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Dedicated Teaching TeamOne of the great strengths of our service is our outstanding team of teachers most of whom have been with us for many years. The teachers come with solid qualifications to teach. In addition, they are specifically chosen for their dynamic and positive qualities as people, for their love of working with children, youth and young adults with learning challenges, for their willingness to work as team players who enjoy collegiality with their peers, and for their willingness to share best practices. Teachers at the Vancouver Learning Centre take the role of coach, encouraging their students to be champion learners. Following the student’s individually designed programs and using their own unique talents, the teachers provide dynamic, creative lessons and personal support to each student. The teachers are specifically trained by Dr. Schwartz in the most recent advances in the teaching/learning process. A positive YES YOU CAN attitude is on the table for every lesson. Vancouver Learning Centre teachers address the whole person in a spirited teaching/learning partnership.
Meet the FacultyWe would like to introduce our dedicated teaching team.
Dr. Schwartz is a scientist-practitioner and applies her understanding of brain function to diagnose and assess learning problems, disorders, strengths and styles. She designs creative, individualized programs to enable students and clients to achieve the best possible outcome. Hundreds of students have achieved outstanding results in the years since the 1980 inception of the Vancouver Learning Centre. For more information about the services offered by Dr. Schwartz please go to www.geraldineschwartzandassociates.com.
Andrew counts rowing, triathlon, music and art among his non-professional interests. He is also the proud father of three delightful children, who can occasionally be found toddling through the Learning Centre inspiring students and faculty to smiles and laughter. Andrew is proud to work with the excellent faculty team at the Vancouver Learning Centre, and bases his teaching on the principle that every student will find pride and satisfaction in pursuing his or her personal best.
Lindsay’s teaching style is patient, gentle, creative and energetic, as she meets each individual’s needs and is part of the amazing growth, development and success of each student. She teaches reading, writing, vocabulary development and grammar as well as personal coaching on “Learning to Learn” which is designed to address study skills, time management and organization, goal setting, and personal best. She also designs and facilitates a variety of workshops on personal development including self-esteem, self-advocacy and self-assertiveness. Lindsay is excited about the future for the Vancouver Learning Centre and most looks forward to developing a character education program as well as becoming a yoga instructor for kids to help reduce stress and anxiety. Lindsay is inspired by new ideas, but also by seeing students gain confidence in learning and in themselves. She feels privileged to be part of the learning journey and the opportunity to build positive, flourishing relationships with both students and colleagues. She strongly believes that what we teach today ultimately leads to a brighter tomorrow where possibilities for creative learning are endless.
Catherine Kwan currently teaches at the Vancouver Learning Center and in Richmond as an Elementary Resource teacher. Prior to attaining a Bachelor of Education in Secondary English and Social Studies, Catherine studied English literature and History at the University of British Columbia. During her undergraduate studies, Catherine met a great group of friends who are equally enthusiastic about inclusion, technology, human rights, and public access to education and information.
A native of Vancouver, Carla Merkel began working at the Vancouver Learning Centre in January 2009. After completing her BA in Psychology (University of Victoria), Carla went on to earn an MA in School Psychology (University of British Columbia). Carla is currently completing her PhD in School Psychology at UBC, and has worked with children and adolescents of all ages from diverse backgrounds and their families. Carla is currently training directly with Dr. Schwartz in assessment techniques. Carla is excited to be a part of the Vancouver Learning Centre team, and believes strongly in assessing and understanding students’ specific strengths and learning needs in order to help them achieve their personal best outcome. Carla is enthusiastic, energetic, and patient in her approach to working with students, and believes in the importance of lifelong personal growth and education. In her spare time, Carla enjoys yoga, skiing, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.
Amy Gearon is an Australian native who has had an eclectic range of teaching experience. Since graduating from the University of Wollongong with a Bachelor of Teaching and a Bachelor of Education, and has worked as an Elementary School teacher in Australia, as well as taking some time off to travel overseas and work in Summer Camps in Massachusetts and in Whistler. Amy also spent time in Australia teaching and mentoring youth who were participants in a police outreach and early intervention program. Amy moved to Canada in January of this year and is passionate about bringing her teaching skills to the Vancouver Learning Centre. She is a positive and energetic teacher who believes education should be an affirmative and life long experience and enjoys helping students reach their full potential. In her spare time Amy enjoys cycling, hiking, watching movies and socialising with family and friends.
Professional DevelopmentIn addition to their teaching qualifications the faculty receive professional development from Dr. Geraldine Schwartz in order to prepare them for their specialized work at the Vancouver Learning Centre
At the Vancouver Learning Centre professional development is a continuous process. The faculty meet once each week where ongoing professional development and problem solving of any difficult situation takes place. This ensures that faculty are up to date on any new discoveries or creative thinking related to learning and teaching.
Mentoring and ShadowingFrom time to time new faculty enter the system by a period of mentoring and shadowing experienced faculty leaders and so become integrated members of a teaching team.
Program CaptainsFaculty work in teams to deliver the teaching programs to students. Each student has an assigned Program Captain. These teachers are responsible to ensure
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Dr. Geraldine Schwartz, PhD is the Principal and senior psychologist at the Vancouver Learning Centre. She is a registered psychologist in BC and a member of the Canadian Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology. She holds a PhD in Psychology and Education, an MA in Educational Psychology, and a Teacher’s Diploma. She has long-term classroom experience in teaching from primary grades through secondary and post-secondary levels.
One of the VLC's newly appointed directors, Andrew Taylor (MA) is a talented and energetic teacher who has been with the Vancouver Learning Centre since 1998. He is a versatile instructor with specialty in senior level math, physics and literature. He has also taken a keen interest in developing the Learning Centre’s enrichment and development programs for gifted learners. He has taught at the post-secondary level in BC and Ontario, and brings an appreciation for excellence and pride in learning to all his classes.
After graduating from Simon Fraser University with a BA in English and Psychology, VLC director, Lindsay Sealey went on to earn a BEd from San Diego State University, with an emphasis on leadership and counseling. She then joined the Vancouver Learning Centre teaching team where she is a teacher, coach and leader. She has taken numerous courses on learning styles, values education, and ethical leadership. Lindsay strongly believes in ongoing quality improvement and life-long learning. When she is not teaching, she is passionate about running, writing and singing. She is the author of two books, the most recent being Simply Yourself, and she has joined efforts with the Dove Self-Esteem Foundation to foster self-esteem in young people.
Patricia Raye (BEd) has been part of the Vancouver Learning Centre teaching team since 1991. She teaches all aspects of communication through language: phonics, reading, grammar, writing, and literature. History, telling the story of humankind’s development is an area of particular interest. She has designed the Learning Centre’s modern worldview program that teaches social studies as a series of interrelated events and technologies that have caused a “shift in our perception and a shift in our direction.” Her teaching encompasses history, geography, economics and philosophy. As a graduate of the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, Patricia is also an artist/designer of sculpture and custom decorative lighting. Additionally, she has participated in a variety of the citizenship and mentoring programs offered through the Vancouver Learning Centre and Creative Learning partnership.
A native of Vancouver, Leslie Pashby, brings a diverse range of educational and teaching experiences to the Vancouver Learning Centre. Leslie’s dual backgrounds in sciences and arts have made her a resourceful and valuable member of the faculty. She has earned her BSc (McGill) and BEd (University of Western Ontario), and teaches students of all ages. Drawing on her international teaching experiences in both Mexico and Thailand, Leslie brings enormous enthusiasm and skill to her students at the Vancouver Learning Centre. In her spare time, Leslie enjoys traveling, outdoor activities and time with her friends and family.
