Executive Director

Favourite Children’s Book: Smelly Socks by Robert Munsch

Owen has been with LBN for over 10 years and has grown tremendously from the positions he’s held here! Outside of LBN, Owen holds a degree in Behavioural Neuroscience and previously researched the onset of mental illness in adolescents. He believes in the importance of equitable access to education and healthcare.

Human Resources Manager

Favourite Children’s Book: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Julia is currently studying Human Resources at Seneca college. She carries with her an extensive background in recruitment and employee relations. Julia also shares an immense passion for helping others achieve in their professional careers. She understands the importance of educational equality, and in creating equal opportunities for all children to succeed. Her hopes with LBN are to encourage youth to get involved with their community.

Operations Manager

Eric studied Geography and History at UBC. He is passionate about understanding how places and their pasts continue to shape the world. Eric is excited to help improve children's literacy, and to assist youth develop into positive role models. In his spare time he enjoys mountain biking, swimming and skiing.

Administrator

Favourite Children’s Book: Scientific Progress Goes ‘Boink’ by Bill Waterson

Matthew is a current Bachelor of Education student at Simon Fraser University. After deciding to become involved in education, Matthew has sought out and accumulated experience working in roles that span across different parts of the field. Some examples include childcare with young children to leading volunteers in teaching English. He is very passionate about helping students struggling in typical education environments. As someone who experienced the same struggles as a student himself, he hopes his work at LBN can help create support for students in school so they don’t lose their love for learning and reading.

Program Director Co Chair, Teacher Liaison

Favourite Children’s Book: Heidi by Johanna Spyri

As a retired elementary school teacher I saw many children that just needed some extra support to become better readers. This program offers just that! Children that are a little behind in their reading skills can get the extra support they need to become better readers through this program.

Program Director Co Chair, Teacher Liaison

Favourite Children’s Book: The Wizard of Oz by Frank Baum

Marlene is a retired elementary school teacher who most recently taught literacy, numeracy and ELL for the Surrey School Board. Prior to that she had the opportunity to teach adults as an ELL instructor for new immigrants and refugees. She also created and implemented an English in the Workplace programme to support employees in the development of their language skills. She is excited to be collaborating with such a dedicated community as LBN.

Teacher Liaison & Indigenous Program Director at Bella Bella

Sharon A. Johansen is from the Heiltsuk Nation. She graduated from the ITEP (formerly NITEP: Native Indian Teacher Education) at UBC with a bachelor’s in education and then obtained her Master of Education from UVIC in the Leadership in Language and Literacy Program. Sharon taught in her hometown of Bella Bella until she became a District Curriculum Specialist Teacher for Prince Rupert School District 52. After that, she was a District Cultural Resource Teacher for Campbell River, SD 72 while continuing to incorporate the BC Teacher Standard 9 and the First People Principles of Learning into her curriculum. Serving on a Board for the local Health Centre, she is very enthusiastic about the environment and brought a community-wide recycling program into her community. Sharon has worked with IZWATAG, an Indigenous non-profit organization, to work on a curriculum to support the environment. Currently, Sharon is an Elementary Learning Support Teacher back in her hometown of Bella Bella. Her continued goals are to reach all students while incorporating the local Gvi’las (laws of our ancestors) and Indigenous Worldview. Sharon has now joined the Learning Buddies Network as a Teacher Liaison, LBN Champion, and Consultant. She looks forward to networking with the LBN team to serve the students of her community.

Teacher Liaison & Indigenous Program Consultant at Bella Bella

Maritza has a science background from Rutgers University in the USA. She lived in various countries in Latin America working in sustainable development. During that time, Maritza collaborated with a diverse group of stakeholders from various communities and backgrounds. Her experiences taught her to appreciate the value of other cultures, and the importance of a strong educational foundation for children. She obtained her Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University in Ontario and taught at the elementary/junior divisions for several years in Alberta. As a teacher, she has always been passionate about instilling a sense of wonder through books and fun activities and projects. She is continuously innovating her teaching practice with a focus on literacy and numeracy. Maritza strives to integrate STEM and the Arts into her classroom. As a new resident in Bella Bella, she is excited to be contributing to the community through the LBN.

Teacher Liaison & Indigenous Program Ambassador at Klemtu

Favourite Children’s Book: A Walk in the Words by Hudson Talbott

Sydni is an educator and art therapist currently working in the Kitasoo/Xai'Xais territory. She originates from Treaty 8 territory and Metis Region 6 in northern Alberta, where most of her close family resides (including her two nieces and two nephews). Sydni has been an educator for over ten years and has experience teaching internationally, and with curriculums in three different provinces. She values social-emotional and land-based learning, and is trying to find new ways to infuse excitement and wonder into her teaching practices. Sydni holds a degree in Elementary Education and a diploma in Art Therapy. She is looking forward to expanding her education further in the field of mental health in the near future.

Teacher Liaison

Favourite Children’s Book: Extra Yarn by Max Barnett and Jon Klassen

Kim taught elementary school in the beautiful Okanagan Valley for several years before transitioning to Operations Management for a development company in Kelowna. Her heart has always been in education, passionate about helping children reach their potential by creating a warm, comfortable learning environment. She is excited to contribute to LBN by guiding and supporting mentors and helping to bridge the gap of access for all children who can benefit from early intervention.

Teacher Liaison

Favourite Children’s Book: Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

Pauline is a retired teacher who enjoyed a fulfilling career with Langley School District. She holds a BEd. in Early Childhood Development from the University of Alberta. Her MEd. focus was Curriculum and Instruction and included work in the areas of Differentiated Instruction, Social Responsibility, and Positive Behaviour Support. During her career, Pauline worked with children with wide-ranging needs and abilities including undertaking a pilot project which involved identifying and designing programming to support gifted learners. Throughout her career, Pauline has been dedicated to supporting all areas of child development. Both as a professional educator and as the parent of a child with profound learning disabilities, Pauline understands the critical importance of early intervention in the development of literacy and numeracy skills.Since retiring Pauline felt that she had more to contribute and was looking for just the right opportunity. She was incredibly impressed by both the mission and the impact of the LBN organization and is very pleased and excited to join the team.

Teacher Liaison

Favourite Children’s Book: The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

Alexandra is a teacher in the BC and has taught Kindergarten to Grade 5. She currently is a Grade 4/5 teacher and loves what she does. She graduated with a BEd from Simon Fraser University in 2019 and has loved her journey as a teacher ever since. Alexandra has experience working with and differentiating for students with all levels of academic, physical and social abilities. She prioritizes building a connection with students and encouraging their love for learning through engaging activities and projects. Alexandra is looking forward to her involvement in LBN's programs and supporting both students and mentors throughout their Learning Buddies experience.

Teacher Liaison

Favourite Children's Book: The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds

Diana is a lifelong student and educator, currently working as a primary school counsellor. She has a bachelor's degree in Special Education, a master's degree in Psychology and Counselling, and continued her education with PhD studies in the field of Educational Psychology. She is always enrolled in a course (or two) to explore the way we learn, think, and feel. Diana has taught grades K-12 in a variety of settings and subjects over the past 25+ years. She has lived and taught all over the world, including the USA, the UK, Germany, and Dubai. Diana has 2 children, both living in the USA, who she visits a few times a year. In her free time she loves to get outdoors, hiking and walking her German Shepherd, or snuggling up with her cat, her husband, and a good movie. Diana is excited for the opportunity to learn and grow as a teacher liaison with LBN.

Marketing & Communications Manager

Favourite Children’s Book: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy

Since becoming a part of the organization in 2020, Kaitlyn has grown to love LBN's mission and close-knit community where mentorship extends beyond its programs. Having volunteered in numerous positions from Mentor to Executive Coordinator, Kaitlyn now hopes to leverage her passion and experience in her roles as a board advisor and Communications Manager to uphold LBN's values and advance its vision. While still in the midst of exploring her passions, for now, Kaitlyn hopes to pursue a career in the medical field where each day is spent creating an impact on the world and its individuals. In her spare time, she enjoys immersing herself in the whimsical dimensions of books and films, continuing her taekwondo training as a black belt, and carrying the team in online PC games!

IT Consultant

Favourite Children's Book: The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

CC is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science majoring in Cognitive Systems plus Master of Management at the University of British Columbia. She has been with LBN since 2020, and has had the role of Reading and Math Mentor, Executive and Program Coordinator, Cantonese and Mandarin translator, and member of the Program Team prior to taking the role of IT Consultant. With her passion in working with children and benefiting society, CC seeks to incorporate her multidisciplinary knowledge and skills to support LBN's mission, scalability, and program quality maintenance.

IT Consultant

Favourite Children's Book: The Three Robbers by Tomi Ungerer

Jimmy is a software engineer who holds a Dual Degree in Bachelor of Science in Computer Software & Communications Engineering. Previously working in NetEase, Inc. as the Technical Department Manager and Deputy General Manager, he wrote the first Chinese web mail service and online auction program. Later co-founded a software company, Jimmy has rich experiences in software development, installation & configuration of database and operating systems, analysis, design, and development of large-scale software systems. He is passionate about building a sustainable backend environment for LBN to grow and expand.

Program Systems and Development Consultant

Favourite Children’s Book: The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

Kris is currently studying Computer Science at UBC and has been involved with the Learning Buddies Network since 2019. Over the years, he’s held a number of roles within the organization, starting out as a Math Mentor and eventually volunteering as an Executive Coordinator and a Member of the Program Team. Passionate about creating inclusive spaces and communities, youth engagement and leadership, and reducing barriers to education, he looks forward to leveraging his skills and experience within the organization to continue supporting volunteers, buddies, and ultimately the Learning Buddies Network mission.

Program Systems and Development Consultant

Favourite Children's Book: The Brothers Lionheart by Astrid Lindgren

Natalie is a Business Law & Economics student, Judiciary Panelist, and Peer Tutor at the UofA. She is passionate about helping students achieve their academic goals and building a supportive community for young people that fosters growth and learning. Natalie has volunteered with Learning Buddies since 2019, and she is excited to work further with the organization to help provide elementary school students and volunteers with opportunities to collaborate and acquire new skills.

Research Assistant

Favourite Children's Book: Charlotte's Web by E. B. White.

Catherine is a PhD candidate in Educational Technology and Learning Design at Simon Fraser University. With a keen interest in data science, she actively conducts R programming workshops. Her dedication lies in exploring scientific assessment tools to improve learning outcomes. Passionate about evidence-based and data-informed assessment, she aims to empower students in their educational journey. Committed to expanding the reach of LBN programs, she will contribute her skills and expertise. Her education philosophy is from Confucius – “When I walk along with two others, from at least one I will be able to learn” and from Socrates – “I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think.”

Rebranding Project Coordinator

Favourite Children’s Book: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

Riali is a student at the University of Toronto and is excited to be working as the project coordinator for LBN's rebranding initiative. She started on the research assistant team where she was motivated by the impacts of LBN to stay within the organization. Riali is passionate about education and hopes to help build an environment where educational growth is fostered.

BMO Run Coordinator

Favourite Children’s Book: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

Amy is a student at the University of British Columbia. She shares LBN's passion for making learning broadly accessible, with a particular interest in how investments in youth education and leadership can create lasting impacts. Through applying her skills in data science and research, Amy is eager to assist LBN in its valuable and meaningful work.

Canada Helps Administrative Consultant

Favourite Children’s Book: A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Julia studied English Literature and Political Science at UBC. Having been an avid reader since she was young, she found a special joy in passing the love of reading on to others. During her time as an elementary school teacher, she found that she was particularly passionate about social emotional learning. Julia’s motto when working with children is to do her best in “providing children with a toolbox of skills they’ll be able to use for life” both academically and in social-emotional wellbeing. Julia believes in accessible and holistic education over all else.

Vice-President

Favourite Children’s Book: The Pippi Longstocking series by Astrid Lindgren

Margaret Kalaski is a former national track and field coach and retired Special Education Department Head at Vancouver’s Eric Hamber Secondary School. She continues to support student learning though private practice and her involvement with the Learning Buddies Network.

Treasurer

Travis is designated as CPA, CA, CFA, and CBV. He obtained his BMath and Masters of Accounting at the University of Waterloo before working at Grant Thornton LLP in both Assurance and Transactions Advisory roles. Travis has multiple family members teaching elementary school in Ontario and is motivated to give back to students by his experience seeing the impact dedicated educators can have.

Secretary

Favourite Children’s Book: The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

Tina has over 2 decades of experience working at large law firms and multinational corporations in Hong Kong and Vancouver. She hopes to bring her legal and organizational experience to Learning Buddies Network. Tina believes strongly in the importance of education and growth opportunities for young children in order for them to recognize their self-worth. She’s actively involved as a volunteer in several community organizations.

Director

Joshua Millard is a former Director of Operations and Programs at Learning Buddies Network. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of British Columbia with a double major in Political Science and Philosophy. With years of operational and management experience, Joshua brings an important understanding of organizational stewardship and Learning Buddies programs to the Board table.

Director

Favourite Children’s Book: The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham

Ian is a retired biochemist and businessman. He has served LBN as an Executive Coach and Management Consultant since 2013. He is an expert on Collaborative Leadership, and enjoys supporting the multigenerational community of LBN.

Director

Favourite Children’s Book: The Fox With Cold Feet by Bill Singer

Peter is a Software Engineer, and has extensive professional experience working with large scale software systems. He is passionate about reducing process complexity and increasing automation in a maintainable way.

Advisor

Favourite Children’s Book: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy

Since becoming a part of the organization in 2020, Kaitlyn has grown to love LBN's mission and close-knit community where mentorship extends beyond its programs. Having volunteered in numerous positions from Mentor to Executive Coordinator, Kaitlyn now hopes to leverage her passion and experience in her roles as a board advisor and Communications Manager to uphold LBN's values and advance its vision. While still in the midst of exploring her passions, for now, Kaitlyn hopes to pursue a career in the medical field where each day is spent creating an impact on the world and its individuals. In her spare time, she enjoys immersing herself in the whimsical dimensions of books and films, continuing her taekwondo training as a black belt, and carrying the team in online PC games!

IT Committee Member

Favourite Children’s Book: Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson

After falling in love with LBN's mission in 2019, Janelle is ecstatic to support LBN in its expansion as its IT Manager. She is deeply passionate about leveraging novel innovations in STEM to tackle systemic inequities, such as homelessness and inaccessible education, and is inspired to have this opportunity to automate staff processes and manage LBN's IT systems. Janelle is also a 2023 Schulich Leader and an incoming software engineering student at McGill University. In her spare time, you can find Janelle napping, cooking burnt food, or mapping out the vision for Project Empathic, a youth-led organization to spread kindness and eradicate stigma against unhoused people.

IT Committee Member

I am a passionate environmental advocate and competitive programmer who is studying at Lord Byng Secondary School and will be graduating to attend Johns Hopkins University next year. I hope to use programming and new technology to help build a better community.