the summer
to help fellow teachers. The first time she went to Malawi, Africa where 6 Canadian teachers and 10 Malawian
teachers helped 500 Malawian teachers upgrade their level of education. The second time she went to Amman,
Jordan where 4 Canadian teachers ran Methodology Courses for 100 Jordanian teachers.
Mrs. Muir then started her “private” teaching. First, she spent 2 years with the Banff Mountain Academy in Banff,
as the Senior High Math teacher, followed by a year at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School teaching Junior and
Senior High Math, and being part of their amazing Outdoor Education Program. Finally, Mrs. Muir has come to
Webber Academy, where she presently teaches Junior High Math.
Shawn Murphy
Senior Kindergarten Educational Assistant
Mr. Murphy was born and raised in Calgary and the surrounding area. In 2005 he
graduated from Bow Valley High School in Cochrane, Alberta and began attending
Mount Royal College in the Bachelor of Education – University Transfer program.
In his short time at Mount Royal he gained a valuable understanding of education
and his desire and passion to teach continued to grow. In May of 2010 he
graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelorʼs Degree in Sociology.
Throughout High School and University, Mr. Murphy worked with children in
various different capacities. He spent many summers working at a summer camp
near Sundre, Alberta and also spent time working at a before and after school
program in northwest Calgary. His most recent experience came from Bow Valley
Baptist Church in Cochrane where he was on staff for two and a half years as the
Youth Pastor.
Although Mr. Murphy has grown up in Calgary, he does enjoy traveling. In recent years he has spent time in
Greece, England, China, South Korea, and Peru. He has always enjoyed volunteering and is excited to join the
staff of Webber Academy as a Teaching Assistant in the Kindercentre.
27
WEBBER ACADEMY
Chi Nguyen
Executive Chef
Ms. Chi Nguyen is currently the Executive Chef at Webber Academy. She was
born in Vietnam, where she completed a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood
Education. She came to Canada in 2001, arriving in Calgary.
She has taken an ESL course and the Professional Cooking Program at SAIT.
After graduation from SAIT in 2006, she worked with the Calgary Flames Hockey
Club with positions such as Pastry Chef and First Cook. She started work at
Webber Academy in January 2009, and has enjoyed her role very much. She is
able to do what she loves, along side of friendly staff in a friendly environment.
Ms. Nguyen also teaches Vietnamese food preparation at the Cookbook Company
in the spring. It is a good chance for her to meet other people and to learn more
about Canadian culture.
She hopes that everyone has enjoyed her food at Wylieʼs café, and looks forward
to hearing comments or suggestions from everyone to provide better foods and healthy meals to the Webber
Academy community.
Jason Niven
SH Mathematics
Entering his twelfth year of teaching senior high school mathematics, this is Mr.
Nivenʼs ninth year at Webber Academy. He is a graduate of the University of
Calgary and is a three-time recipient and six-time nominee of teaching awards
from the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of
Alberta (APEGGA), the Calgary Board of Education (CBE), and Alberta Education.
Attending regional, national, and international institutes on Advanced Placement
(AP) mathematics, aligns the instruction of Mr. Nivenʼs AP and pre-AP courses with
global trends and current techniques. Since the introduction of AP at Webber
Academy, Mr. Nivenʼs students consistently score in the top 20% of all students
writing the exam globally. Professional achievements and accolades aside, it is
Jason Nivenʼs passion for working with adolescents and his energy in the
classroom that is most remembered and appreciated by alumni.
He is a fourteen year member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. His professional readings
include periodicals entitled Mathematics Teacher and The Journal for Research in Mathematics Education as well
as the participating in the Electronic Discussion Group of AP mathematics.
28
WEBBER ACADEMY
Kasia Noworyta-Fridman
Head of Senior School; JH/SH Spanish
When Mrs. Noworyta-Fridman was leaving her native Poland for a medical
internship in Italy, she did not expect to discover in the far-away Canada new
passions: languages and teaching. After traveling and living abroad, and
completing four years of university biochemistry courses, she decided to
change her career path, and she completed her Bachelor of Arts (with
Distinction) in Spanish and Italian, receiving many prestigious awards and
scholarships, including one for studying in Spain. In 1996, Mrs. NoworytaFridman successfully defended her Master of Art thesis in Spanish literature,
and then she continued her studies and received a Diploma for Teaching
Spanish as a Second Language from the University of Mexico. She taught
credit courses at the University of Calgary for more than 10 years, where she
was nominated for a Teaching Excellence Award. Mrs. Noworyta-Fridman
speaks Spanish, English, Polish, Italian and Russian, and she has a good knowledge of French and Latin. In her
teaching, she focuses on all aspects of the language, including its application in a cultural context.
During her twelve years at Webber Academy, “Señora N.” has built a strong Spanish program offering enriched
curriculum as well as immersion trips (Costa Rica, Spain, Argentina) and cultural events (Hispanic Encounters,
Cervantes Festival, Spanish Fiesta, Hispanic Speech Competitions). As the Head of Senior School and the
coordinator of AP programs, she continues to teach, as this is her true passion. She is also actively involved in
many aspects of the Senior High Webber Academy community, as a volleyball coach, judge in speech, and an
advisor for new students, to name a few. It gives her great pleasure to have the opportunity to work with our
talented young men and women, and she continues to develop meaningful and positive relationships with her
students.
In her private life, Mrs. Noworyta-Fridman is a mother of two girls (one alumna of Webber Academy and one
junior high Webber Academy student) and she enjoys training martial arts (she has a 3rd degree black belt in
taekwondo), practicing yoga and volleyball, performing with the Savridiʼs Premier Womenʼs Choir, traveling and,
most importantly, she always continues to learn.
Gail Park
Junior Kindergarten
Mrs. Park has been the Director and teacher for the Full Day Junior Kindergarten
class for the past thirteen years. She obtained her Teacher's Certificate from
London Teacher's College. Gail also possesses her Primary Specialist Certificate,
and has obtained a Level 3 in Early Childhood Education from Alberta Social
Services. She moved to Alberta from Ontario in 1981 with her husband and two
children.
She has worked in a variety of settings which include Senior Kindergarten teacher,
Special Needs teacher and the Mobile Team from the Children's Hospital.
Gail and her husband have been actively involved in the Terry Fox Run for
numerous years. She believes strongly in the rights of children and promotes these
rights though volunteering her time with various groups that support and help
children and their families. These groups include the Foster Parents Plan of
Canada, the Children's Wish Foundation and Ronald MacDonald House.
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WEBBER ACADEMY
Jennifer Parker
Grade VII-IX Science
Ms. Parker is a Biochemistry graduate from McMaster University. During her
summers she worked at Atomic Energy of Canada – Chalk River Nuclear Labs as
a research assistant and tutor. Upon completion of her undergraduate degree,
she was presented with the opportunity to work on her Masters in Biochemistry or
attend Teachers College at the University of Toronto. She chose teaching, and
has never regretted the choice.
She has taught Junior and Senior High School Math and Science courses,
including Grade 12 Calculus, Physics and Biology. She considers her current
assignment of Grade 11/12/AP Biology and Science 10, a perfect match. Her
university background and research work allow her to pull from a wealth of
knowledge and experience for the Biology course and she enjoys Science 10, with
its integration of the three sciences.
Ms. Parker has been involved in developing an advanced Math and Science
option course for students in Grades Seven through Nine. These students participated in their schoolʼs first
Science Fair and some attended the Regional Fair. Ms. Parker was also a supervisor of students to the National
Science Fair.
She is a winner of the Alberta Excellence In Education Award and has been involved in a wide range of
extracurricular activities at the school including coaching, refereeing, and running clubs. Her personal interests
include competitive swimming, and she attended the World Masters Finals in Sweden this past summer.
Tara Patrick
Director of Student Affairs; JH/SH Physical Education
Ms. Patrick was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The youngest of seven
children, she was fortunate to have had many positive influences and experiences
while growing up. She was recruited to play volleyball at the University of
Winnipeg, and played there for her five years of eligibility. Ms. Patrick was named
Rookie of the Year in her first season, and her team won the National
Championship in 1993. As a student athlete, she was an Academic All Canadian
for 3 years. Ms. Patrick obtained a Bachelor of Arts., as well as a Bachelor of
Education and began teaching Physical Education in 2000. She moved to Calgary
in 2001 and began teaching at Webber Academy in 2005. She is passionate about
teaching, coaching and motivating her students, and she is honored to carry this
out in such a prestigious school.
Ms. Patrick enjoys the outdoors and takes great pleasure in spending time in the mountains and at the cabin with
family and close friends. She leads a very active lifestyle by engaging in several sports and outdoor activities, and
has a passion for music.
30
WEBBER ACADEMY
Jan Payce-Dawley
Senior Kindergarten
Mrs. Dawley is an enthusiastic and caring teacher who enjoys working with young
children, helping to give them a head start in both their educational and personal
development. Mrs. Dawley has a special talent for responding to the individual
needs of the children in her classroom. She is an effective planner, with a warm
teaching style that is ideal for inspiring students to develop a passion for learning. Jan earned a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary, with a major in
Elementary Physical Education. She has twenty years of teaching experience in
both the public and private sectors, in Ontario as well as Alberta. Her hobbies
include music, gardening, golf, walking her dog and spending time with her family. Her love of travel has taken her to locations all over the world. Jan believes that a
child's Kindergarten experience lays the foundation for their future success.
Tannis Petursson
Junior Kindergarten Educational Assistant
Mrs. Petursson holds a Bachelor of Home Economics degree from the University
of Manitoba, as well as an Early Childhood Education Level 2 certificate. She
has experience teaching preschool in both the Manitoba and Alberta education
systems. Her most recent work has been focused as a one-on-one Child
Development Facilitator, and Family Liaison Coordinator, for an early intervention
program.
Mrs. Petursson is married with two children, and enjoys an active life outside of
school playing baseball, hiking, and running half and full marathons.
31
WEBBER ACADEMY
Brent Pierce
JH/SH Music (Band)
Mr. Pierce, a native Albertan, graduated from the University of Alberta in 1982 with
a Bachelor Degree in Education, with a major in Secondary Music. He taught in
Camrose and Lloydminster for seven years, directing successful band programs in
both cities.
Mr. Pierce returned to university in 1989, at the University of Lethbridge, to pursue
his interests in vocal/choral music and composition. During this degree, he
became a published composer and upon graduation, was awarded the Gold Medal
for the Faculty of Fine Arts for having the highest academic standing amongst its
graduates. Following his graduation from Lethbridge, he then entered a masters
programme at the University of Alberta, studying composition. During this graduate
programme, he studied with several renowned Canadian composers, including
Malcolm Forsyth and Violet Archer, and was twice awarded the Violet Archer
Graduate Studies Composition Scholarship at the University of Alberta. Further, he
was commissioned to compose for the Concordia College Choir and various other choral groups.
Mr. Pierce returned to teaching in Okotoks, where he co-taught one of the largest and most successful band
programs in the province. As well, he began a junior high choral program that grew to over 100 participants in a
two year span and was repeatedly recommended to the provincial festival. He also served as director of the
Mount Royal Youth Choir from 2001 to 2003 and is currently the Director of Music at Webber Academy. He
established the Webber Academy Band Programme in 2001, which has quickly grown into a tremendously
successful band programme and has received numerous awards at the local, provincial and national levels. He
enjoys working with the Webber Academy students because of their strong commitment to excellence in music.
Katarina Polgarova
Junior Kindergarten
Ms. Polgarova graduated in October 2005 at the Commenius University in
Slovakia getting her Masters Degree in German language and literature. After
that she moved to Canada and worked as a Live-In Caregiver for over three
years and gained permanent residency in Canada. This allowed her to look for a
permanent teaching position. At the beginning of school year Ms. Polgarova
joined the Webber Kindercentre Team as a Junior Kindergarten teacher.
Ms. Polgarova is an outdoor enthusiast, and works as a part-time ski instructor
during the winter season. She enjoys rock and ice climbing, horseback riding and
other outdoor activities.
32
WEBBER ACADEMY
Vicki Polson
Junior Kindergarten
Mrs. Polson was born and raised in Western Quebec. She completed her Early
Childhood Education Diploma at Algonquin College in 1992. She worked as a
preschool teacher until she had her first child in 1995. Mrs. Polson stayed at home
with her daughter and then had a second daughter. During this time she operated a
Day Home until moving to Calgary in 2000. In September 2001 she joined the staff
at Webber Academy and considers herself very fortunate to be a part of such a
professional, dedicated team.
Mrs. Polson enjoys being with her family, traveling, camping, hiking and simply
being together. She am a proud soccer mom and thoroughly enjoys this fast paced
time in her girlʼs lives.
Alexis Prendergast
JH/SH Physical Education
Mrs. Prendergast was born and raised in Dartmouth Nova Scotia. Here she took
her Bachelor of Kinesiology Degree at Acadia University, followed by her Bachelor
of Education Degree in secondary education at Saint Francis Xavier University.
Mrs. Prendergast has been involved in athletics in her school community by
coaching cross country running, senior varsity girls basketball and junior and senior
high badminton. She enjoys her full-time position teaching Physical Education here
at Webber Academy in both the Junior and Senior High levels.
During her spare time, you can always find Mrs. Prendergast on a new running
route, as she is always training for an upcoming half or full marathon. However, in
the basketball season she works hard to improve her game, and to keep her team
motivated on and off the court. She loves anything in the outdoors, and her passion
is anything new and innovative in the health and wellness industry. Teaching
Physical Education is a wonderful place to be, as she can always inspire her
students to become well rounded both mentally and physically. She has been with
Webber Academy since 2006 and is in her fourth year in the Physical Education program.
Sandra Rentiers
Junior Kindergarten (Maternity Leave)
Mrs. Rentiers has been a Junior Kindergarten teacher at Webber Academy for two
years. Originally from Vancouver, Mrs. Rentiers studied Early Childhood Education
at Capilano College. Mrs. Rentiers is passionate about teaching young children.
She loves to use childrenʼs literature and songs in the classroom.
Mrs. Rentiers also enjoys being active and spending time outside. Her favourite
activities include hiking, skiing, soccer and yoga.
33
WEBBER ACADEMY
Laura Rooney
Grade III Homeroom
Ms. Rooney graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Education Honours Degree
specializing in Special Needs, Drama in Education, and Developmental Education
from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. She has been teaching Grade Three at
Webber Academy for four years. Her vast range of teaching experiences all over
the world and her in-depth cultural awareness brings a vibrant and stimulating
learning environment for the children at Webber Academy. Prior to this Ms.
Rooneyʼs teaching experience was based in the Middle East and Ireland. Her first
year teaching was spent in a little country school located in Lusk, County Dublin. In
August 2002, she traveled to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and taught Grades
One, Three and Six in a Private International School. After spending two years in
Dubai, she decided sheʼd like to experience more of Middle Eastern living. She
accepted a position at Sanaʼa British School in the ancient city of Sanaʼa in the
Republic of Yemen. Ms. Rooney worked as a Grade Three homeroom teacher and
as the schoolʼs coordinator for children with special needs. She returned to Ireland
in August 2005 and taught in a two teacher school in the small farming community of Moynalty, County Meath, in
central Ireland. Ms. Rooney had 27 children in her class ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 4.
Ms. Rooney has many interests and hobbies such as traveling, hiking, diving and swimming. She enjoys taking
part in various volunteering projects; while in University she travelled to Zambia where she worked as a volunteer
teacher in a community school. She was also involved in various fundraising activities while in Ireland and
Yemen.
David Rose
SH Chemistry, Biology
Mr. Rose is a born and raised Calgarian. After graduating from Sir Winston
Churchill High School and the University of Calgary, he worked for 10 years
with both the Rocky View School Division and Calgary Board of Education. In
2005, Mr. Rose was selected as the representative for North American region
in the development of the Sport, Exercise and Health Science course being
launched by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme in 2012. In the
development of that course, Mr. Rose filled several roles including: course
developer, exam author, pilot instructor and curriculum centre coordinator.
Closer to home, Mr. Rose is actively involved in high school Biology within
Alberta serving in the capacity of exam item writing, Biology 30
standardization and exam and field test moderation. Mr. Rose also fulfilled
various roles in the development and in-servicing of the recently released
Nelson and McGraw-Hill Alberta Biology textbooks. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Rose has extensive coaching
experience in Volleyball, Football, Fast Pitch and Rugby and is an avid fan of hockey and golf.
34
WEBBER ACADEMY
Julie Roxburgh
Accounting Assistant
As a graduate of the University of Calgaryʼs Haskayne School of Business, Ms.
Roxburgh obtained a degree in business with a major in operations management.
In addition to graduating at the top of her class she was awarded the Silver
Medallion in Operations Management for the highest achievement in her faculty.
Since graduation Ms. Roxburgh has obtained a broad exposure to business
operations through experiences in the tourism, banking, commercial real estate, oil
& gas and education industries through roles in customer service, appraisal,
financial analysis, purchasing, logistics, inventory management and accounting.
Ms. Roxburgh is currently pursuing her Certified General Accountant (CGA)
designation.
Denise Russell
Grade II Homeroom
Mrs. Russell is originally from Labrador City, Newfoundland. She attended
university in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she received a Bachelor of Arts (major
in Sociology) and a Bachelor of Education. She has been teaching for ten years:
one year in Terrace, British Columbia, three years in Labrador City,
Newfoundland, three years in West Vancouver, and has spent the last three
years teaching Grade Two at Webber Academy.
Mrs. Russell has many interests and hobbies that include theatre, traveling,
snowboarding and reading.
Suzanne Sabourin
Grade I Homeroom
Mrs. Sabourin holds a Bachelor of Education (Deanʼs list) from Memorial
University. She has extensive experience working with children. Over a number of
years she engaged in the athletic field, having worked with children and youth in
voluntary and employment capacities, as a Trained Coach and Water Safety
Instructor/Evaluator. Mrs. Sabourin also spent several years working in a
corporate environment. She has travelled in North America and overseas. She
chose a teaching career at Webber Academy in 2009, where, along with her
enthusiasm for working with children, she brings her skills, training, and varied
experiences.
35
WEBBER ACADEMY
Marilyn Sereda
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Sereda joined the front office staff as an Administrative Assistant and Nurse
for our infirmary in June 2010.
She is a registered nurse and has worked as an operating room nurse at the State
University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City; the University of Alberta Hospital,
Edmonton; and Pointe Claire General Hospital, Montreal. After returning to Alberta,
Marilyn was appointed to the Social Care Facilities Review Committee of Alberta
and later served as Vice Chairman of the committee.
She married her husband, Andrew, when he was a fourth year medical student and
they have two grown children and five grandchildren. Mrs. Sereda worked at Bow
View Manor for five years prior to coming to work at Webber Academy.
Marjorie Sherry
Senior Kindergarten
Mrs. Sherry is happy to be in her twelfth year at Webber Academy, and in her
twenty-fifth year of teaching. She holds a Diploma in Elementary Education
from Scotland, with a specialty in French and Music, as well as a B.G.S. from
Canada. She taught elementary grades one through six for five years in
Scotland prior to immigrating to Canada in 1979. Since coming to Canada, Mrs.
Sherry has taught pre-school and Kindergarten, as well as teaching a Kodaly
music program.
Mrs. Sherry has previously lived in Glasgow, Dundee; the Hague; Montreal, and
Fort McMurray, Alberta before coming to Calgary. She and her husband have
three grown daughters and three grandchildren.
When spare time presents itself, she enjoys playing piano and guitar, reading, gardening, traveling, playing with
her grandchildren and cycling around the block.
Mrs. Sherry feels very privileged to have witnessed the growth of Webber Academy since its early days, and is
proud to still be part of its great staff.
36
WEBBER ACADEMY
Leanne Shirtliffe
JH English
Ms. Shirtliffe is a graduate from Queenʼs University and holds a Bachelor of Arts
(Honours) degree as well as a Bachelor of Education. In her sixteen years of
teaching English, she has taught at private schools around the world, including in
Ontario, Bahrain, and Thailand. She has been at Webber Academy for the past
five years.
Ms. Shirtliffe is passionate about reading and writing, and started a book club
program in the junior high. She reads a lot of young adult literature and she
actively tries to help students get published. She has traveled widely on
professional committees with the International Baccalaureate Organization.
Locally, she has presented at the annual conference of the English Language
Council of Alberta and she frequently marks Grade 9 Provincial Achievement Tests
for the province.
Outside of the classroom, Ms. Shirtliffe runs the Junior High Student Council and helps coordinate the Senior
School Year-End Ceremonies. She is also active in the D-League basketball program.
When Ms. Shirtliffe is not teaching, she can be found entertaining her six-year-old twins and avoiding housework. She also actively pursues her own passion for writing. Some of her work can be found on her blog
ironicmom.com, where she chronicles the (mis)adventures of raising children.
Jemmie Silver
Head of School; Head of Elementary
Mrs. Silver, Webber Academy's Head of School, has been a dedicated educator
for over 20 years as both a teacher and administrator. She earned her Bachelor
of Arts and Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto with a focus on
literature and literacy. After teaching for two years in Toronto, she moved to
Calgary in 1982 and became one of the first teachers at Akiva Academy, an
Alberta certified private elementary school and kindergarten programme. Over the
next 20 years, Mrs. Silver taught primarily in the schoolʼs Division I elementary
classes, moving into a teacher/administrator role in 1997 as the school's Vice
Principal. Mrs. Silver became Akiva Academyʼs Head of School in 2002, where
she remained until her retirement seven years later.
Mrs. Silver's passion for literacy led her to an exciting opportunity at Webber
Academy where she joined an outstanding faculty as the teacher/librarian in September 2009. In this role, she
was able to continue her goal of instilling a love for reading and life-long learning in children.
Last spring, Mrs. Silver was very pleased to accept the position of interim Head of Elementary during Janice
Lacroix's maternity leave. This opportunity allowed her to strengthen her relationship with Webber students, staff
and parents.
In August 2010, Mrs. Silver was extremely honoured and privileged to be appointed Webber Academy's new
Head of School. In this role, she is committed to ensuring an enriched environment that allows every Webber
Academy student the best possible foundation to help them achieve their highest potential.
Mrs. Silver and her husband Neil have 3 children, all currently attending university. In her free time she enjoys
reading, cooking, and exploring the mountains with her family.
37
WEBBER ACADEMY
Kim Smith
Grade III Homeroom
Ms. Smith graduated with distinction from the University of Alberta, receiving a
Bachelor of Education. She has a generalist background in Elementary Education
and a minor in Educational Psychology, which provided her with knowledge about
how children learn, how children develop, and how to address individual
differences. She began her teaching career at New Horizons School, a charter
school with a mandate to address the academic and social-emotional needs of
gifted learners, in Sherwood Park, Alberta. While there, Ms. Smith had the distinct
pleasure of teaching Grades Four and Five. She became well-versed in best
practices for gifted learners, differentiating instruction and independent study
projects. In 2005, Ms. Smith moved to Calgary and began teaching Grade Three at
Webber Academy. She enjoys the relationships she has built with her students,
their families and her colleagues.
Prior to attending university, Ms. Smith worked in the printing industry as an
estimator, customer service representative, and manager. During her seven years working in business, Ms. Smith
learned a tremendous amount about leading people, organization, problem-solving and communication. Because
of this experience, she feels she has a lot more to offer the children she teaches.
Sue Snow
Grade I-III Music
Ms. Snow has taken on the role of Primary Music Educator at Webber Academy. Ms.
Snow is a Music specialist who is passionate about the power of music making for all
ages. She believes that the joy of music is innate in all people and it is never too
early or too late to experience active music making. Through her teaching, Ms. Snow
hopes to inspire students that everyone has the potential to be successful musically
when taught in an environment that provides a strong musical foundation. Over the
years, she has studied and practiced many music education philosophies, including
Kodaly, Orff, Suzuki, and Dalcroze.
Ms. Snow received her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (Music) degrees
from the University of Lethbridge. She has taught Elementary Music, Junior High
Band and Choir and High School Band for the County of Warner, the Red Deer
Catholic School District, and Rundle College. While in Red Deer, Ms. Snow also
taught flute at the Red Deer College Conservatory and directed the Adult Beginner and Intermediate Bands for
the Red Deer Community Band Society. She currently serves as a clinician for schools in the Calgary area as well
as private flute instruction.
In addition to her musical activities, Ms. Snow has been busy with community based work in her previous and
current roles on the Board of Directors for the Alberta Freestyle Ski Association, the Canadian Freestyle Ski
Association, the Alberta Band Directors Association and Alberta Association for Better Communities.
38
WEBBER ACADEMY
Martin Sprau
Grade IV Homeroom
Mr. Sprau was born in British Columbia. He moved overseas with his family at an
early age and spent his school years in Tripoli, Singapore, Iran and Scotland. After
graduating from the American School in Aberdeen, Mr. Sprau returned to Calgary
to attend university. After getting his degree in Secondary Physical Education, Mr.
Sprau returned to the University of Calgary where he obtained a degree in
Education.
Mr. Sprau joined Webber Academy in 1998 where he taught Grade Three for three
years. When the new campus opened in 2001, he joined the Grade Four team.
As well as teaching at the Elementary school, Mr. Sprau enjoys coaching Junior
High basketball.
Amanda Stansbury
Spanish
Mrs. Stansbury holds a Bachelors degree in Education from the University of
Atlantico in Barranquilla, Colombia, and is currently working on her Masters degree
in Second Language Teaching at the University of Calgary. She brings over ten
years of language teaching experience from both the District Board of Education in
Cartagena, Colombia and the Calgary Board of Education.
Outside of school, Mrs. Stansbury actively volunteers her time, skills and passion on
various mission trips to Central and South America, as well as at the Centro de
Tertulia at the University of Calgary.
Courtney Strachan
Administrative Assistant; Bussing
With her Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and Emergency Medical
Technician (EMT) certification from SAIT, Ms. Strachan joined the Webber
Academy front office team in 2008. Courtney brings with her 3 years of CPR and
first aid instruction and 8 years lifeguard experience.
Ms. Strachanʼs daughter is currently enjoying her second year as a student at
Webber Academy. She is thrilled to be a part of the school both as a parent and as
an employee.
39
WEBBER ACADEMY
Jie Sun
Elementary/JH Mandarin
Mrs. Jie Sun was born in northeast China. At the age of seven, she was the only
one of five siblings who had the opportunity to spend four weeks traveling from the
north to the south with her father. This was a life altering experience for Mrs. Sun
as a child, for it planted in a young girlʼs heart dreams of one day traveling abroad.
After ten years of teaching in public systems in China, from junior high and senior
high schools to the leading vocational schools in the nation, her dream came true.
With enthusiasm and curiosity, Mrs. Sun came to Canada with her husband and
young son and settled in Calgary in 1999. She began to soak up the new culture
and started pursuing a Masters degree in Education at the University of Calgary.
Given her established eastern educational principles, the study at the University of
Calgary dramatically reshaped her teaching philosophy. During her practicum in
Calgary, she attempted to enrich her teaching experience by working with both
adults and children. As a result, she has adopted a new perspective in viewing and
responding to educational environments. This is her fifth year teaching Mandarin at Webber Academy. Mrs. Sun
enjoys what she is doing now because she is constantly inspired by her studentsʼ talent, effort and ability to learn.
Mrs. Sunʼs goal is to be well informed and to share her joy of life with her colleagues, students and community.
She is committed to having a well balanced life that allows her to contribute to her students and the society at
large. Volunteering as a document translator with the Calgary Immigrant Aid Society is one way that she fulfills
that commitment. Mrs. Sun loves cooking and can often be found in the kitchen cooking for family and friends.
She also enjoys hiking through this beautiful Southern Alberta setting.
Jodie Switzer
SH Computers
As a graduate from Marshall University, a Division I school in West Virginia, Ms.
Switzer completed a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education, with a major in
Physical Education Pre-Kindergarten to Adult and an endorsement in Health
Education for Grade Five to Adult. She was awarded a golf scholarship and
competed on the universityʼs womenʼs golf team. During her fifth year at Marshall,
she acted as the Student Assistant Coach for the womenʼs golf team. In 2005, Ms.
Switzer was named to the Conference U.S.A. Commissioner's Honour Roll and
received the Dorothy Hicks Undergraduate Award in 2006. She was consistently on
the Dean's list and graduated with Cum Laude Institutional Honours.
Ms. Switzer began working at Webber Academy in 2008 as the Advancement and
Marketing Assistant as well as a substitute teacher for Elementary and Junior/
Senior High. During her time at Webber Academy, she has coached the Senior Boys Volleyball team and
continues to coach Junior and Senior High golf. For the 2010/2011 school year, Ms. Switzer will continue to coach
Junior/Senior High Golf as well as the Grade 7/8 Boys Basketball team and teach Junior/Senior High Computers
15/25/35 Applications.
40
WEBBER ACADEMY
Aaron Szott
SH Physics; Mathematics
Mr. Szott has been teaching physics and mathematics in Calgary for twelve years
and joined Webber Academy during the 2004/2005 school year. He earned his
Bachelor of Science (Physics and Astronomy), Master of Science (Molecular
Physics) and Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary. While working
as a lab instructor at the University of Calgary, Mr. Szott received an Excellence in
Teaching Award. In addition to his employment at the University of Calgary, Mr.
Szott has also worked in curriculum development at the Southern Alberta Institute
of Technology. He is an active member of the Canadian Association of Physics
(CAP), The CAP Division of Physics Education and the American Association of
Physics Teachers. He is also a subscriber to The American Journal of Physics,
Physics Today, Physics in Canada and The Physics Teacher. Mr. Szott has been
published in the periodical, Molecular Physics, has spoken at a CAP conference
and has attended several others. His expertise is well demonstrated by the
achievements of his students. Since the first graduating class at Webber Academy,
Mr. Szottʼs students have scored over 21% higher than provincial averages on the Physics Diploma Exam while
over 86% of his AP students have scored perfect grades on their AP Physics exam. He is passionate about
physics education and derives great joy from working with young adults.
Outside of the classroom, Mr. Szott is an avid oenophile and is currently taking evening courses towards his Wine
Spirit and Education Trust (WSET) certification. He is a passionate cook, occasional violinist, and spends a great
deal of time looking forward to future European vacations.
Rebeca Sztabzyb
Spanish
Mrs. Sztabzyb was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and growing up, she always
had a passion for children. When she was a teenager, she had a volunteer job in a
community center working with children aged 4 through 7. As she grew up, she
followed her passion and obtained her degree as a kindergarten teacher.
For several years she worked in both the private and public school system.
During those years she spent her time educating herself with courses in
psychology, arts and graft, Spanish literature and body expression. In 1990 Mrs.
Sztabzyb moved to Calgary with her husband and two sons. Having just moved to
a predominantly English speaking culture, she quickly made the effort to go back
to school to learn English.
Her first job in Calgary took place at the Calgary Jewish Academy, and then in 2002, she started at Webber
Academy. Over the last few years Mrs. Sztabzyb has immensely enjoyed teaching Spanish here at Webber
Academy. She enjoys watching her students grow and learn a language so close to her heart. She also sees how
Spanish will benefit students as they grow up and apply themselves in the world today.
Aside from teaching, some of Mrs. Sztabzybʼs hobbies include watching movies, reading books, cooking, sewing,
knitting, travel, music and going for long walks with her golden retriever Jazmin.
41
WEBBER ACADEMY
Linda Tang
Elementary Mandarin; Technology Assistant
Ms. Tang has been teaching Mandarin at Webber Academy since 2006, and this
year in addition to teaching Elementary and Junior High Mandarin, she also
teaches Elementary Technology Assistance.
Ms. Tang holds a Master of Arts degree from Ohio State University with a major in
Foreign Language Education; and a Bachelor of Education from the prestigious
National Taiwan Normal University with majors in Educational Administration and
English. Throughout her career, Ms. Tang has taught languages from ESL and
Literacy, to Chinese; taught in countries from Taiwan and the United States, to
Canadaʼs provinces of Ontario and Alberta.
Growing up in a culture that reveres teachers and inspired by several great ones,
Ms. Tang has always wanted to be a teacher since childhood. She has received
several teaching awards during her career, including Teaching Excellence from the
Ministry of Education of Taiwan, and Teacher of the Year Award from the Department of Education in Taichung
City.
Ms. Tang loves travelling during holidays; and she enjoys reading in the subjects of history and anthropology.
Julie Taylor
Grade I Homeroom
Mrs. Taylor has been teaching at IB World Schools in Singapore and London,
England since graduating from the University of Lethbridge in 2004. She joined the
Grade One teaching team at Webber Academy in 2010.
Whilst teaching at renowned private schools overseas, Mrs. Taylor used her
Alberta teachers training as a foundation to contribute to implementation, training
and delivery of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB
PYP). She also gained valuable experience developing English, Language Arts
and Math continuums for student learning and assessment.
Working together with many experienced teachers from around the world has
helped Mrs. Taylor develop as an effective educator. She has attended numerous
training workshops in Singapore, Australia, and London which enabled her to
improve upon her teaching practice and provide in-service training to groups of colleagues and parents.
42
WEBBER ACADEMY
Scott Thornton
JH/SH Mathematics; SH Technology
Mr. Thornton began his post secondary educational career at Queenʼs University in
Kingston, Ontario, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Pure Mathematics and
Computing Science. His first job was working at a government research lab in
Ottawa, specializing in the development of airborne and spaceborne systems for
Geomatics, long before Geomatics became a common term. Having a desire for
further education, in the late seventies he returned to Alberta to do graduate
studies at the University of Alberta. Rejoining industry, Mr. Thornton worked as a
mathematical and computer consultant in various sectors, before settling in
Calgary, again consulting in the geomatics and resource management area.
Rather than having a mid-life crisis, Mr. Thornton decided on a career change and
went back to the University of Calgary to undertake a Bachelor of Education,
specializing in Mathematics education. After completion of this latest degree, he
came to Webber Academy, where he can apply one his favorite quotes from
Bertrand Russell: “There must be an ideal world, a sort of mathematicianʼs
paradise where everything happens as it does in the textbooks.”
Bonita Ting
SH English
Mrs. Ting completed a Master of Arts in English (Distinction) from Californiaʼs
National University with her published thesis, The Odyssey: The Interweaving of
Arab and Israeli Poetic Trajectories. Previously, she was conferred with two
bachelor degrees from the University of Manitoba: a Bachelor of Education degree,
and a Bachelor of Arts degree.
In addition, Mrs. Ting has trained to teach the College Boardʼs Advanced
Placement (AP) English Literature and Composition, and AP English Language
and Composition courses in Edmonton, Toronto, Vancouver and Portland. As well,
she completed the Pre-AP English Teacher Training course at the University of
California. Furthermore, Mrs. Ting has received certification from the College
Board for her AP English Literature and Composition Course.
Mrs. Ting currently teaches AP English Literature and Composition, and AP English Language and Composition,
and has been teaching pre-AP English courses at Webber Academy since 2001. Prior to this, she has had
experience in developing and teaching university preparatory, and Gifted and Talented English courses at various
public and private schools in Manitoba and Alberta.
Mrs. Ting has graded the ELA 30-1 Diploma Exam and the Grade Nine English Language Arts Provincial
Achievement Test for Alberta Education, and has been a conference speaker at Calgaryʼs Independent and
Private Schoolsʼ Teacherʼs Conferences. She was Webmaster and Childrenʼs Programmes Educational Director
for the Calgaryʼs Action For Bright Children Society, and was the Alberta Debate and Speech Associationʼs
Boardʼs Southern Regional Junior High Speech Representative. Mrs. Ting has also been a teacher advisor for
Calgaryʼs Future Leaderʼs Forum.
Currently, she is the Alberta Debate and Speech Associationʼs Boardʼs Southern Regional Senior High Speech
Representative. She is a teacher advisor for Webber Academyʼs Voices magazine, for its Senior High Schoolʼs
Studentsʼ Council, and for Webber Academyʼs Junior and Senior High Speech Clubs.
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WEBBER ACADEMY
Shannon Tomney
JH English; CALM; Geography/History
Mrs. Tomney was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. She is a graduate of Baylor
University in Waco, Texas where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in
Education. Her years of teaching experience include all subject areas in Grades
One through Six, in cities such as Oklahoma City, Houston, and Midland, Texas.
In 1998, Shannon moved to Calgary, Alberta and spent several years staying at
home with her children. This is Shannonʼs thirteenth year of teaching and her
fourth year on the staff at Webber Academy. She has taught in all three divisions
of our school and in a variety of teaching roles: Pre-Kindergarten gym, Grade
One Physical Education, Grade Seven and Eight Geography/History, Grade
Seven and Nine Physical Education, Grade Seven ELA, and Grade Ten CALM. In
addition to teaching, she has also enjoyed coaching girlsʼ volleyball for several
years.
In her spare time, Shannon enjoys skiing, rollerblading, traveling and watching
hockey or football (a favourite pastime!) She also stays extremely busy with the
sports and activities of her husband, children and step-children.
Ana Tovar
Junior Kindergarten Educational Assistant; Junior Kindergarten Spanish
After obtaining her Teacher Diploma in 1983, Mrs. Tovar started her career working
for the Venezuelan Board of Education teaching children from ages 6 to 13 at the
elementary and junior high level for fifteen years. In 1995 she completed her studies
at the Libertador Pedagogical University and obtained her degree of Bachelor of Arts
Professor – Specialty Education for all levels.
In 1998 she was assigned as District Pedagogical Coordinator and later was
promoted to Vice-Principal of the National Elementary Rural School, at Lagunillas
District, where she dedicated her last years of teaching at the Venezuelan Education
Board. In 2002 she completed her studies at the Experimental National University
Rafael Maria Baralt in Cabimas Venezuela and obtained her degree of Master of
Education Teaching for Superior Education.
The next year Mrs. Tovar moved to Calgary with her family due to a change of her husbandʼs work, keeping
always present her passion for education and the desire to teach. In 2004 as a business entrepreneur she cofounded the Calgary Spanish Academy, a specialized institution for developing and teaching Spanish programs
for all ages of children and adults. Mrs. Tovar remained there for a couple of years until she had to abandon the
project due to personal and health reasons.
In 2009 she joined the staff of the Language Department (Spanish Team) at Webber Academy where she started
teaching Spanish at the Junior and Senior High level. This is Mrs. Tovarʼs second year at the Academy, where
she works as a Junior Kindergarten Assistant and Junior Kindergarten Spanish Teacher. Mrs. Tovar is very happy
and is enjoying teaching the little ones everyday at the institution.
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WEBBER ACADEMY
Sandra Valchi
Spanish
Mrs. Valchi holds a Bachelor of Education and a post-graduate specialization in
second language teaching from the Universidad Católica Argentina. She is also a
Certified Court Interpreter from Bow Valley College. Spanish is her first language
and she is fluent in English and Italian.
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For the last twenty years, Sandra has been teaching Spanish and Italian to
children and adults at all levels, in both public and private settings. As a part of her
versatile experience, she worked at an Embassy in Buenos Aires assisting
diplomats and foreign government officers.
Since her relocation to Canada in 2001, Sandra has worked as a teacher and
interpreter for the Calgary Board of Education and the Calgary Winter Club. In
addition, she developed and implemented Spanish language assessments for
candidates applying to bilingual positions and organized study trips to Argentina.
Sandra joined Webber Academy in January 2010, and she is thrilled to share her passion for teaching with the
schoolʼs amazing students and professional staff.
Maria Vasquez
Elementary/JH Spanish
Mrs. Vasquez was born in Oaxaca, Mexico. The youngest of six children, she
studied in Mexico for fifteen years before moving to Canada. In Calgary, Mrs.
Vasquez attended Mount Royal Collage, then transferred to the University of
Calgary where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in both Archaeology and
Spanish. She then went on to Graduate Studies to work on a Master of Arts
combining Archaeology and medieval Spanish.
In Calgary, Mrs. Vasquez has taught Spanish in different institutions and
companies such as Genoil Inc. for corporate personal, Kerby Centre for Senior
Citizens and the University of Calgary in the French Italian and Spanish
Department, and she has been a very active member of the Calgary Mexican
community, promoting her culture and helping to bring the Canadian and
Mexican cultures closer together.
In 2002, Mrs. Vasquez joined Webber Academy where through an eight year period she has taught a range of
grades from Junior Kindergarten to Spanish 30. Regardless of the age of the students, she enjoys teaching a
second language and her true passion for the language, culture and teaching is evident. What gives her
tremendous satisfaction is listening to her students communicate in Spanish and planting the seed of
understanding another culture.
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WEBBER ACADEMY
Cecilia Vega-Infante
JH/SH Mathematics
Ms. Vega-Infante grew up in Colombia where she earned a Bachelor of Science in
Petroleum Engineering from Universidad Industrial de Santander. Subsequently
she worked for several years as a reservoir and simulation engineer in the
Colombian National Oil Company and the Colombian Petroleum Institute.
Once in Canada, she enrolled as a student in the Faculty of Education at
University of Calgary where she earned a Bachelor of Education in Math. Cecilia
also holds a Bachelor of Arts in French from University of Calgary.
Cecilia started teaching Math in Calgary and was later interested in the
educational setting of Webber Academy where she has been teaching Math for the
past eight years. As a Math educator, Cecilia believes that she has the privilege
and great responsibility to help students to understand the Mathematics needed to
advance in a contemporary world. She also believes that the educational
environment provided at Webber Academy encompasses her philosophy of teaching and learning Mathematics.
Cecilia was nominated for 2007 APEGGA Teacher Award.
Rod Wasylenko
Facilities Manager
Mr. Wasylenko is the Facility Manager at Webber Academy. He graduated from Red
River Community College as a Third Class power engineer, and has lived
throughout Southern Alberta and Winnipeg. His work experience has been primarily
in building operations, including work with two other public school boards over the
course of a 12-year career. He is thoroughly enjoying his time thus far with Webber
Academy.
Jennifer Wawrinchuk
Senior Kindergarten Education Assistant
Following high school, Mrs. Wawrinchuk moved from Penticton to Victoria, British
Columbia to attend post secondary school where she graduated from the
University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography. Immediately
following graduation, she packed her bags and moved to Europe for a few months
to work, travel and gain insight into European cultures. Upon returning to Canada,
Jennifer moved to Calgary where she enrolled in the Education Assistant program
at Bow Valley College. Her passion for working with children brought her to
Webber Academy where she began as an Education Assistant for Senior
Kindergarten the following August. Though she began at Webber Academy with
the last name Ms. Sampson, having gotten married last summer, she has entered
into her fourth year at Webber Academy as Mrs. Wawrinchuk.
46
WEBBER ACADEMY
Barbara Webber
Vice President Administration
Ms. Webber has an extensive and highly accomplished background in law
enforcement. Following post-secondary education, she spent eights years with the
Edmonton Police Departmentʼs Patrol Division as a uniformed officer, as well as
acquiring extensive experience as an Undercover Operator with the Drug Control
Unit and Morality Section. She also spent nineteen years with the Saanich Police
Department on Vancouver Island where she investigated thousands of crimes,
developing expertise in relationship violence and child abuse. Ms. Webber served
as a director on the Board of the Victoria Child Abuse Society and the Victoria
Parole Sex Offender Committee. She is the recipient of an award for Outstanding
Police Service in recognition of her investigation into allegations of child abuse
involving nine children where the accused was sentenced to 25 years of
incarceration. She also received an award from the Lieutenant Governor of the
Province of British Columbia in recognition of valor and compassion while saving
the life of a suicidal man.
Ms. Webber was an assessor for the Justice Institute of British Columbia Police Academy for police recruits, as
well as an assessor of experienced officers seeking promotion to the rank of sergeant. She enjoyed three years
as a school resource officer and for nine consecutive years was involved in an intense police camp program for
senior secondary students. She traveled to three cities in China presenting to judges, lawyers, and police officers
as part of the Canada-China Womanʼs Law Project organized by the Association of Canadian Community
Colleges.
She retired as a Sergeant from the Saanich Police Department in August 2008 to join the team of wonderful staff
at Webber Academy.
Lorne Webber
Head of Advancement & Communications
Mr. Webber was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. He graduated from St.
Francis High School in 1982 where he was a member of the Division I City
Champions Football and Rugby teams. His post secondary pursuits included
Red Deer College, Mount Royal College and the University of Alberta. During
his time at the University of Alberta, Mr. Webber was a competitive waterskier
and a member of the Alberta Team. In 1986 he embarked on a successful 15+
year career in broadcast sales and marketing working for a variety of media
corporations including: Selkirk, Southam, Shaw, Rawlco and Rogers.
In 2000 he and his wife Candace incorporated Adventure Marketing Company,
together they work on selected projects with Alpine Canada Alpin, Bombardier,
The Canadian Luge Association, World Water Ski Federation and others on event marketing and television
broadcasts. Their productions have aired nationally on Global, TSN, Outdoor Life Network, Xtreme Sports, Shaw
and ESPN360.
In his current role, Mr. Webber is responsible for overseeing school facilities, food services, information
technology (IT), marketing and communications. He is the proud father of two daughters; Katarina Anne and
Tamara Jacqueline, both attending University in Toronto, Ontario.
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WEBBER ACADEMY
Dr. Neil Webber
President; Chairman; Director of Admissions
Dr. Neil Webber was born in Hanna, Alberta in 1936, the eldest of nine children.
His parents - Charlie, a farmer, and Katherine, a schoolteacher - worked diligently
to set for their children a strong example of work ethic, dedication, and heart. Their
efforts to provide their children with every opportunity possible allowed him to
attend the University of Alberta in 1957, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science
degree in Mathematics. In 1964, he attended the University of Montana, where he
earned his Master of Arts degree in Mathematics, and later obtained his Bachelor
of Education degree from the University of Alberta, as well as his Doctorate of
Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction.
After spending several decades of his life in public service - serving as a
meteorologist for the federal government; Mathematics teacher with the Calgary
Public and Calgary Catholic School Boards; Mathematics professor and Head of
the Department of Mathematics and Physics at Mount Royal College; Member of
Legislative Assembly with the Government of Alberta (where he served as Associate Minister of Telephones,
Minister of Social Services and Community Health, Minister of Education, and Minister of Energy); Chairman and
Director of AGT/Telus Corporation; and Director of SNC Lalalin Group - Dr. Webber decided to pursue a dream.
Recognizing that there was a distinct need in Calgary for an educational institution that focused its energies on
working with and inspiring gifted children and/or children who were high academic achievers, he set about
planning for the establishment of a non-denominational, co-educational, independent school that would do just
that.
Webber Academy Inc. was incorporated in June 1995, and the Webber Academy Foundation was founded in
1996, setting the stage for the development of Calgaryʼs finest university preparatory school.
Sonya Willing
Senior Kindergarten Educational Assistant
After graduating with a Nursery Nurse diploma from Eastleigh College, in
Hampshire, England, Mrs. Willing spent several years working in private homes,
caring for young children. She spent four years working with two families in
Calgary, where she met her husband and moved back to the United Kingdom. She
continued working with young children and their families in Suffolk and Hampshire,
before moving permanently to Calgary with her family in 2005. Sonya worked as
an education assistant at Foothills Academy working with both Junior High and
Elementary classes until July 2010. Here she specialized in working with small
groups of students who needed extra assistance with phonemic awareness.
When sheʼs not working, Sonya is very busy at home, enjoying being a wife and
the very proud mom of three energetic children.
48
WEBBER ACADEMY
George Zorbas
Maintenance and Facility Operator
Mr. Zorbas comes to Webber Academy after spending a number of years living in
Hamilton, Ontario. He worked in the steel mill industry in Hamilton, working in a
number of capacities from the cafeteria to the coal ovens. He brings a great deal of
maintenance experience from his time in the steel industry to our school.
Mr. Zorbas has a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from McMaster University, and
enjoys traveling, especially to Australia. He is pleased to call Calgary, and Webber
Academy, home.
Sophia Zorbas
Senior Kindergarten
Throughout her career, Ms. Zorbas has taught students from Junior Kindergarten
to Grade Three. Ms. Zorbas holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography with a
minor in Religious Studies from McMaster University. After obtaining her degree,
she spent the next year in Melbourne, Australia where she attended La Trobe
University and received her Diploma in Primary Education. In 2008, Ms. Zorbas
moved to Calgary and began teaching at Webber Academy and has been
teaching here ever since. She has participated in many teaching seminars and
considers learning a great gift and hopes that she can instill that same
appreciation in her students. Her goal is to create lifelong learners out of each of
her students and believes learning in the classroom should be relevant and fun at
the same time. Family is the most important part of her life but she does manage
to make time to shop, travel and exercise.
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