Faculty Team

The Vancouver Learning Centre is served by two professional teams: one to deliver our unique educational and neuropsychological services, and the other to provide our individualized one-on-one teaching services.

A DEDICATED TEAM OF PSYCHOLOGISTS

The Vancouver Learning Centre has assembled a highly qualified team of psychologists who provide a unique service.  It begins with a witnessed assessment in which a parent is invited to sit in and observe the assessment process, which combines neuropsychological and educational features.  From the assessment a personalized targetted teaching program is designed for the student.

The team of psychologists is led by Dr. Geraldine Schwartz (PhD) Founder and Principal of the Vancouver Learning Centre.

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.

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.

Dr. Jayne Pivik (PhD) is a Developmental Psychologist specializing in child health and well-being. She received her PhD from the University of Ottawa and held a Postdoctoral Fellowship with the Human Early Learning Partnership at the University of British Columbia. She brings to the Vancouver Learning Centre over 25 years of scientific and clinical experience in prevention, early intervention, inclusion, and contextual factors impacting health, education, and social wellbeing. Most recently, Jayne has helped write and co-edit a book entitled New Approaches to Early Child Development: Rules, Rituals and Realities. Jayne is passionate about using creativity to enhance learning and personal growth and believes that children and youth have as much to teach adults as we have to teach them. Outside of work, Jayne enjoys yoga, salsa dancing, painting, gardening and spending time with her husband and two sons.

A third member of the team is Dr. Judith Magrill (PhD) Judith is a school psychologist, registered with the College of Psychologists of B.C. She earned her Master’s and Doctoral degrees from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. She specializes in psychoeducational assessments for all school-age children and brings to the Vancouver Learning Centre an insightful perspective into the school system. She helps create individual assessment reports based on the child’s unique learning profile, and assists in the development of a targetted program for optimal achievement. Judith has also had experience as a tutor at the Vancouver Learning Centre, and she brings this understanding to her work with the faculty. As a member of the faculty team, Judith will add to the energy and success of the Vancouver Learning Centre. When Judith takes a break from her busy work schedule, she loves to ride her bike, play sports, travel, read, as well as spend time with her husband and three children.

A Dedicated Teaching Team

One 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.

The teaching team is led by two dynamic teacher-leaders, Andrew Taylor (MA) Director of Administrative Services and Lindsay Sealey (MEd) Director of Program Services.

Andrew Taylor (MA) Director of Administrative Services, is the front line contact for inquiries about the Vancouver Learning Centre’s services and for securing an appointment for a psychological and educational assessment.  He will provide detailed information about how the Vancouver Learning Centre can provide a solution for difficulties a student is experiencing in learning. Andrew 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.

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 Sealey (MEd) Director of Program Services, develops and maintains the schedule of teaching programs at the Vancouver Learning Centre.  She arranges mutually agreeable times when students can meet with teaching faculty to pursue their one-on-one teaching programs.  Lindsay is the front line contact for providing assistance to students and parents and to meet their needs as the teaching program proceeds. After graduating from Simon Fraser University with a BA in English and Psychology, Lindsay 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.

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.

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.

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 2009 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.

Ian Fryer joined the VLC team in November 2009 to teach mathematics, sciences and social studies, including many aspects of the ‘World View’ program. He studied Geology, Music, Film Studies and Photography before finally earning his B.A. (Concordia) and M.A. (University of Victoria) in Philosophy, specializing in logic, language, and ancient Greek philosophy. An enthusiastic advocate of ‘Philosophy for Children’ (P4C), he is excited and encouraged by the VLC’s emphasis on creative and critical thinking skills.

Ian taught English in South Korea and has worked as a mathematics tutor for Oxford Learning Centres and the English Montreal School Board. He was head Theatre Instructor and later Canoe Trip Director at Camp Nominingue, Quebec. In his spare time he enjoys reading history, making music, drawing, riding his bike, camping, dancing, playing chess, doing yoga and practicing Chen Tai Chi.

One of the newest additions to the VLC teaching team, Jodi Campbell graduated from Lakehead University with an HBSc in Biology. She later went on to earn her BEd with a particular emphasis on teaching in northern communities. During her BEd, Jodi had the opportunity to teach at the post-secondary level in both an isolated northern community in Ontario and an intercity school in Ottawa. In addition she has spent time teaching and tutoring Math, Science and English in Ghana, South Korea, and Vancouver.

Jodi is excited to be a part of the team at Vancouver Learning Center. She is fascinated by the scientific basis of learning and its connection to teaching. She strives towards using this concept to empower and engage students so that they may realize their own, individual goals.

When Jodi is not teaching she enjoys hiking, camping, climbing, yoga, and good coffee.

Kelsi Gillies grew up in Kitchener, Ontario and moved to British Columbia in October 2009. She obtained her BA in Contemporary Studies through Wilfrid Laurier University and her BEd through a concurrent program with Nipissing University. This program allowed her to have six different teaching placements and teach a variety of age levels and subjects from Grade 4 up to Grade 9. Some of the subjects Kelsi has had teaching experience in are math, science, English, computers and social studies. Kelsi’s degree in Contemporary Studies will allow her to interpret and deliver the Vancouver Learning Centre’s World View program in a creative way.

Kelsi has had numerous experiences working with individuals with special needs and would like to continue her educational journey by obtaining her Special Education Degree. Kelsi is excited to bring her energy, creativity and love for teaching to the VLC. Kelsi believes in lifelong learning and is looking forward to continuing her learning with the Vancouver Learning Centre. In her spare time Kelsi enjoys reading, hiking, cooking and spending time with family.

Hailing from both Victoria BC and Halifax NS, Shannon Kennedy is very excited to be back on the west coast and starting her career with the Vancouver Learning Centre.

After completing an honours degree in mathematics at Acadia University, Shannon went on to earn a Master’s degree in mathematics from McMaster University, with a research focus in mathematics education, and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of British Columbia. Along with her 5 years of experience as a tutor and teaching assistant in calculus and statistics, Shannon has also been a sessional faculty member at McMaster University, teaching introductory calculus.

Shannon firmly believes that anyone can learn and succeed given the right circumstances and loves helping others gain the knowledge, understanding and abilities that they need for success in life. She also has a keen interest in educational psychology and is always looking forward to learning more and incorporating it into her teaching practice.

In her spare time Shannon enjoys playing the piano, swing dancing, rowing, camping, crocheting, socialising with friends, and exploring this beautiful city!

Professional Development

In 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

• to understand the nature of brain function as it relates to learning and behaviour
• to understand the emotions of young learners
• to understand the effect of social relationships with teachers and peers on learning outcomes
• to understand the theoretical concepts from psychology and education that underlie the programs assigned to each student.

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 Shadowing

From 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 Captains

Faculty work in teams to deliver the teaching programs to students.  Each student has an assigned Program Captain.  These teachers are responsible to ensure

• all aspects of the program are delivered
• contact with parents is easy and accessible and immediate
• contact with the school, classroom and subject teachers is easily available
• Red Flags or problems are brought to the faculty or Dr. Schwartz for quick and thoughtful resolution
• programs are coordinated to achieve the right balance for the student.