Our Faculty

There is no doubt that it is the quality of teaching and learning that makes students’ success at school. At St. John’s Academy Shawnigan Lake we make sure that teachers address each student’s unique learning needs and guide them toward personal success in each subject and interest area. We invest measurably in building responsible and experienced teaching staff, whose primary objective is academic excellence.

Rob Archer, MSc

Physical Education Teacher

Rob has worked as a physical education teacher in Wales, Hong Kong and most recently here in Canada helping students live healthy lives through engaging physical education programs. Rob volunteers as part of the Cowichan Valley Search and Rescue response.

Ashlee Booker, BSc

Science Teacher

Ashlee has taught at schools in China, South Korea, Egypt, Trinidad and various provinces within Canada. In addition to her academic background in science and education she has most recently completed a specialist qualification from York University in teaching new English learners.

Julie Carere, BMath, MBET

Math Teacher

Julie is passionate about math and for the past 12 years she has been helping students achieve their ‘aha’ moments in math, finance, economics and accounting. She was in a pi contest in University where she recited 154 digits which was part of a documentary film.

Tristan Clausen, BEd

Music Teacher

Tristan is a passionate music educator having taught children in both public and independent schools as well as giving leadership to music programs as part of the Canada Cadet’s program where he is a part time reserve officer. Tristan has performed as a musician with various choirs and as a freelance trumpeter with other musical productions.

Martha George, BFA

Art and Design Teacher

Originally from Nova Scotia (Canada), Martha has lived in Switzerland, Australia and South Africa before moving to Vancouver Island. She’s worked as a sculpture technician, as an artist herself and of course as a teacher helping students find both their joy and talent in a broad range of artistic mediums.

Sheri Glenwright

Education Assistant & Librarian

Sheri has supported student learning as an education assistant for some years having taken her Education Assistant Diploma from the College of the Rockies. Moving to Vancouver Island she has taken full advantage of the opportunities to hike, bike, ski, camp and swim with her family.

Kristine Greenlaw, EdD

Science Teacher

Growing up as an international student in the Middle East, Kristine has now worked as an educator in Southeast Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe as well as Canada (Ontario) and has significant experience with the IB Middle Years and Diploma Program in different school contexts.

Joshua Hart, BKin, MEd

Grade 4/5 Teacher

Joshua grew up in Alberta (Canada) and has had the joy of supporting student learning as an elementary school teacher, a Physical Education teacher and as a Vice Principal. He is excited to be a part of a small school community and to help develop an innovative and engaging elementary program.

Amy Heffring, BA

Psychology and ELL Teacher

Amy moved to South Korea following her degree in psychology and it was there she found her joy and passion for teaching. Since that time she has spent the last 15 years working with students in both Victoria and Vancouver (both in British Columbia, Canada) who are learning English as an additional language.

Julia Keller, BSc, BEd

Science Teacher

Growing up in rural Saskatchewan, Julia has worked in a chemical lab, owned an artisan chocolate company and spent a year travelling around the world before settling on Vancouver Island where she is excited about inspiring students to be global citizens and contribute meaningfully to the world.

Sandrine Leopold

French Teacher

Sandrine has worked as a French teacher for almost two decades and has taught students from all corners of the world. She’s a versatile educator who has taught in IB Schools and extended her learning with the MYP Category 2 workshop. She loves living on Vancouver Island and believes it to be the best place on earth to live and teach.

Morgan McLeod, BA

Drama Teacher

Morgan has been living and teaching in Shawnigan Lake for the past twenty years. An accomplished actor and director himself he has been part of theatre companies up and down the island. He’s proud to have directed student theatre performances of The Wizard of Oz, Shrek, Mama Mia, Oklahoma!, We Will Rock You and many others over his years of working with students.

Beth Partridge, BFA

Art Teacher & Librarian

Beth is a passionate art educator having worked in both public and private schools for the past 12 years around Vancouver Island, which have included the IB programs: MYP and DP Visual Art, as well as DP Dance. As a Librarian, Beth aims to create a peaceful, functional learning environment where she can facilitate students’ research and grow their love of reading for study as well as recreation.

Shaun Pepper, BHK, BEd, MET

MYP Design & MYP Physical & Health Education

Shaun has worked in Canada, China and Brazil and has been privileged to have taught MYP Design and MYP Physical and Health Education while serving as Head of Department in both subjects. He is excited to bring his experience and skills to the team to continue to develop a thoughtful and intentional international experience that helps our students grow into global citizens.

Steve Sparling, MEd, ASA, RSS

Math Teacher

Steve has taught both struggling students and gifted students from grade 8 to grade 12 including Advanced Placement calculus and statistics as well as the International Baccalaureate at both standard level and higher level. He has twice been on the curriculum revision committee for the province of British Columbia and marked Government Examinations many times for both mathematics 12 and physics 12.

Jeff Trapp, MA

ELL Coordinator and Humanities Teacher

As an English language specialist, Jeff began his career in Japan where in his final two years he worked as a teacher-trainer, instructing new teachers on ESL methodologies and curriculum planning. Jeff is also committed to the development of a Rotary Interact Club so youth can participate in the Rotary movement and gain valuable leadership experience in the Cowichan Valley.

Eric Venables, BEng, BSc

Math Teacher

Eric started out as a Biomedical Engineer in the Lower Mainland and was helping kids in his neighbourhood with their school work. It didn’t take long for him to realize his true passion was helping students learn and grow. Prior to coming to St. John’s Academy he taught Grade 8 through advanced Calculus at Shawnigan Lake School.

Travis Visscher, BKin, MA

Head of Physical & Outdoor Education

As a teacher, Travis has enjoyed a wonderful career working in different schools in Calgary (Canada) and on Vancouver Island. As a physical and outdoor education teacher, Travis has worked hard to build strong physical education, outdoor education and athletics programs that truly meet student need.

Laura Wood, BA, MSc

French Teacher & Student Support Co-ordinator

Laura has been teaching French to students of all ages for over a decade and immediately fell in love with the school culture at St. John’s Academy after spending just a short while with us. In addition to teaching French she helps with our service, volleyball and drama clubs.

Dan Zin

Teacher of MYP Individuals & Societies, MYP Physical & Health Education and Careers

Over the last decade or so Dan has taught in Australia, South Korea, Egypt, Trinidad & Tobago, Ontario (Canada) and of course now in beautiful British Columbia. He cares deeply about seeing students thrive and seeks to model the characteristics of an IB learner in his own practice.