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. 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. This will be her first year teaching Kindergarten!

Ms. Sophia Bouwman

Ms. Bouwman 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 third year of teaching at St. James and is grateful for the opportunity to serve as an educator within the school community. Ms. Bouwman finds great joy in running the Nature 1 program, providing students with meaningful opportunities to explore God’s creation.

Ms. Lilian Todo

Hello,
My name is Lilian Todo.
I am a daughter, a sister, an aunty, a friend and an educator. Above all I’m a Christian, my Faith guides me, and everything I do is with Love as Christ showed us. I have played a part in different fields in education, such as: Preschools, Daycares, Afterschool Care, International Schools and a College, which accumulated into more than 17 years of experience. I am an active member in my community; I volunteer in many different settings.

However, my favourite thing to do is travel. I have travelled to more than 15 countries and lived in 6. That’s a lot, isn’t it. It’s such a blessing to be with others, to create relationships and to appreciate this beautiful world The Lord has given us; all that is good and the challenges as well. I am very grateful for the experiences I have had, and eager for what’s next. Teaching is my passion, and I am very excited to be here at St. James to share it with you. Here I get the best of Both Worlds, Faith and Education. Therefore, I’m all set. I look forward to meeting you all and working closely with you to support and guide our students in learning and in whatever way they may need.

God Bless

Ms. Ross

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. Zuzana Lavrikova

Mrs. Lavrikova earned her Master’s degree in Education from John Amos Comenius University in Slovakia and continued her studies in Sheffield, England. She is currently pursuing a second Master’s degree in Arts, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning.

With 27 years of experience teaching Grades 1 through 10, she has taught in a variety of educational settings. Before joining CISVA, she taught at Traditional Learning Academy in Coquitlam. Within CISVA, she began at St. John Brebeuf, later taught Grade 6 at St. James for nine years, and now serves as a Grade 5 teacher.

In addition to her classroom work, Mrs. Lavrikova leads the school’s very popular Dance Squad and values the way dance builds community and inspires students. She has also completed Google for Education Fundamentals Training to strengthen her use of technology in teaching. She is passionate about fostering creativity, collaboration, and confidence in her students, helping them grow both academically and personally. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her new grandchild, and sharing her love of dance and the arts.

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. 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. Tara Gaudet

Mrs. Tara Gaudet received her Bachelor of Music – Major in Oboe Performance and Education from the University of Victoria. In addition she studied musical theatre at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario. Prior to St. James she taught in the Integrated Fine Arts School for Abbotsford School District as a music teacher and Grade One classroom teacher. Mrs Gaudet has been teaching at St. James Elementary for 6 years and thoroughly enjoys being a part of this community. Mrs. Gaudet has her Orton Gillingham classroom certification.

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.‬

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.