Mrs. Bryson

Mrs. Bryson is a proud graduate of Montana State University-Billings, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in K-12 Health and Physical Education with a minor in Earth Science, as well as a Master’s degree in Sports Management. She began her teaching career in Montana at both the elementary and middle school levels before returning home to B.C.

In 2007, Mrs. Bryson joined St. John Brebeuf, where she taught math, science, and physical education, while also serving as Athletic Director for 10 years. In 2018, she transitioned into the role of Vice Principal, where she continued to share her passion for student learning and leadership.

Having attended Cloverdale Catholic and Holy Cross High School herself, Mrs. Bryson has a deep appreciation for the lifelong impact of a Catholic education. She is dedicated to fostering strong connections with students and ensuring that each child feels valued as an important member of the school community.

Mrs. Bryson is thrilled to begin this new chapter as Principal of St. James and St. Ann’s and looks forward to working with students, staff, and families in building a vibrant, faith-filled learning environment.

Miss Sheena Lewis

Miss Lewis received her Bachelor of Arts degree at Simon Fraser University and her Bachelor of Education degree at UBC. In addition, Miss Lewis has received specific training in a number of areas including early intervention, assessment, autism, behaviour, learning disabilities, multiple intelligences, and multi-sensory teaching. Miss Lewis has worked both as a classroom teacher and a learning resource specialist first at Brighouse School and then at Queen of All Saints Elementary. For the next 10 years, she worked as an Educational Consultant at the Superintendent’s Office of the CISVA, with a special focus on learning resource, literacy and early intervention. Miss Lewis is a long-term member of the BC Council for Exceptional Children, and has served on the Executive Board for the last 10 years. She joined the staff of St. James & St. Ann’s School in September 2017.

Mrs. Brigette Wimmer

Mrs. Wimmer received her certificate in Bookkeeping and Tax Preparation in 2002.  She has over 25 years of experience in accounting and in the financial industry.  Mrs. Wimmer has been involved with St. James & St. Ann’s School since its inception in 1985.  She first was a volunteer for many years, became a parent at the school in 2011 when her oldest child entered Kindergarten, and now as a member of the staff since August 2018.

Mrs. Kristina Choboter

Mrs. Choboter is thrilled to be back at St. James and St. Ann’s, where she was once a student and worked as an EA. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography & History and received her Education degree from SFU, focusing on Special Education and Literacy. With almost twenty years of teaching experience, Mrs. Choboter has been grateful to have taught at SJB and St. Mary’s Chilliwack. She has taught students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, Learning Resource, Music, and particularly enjoyed teaching Grade 7 for the last eight years. She is excited to be back within this wonderful community, teaching Kindergarten and creating a joyful, hands-on learning environment where students can build confidence, explore nature, discover God’s creation, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Mrs. Sophia Lindl

Mrs. Lindl received her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from Trinity Western University, specializing in Human Kinetics and Catholic Studies. She is currently in her foruth year of teaching at St. James and is grateful for the opportunity to serve as an educator within the school community. Mrs. Lindl finds great joy in running the Nature 1 program, providing students with meaningful opportunities to explore God’s creation.

Ms. Chiara Grosjean

Miss Grosjean received her Bachelors of Science in Education from Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, specializing in Early Education and Special Education. She has also completed the Educational Assistant Program through Kwantlen Polytechnic University. As an alumna of St Catherine’s Elementary and SJB, she is grateful for the opportunity to work as an educator in the St. James community! She is excited to connect with the students and guide them through the sacraments within Grade 2.

Mr. Mike Girard

Mr. Girard studied Education at the University of British Columbia and then went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Waterloo and Bachelor of Education degree from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. He has been a classroom teacher for twenty-five years, mainly in Catholic Schools in Ontario, B.C., and in the Yukon while working in the missions there. He has had experience teaching students from Kindergarten through to Grade 12 and he has also taught English to international students. Mr. Girard attended both minor and major seminary, while studying Philosophy and Theology.

Mrs. Lola Sweeney

Mrs. Lola Sweeney is an experienced educator with over 10 years in the field, specializing in early childhood education and supporting neurodiverse children. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Writing and English from the University of the Fraser Valley as well certifications for ESL teaching, Applied Behaviour Analysis, and Integrated Support, Mrs. Sweeney is passionate about fostering inclusive learning environments and empowering students to thrive. With a diverse career spanning both public and private schools, as well as working in transition programs for children moving from home to school during their early intervention years, Mrs. Sweeney has developed a deep understanding of student needs across all grade levels, from elementary to high school. As a lifelong learner, she continually seeks to grow and adapt to better serve every student’s unique learning journey.

Ms. Ola Kubiak

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, followed by my Bachelor of Education also from the University of British Columbia. This will be my second year of teaching, with one year of experience in the Abbotsford School District and two years of prior experience as an education assistant. As an alumna of St. Mary’s Elementary and SJB, I am excited to be a part of the St. James & St. Ann’s school community to work alongside both familiar faces and new colleagues, parents, and students.

Mrs. Lauren Schwagele

Mrs. Schwagele earned her Bachelor of Music with a focus on Vocal Performance and Education from Kwantlen University, followed by a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia. With five years of experience teaching in the Catholic School System and two years as an Educational Assistant prior to that, she is thrilled to return to teaching Grade Six!

Mrs. Christy Dos Santos

Mrs. Christy Dos Santos received her Bachelor of Education from UBC and her Masters in Educational Leadership from Trinity Western University. She has taught students from Grades Kindergarten to Grade 11 and she loves the community here at St. James School. Mrs. Dos Santos loves the learning and the fun that happens in the Grade 7 classroom and she cherishes all of the joy that comes from being a part of this school community.

Mrs. Rita Wakely

Mrs. Wakely received her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of British Columbia. Mrs. Wakely has taught a variety of grades from Kindergarten to Grade 10 in such locations as Prince Rupert, Nanaimo and Abbotsford. Mrs. Wakely has gained a wealth of experience in her many years of teaching. She has enjoyed her many years teaching a variety of classes at St. James school and looks forward to the new year ahead.

Mrs. Rebecca Baker

Mrs. Baker received her Bachelor of Kinesiology with a minor in Biology from University College of the Fraser Valley and her Bachelor of Education from Simon Fraser University. She has taught Physical Education and Science to grades 8-12 at St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School, as well as, Physical Education to Grades K-7 at St. James & St. Ann’s Elementary. After taking a break from teaching to stay at home with her children, Mrs. Baker is excited to be back teaching Physical Education at St. James and St. Ann’s school.

Mrs. Regier

Celeste-tina Regier is a Royal Conservatory of Music trained pianist and music teacher. She holds a B.A. in Music and Drama from Trinity Western University and an M.A. in Arts Education from SFU as well as numerous teaching certificates, including her Certificate in Teaching ESL. She is a long-time member of the B.C. Registered Music Teachers Association and has decades of experience teaching Music, Drama, ESL, TESL, French, and many more subjects both at the university level and in the K – 12 system, in both public and Christian schools. She is an enthusiastic teacher who is passionate about inspiring a love of learning in all her students. She is very excited to have the opportunity to teach at St. James Elementary this year.

Miss Sheena Lewis

Miss Lewis received her Bachelor of Arts degree at Simon Fraser University and her Bachelor of Education degree at UBC. In addition, Miss Lewis has received specific training in a number of areas including early intervention, assessment, autism, behaviour, learning disabilities, multiple intelligences, and multi-sensory teaching. Miss Lewis has worked both as a classroom teacher and a learning resource specialist first at Brighouse School and then at Queen of All Saints Elementary. For the next 10 years, she worked as an Educational Consultant at the Superintendent’s Office of the CISVA, with a special focus on learning resource, literacy and early intervention. Miss Lewis is a long-term member of the BC Council for Exceptional Children, and has served on the Executive Board for the last 10 years. She joined the staff of St. James & St. Ann’s School in September 2017.

Mr. Michael Sorley

Mr. Sorley holds a Bachelor of Education from‬ Simon Fraser University and a Bachelor of Arts‬ from Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula,‬ California. Before becoming a teacher, he‬ spent 11 years working as an Educational‬ Assistant in the CISVA. He joined St. James‬ and St. Ann’s School in 2020 and is now part‬ of the Learning Resource team. Mr. Sorley‬ feels blessed to be part of the St. James and‬ St. Ann’s community.‬