Our Staff

Guidance, Inspiration and Support

Jennifer Roberts

Principal

I have been the District Principal of Transformative Learning and Technology for School District No. 5 since 2015. This year, I have also taken on the principalship of the Kootenay Discovery School. I am a passionate and innovative educator that enjoys leading district initiatives and teams.

In my current role I supervise the Information Technology Department, District Teachers of Transformative Learning, District Resource Center, On-line Learning and Environmental Education. Other leadership roles include the Provincial Technology Leadership Advisory Committee, Co-Chair Kootenay Boundary Environmental Education, Director/Treasurer Columbia Environmental Education Network.

Sean Sinclair

District Teacher Coordinator of On-line learning

Use this space to write a brief description of what this team member does. You can include relevant degrees, experience or other special qualifications they may have.

Christine Sweet

Secretary

I'm originally from New Brunswick but have lived in the Canadian Rockies since 1991. My background is in tourism and after recently retiring, I joined the staff at Kootenay Discovery School.

I love living in small mountain towns and taking advantage of all the outdoor recreation outside my door!

Tristan Taylor

Counsellor

I am the part-time school counsellor for Kootenay Discovery School on the Cranbrook side of our district. I hold a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. I work at the KDS building in Cranbrook on Mondays and Thursday afternoons. I also work at Kootenay Educational Services in Cranbrook. The counselling role at KDS focuses primarily on grade 10-12 full time students, as well as adult students working on completing their high school graduation. One of the main components of our job is to ensure students know what they need to reach their educational goals, what courses they must take, and creating and reviewing graduation plans.

Additionally, as school counsellors, we are active members of our School Based Teams, helping with mental health consultation, and providing insight and support for our students when needed

Lindsay Knight

Counsellor

I am the part-time school counsellor for Kootenay Discovery School, on the Elk Valley side of our district. I hold a Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology. I work in the KDS building on Fridays and alternating Thursdays. I also work in two other schools within our district.

The counselling role at KDS focuses primarily on grade 10-12 full time students, as well as adult students working on completing their high school graduation. One of the main components of our job is to ensure students know what they need to reach their educational goals, what courses they must take, and creating and reviewing graduation plans.

Additionally, as school counsellors, we are active members of our School Based Teams, helping with mental health consultation, and providing insight and support for our students when needed

Deirdre Bailey

Teacher

Having recently moved to Fernie with my family, I’m so excited to be joining the team at KDS in Fernie teaching Grades 10-12 Math/Science! Over the past decade I have worked in both K-12 and post-secondary classrooms teaching Math, Science, Physical and Outdoor Education. I am passionate about flexible learning communities with a pedagogical focus on reconciliation, relationship-building, and consideration of diverse perspectives. I also love pasta, long wilderness wanders, skiing, poetry and morning coffee. I will be on campus Mon/Wed afternoons throughout this winter/spring, please stop by and say hello!

Paula Evoy

Teacher

I love teaching at Kootenay Discovery School and interacting with all of you! I spent 12 years teaching in the classroom and have enjoyed teaching online for the past 2 years. I love to spend time with friends, eat yummy food and explore beautiful places. I also have a deep love for all things math and get excited when talking about proportional reasoning and sinusoidal functions. I’m pumped to be part of our unique little community.

Shailah Gulyas

Teacher

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Kate Hindlet

Teacher

I teach the G4-6 Elementary programme at KDS in Fernie. I love seeing the enthusiasm that my students bring with them to each session as well as the class community that has developed. I am enjoying the opportunities that we are able to take advantage of, of learning from and out in our community.

Shannon Johnson

Teacher

I have working at Kootenay Discovery School for 10 years and have watched evolve to what it is today. I currently teach English Language Arts 10 and 11 and Career Life Education (CLE), along with a variety of Applied Design courses such as Foods 11 and 12, Relationships and Child Development, all at the Senior level. Formerly from Fernie, I now am located in sunny Cranbrook. I work Mondays, Tuesday and Thursday mornings, Wednesday evenings and alternating Fridays. I can be contacted at shannon.johnson@sd5.bc.ca should you have any questions or concerns

Kristen Lewis

Teacher

I’m the Primary Program teacher at our Kootenay Discovery School location in Fernie. This is my second year in this role, and I love supporting our students and their families along their own unique learning journeys.
I've worked as an educator for the past 13 years. Starting as an outdoor education teacher in Ontario, then moving west to work at Strathcona Park Lodge as an outdoor instructor where I fell in love with the mountains and all the amazing natural beauty of this province. I was lucky enough to stumble upon Fernie and have been living, learning and teaching here with my family ever since.

Kelly McKenzie

Student Services Teacher

I am the Student Services Teacher at KDS in Fernie. Essentially, I help create Individualized Education Plans (Goals to work on for the year) and help support the teachers in carrying out these plans. I also support student learning providing extra assistance to help develop skills that were missed or need extra practice.

Treena Stewart

Teacher

I am a teacher at the Cranbrook campus. I teach a variety of subjects in grades 10-12. I have also worked as a Student Services Teacher (supporting students with learning challenges). I like walking and biking especially in the Community Forest. I also enjoy cooking and learning new recipes.

Matt Taylor

Teacher

At KDS I teach English 12, World History 12, Indigenous Studies 12, Social Studies 11, Adult CLC and Adult English. I have had a variety of positions in my teaching career, working with most grade levels, and often focusing on English language learning with newcomer families to Canada. Feel free to reach out anytime! My email is: Matthew.taylor@sd5.bc.ca I am available Monday, Wednesday Evenings until 7, and Friday morning

Leandra Furber

Education Assistant

This is my second year at KDS, I have been an Education Assistant in the Elk Valley for 7 years. I really like working at KDS because it allows me to create unique relationships with the students. I also teach skiing, snowboarding, tennis and mountain biking.

Hailey Glover

Youth Care Worker

I work one day a week (Thursday) here at KDS and spend the rest of my week at another school in SD5. My role within KDS is to assist students with their social emotional needs, such as goal setting, developing life skills/ social skills and providing access to community rescourses.
My favourite part of working with KDS is the awesome students/ staff and spending plenty of time outside learning

Pearl Singer

Youth Care Worker

Hi, I am the Youth Care Worker, at the Kootenay Discovery School, in Cranbrook. I have an art background and love to paint and do pottery, bake scrumptious food, play basketball and trail run. I work with teachers, support students and their families, provide social and emotional support, food support, transportation, information and community liaison.