Academic Faculty & Staff
Faculty at Phoenix Magnet Academy come from a diverse background in education (AP, IB, languages), curriculum development, social|emotional learning, and are experts in their field of teaching. Selected for their natural curiosity and enthusiasm to develop the whole student, every teacher at Phoenix Magnet Academy celebrates and supports student centered learning and supports each student in their quest for development and goal achievement. Through cross cultural immersion, exceptional academic leadership, and world class experiential learning Phoenix Magnet Academy is proud to offer a faculty comprised of academic educators, experiential leaders, and counsellers who are experts in their supportive services. By offering this strong collective, each student is embraced and supported through their secondary education at Phoenix Magnet Academy, a home away from home.
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PMA Academic Faculty
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Geoff is an alumnus of the University of British Columbia, with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Masters of Education in Curriculum Studies. With over 35 years of teaching and administrative experience, Geoff cultivates a forward-thinking atmosphere that is supportive, growth oriented and leads a team committed to student success.
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Anita holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of the Fraser Valley, a Bachelor of Education from Simon Fraser University, and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Management from Royal Roads University. With prior experience as a teaching principal in two British Columbia offshore schools, she brings a global perspective to her instructional approach.
Anita is well-versed in project-based learning (PBL) and endeavours to engage students in addressing authentic real-world challenges. Having also taught at the university level, Anita has high expectations for her students and diligently prepares them for their post-secondary studies.
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Carol has a Masters degree in English education, and 23 years of teaching and administrative experience both in China and Canada. She used to be the youngest Director of Student Department in one of the school districts in Shanghai. Her insights help students to better understand themselves and pursue their dreams. Carol is contracted to work with PMA in a variety of capacities: supporting our planning, our students and our PMA families.
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Victoria is a Counselling Student Intern based in Squamish, BC, dedicated to providing academic and personalized support to students. At PMA, she focuses on helping students reach their full potential and build resiliency. Victoria supports students dealing with academic struggles, anxiety, depression, stress, and more.
Her approach is client-centered and integrative, using techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness. Victoria’s practice is rooted in creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where students can explore their thoughts and feelings openly. She believes in the power of building strong therapeutic relationships grounded in trust and respect.
In her personal time, Victoria enjoys trail running and outdoor activities with her husband and two dogs. She acknowledges and respects the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Squamish Nation where she lives and works.
Teachers
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Travis completed his undergraduate bachelor’s degree majoring in English and History and is an avid educator in English, Social Studies, Science, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus. Undertaking his university studies at Vancouver Island University, Travis earned a place on the Dean’s list and contributed through intensive educational practicum across Vancouver Island. Travis excels in thought leadership and specializes in providing individualized instruction and understanding student’s individual needs.
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Ryan Nichols
BA, B.ED, BScRyan graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Education.
Over the past 18 years, he has dedicated himself to mastering his art. Ryan emphasizes the importance of building strong interpersonal relationships with his students, ensuring they feel safe and empowered to take risks in the classroom.
He believes in maintaining a structured classroom environment that encourages academic rigor, while also providing the flexibility for students to explore their personal passions.
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Isaac Li
BA, BScIsaac relocated from Ontario to British Columbia six years ago, drawn by the province’s natural beauty and active lifestyle.
He holds a degree in statistics from Queen’s University and has since dedicated himself to teaching math, science, technology, and physical education at intermediate and secondary levels.
Isaac’s diverse interests enable him to integrate various subjects, addressing real-life problems and fostering a belief that every student can contribute to creating a better world.
Experiential Educators
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Jesse Godlington
Experiential Education Specialist Jesse brings over a decade of experience and leadership in experiential education. His knowledge and skill sets are diverse, and his certifications contribute to the ability of PMA programs to deliver high quality, safety focused, experiential education programs. Jesse uses a blend of cultural and outdoor experiences to broaden student understanding about themselves and their ability to achieve, whilst naturally developing leadership and confidence in students.
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Admissions
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Ashleah is an administrative specialist, she carries over 14 years experience in the customer service sector. Utilizing skills gained through her six years experience as a Property Manager, Ashleah supports the administrative function of PMA across all departments and is an expert in office suite software.
Contributing a positive approach to progressive problem solving, she brings a personable and engaging approach to school activities and communications.
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Olga obtained her degree in Chinese Philology from Zhejiang Gongshang University in Hangzhou, China, and a Marketing Management diploma from Douglas College in New Westminster, British Columbia.
As a marketing professional with experience in strategy, planning and implementation, Olga has lived and worked in Ukraine, China, Italy, Portugal, and Canada. Olga’s strengths include building strong partnerships, processes, and brand visibility, ensuring client expectations are in line with school offerings.
Olga represents PMA exclusively, recruiting students and maintaining strong relationships with students, families, and agents.
As a quad lingual Olga is well positioned to support students from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and handles the logistics of student enrolment and collaborates with school staff for documentation and ongoing communication.
Residence Advisors - Dormitories
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Raquel is a dedicated and experienced teacher specializing in early childhood and primary education, with a strong background in therapeutic pedagogy. Originally from Spain, she is also a certified Spanish teacher, which allows her to bring a valuable linguistic and cultural perspective to her teaching.
With over a decade of experience, she has worked extensively with children of all ages, including those with special needs. She has implemented programs focused on conflict resolution, emotional education, and social skills, which have significantly contributed to her students’ academic and personal growth. Her ability to adapt to different situations and resolve conflicts efficiently are key aspects of her professional success.
In addition to her teaching skills, she excels in curriculum planning and creating inclusive and supportive learning environments. She stays updated with the latest pedagogical methodologies and is committed to continuous professional development.
As an education professional, she is always motivated by the desire to see her students grow and reach their full potential. She is excited to continue her journey at Phoenix Magnet Academy, where she looks forward to inspiring and supporting each student on their path to success.
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Jeny Romero Zaldivar
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Rei Kajiwara
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Kaishi Ueda
Kaishi holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Education and is passionate about languages and martial arts. As an avid learner of English, Japanese, and Karate, he spent three years teaching at a junior high school in Japan, where he contributed to the ethics curriculum, homeroom activities, and career planning programs.