Online and Blended Kindergarten to Grade 12 + Learning Programs (part of School District 5, Southeast Kootenay)
Our Staff
Guidance, Inspiration and Support
Mike Kelly
Principal
Information on Michael coming soon!
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!
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Scott Bailey
Teacher
I'm new to the KDS team and will be teaching high school Humanities, Phys Ed and Active Living at both the Fernie and Cranbrook campuses.
Over the last 10 years I have taught grades 6-12 Humanities, Phys Ed and Outdoor Education, as well as working with pre-service teachers at the University of Calgary. I was also able to spend 5 years working with Ever Active Schools, a charity that supports teachers and schools in building and sustaining healthy and active learning communities.
In addition to working in schools, I'm a CSIA Level IV ski instructor and course conductor. Over the last 20 years, I've been fortunate to ski, teach and coach all over the Canadian Rockies and there's no question that the East Kootenays are the best place to call home.
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
I'm so excited to be part of the amazing team at Kootenay Discovery School's Fernie Campus teaching Grades 10-12 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 most Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday afternoons for the 2023/24 school year so 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
Information on Shailah coming soon!
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.
Leandra Furber
Education Assistant
This is my third 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.
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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.