Staff

Caitlin Wynne — Childcare Director (ECE/ITE)

Caitlin has been working in the field of Early Childhood Education for the past 15 years. She firmly believes building meaningful connections through positive communication is essential to the growth and development of happy, healthy children. Caitlin is passionate about supporting the children she works with, the JK Educators, and her community. She enjoys spending time with her husband and children at different neighbourhood parks when she is not at work.

FAIRFIELD JK STAFF:

Tana Thomas – Early Childhood Educator- Upstairs Team lead

Tana has worked with children and families as an ECE for the past 11 years. During this time, she has worked with a variety of ages and settled into the preschool age. Tana enjoys anything to do with nature and enjoys teaching the children about plants and gardening. You can most likely find her at the beach when Tana is not at the centre.

Lanna Duffy – Early Childhood Educator- Upstairs Program

 Lanna has been working in the childcare field for 20 years. She loves working with preschool-aged children. She enjoys reading stories and doing circle time. She loves taking the children for walks to the beach and to our neighbourhood parks. Lanna enjoys spending time outside of the JK with her two children and friends. 

Cindy Potts — Early Childhood Educator – Downstairs Team Lead

Cindy has been working with the JK children since finishing her practicum in the summer of 2014. She has always been passionate about working with children and helping them learn and grow. She is particularly passionate about supporting children with diverse needs and children who are Neurodievrse. She enjoys being outside, walking the beach, hiking, and camping with her family in her free time.

Claudine Grimminger – Early Childhood Educator Assistant – Downstairs Program

Claudine first joined the JK as a substitute educator. She then moved into a contract position with the school and is now a full-time member of the Fairfield JK team. Claudine enjoys watching the children learn and grow and planning activities to support their development.

Norma Garcia — Early Childhood Educator Assistant – Float support staff

Norma is originally from Monterrey, Mexico. She started as a special education assistant at the JK and is now one of our full-time team members. Norma supports the upstairs and downstairs programs while educators are off the floor. Norma enjoys playing and being outdoors with the children. In her free time, she likes to do things with her son.

GORDON HEAD JK STAFF:

Jane Seo – Early Childhood Educator/ITE/SNE – Team Lead

Jane joined our centre in October of 2021. Since joining us, she has shown tremendous leadership in supporting the children, families and staff at our Gordon Head centre. She is deeply passionate about caring for children, which is evident through her practice.

Sean Solberg — Early Childhood Educator Assistant

Sean has been working with children and families in one form or another for over twenty years. He has supported and worked with infants all the way up to teenagers. Sean enjoys doing art, music, movement and anything creative with children. Sean has won awards for his dedication and community service to children and their families. Sean enjoys spending time with his two children.

Jenny Li – Early Childhood Educator

Jenny joined our team in January 2020 when the Gordon Head centre opened. She has tremendously supported the children and their families at the centre. Jenny cares deeply about the healthy growth and development of children. She is a dedicated educator who is skilled in her practice. Jenny enjoys spending time on the weekends with her three children.

Rose Politano – Early Childhood Educator

Rose has always enjoyed being around children. She has a calm, patient and loving approach to guidance. She believes in supporting the development of the “whole child” and giving children the time they need to grow and develop. Rose loves story times and outside time with the children. When not at work, she likes to have adventures with her daughter.

Kindergarten — Jean Hollingworth

Kindergarten really is the best grade! Each day holds awe and wonders about the surrounding world. I am so lucky to witness special discoveries from our little learners every day. I started teaching at Cathedral School in 2005 as the grade 4 teacher and then moved on to manage the Junior Kindergarten. I am ecstatic to be in the happiest grade on earth: Kindergarten! I believe that creative learning is key to my program. In our classroom, we try to be creative in all that we do and use nature as our motivation. Come and learn with us!

Kindergarten/Grade 1 — Micaela Winter

I continue to enjoy teaching at CCCS! I have been teaching for 11 years, and for 10 of these years, I’ve spent teaching at CCCS. I’ve taught various grades, including grades  5, 6 and 7, at a Montessori school in Prince George; at Christ Church, I’ve worked at the Junior Kindergarten school, taught Primary French, Religious Studies, Grade 1 and Kindergarten. I enjoy being active and being outside. When I am not teaching in the classroom, I can often be found hiking or backpacking. As a teacher, I believe that it is my responsibility to infuse outdoor and indoor teaching methods so that students can connect to the natural world around them. In addition, I believe that the more opportunities students have to experience nature in a positive setting, the more they will learn to respect nature and foster environmental awareness. The primary age program nurtures and supports the development of children’s social and emotional growth and instills a love of learning. I especially enjoy teaching primary-age students!

Grade 1 – Jade Hebdon

Ms. Hebdon joined Cathedral School in February 2022 as a TOC after moving to Victoria from Edinburgh, Scotland. She now teaches Grade 1 here at CCCS. Before moving, Ms. Hebdon taught in several elementary schools around Edinburgh and Glasgow, having graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2015. She has a keen interest in literacy development and enjoys running and hiking in her spare time.

Grade 2 – Michelle Kennedy

I have been teaching at Christ Church Cathedral School since 2000.  I grew up on the east coast in Newfoundland and moved out west after graduating university. Throughout my time at CCCS, there has been a lot of growth and development, but it is still a wonderful, caring and supportive learning community. This is why I love teaching here so much! I enjoyed teaching Kindergarten for many years, and now I am happy working in grade 2.  I feel young children bring so much enthusiasm and creativity to every situation. Every day presents new adventures and opportunities for learning!

Grade 3 – Sarah Fryer

I am thrilled to continue being part of the Christ Church Cathedral School community teaching Grade 3. I worked for many years as an opera and concert soloist (mezzo-soprano), overlapping my singing for the past ten years with various supporting roles at three different Independent schools, one in England and two here in Victoria. I attended an Anglican cathedral school from age 10-18 and was also associated with the Winchester Cathedral community in the UK for many years before moving to Canada in 2001. I hold a degree in Theology from Exeter University and a B.Ed from UVic. I look forward to another year of sharing my love of books, music, and nature with my students.

Grade 4 – Kevin Berna

My culminating inquiry while attending Quest University sought to answer the question, “How do we turn actions into words?” Through analysis, I revealed how the media could do this poorly, as Ali’s forceful defence of the rights of Black Americans was too often portrayed as civil disobedience.

“Service to others is rent you pay for your room here on earth.” – Muhammad Ali

After graduation, I encountered this powerful quote, which resonated strongly when I worked on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside with a supportive housing and advocacy organization. I still have this passion for service. After completing my BEd at the University of Victoria, I serve in an educational context and teach Grade 4 and Christ Church Cathedral School.

When not in class, I continue to play competitive soccer with a local men’s league team and hope to do so for as long as possible. I ride bikes with friends, practice photography with my Nikon EM90 film camera, and enjoy crossword puzzles.

Grade 5 – Tobi Blue & Kristin Meissner

Tobi Blue: Working with kids is my favourite thing to do!  I love watching our students participate in their own growth and development; learning through inquiry and experience is very exciting to me.  I have had the pleasure of working at Cathedral School for almost 20 years and it has been an extremely rewarding experience.  I had the privilege of teaching grade 1 for 18 years and currently I teach grade 5, yet I often have the opportunity of working in many classes with our talented and experienced team of teachers.  Over the last 12 years I have worked tirelessly as the Assistant Head of the school as well.  It is a very busy job working essentially two different jobs in one, however, I love the activity, the challenge and the ability to work with every student and family in our community.  Over the years that I have worked at our school, I have witnessed and been a part of many changes in our school, but one main theme remains constant: our students are our number one focus and our community feels like an extension of family. That is why I love our school so much!

Kristin Meissner: “15 years and counting! I count myself to be very blessed to work at such a gem of a school — the staff, students and parent community are the heart of what makes CCCS so special. One of my highlights every year is the much anticipated bike trip. I look forward to keeping this tradition rolling in grade 5!”

Grade 6 Homeroom (Language Arts and Social Studies 6, Science/Tech/Careers 6–7, Tech 8)
Kirsten Salmon

Kirsten Salmon has been with CCCS for over 12 years teaching in the middle school. She enjoys her role as the grade 6 homeroom teacher, and strives to make her classroom a welcoming and calm place for learning. She loves books, creative projects, and incorporating STEAM into lessons. She continues to lead our community club in many fundraisers and events, helping support those in need in our community. She also helps ensure our school year is well documented by designing the annual yearbook.

Grade 7 Homeroom – Math 6 – 8, Science 8 – Lara Salchert

Lara Salchert is a compassionate teacher, professional engineer, and retired Canadian Naval Officer. She brings practical experience, engaging real-world examples and learning opportunities to the classroom. Since joining the team in 2015, Lara has enjoyed teaching middle school math and science. She is really looking forward to another great year at CCCS.

French K – 8 and Librarian
Josie Gair

Bonjour! I am a born and raised Calgarian, but came to the coast in 2010 and have yet to leave! After graduating from the University of Victoria in 2015 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, I was hired on as the french teacher at CCCS. I love working with kids of all ages and colleagues that inspire, teach me and make me laugh every day. I come from a background in French immersion and know how valuable a second language can be. I am passionate about helping students realize their true potential both in French class and in life. I love my position teaching across so many grades because I get to collaborate and connect with so many teachers, EA’s, children, and families.

Grade 8 – Marylee McKeown

After a very rewarding teaching career in Vancouver, working with middle school and intermediate-aged students in the classroom and teaching French as a Second Language and Physical Education, I joined the CCCS team to instruct a grade 2/3 class.

Since 2001, I have taught grades 5, 6, and 7 and am currently working with the grade 8s. My philosophy of education is a simple one; I believe that all children can and do learn if they feel connected to their learning community, especially their teachers. My job is to make meaningful connections with all students, help them get organized, and, most importantly, encourage them to be the best they can be!

CCCS is a small school that provides a nurturing environment for all students; the staff knows the students, and the students know the staff. I am proud to be a member of this learning community.

Art Teacher – Sandi Henrich 

After several years of teaching art at our Junior Kindergarten and a couple of years of teaching Primary and Intermediate art here at the Main Campus, Sandi Henrich has now taken on the role of art teacher for all grades K – 8 and brings her passion for the arts to our students. You’ll find galleries of student artwork on her blog “Art Class”: http://sandihenrich.weebly.com/

Music Specialists – Kathy Erickson (Music K-5) & Ryan Oliver (Band 6-8)

Kathy has been the primary music specialist at CCCS since 2008 and also the Choir Director for the Primary choirs. In addition to her music degree, Kathy studied cello and piano at the Royal College of Music in London, England.

Kathy has always been passionate about teaching music to children, owning her own full-service children’s music school in Nanaimo for fifteen years. There she was the assistant principal cellist in the Vancouver Island Symphony orchestra for nine years and the Education Consultant for the Symphony for 5 years, compiling the educational materials for the Children’s Education Concert Series.

Ryan Oliver is a Juno-nominated saxophonist and educator who has performed and taught around the world. He has appeared as a clinician and adjudicator for numerous music festivals, including the West Coast Jazz Festival and the BC Music Educators Association. Ryan is delighted to be a faculty member at CCCS and to have the opportunity to encourage his students to have fun making music.

Educational Assistants
Brenda Morie, Sari Alesh, Rebecca Bosworth, Allie Szwender, Juliet Beckwith, Valerie Crosbie, Patricio Espinoza, Leone Leighton, Aisha Mullen, Trevor Zonneveld, Conrad Geake (GAP Student) & Isabella Morley (GAP Student)

Our Educational Assistants are essential to the success of our programs. They work throughout the school and playground to ensure all students can reach their full potential.

Head of Student Support
Kyla Kopperud

Being one of the newer recruits to the Cathedral School, it still amazes me each and every day how warm, welcoming and supportive this community is towards one another! After spending 20+ years coordinating support programs for students with special educational needs in Europe and SouthEast Asia, I am now super excited about bringing my perspective of inclusive education to CCCS. I hold a B.Ed in Special Needs from the University of Saskatchewan and a M.Ed from the Freie Universitaet Berlin. I am passionate about multi-tiered systems of supports, particularly the relationship between wellbeing and academic achievement. From collaborating with colleagues, families and community agencies to providing 1:1 assistance in helping to remove barriers to learning, my job is as diverse as our learning community and my family and I are very happy to be part of it!

Physical Education Specialist/ Social Studies 6 – James Rhodes

James has lived in Victoria his whole life and attended Oak Bay High School. He then went on to the University of Victoria, where he graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Education degree. James played for UVic’s varsity soccer team for five years, which ended with the team winning a national championship. He has a passion for sports and physical activity, which is evident through his years of playing and coaching soccer, basketball, track and field, and baseball. When James isn’t involved with playing or coaching sports he can be found walking the beaches and many trails with his wife Mikaila, kids Niah and Tayla, and dog Giggs. He is also an advocate of outdoor activities and takes every opportunity to go camping, skiing, and fishing. James is currently completing his Masters in Educational Leadership and Management.

Learning & Curriculum Support – Brett Macdonald

After graduating from UVic in 2005, I moved overseas and taught in Scotland and then in Germany. When I returned to Canada 11 years later, I was lucky enough to join the Christ Church Cathedral School community. I first started as a classroom teacher, but soon moved into Learning Support. I love the opportunity to work one-on-one, or in small groups, with children to support their learning in creative and purposeful ways. More recently, I also took on the role of Learning and Curriculum Support, where I work alongside my colleagues to support them in finding meaningful ways to inspire our students as they deliver our curriculum. I feel so grateful to be a part of this wonderful community. Besides travelling, my other passion is performing and teaching improvised theatre.

Religious Education / Faith Development – Ms. Kate Newman

Kate Newman has been teaching faith and arts to children for 20 years. She is the principal developer for the Anglican Church of Canada’s Sunday School curriculum, Compendium of the Church Mice.  Kate was baptized and confirmed at Christ Church Cathedral. She has a Masters of Education and a Masters of Theological Studies. Kate’s son Moses graduated from CCCS last year.

Sari Alesh

It’s been my great pleasure to be a part of the CCCS community since 2021. I am from Damascus, Syria and have been living in Victoria since 2016. I have a five-year Bachelor’s of Music degree from the Higher Institute of Damascus University. I have played with the Syrian symphony orchestra for six years, which allowed me to tour Europe and the Middle East. It has been my background of studies, and I speak five languages.

I have been working with kids, specifically teaching music, before my role as an EA for nine years in Damascus, which led me to get my Diploma of Education Assistant. I enjoy supporting kids and their various needs academically and in their social and emotional development.  I also currently teach violin in the Strings Program to grades 4 and 5 here at Catherdal School.

Juliet Beckwith

Hello CCCS friends and families! It is my first year as an EA at the Cathedral School, although I have been a part of the community for five years as a member of the Cathedral Choir. I have the pleasure of working with the CCCS grade 5 class, supporting grade 4 and 5 students with strings, and co-running the Pride club with Allie. My interests and skills are in music and language arts, although I also love diving into STEM! Outside of school, you will find me playing the cello, out cycling, or curled up with a book and a warm drink.

Brenda Morie – K1 EA

Brenda’s work with children has spanned several decades and multiple continents. She has a joyful spirit and brings many gifts to work with children, including her certification in two leading International music programs and her experiences as a professional multi-instrumentalist musician. Brenda’s work experience in Montessori Pedagogy and in International Baccalaureate schools and now Christ Church Cathedral School demonstrates her love and commitment for children wherever she goes.

Aisha Mullen

I have been a member of the Cathedral School community, on and off, for almost 20 years. I am a school alumni, having attended middle school at Cathedral School. I volunteered at Lux Mundi Summer Camp as a teenager and became an after-school care worker when I was 18. A few years later, I was hired as an Educational Assistant and have worked in that role for many years. My passion for educating and nurturing has grown immensely over the years. While I like working with all ages, I particularly enjoy working with the early primary years. I value social-emotional learning and educational approaches that embrace diversity and inclusivity. I believe in education based on connection and strive to individualize and differentiate based on the needs of each student. I greatly enjoy working in Special Education and pride myself in my ability to support all children in their educational journeys.

Allie Szwender

I attended CCCS as a child and now have been working at the school for nine years, starting with the summer program before moving into an EA role. I enjoy the social-emotional aspect of working with kids and helping them develop not only academically but personally, which has led me to complete my Masters of Education Counselling Psychology. I consider myself a light-hearted individual that enjoys the outdoors, sports and fostering an inclusive, diverse and safe environment for all.

Coordinator of the Out of School Care Program, called Lux Mundi, which means Light of the World – Todd Fitzsimmons

Todd has worked at Cathedral School since 1994.

He runs the Out-of-School Care Program, which keeps him busy all the year round. He loves sports and keeping active and enjoys teaching children about how sports and fitness are important in all our lives. Working with children keeps him young at heart as he has been doing it for 19 years.

“My biggest joy is watching the students at Cathedral School grow up and accomplish new things. If you can’t find me at School, I’m usually playing some kind of sports or limping around.”

Assistants – Haley Lamont, Krystal Priestley, Patricio Espinoza, Kevin Berna, Sari Alesh, Sarah Bjelde, and other school staff as needed