PRINCIPAL, CURRIE CAMPUS

Douglas Mansfield is has 18 years of professional teaching experience ranging from Kindergarten to adults. He joined Alberta Classical Academy as Associate Principal of the Bridgeland campus in July 2022, before moving to the new Currie campus in September 2023.

Originally hailing from Newfoundland, Mr. Mansfield has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama and a Bachelor in Education from Memorial University, a Master in Education in Literacy and Language from the University of Calgary, and a Leadership Quality Standards (LQS) Certification from Ambrose University. He has taught upper elementary, as well as English literature, fine arts, drama, and debate at the Jr. High and High School levels. His interests are in literature, writing, philosophy, theology, drama, history, mythology, fine arts, and outdoor education. Mr. Mansfield’s firm belief is that the primary purpose of education is to liberate the soul from the shackles of ignorance, and that this is best achieved through the authentic search for what is true, good, and beautiful.

PRINCIPAL, BRIDGELAND CAMPUS

Andrew Casali joined the Alberta Classical Academy in August 2022 as a Learning Strategist and Physical Education teacher. He then served as an Associate Principal before taking on his current position as the Principal Educator of the Bridgeland campus, in Calgary.

Mr. Casali earned his Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Linguistics from Trinity Western University and his Bachelor of Education from the University of the Fraser Valley. He has taught from the lower elementary years through grade 12, in subjects ranging from English language arts, English as a second language, social studies, and physical education. Mr. Casali has experience teaching in a range of special education settings, particularly for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and expressive language delays. He frequently teaches courses in speech and language development and supports exceptional learners in the Education Assistant Program at Columbia College in Calgary.

ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL, CURRIE CAMPUS

Liam Hertzsprung holds an M.Ed in Administration and Leadership from the University of New Brunswick, a B.Ed from the University of Calgary, a B.Mus from Ambrose University, and a diploma in Classical Piano Performance from Mount Royal University. He has several years of experience in classroom teaching, performance, and piano accompaniment. Since joining Calgary Classical Academy in August 2023, Mr. Hertzsprung has been instrumental (pun intended) in developing the school’s middle school music and band program, helping students discover the beauty in great works of classical music while teaching them to create beauty of their own.

ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL, BRIDGELAND CAMPUS

While having lived his youth in Regina, Saskatchewan, Wayne Ottenbreit has worked professionally in Calgary and in education for almost thirty years, teaching a variety of subjects from grades 7-12. He earned his B.A. (psychology; U of Regina), B.Ed. (social studies, religious studies; U of Regina), and M.Ed. (guidance & counselling; U of Southern Queensland), and is trained as a marriage and family therapist. Wayne believes deeply in education as the passing along of the true, good, and beautiful that human culture has discovered over the ages. He enjoys reading, writing, birding, biking, hiking, and, above all, being with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

TEACHER
Kindergarten

Sarah Ali’s passion for teaching was sparked after working with young women in Zanzibar, Tanzania for six months through the International Youth Internship Program. This experience fortified her conviction that everyone can flourish as their best self when given kindness, empathy, and compassion. She holds a Bachelor of Education from St. Mary’s University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Mount Royal University. Ms. Ali has experience teaching in diverse classrooms, both in Calgary and Mexico, in grades ranging from kindergarten to upper elementary. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys fitness, travel, and scoping out new restaurants.

TEACHER
Grade 4

Lionel Alleluia earned his Bachelor’s degrees in English and Education from York University in Toronto. Mr. Alleluia has 13 years of professional teaching experience - twelve years as a theology and English high school teacher with the Toronto Catholic District School Board, and one year as an elementary school teacher with Christ the Redeemer School Division in Okotoks, Alberta. Mr. Alleluia also concurrently served as a high school chaplaincy leader for eight of his twelve years with the TCDSB. He believes that an education that promotes goodness, discipline, knowledge, and truth will inevitably lead students to realize their full potential in mind, body, heart, and soul. Mr. Alleluia enjoys studying theology, being outdoors, and spending time with his family.

TEACHER
Middle School Visual Arts

Roxane Bouchard has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Visual Art and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Calgary. Her experiences in education include instructing art and humanities in middle and high school, as well as general classroom teaching in Grades 3 to 6. Mrs. Bouchard believes that art energizes a child’s education, contributes to the development of creativity, and helps the student learn to see the truth and beauty in the world. Mrs. Bouchard loves spending time with her family and friends, especially in the great outdoors.

TEACHER
Grade 3

Kastyn Bowersock earned her Bachelor of Education in the Middle Years Program from the University of Alberta in 2017. She began her teaching career in Calgary teaching French as a second language and social studies to students in grades six through 12. For the past three years, she has been teaching elementary and middle school in Grande Prairie. She is passionate about sharing her love of learning with her students and believes that a liberal arts education is key in giving students the opportunity to become thoughtful and well-rounded citizens.

TUTOR

Miriam is a Research Council of Canada Doctoral Fellow and PhD candidate in philosophy at McMaster University, where she is currently in the final stages of completing her dissertation on virtue and the value of life. She holds an M.A. in philosophy and undergraduate level degrees in philosophy and psychology from the University of Calgary. Her prior teaching experience includes working as a teaching assistant for post-secondary courses in logic, ethics, and the history of ideas. She hopes to instil a sense of philosophical wonder in her students. Outside of the academy, she enjoys physical fitness, classical Indian dance, and has recently dabbled in the Japanese martial art of Judo.

TUTOR

Hannah Brown is a recent graduate from Thomas Aquinas College where she earned her B.A. in Classical Liberal Arts. She was a member of the first graduating class from the college’s New England campus, where she developed a love for the Great Books and helped cultivate a community devoted to a life where everything has intrinsic value and dignity. She is grateful for her education and wants to share her love for it with the younger generation.

TEACHER
Middle school science and physical education

David Cassidy has a teaching background spanning six years across grades five to eight. He graduated with a B.H.Sc in Public Health Policy from the University of Lethbridge, and earned an Honours B.Ed from the University of Calgary. Mr. Cassidy is an ardent outdoorsman, and holds numberous certifications through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Outside the classroom, Mr. Cassidy's profound connection to nature is evident in his pursuits: running, cycling, hiking, and landscape photography. These passions not only push his physical and mental boundaries but also immerse him in the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world.

TEACHER
Grade 3

Christine DeBoer comes to Calgary Classical Academy with 20+ years of experience, teaching everything from grade 2 through grade 9. Ms. DeBoer earned her Bachelor of Arts, with a concentration in Social Studies, from Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She went on to earn a Masters of Science in Education, with a focus on English Language Learners, from Cairn University in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Ms. DeBoer is thrilled to be living in Calgary again after many years living abroad, including Guam, Brazil, and several locations in the United States. Outside of school, Ms. DeBoer enjoys traveling (favourite destinations being the UK and Netherlands), doing puzzles, and playing with her dog, Daisy.

TEACHER
Grade 1

Peter Deiter is an educator with over 30 years of teaching experience, ranging from grades one to ten. Originally from Calgary, he has a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Calgary and a Business Diploma from Mount Royal College. Mr. Deiter has taught in public, private and charter schools in Alberta and in international schools in Casablanca (Morocco), Bamako (Mali) and Istanbul (Turkey). He is a passionate teacher of architectural rendering and history, and his interests lie in social service, literature, photography, travel, and foreign cinema. Mr. Deiter believes in lifelong learning, and that the pursuit of wisdom rests in seeking truth and beauty in the world, and in doing good for others.

TEACHER
Grade 1

Michelle D’Souza earned her Bachelor of Education degree from St. Mary’s University, and also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Mount Royal University. She has always felt that her vocation was to become a teacher and help her students to grow in virtue. A returning teacher with the Classical Academy, she is excited continue sharing her love of learning with her young students, and create a classroom environment characterized by order, calm, and high expectations. Some of Ms. D’Souza’s interests include early childhood development, working with marginalized youth, baking, and coaching team sports.

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT

Olivia Duke is a recent graduate of St. John Choir Schola, which follows a classical education model. She has a special interest in Theology, Philosophy, Latin and Logic. She has eleven years of professional acting experience, as well as experience in assisting in teaching both at St. John Choir Schola and Holy Trinity Parish in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Miss Duke has a deep love and respect for tradition and its role in our world today.

GUEST TEACHER

John Dyck has been an educator for 3 years. He started his education journey at Red Deer College where he received a diploma in Theatre Acting. The skills that he acquired from acting, directing, and working alongside dramaturges have informed his practice as an educator. He later completed a B.Comm with a minor in Drama from the University of Calgary, studying rhetoric, philosophy, and the relationships between jazz music and physics, as well as prayer and entropy. These experiences led John to St. Mary’s University, where he completed a Bachelor of Education. John is happy to be back in Calgary in a liberal arts setting, and he looks forward to building positive relationships with his students.

TEACHER
Grade 2

Biography coming soon…

LEARNING STRATEGIST

Originally from Toronto, Kelden Formosa earned his Bachelor of Social Sciences and Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa before earning his Master's of Education from the University of Notre Dame in 2017. He has been an elementary school teacher for seven years, including two years teaching grade four in Brownsville, Texas and five years teaching grade five in Vancouver, British Columbia. He enjoys learning about educational theory and policy, and has written about these topics for Canadian policy publications such as The Hub. In his spare time, Mr. Formosa is an avid reader, long-distance hiker, native plant gardener, and cross-country runner.

TEACHER
Grade 3

While earning his first Bachelor’s degree, Mr. Gamboa had the opportunity to study some of the major works of the Western Canon. This inspired him to become an educator and an advocate of classical education. He grew up in a beautiful part of rural Mexico where encounters with the beauty and majesty of nature were a daily occurrence. He brings this aspect of his life experience to the classroom by nurturing students’ sense of awe and wonder at the world around them. Mr. Gamboa has experience teaching at all levels from K-12, and hopes to instil in his students a love of convivial conversation, literature, and the outdoors.

TEACHER
Middle School History

Catherine Gay graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor’s degree in History and Education. She has taught high school and middle school history, French, and Spanish as well as various primary grades for nineteen years. Ms. Gay enjoys English literature and philosophy,  both of which she has experience teaching through the Socratic Method. A passion for the classics, and for the truth and beauty they manifest, led her to Rome in 2004, where she studied philosophy, theology, and classical languages, earning a summa cum laude BA. Ms. Gay moved to Calgary ten years ago to work in the public school charter system.

TEACHER
Grade 1

Born and raised in Calgary, Janine earned Bachelor’s degrees in Communication and Cultural Studies and Education from the University of Calgary. She has over 10 years of teaching experience at the elementary level. Ms. Gorman practices empathy and compassion as a means of developing meaningful relationships with her students, and believes in the importance of modelling, practicing and teaching virtues to young people. Ms. Gorman enjoys reading, camping, and being active outdoors with her family.

TEACHER
Grade 4

Casey Guy earned a BTech (with distinction) from Thompson Rivers University, and a Bachelor of Education degree from Ambrose University. He has taught grades one through six, with experience in a variety of formal and informal settings, including public and shared responsibility programming, gifted education, and youth leadership initiatives. In his leisure time, he enjoys hiking mountain trails whilst contemplating the themes and ideals expressed in the Great Books.

ESL INSTRUCTOR

Meagan Hardy completed a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and History at Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2013. Inspired by her passion for reading and writing, and wanting to share that passion, she completed a Bachelor of Education at the University of British Columbia in 2016. She began her teaching journey as an Education Assistant and Public Library staff and from there a new passion in Literacy Development evolved. A lifelong learner, Meagan continues to pursue her goal of creating a world of avid readers by completing course work in Structured Literacy and Phonics. Besides reading, Meagan also enjoys creating art and kayaking.

TEACHER
Grade 2

Stella earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alberta in 2023, along with a bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Washington in 2015. Her teaching journey started as a Kindergarten teacher in South Korea, and she carried that passion for education all the way to Alberta. Stella has been a dedicated Student Teacher, Korean Language teacher, and Sunday School teacher, focusing on elementary school levels. Her heart brims with enthusiasm for crafting a warm and nurturing learning environment, where students acquire wisdom and knowledge to lead purposeful lives.

TUTOR

Dominik Kadlec’s deep interest in people and culture, along with his belief that language unlocks new worlds, inspired him to earn his Bachelor of Arts in linguistics from the University of Calgary. After that, he followed his love of language to the University of Lethbridge, where he completed a Master of Arts degree in Indigenous Studies, writing his thesis on a computational linguistic project to support the Blackfoot language. His love of world cultures and his interest in learning from various perspectives has inspired him to learn several languages including French, Spanish, Czech, Latin, Greek, Arabic, and Cree. Besides studying languages, Mr. Kadlec spends his spare time pursuing his interests in rock climbing, triathlon, camping, reading, film, and theology.

TEACHER
Grade 3

Originally from Germany, Michelle-Leah Koerner completed her studies with a Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Psychology (First Class). While conducting research at the Behavioural Medicine Lab at the University of Calgary, she shifted her focus towards child development and formation, which in turn prompted her to undertake a Bachelor of Education. Upon graduation, she embarked on her professional journey at Classical Academy. Mrs. Koerner is committed to fostering an enriching classroom atmosphere where children can flourish, despite the prevalence of relativism, guiding them towards a path of truth and liberty. Outside of her role as an educator, Mrs. Koerner takes pleasure in attending string quartet concerts, diving into novels, and playing her guitar.

TEACHER
Grade 2

Lenka Kycak earned her Master of Arts Degree specializing in Literature and History from the Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia. Since moving to Calgary in 2005, she has taught various grades at the lower elementary level, including special education. Mrs. Kycak firmly believes in educating the whole person, mind and soul, and she looks forward to helping her students orient their lives toward truth, goodness, and beauty. In her leisure time, Mrs. Kycak enjoys literature, classical music, and an array of outdoor activities.

AFTERCARE SUPERVISOR
Bridgeland Campus

Mrs. Lee earned a Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics and a Degree in Early Childhood Education from South Korea. With a Kindergarten Teacher's Certificate and more than 20 years of experience, she has served as a manager, program supervisor and a director for both daycare and out-of-school care programs. Mrs. Lee believes in unlocking the unlimited potential in every child and is passionate about fostering their creativity. Drawing on her musical and artistic talents, she incorporates songs, dances, and creative arts into her teaching, believing that children’s happiness is our bright future.

AFTERCARE SUPERVISOR
Currie Campus

Lorraine Lew has been an educator for 30 years. She grew up in Kingston, Ontario and obtained her Bachelor of Education degree at Queen’s University. Over the years, Mrs. Lew has taught students from kindergarten to grade 9 in subject areas of French, Art, Drama, Language Arts and General Homeroom Teacher. Most recently she taught kindergarten at a private school in Calgary for the past 7 years. Mrs. Lew is excited to be working with the kindergarteners and helping them develop a love of learning and fostering those essential foundational virtues in our young learners. During her leisure time, she enjoys walking, reading, photography, scrapbooking, and spending time with her husband and two daughters.

TEACHING ASSISTANT

Maximiliano Lozano was fortunate to receive a classical liberal arts education while attending the John’s Choir Schola, which taught him to seek after beauty and eternal truths. He knows the importance of the liberal arts and their imperative role in forming virtuous children. His interest in childhood education was sparked by his experience working as ski instructor, and he now plans to pursue a career in education, sharing his love of philosophy with students.

TEACHER
Grade 4

Craig MacFarlane earned his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees from the University of Manitoba in 2014. Since that time he has experienced teaching all elementary and middle years levels, however, most of his teaching practice has been with Grade 4. Mr. MacFarlane believes that the purpose of education is to form the student’s character to will and to act in accordance with what they know. He is a firm believer in the saying, “You cannot give what you do not have,” which pushes him to strive for excellence and self-development, so that he can be the best teacher possible for his students. Mr. MacFarlane's intellectual and physical pursuits include studying history, politics, theology, and philosophy, as well as staying fit and active through weight training.

TEACHER
Grade 1

Melissa Meinders studied at Burman University receiving a Bachelor of Elementary Education and a minor in social studies. She received her ECE (early childhood educator) license in 2017 and has worked extensively with students ranging in age from 3 to 16 years in both professional and volunteer settings. Melissa believes in building meaningful relationships and creating positive, experiential learning experiences for her students. Melissa continues to positively impact the lives of children in her community through volunteerism, supporting the fine arts, and teaching youth leadership. Melissa is particularly passionate about history, politics, and geography and enjoys sharing these passions with her students.

TEACHER
Middle School French, Humane Letters, Grammar & Composition

Elsa Michel has close to 15 years of experience teaching English and French Language Arts, Literature and Composition, ESL, and FSL. She obtained her B.Ed. in Second Language Teaching (ESL) at McGill University, and later attended the University of Toronto (OISE), where she acquired qualifications to teach English and FSL. In 2014, Ms. Michel left teaching to study law at the University of Ottawa, where she graduated cum laude with her J.D. (juris doctor). After practicing law for 5 years, Ms. Michel decided to return to her first love, teaching. Having observed the deteriorating quality of education in Canadian schools over the last few years, she feels a moral obligation to put her skills and experience to good use in righting this wrong. She firmly believes that any education worth having must necessarily prepare students to become free and independent thinkers and truth seekers who cultivate excellence and virtue.

TEACHER
Middle School Maths

Mitchell Orr is a recent graduate from the University of Lethbridge, receiving his Bachelor of Education at the end of 2021. He also has a degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Calgary. Mr. Orr has a passion for Mathematics while also recognizing its place in the context of other classical disciplines. He loves to share his passion of seeking truth in the natural world through this Mathematical lens with his students. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Orr likes to spend time in the great outdoors hiking and camping.

TEACHER
Middle School History, Humane Letters, Grammar & Composition

Chris Pedersen has twelve years of experience as an educator spanning grades six to twelve. He grew up in Calgary and obtained a BA in History from the University of Calgary, a BEd from the University of British Columbia, and an MA in curriculum and pedagogy from the University of British Columbia. In his MA thesis, he applied an understanding of hermeneutics and dialogue to enrich an understanding of history education. His intellectual pursuits focus on the philosophy of history, theorizing pedagogy and curriculum, hermeneutics, and historical consciousness. Mr. Pedersen has taught in Vancouver, Montréal, and Calgary. Away from teaching, he loves trail running, backcountry skiing, mountain biking, travel, and chasing his kids.

GUEST TEACHER

Mary-Jane Pellettier holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary. Her career in education began in Morley, AB where she taught grades 1-5 and adult education. MJ also worked with Alberta Education as a Learning Coach for home education programs, and later served as a Practicum Monitor with Stenberg College in Vancouver. MJ is now a "retired" guest teacher, and is thrilled to be associated with the amazing students, teachers and staff at Calgary Classical Academy. In her spare time, MJ enjoys skiing, hiking, travelling, walking her dogs, cooking, dining, and being with family and friends.

TEACHER
Physical Education

During 25 years as a teacher, Mr. Penna has taught virtually every grade and subject, from Junior Kindergarten to Senior Physics. He earned a B.Sc. in Sociology (summa cum laude) prior to graduating with a B.Ed. from OISE. Mr. Penna has ten years of experience in Special Education, primarily teaching behaviour management to K-8 students. In addition to five years teaching K-8 Physical Education, during 46 coaching seasons Mr. Penna led male and female athletes aged 9-18 to titles in five sports. His eclectic interests include outdoor education, music, literature and games for learning. Mr. Penna is convinced that fitness and athletics are important means to build a noble character, developing persistence, resilience, strength and courage—among other qualities—on the firm foundation of effort and achievement.

TUTOR

Walter Reid has not only taught in the philosophy departments at McGill, McMaster, Syracuse, and the University of Calgary, but has also served as a kindergarten administrator. He has presented at over a dozen leading conferences internationally, earning fellowships at both the Master’s and Doctoral level from the Research Council of Canada. He holds graduate degrees in philosophy and ethics from the University of Calgary and McGill University. In Spring 2024, he will graduate from St. Mary’s University with a further Bachelor of Education. He adheres to Plato’s principle that intellectual pursuits must be coupled with rigorous physical training and is accordingly an avid practitioner of the martial arts. He especially enjoys helping emerging student athletes to find fulfillment in the ancient art of wrestling.

TEACHER
Grade 1

Meaghan Reisig recently earned her Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary after completing a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Linguistics and a minor in History. She has experience teaching students in grades one to six and is looking forward to sharing her passion for truth, language, and the written word with her students. Ms. Reisig’s other interests include reading, yoga, singing, and spending time outdoors.

TEACHER
Grade 3

Katie Riddoch earned a B.Sc/B.Ed at the University of Lethbridge. She has experience teaching in a variety of settings, including in charter schools, public Catholic district schools, and in a classical homeschooling co-op. Katie has a natural ability to connect with children and a passion for teaching them to enjoy learning. She believes that weaving life lessons on virtue, truth, goodness and beauty into our curriculum is simple and essential to help our students grow into the best version of themselves. Outside of school, Ms. Riddoch enjoys exploring Fish Creek Park and playing with her three daughters.

Biography coming soon…

TEACHER
Kindergarten

Andrea Schoenberger is a graduate of Mount Royal University, where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in the Humanities. While working to complete her undergraduate degree, Ms. Schoenberger worked as an Early Childhood Educator in various public education institutions. She has experience teaching in classrooms ranging from kindergarten to upper elementary, and some of her interests include fitness, dance, gardening, and various outdoor pursuits.

TEACHER
Physical Arts

Graham Schiebel holds a Bachelors degree in Health and Physical Education majoring in Physical Literacy from Mount Royal University, as well as an Bachelors of Education from the University of Calgary. Throughout his youth he raced kayaks and was a national champion in the K4 1000m event. He discovered a love for teaching as he spent the last 17 years coaching youth in Sprint Racing Canoe/Kayak, helping to develop several national champions in crews as well as international level paddlers and producing many more who have competed on a national level. He believes in developing individuals who are able to move confidently and competently in a variety of different ways. Providing a holistic foundation to a lifetime of being healthy and active. As a teacher Graham values the ideals of integrity and effort, with a strong belief that the transferrable skills sport and athletics carry over into the world are invaluable to creating people of great character.

TEACHER
Middle School Latin, History, Humane Letters, Grammar & Composition

Ryan Scruggs is currently completing his PhD (ABD) from McGill University. His educational background includes a BA from the University of Calgary and an MA from McGill University in religious studies. He has eight years of teaching experience at the secondary and post-secondary levels. Mr. Scruggs’ interest in classical education grows out of his appreciation for ancient philosophical and religious traditions, with their emphasis on wisdom and virtue as a way of life leading to happiness. His own education has prepared him to teach broadly in the humanities, including philosophy, religious studies, history, literature, and Latin; he also enjoys leading students to wonder at the beauty and intelligibility of the universe expressed in mathematics and the natural sciences.

TEACHER
Middle School Humane Letters, Grammar & Composition

Andrew Siebert studied Philosophy and History at the University of Winnipeg, where he completed his B.A. and B.Ed. Mr. Siebert has taught Middle and Secondary humanities at public, private, and international schools, including Literature, Writing, Psychology, Economics, History, and Research. Mr. Siebert led outdoor adventure trips in the Republic of Georgia, founded the Tbilisi Debate Camp, and developed a passion for Socratic discussion. He believes that by cultivating the virtues of intellectual integrity and prudence, students discover that they are capable members of their community. Mr. Siebert enjoys the history of ideas, archaeology, climbing, and writing.

TEACHER
Elementary Music

Sandra Sims has had a dual career, first as a trained musician and now as an elementary school teacher. As a musician, Mrs. Sims earned degrees in piano performance, accompanying, and coaching from the University of Calgary and Westminster Choir College. Highlights of her musical career include singing with the Westminster Choir at the Lincoln Center in New York City, serving as an apprentice coach at the Canadian Opera Company, and performing as a piano soloist with the University of Calgary Orchestra. Mrs. Sims received her Bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Calgary in 2008, and since that time has taught students from grades K-6 in subjects as varied as music, physical education, reading, science, and general classroom. Mrs. Sims is excited about joining her two passions of music and education at the Calgary Classical Academy.

TUTOR

Georgia Snethun recently earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Theology from Thomas Aquinas College in Ojai, California. Miss Snethun also holds an Associate Diploma (ARCT) in Speech Arts & Drama from the Royal Conservatory of Music (Toronto), receiving the National Gold Medal for ARCT Performance in 2019. As a Speech Arts instructor, she helped students cultivate confident, expressive voices through diverse training including public speaking, interpretation and performance of literature and drama, improvisation, and even storytelling. Miss Snethun holds that the beauty of moral virtue is deepened and informed by contemplation, for when we see the truth, we love it and act by it (“veritatemagere” or “doing the truth”). When she’s not returning to Aristotle or Aquinas, Miss Snethun enjoys a riveting Socratic discussion, reading poetry aloud, playing cello, attempting accordion, and scrambling in the Rockies.

TEACHER
Grade 4

Arvin Tonolete has been involved in youth leadership activities since starting post-secondary studies at the University of Toronto, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce and Finance. Since graduating, he has been discovering the greatness of classical literature, regarding the works of Homer and Austen among his favourites. He obtained a Bachelor of Education from Ambrose University and worked as a teacher for four years before joining Calgary Classical Academy. He thoroughly enjoys physical and outdoor activities including various sports, hiking and snowboarding and is developing his artistic abilities through wood burning.

TEACHER
Grade 5

Chelsia Van Hierden holds a B.A. in Politics and History and an M.A. in Human Rights Law from Regent University, as well as an M.St. in Graeco-Roman Jewish Studies from the University of Oxford. She has taught in the classical education field since 2017 and is well-versed in using lively and rigorous Socratic dialogue to help students delve into the riches of the great books. As a lover of classical studies, few things delight her so much as the grand coherence between the past and the present, the inherent wonder of the seemingly mundane, and the incarnation of abstract ideas in virtuous action. When she is not teaching, you can often find Miss Van Hierden penning historical fiction, exploring ancient and medieval cities, studying a new subject, or scaling the Rocky Mountains.

TEACHER
Grade 2

Born and raised in Calgary, Ms. Walker earned a diploma in Apparel Technology from Olds College, a B.A. in Liberal Studies, and a Bachelor of Education degree from Saint Mary’s University. She began her teaching career working at a French Immersion school, and recently transitioned to teaching elementary. She is passionate about sharing a love of knowledge with young students and helping them grow into successful human beings.

LIBRARY TECHNICIAN

Lu Chen earned her B.A. in Elementary Education in Beijing, China, and later earned a Master’s degree in Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation at Syracuse University. She completed her teaching practicum in Beijing as an elementary English language instructor, and has worked as Mandarin and fine arts instructor to elementary school-aged children in New York state. In addition to to her role as library technician and educational assistant, Ms. Chen is supporting the development of the school’s Mandarin language program. She is an avid cyclist, reader, and painter, and looks forward to helping children nurture a love of virtue and wisdom.

COMMUNICATIONS

Fernanda Dominguez has a background in web development and knowledge in digital marketing. She enjoys creating digital art, travelling and spending time with family in her free time. She has offered her skills in graphic design to support various projects, most recently for a youth summer camp. Ms. Dominguez is excited to form a part of the support team for the Calgary Classical Academy.

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

La Rainne Friesen earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Theatre at at Simon Fraser University. Stage design, lighting and drafting was all fascinating, but the lifestyle was not suitable for starting a family. After much experience in the corporate, government and financial industries, Mrs. Friesen found her passion in Early Childhood Education and took several courses to support students in the autism spectrum and with special needs. Finding this joy and beauty in working with children, she began her Master’s in Educational Leadership at Trinity Western University while teaching at the Traditional Learning Academy and St. Anthony of Padua schools in Vancouver. In her spare time, Mrs. Friesen loves being a mom, cooking, drawing, singing and traveling.

COORDINATOR
Extended Kindergarten & after-school programs

Biography coming soon…

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

Laurie Heather has over 30 years of experience in administration, and has spent the last 15 years working as a senior administrative/executive assistant in a charter school. She is passionate about education and making a difference in students’ lives. She spent several years volunteering on various school councils and boards, dedicating her time and skills to help provide educational resources to students and building community. 

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

Born and raised on a ranch Northwest of Cochrane, Barb Lawrence is a small-town country girl with a big city heart. She began her journey of education at Trinity Western University with a focus on business. After a few years, her husband’s job moved them back to the country where she raised her 3 boys. Barb has over 10 years experience as school administrative assistant, and 15 years of experience coaching basketball. Outside of work, Barb dedicates her time to her 2 grandchildren with more on the way, and in her free time, she enjoys candid photography, painting, and exploring art galleries.

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

A Calgary native, Jodean Ottenbreit graduated from Mount Royal College with a diploma in Recreation Management. She is a passionate proponent of quality education for their children, and is enthusiastic to be a part of the support team for Calgary Classical Academy. She has been active volunteering in various capacities with youth camps and clubs while raising her family. In addition to work and volunteering, Jodean enjoys spending time hiking and reading.