Meet the Student Support Team!
Let us introduce you!
In order to serve our wonderful community better, we would like to introduce the amazing group of educators who help build up our student support team.
Each team member shares a little about themselves, what they love about their role at KCS and how our core value of perseverance relates to their role within our school.
Wendy Martens - Director of Student Support Services
I have worked in education for 23 years. I am a mother of two amazing children. I have been married to my brilliant husband for almost 25 years.
I love being outside in God's creation whether it be walking, skiing, skating, etc.
I love working with the KCS staff, parents, students and support services personnel to try to ensure all students find success and feel valued.
Perseverance is the continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure or opposition.
We all face difficulties. Sometimes for our most vulnerable learners, these difficulties feel like huge obstacles and mountainous barriers. It is our role in student support services to seeks ways to ensure students and their families will continue to persevere despite any obstacles they face.
Carolyn Mertz - Gr. K-2 Student Support Teacher
I started teaching in 2015, and have experience teaching Kindergarten, Grade One, Grade Three and ELL. In my current role, I enjoy collaborating with teachers and educational assistants to meet the needs of students. I get excited about building relationships with all students and being able to help them reach their God-given potential.
I love being outside, reading, and drinking tea. My home life is delightfully busy and fun with two young children. My husband and I like to spend our family time building forts, eating yummy food, walking at Mission Creek, and reading together.
I consider it a blessing and a privilege to work with our youngest learners and really value the energy and joy that they so often bring to our community.
Erwin Jung - Gr. 3-5 Student Support Teacher
I graduated in December 2020 from the University of British Columbia Okanagan. My focus in education is on social and emotional learning within the school atmosphere. I enjoy fishing, music, playing guitar, being outdoors, hunting, reading, and watching movies. I enjoy connecting with people. I love that I have the opportunity to watch students grow and be challenged in their learning. Every student has a unique personality which shines when you really take the time to get to know them. Every student has their own sense of perseverance. As educators and adults who love and support our students, we need to realize that they are often trying their best with what they are given. At times students are merely looking for some encouragement throughout all their busy lives. They look up to us and enjoy when we celebrate with them when they overcome their hardships. |
Megan Francis - Gr. 6-9 Student Support Teacher
I have been in the field of Education for 9 years, teaching in Prince George, Langley, and Kelowna. During this time, I taught English/Drama for grades 8-12 and then transitioned to Student Support/Special Education for the past 6 years.
I love to travel, read, write creatively, and play the piano.
My job is unique in that I get to connect with all the middle school teachers, which is pretty awesome! I enjoy creating plans and strategies for success, but I also love the opportunities when I get to work with students directly.
My favourite moments usually happen when a student experiences a breakthrough when working on challenging content; it's amazing to see perseverance pay off! Although students who require support may take longer to complete assignments, I always encourage them not to take shortcuts, and to complete their work with integrity--this is when the real learning happens!
Kimmberly Campbell- Gr. 10-12 Student Support Teacher
I bring a diverse mix of education, work, and life experiences to my role as the High School Student Support Services Teacher. Over the past ten years, I have had the privilege of supporting students with diverse learning needs while working as an Orton-Gillingham practitioner, education assistant, and classroom teacher –journeying alongside students from primary through to secondary school.
What I love about my role is collaborating with families, students, and staff to provide a learning experience where students have a voice and feel empowered to use their strengths and passions. My deep hope is that students will know and experience the loving community that surrounds them and through this supportive environment, view their stretches as opportunities to persevere, to build resilience and to explore new paths and possibilities.
I am most alive when spending time in the outdoors with my family, particularly mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, or skiing. I also enjoy fitness, sports, reading, gardening, board games, and a good Americano.
LEARN MORE ABOUT STUDENT SUPPORT!
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