Our Team Members
The team members at The Bridge Educational Society work throughout several departments including the Okanagan Waldorf School Faculty, the Early Years Centre early childhood educators, the Administration offices, support staff, and the Board.
Faculty
Jillian Martin
Director of Education OWS
Okanagan Waldorf School Principal
Class 1 Teacher
Ms. Jillian Martin was born in Calgary, AB then lived in the Lower Mainland until the summer of 2015. She worked in the Natural Health Food Industry for 13 years, where she spent considerable time working in and managing the Vitamin Departments of several stores in both Calgary and Vancouver.
Jillian lives with her husband and two daughters. She began her teaching career by homeschooling her eldest daughter for Kindergarten and Grade One. Her family decided to make the move to the Okanagan to enroll their children at Cedar Bridge School (now Okanagan Waldorf School). Jillian then decided to continue her educational journey to become a Waldorf Teacher because of her dedication and commitment to Waldorf Education.
Jillian first joined The Bridge Educational Society faculty in the spring of 2016 as a class assistant and then continued on as kindergarten assistant for several years. The 2019/2020 school year was the first year that she took on the role of lead teacher, where she taught the Grade Three and Four class. She is currently the Grade One lead teacher at Okanagan Waldorf School.
Jillian has completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary and her Waldorf Grades Certificate through West Coast Institute. She is currently working to be a Waldorf Learning Support Teacher, through Waldorf Learning Support.
In her free time, Jillian loves hiking, snowboarding, paddle boarding, gardening and caring for her family’s chickens.
Horacio Pesquera
Kindergarten/ Class 1 Teacher
Jillian Martin
Director of Education OWS
Okanagan Waldorf School Principal
Class 1 Teacher
Ms. Jillian Martin was born in Calgary, AB then lived in the Lower Mainland until the summer of 2015. She worked in the Natural Health Food Industry for 13 years, where she spent considerable time working in and managing the Vitamin Departments of several stores in both Calgary and Vancouver.
Jillian lives with her husband and two daughters. She began her teaching career by homeschooling her eldest daughter for Kindergarten and Grade One. Her family decided to make the move to the Okanagan to enroll their children at Cedar Bridge School (now Okanagan Waldorf School). Jillian then decided to continue her educational journey to become a Waldorf Teacher because of her dedication and commitment to Waldorf Education.
Jillian first joined The Bridge Educational Society faculty in the spring of 2016 as a class assistant and then continued on as kindergarten assistant for several years. The 2019/2020 school year was the first year that she took on the role of lead teacher, where she taught the Grade Three and Four class. She is currently the Grade One lead teacher at Okanagan Waldorf School.
Jillian has completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary and her Waldorf Grades Certificate through West Coast Institute. She is currently working to be a Waldorf Learning Support Teacher, through Waldorf Learning Support.
In her free time, Jillian loves hiking, snowboarding, paddle boarding, gardening and caring for her family’s chickens.
Jillian Martin
Class 2/3 Teacher
Jenn Carson
Class 2/3 Teacher
Grades Faculty Chair
Ms. Jenn Carson is originally from Temagami, ON and moved around during her childhood before settling down in Kenora, ON. She lived there until she was 18 years of age, when she moved to Halifax for University. She lived there the longest and as a result, Halifax feels like home to her.
She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (Halifax) and studied and practiced the Foundations of Enki Education. Enki is similar to Waldorf, but focuses on Shambhala Buddhism as the philosophical base to the education. Currently, Jenn is enrolled in the West Coast Institute’s Waldorf Teacher training program.
After graduating from University, she worked as a freelance music journalist, assisted in several art studios and taught art at various schools throughout Halifax. She was a Primary Class (Kindergarten) Assistant at the Shambhala School of Halifax, Junior Primary Assistant at the Sacred Heart School of Halifax, as well as their after-school program and extracurricular coordinator. Prior to working in education, she was a coffee roaster/barista for a time.
While living in Nova Scotia, Jenn worked with Soil Mates Farm (formerly Abundance Cooperative). She pioneered the NSCAD mural project, hosted art shows and music performances. Currently, she is working with Little & Sage to create educational activities based on play and art for children and their parents at home.
After moving to BC from the East Coast, she knew that she wanted to stay in BC as there are more opportunities to practice Waldorf education. She saw the opening at Okanagan Waldorf School and started to look into the background of the school and noticed that it originated as a farm school. Having worked on a farm in Nova Scotia for four years, this was the biggest draw for her; combining mindful education in a beautiful setting created with intention, and fostering a strong community. Her parents now live in BC as well and she notes that it is wonderful to be in the same province with them again.
Since moving to Vernon, she has been exploring the area through hiking and biking. In the summer she enjoys paddle boarding, creating art installations for festivals using the landscape/setting to inspire what is created, and loves yoga. Jenn does a lot of musical collaborations with friends, enjoys reading for both pleasure and learning, being active, studying herbs and plant medicines and making salves, soaps and lotions for varying health and body needs.
Jenn Carson
Class 4/5/6 Teacher & Grades Faculty Chair
Robyn Robinson
OWS Student Support
Please visit again soon…
Monty Vonniessen
Kindergarten / Class 1 Educational Assistant
Robyn Robinson
OWS Student Support
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Robyn Robinson
Educational Assistant
Robyn Robinson
OWS Student Support
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Reba Escott
Educational Assisstant
Geoff Akins
Kindergarten Classroom Support
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Matt Royal
Transportation Manager & French Tutor
Early Childhood Educators
Johanna Lebo
Marigold Room Lead
Ms. Hana Lebo was born in Pasadena, CA and when she was 10 years old her family moved to Vancouver. They enjoyed city life which was rich in culture, diversity and coastal living.
Her work history includes several years of study and employment in the hospitality/culinary industry as a private chef on a yacht and barge, movie caterer and remote camp chef. She shares that she loves cooking in unique ever-changing environments. After her culinary years, she dove into a diploma in Business Administration and Human Resources. Hana expresses a passion for lifelong learning, strategic management and organizational efficiency while prioritizing true interpersonal connections.
Hana loves to travel and embrace rich culture and community, she has traveled with her backpack to 27 countries. Upon her return to Canada, she met her partner Patrick and they soon settled in Lake Country. In time they discovered the beautiful Lavington area and knew this was where they wanted to be, and eventually made the move to the area.
After becoming a parent, she worked with the Family Resource Center as a co-facilitator in parent and child programs. She fell in love with early childhood and connecting with families. In 2017 she became an Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) and followed with her Montessori 3-6 Diploma. In this role, she ran the Daffodil Cafe, a culinary program at a Montessori preschool, providing fun hands-on culinary activities for her students while embracing her passion for food, farm-to-table and global pallet.
As a young mother Hana discovered The Bridge Land for Learning in 2015 (then named Cedar Bridge School) and she made a conscious effort to remain connected as a community member, by taking part with her daughter and friends in open festivals until they could move closer and enrol. She would leave these events with a sense of community and awe.
Hana has followed the development of the Early Years Centre and the ambitious beautiful space since construction began. She decided to pursue employment with our organization and was hired in the early summer of 2020. In 2021 Hana completed her full Early Childhood Educator Certification with Honors and she is continuing her Waldorf birth to seven certification with joy and dedication.
She expresses that she looks forward to further opportunities and connections with families in our community, as she engages and explores her love for the rhythm and festivals through the seasons of each year.
In her spare time Hana enjoys time with her family, board games, swimming, hiking, paddleboarding with her daughter, backyard potlucks with friends and snuggling with her pets.
Hana Lebo
Marigold Room Lead
Vanessa Riddick
Sweet Pea Room
Ms. Vanessa Riddick originally hails from England. She moved here over 30 years ago and has lived in various locations throughout the North Okanagan, and arrived in the Lumby area about 8 years ago. She initially trained as an occupational therapist in the United Kingdom and specialized in the mental health field. Prior to working at The Bridge Educational Society, she worked at the Vernon Jubilee and CMHA, while raising three children on a hobby farm in the Lumby/Cherryville area.
Vanessa completed her ECE certificate training at Okanagan College in August 2020. She has since completed her Infant/Toddler diploma and is currently enrolled in the Waldorf Early Years training through the West Coast Institute. Vanessa first connected with The Bridge Educational Society when she participated as a practicum student on our campus and observed a seasoned Waldorf ECE educator in the preschool setting and felt immediately intrigued by the unique learning environment provided for the children. She has been employed with The Bridge Educational Society since September 2020.
Outside of her employment at the Early Years Centre, Vanessa is on the Lumby Christian Church Leadership committee and runs the nursery at the church.
When asked about leisure activities, Vanessa notes that her day is not complete without some fresh air. She does a lot of local walks/hikes, yoga, aquafit, lane swimming, ladies’ bible study, cross stitch, enjoys reading, watercolor, making cards, and pencil drawing. Canoeing is her new aspiring interest since participating in a staff canoe retreat. Her favorite times will always be the precious moments she gets to spend with her children when they visit; this usually involves food, another love of hers.
A future aspiration is to become an advocate for children’s mental health in some capacity. She would also love to travel as a Waldorf Teacher and work in various locations around the world.
Vanessa Riddick
Sweet Pea Room Lead
Shae Webber
Sweet Pea Room
Ms. Shae Weber was born in Surrey, BC. Her parents moved the family to West Kelowna in 1998 due to job relocation and in order to be in a safer environment while raising a family. Currently, she lives with her husband and their golden retriever in Coldstream.
Shae graduated in 2013 with a Human Service Work Diploma from Okanagan College. Currently, she has been accepted into the ECEC-WIL program through Northern Lights College. She will graduate with her ECE-IT diploma in April 2023!
Shae started her career working at the Boys and Girls Club in Leduc, AB. During her time there, her passion for working with children grew immensely. After a year she landed a job as an education assistant working with individuals with various diversabilities. This quickly became her full-time career. She worked as an education assistant in Alberta for four years, and in Thunder Bay, ON for 2 years.
Shae joined The Bridge Educational Society in September of 2020 and is an ECE Assistant in the Early Years Centre. She had worked in a Waldorf daycare when she was living in Thunder Bay, ON so the Early Years Centre center seemed like a good fit for her. She had really enjoyed the environment and the quality of the childcare that was offered to the children and families in the community.
In her spare time, Shae enjoys yoga, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking with Walter, reading, and cooking/baking.
Shae Kasdorf
Honeysuckle Room Lead
Kristin Remple
Dandelion Room
Please visit again soon…
Kristin Remple
Dandelion Room Lead
Lindsay Hannah
Dandelion Room
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Lindsay Hannah
Lindsay Hannah
Dandelion Room
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Leanne Ruechel
Brittany Bouchard
Please visit again soon…
Brittany Bouchard
Keoni Thomson
Honeysuckle Room
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Keoni Thomson
Sheri Blom
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Catherine Pitura
Early Years Centre Manager
Athar Ebrahimi
Please visit again soon…
Athar (Eti) Ebrahimi
Sheri Blom
Please visit again soon…
Sheri Blom
Sheri Blom
Please visit again soon…
Allie Maltman
Jillian Martin
Director of Education OWS
Okanagan Waldorf School Principal
Class 1 Teacher
Ms. Jillian Martin was born in Calgary, AB then lived in the Lower Mainland until the summer of 2015. She worked in the Natural Health Food Industry for 13 years, where she spent considerable time working in and managing the Vitamin Departments of several stores in both Calgary and Vancouver.
Jillian lives with her husband and two daughters. She began her teaching career by homeschooling her eldest daughter for Kindergarten and Grade One. Her family decided to make the move to the Okanagan to enroll their children at Cedar Bridge School (now Okanagan Waldorf School). Jillian then decided to continue her educational journey to become a Waldorf Teacher because of her dedication and commitment to Waldorf Education.
Jillian first joined The Bridge Educational Society faculty in the spring of 2016 as a class assistant and then continued on as kindergarten assistant for several years. The 2019/2020 school year was the first year that she took on the role of lead teacher, where she taught the Grade Three and Four class. She is currently the Grade One lead teacher at Okanagan Waldorf School.
Jillian has completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary and her Waldorf Grades Certificate through West Coast Institute. She is currently working to be a Waldorf Learning Support Teacher, through Waldorf Learning Support.
In her free time, Jillian loves hiking, snowboarding, paddle boarding, gardening and caring for her family’s chickens.
Toni Kearly
Erin Barry
Director of Education ECE
EC Faculty Chair
Pedagogical Lead
Ms. Erin Barry originally hails from Edmonton, AB. After some time on the west coast of British Columbia, she relocated to the Vernon/Lumby area in 2006. Her previous work experience is broad and includes working in the sailboat industry, food service, coffee service, viticulture and silviculture.
Erin did her undergraduate studies at UBC, Vancouver from 1998-2003 and is a Certified Yoga teacher. She began her Waldorf Early Childhood teacher training in 2015 and completed it in 2017. In 2020 she completed the Waldorf Post Graduate Birth to Three Certificate.
Erin first came to Cedar Bridge School (now Okanagan Waldorf School) in 2007 when her daughter was one year old. Shortly after accessing these initial programs for her daughter, Erin became a Board member, then a teacher and eventually she organically grew into her role as the Early Childhood Pedagogical Leader in our Early Years Center. She is also a member of the Campus Development Committee as well as the Grounds Committee Chair. When asked what attracted her to begin working at The Bridge Educational Society, Erin’s response was inspired and heartfelt:
“I first arrived as a parent, and was attracted by the beauty of the place and the courage and vision of the founders. I was inspired by what was happening here; adults working and learning together to support an intentional environment for children’s learning and health. This is what I experienced on the first day I visited the campus with my first child, and is what still inspires me today. The more years I spent participating as a parent and board member, the more I learned. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn about Anthroposophy and human development, child development and the Waldorf movement. This led me to Waldorf teacher training and eventually full-time work with The Bridge Educational Society. I love living in Lumby, and I feel very fortunate to be working with young children and families here. There are so many aspects of my work that bring me joy, and so much for me still to learn.”
Erin lives with her husband, their children, and their very cool cat. In her free time Erin delights in all things food such as gardening, cooking, foraging for wild foods, canning, preserving and eating! She enjoys spending time outdoors camping, swimming, canoeing, exploring trails and visiting different hot springs throughout BC with her family.
Sudiksha Trika
Rebecca Watkin
Please visit again soon…
Leanne Demuth
Jillian Martin
Director of Education OWS
Okanagan Waldorf School Principal
Class 1 Teacher
Ms. Jillian Martin was born in Calgary, AB then lived in the Lower Mainland until the summer of 2015. She worked in the Natural Health Food Industry for 13 years, where she spent considerable time working in and managing the Vitamin Departments of several stores in both Calgary and Vancouver.
Jillian lives with her husband and two daughters. She began her teaching career by homeschooling her eldest daughter for Kindergarten and Grade One. Her family decided to make the move to the Okanagan to enroll their children at Cedar Bridge School (now Okanagan Waldorf School). Jillian then decided to continue her educational journey to become a Waldorf Teacher because of her dedication and commitment to Waldorf Education.
Jillian first joined The Bridge Educational Society faculty in the spring of 2016 as a class assistant and then continued on as kindergarten assistant for several years. The 2019/2020 school year was the first year that she took on the role of lead teacher, where she taught the Grade Three and Four class. She is currently the Grade One lead teacher at Okanagan Waldorf School.
Jillian has completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary and her Waldorf Grades Certificate through West Coast Institute. She is currently working to be a Waldorf Learning Support Teacher, through Waldorf Learning Support.
In her free time, Jillian loves hiking, snowboarding, paddle boarding, gardening and caring for her family’s chickens.
Amelia Hyladych
Erin Barry
Director of Education ECE
EC Faculty Chair
Pedagogical Lead
Ms. Erin Barry originally hails from Edmonton, AB. After some time on the west coast of British Columbia, she relocated to the Vernon/Lumby area in 2006. Her previous work experience is broad and includes working in the sailboat industry, food service, coffee service, viticulture and silviculture.
Erin did her undergraduate studies at UBC, Vancouver from 1998-2003 and is a Certified Yoga teacher. She began her Waldorf Early Childhood teacher training in 2015 and completed it in 2017. In 2020 she completed the Waldorf Post Graduate Birth to Three Certificate.
Erin first came to Cedar Bridge School (now Okanagan Waldorf School) in 2007 when her daughter was one year old. Shortly after accessing these initial programs for her daughter, Erin became a Board member, then a teacher and eventually she organically grew into her role as the Early Childhood Pedagogical Leader in our Early Years Center. She is also a member of the Campus Development Committee as well as the Grounds Committee Chair. When asked what attracted her to begin working at The Bridge Educational Society, Erin’s response was inspired and heartfelt:
“I first arrived as a parent, and was attracted by the beauty of the place and the courage and vision of the founders. I was inspired by what was happening here; adults working and learning together to support an intentional environment for children’s learning and health. This is what I experienced on the first day I visited the campus with my first child, and is what still inspires me today. The more years I spent participating as a parent and board member, the more I learned. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn about Anthroposophy and human development, child development and the Waldorf movement. This led me to Waldorf teacher training and eventually full-time work with The Bridge Educational Society. I love living in Lumby, and I feel very fortunate to be working with young children and families here. There are so many aspects of my work that bring me joy, and so much for me still to learn.”
Erin lives with her husband, their children, and their very cool cat. In her free time Erin delights in all things food such as gardening, cooking, foraging for wild foods, canning, preserving and eating! She enjoys spending time outdoors camping, swimming, canoeing, exploring trails and visiting different hot springs throughout BC with her family.
Sarab Singh
Rebecca Watkin
Please visit again soon…
Shandella Knutsvik
Jillian Martin
Director of Education OWS
Okanagan Waldorf School Principal
Class 1 Teacher
Ms. Jillian Martin was born in Calgary, AB then lived in the Lower Mainland until the summer of 2015. She worked in the Natural Health Food Industry for 13 years, where she spent considerable time working in and managing the Vitamin Departments of several stores in both Calgary and Vancouver.
Jillian lives with her husband and two daughters. She began her teaching career by homeschooling her eldest daughter for Kindergarten and Grade One. Her family decided to make the move to the Okanagan to enroll their children at Cedar Bridge School (now Okanagan Waldorf School). Jillian then decided to continue her educational journey to become a Waldorf Teacher because of her dedication and commitment to Waldorf Education.
Jillian first joined The Bridge Educational Society faculty in the spring of 2016 as a class assistant and then continued on as kindergarten assistant for several years. The 2019/2020 school year was the first year that she took on the role of lead teacher, where she taught the Grade Three and Four class. She is currently the Grade One lead teacher at Okanagan Waldorf School.
Jillian has completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary and her Waldorf Grades Certificate through West Coast Institute. She is currently working to be a Waldorf Learning Support Teacher, through Waldorf Learning Support.
In her free time, Jillian loves hiking, snowboarding, paddle boarding, gardening and caring for her family’s chickens.
Rebecca Viret
Erin Barry
Director of Education ECE
EC Faculty Chair
Pedagogical Lead
Ms. Erin Barry originally hails from Edmonton, AB. After some time on the west coast of British Columbia, she relocated to the Vernon/Lumby area in 2006. Her previous work experience is broad and includes working in the sailboat industry, food service, coffee service, viticulture and silviculture.
Erin did her undergraduate studies at UBC, Vancouver from 1998-2003 and is a Certified Yoga teacher. She began her Waldorf Early Childhood teacher training in 2015 and completed it in 2017. In 2020 she completed the Waldorf Post Graduate Birth to Three Certificate.
Erin first came to Cedar Bridge School (now Okanagan Waldorf School) in 2007 when her daughter was one year old. Shortly after accessing these initial programs for her daughter, Erin became a Board member, then a teacher and eventually she organically grew into her role as the Early Childhood Pedagogical Leader in our Early Years Center. She is also a member of the Campus Development Committee as well as the Grounds Committee Chair. When asked what attracted her to begin working at The Bridge Educational Society, Erin’s response was inspired and heartfelt:
“I first arrived as a parent, and was attracted by the beauty of the place and the courage and vision of the founders. I was inspired by what was happening here; adults working and learning together to support an intentional environment for children’s learning and health. This is what I experienced on the first day I visited the campus with my first child, and is what still inspires me today. The more years I spent participating as a parent and board member, the more I learned. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn about Anthroposophy and human development, child development and the Waldorf movement. This led me to Waldorf teacher training and eventually full-time work with The Bridge Educational Society. I love living in Lumby, and I feel very fortunate to be working with young children and families here. There are so many aspects of my work that bring me joy, and so much for me still to learn.”
Erin lives with her husband, their children, and their very cool cat. In her free time Erin delights in all things food such as gardening, cooking, foraging for wild foods, canning, preserving and eating! She enjoys spending time outdoors camping, swimming, canoeing, exploring trails and visiting different hot springs throughout BC with her family.
Caitlan Read
Rebecca Watkin
Please visit again soon…
Lorna Fulton
Jillian Martin
Director of Education OWS
Okanagan Waldorf School Principal
Class 1 Teacher
Ms. Jillian Martin was born in Calgary, AB then lived in the Lower Mainland until the summer of 2015. She worked in the Natural Health Food Industry for 13 years, where she spent considerable time working in and managing the Vitamin Departments of several stores in both Calgary and Vancouver.
Jillian lives with her husband and two daughters. She began her teaching career by homeschooling her eldest daughter for Kindergarten and Grade One. Her family decided to make the move to the Okanagan to enroll their children at Cedar Bridge School (now Okanagan Waldorf School). Jillian then decided to continue her educational journey to become a Waldorf Teacher because of her dedication and commitment to Waldorf Education.
Jillian first joined The Bridge Educational Society faculty in the spring of 2016 as a class assistant and then continued on as kindergarten assistant for several years. The 2019/2020 school year was the first year that she took on the role of lead teacher, where she taught the Grade Three and Four class. She is currently the Grade One lead teacher at Okanagan Waldorf School.
Jillian has completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary and her Waldorf Grades Certificate through West Coast Institute. She is currently working to be a Waldorf Learning Support Teacher, through Waldorf Learning Support.
In her free time, Jillian loves hiking, snowboarding, paddle boarding, gardening and caring for her family’s chickens.
Volodymyr Zaitsev
Erin Barry
Director of Education ECE
EC Faculty Chair
Pedagogical Lead
Ms. Erin Barry originally hails from Edmonton, AB. After some time on the west coast of British Columbia, she relocated to the Vernon/Lumby area in 2006. Her previous work experience is broad and includes working in the sailboat industry, food service, coffee service, viticulture and silviculture.
Erin did her undergraduate studies at UBC, Vancouver from 1998-2003 and is a Certified Yoga teacher. She began her Waldorf Early Childhood teacher training in 2015 and completed it in 2017. In 2020 she completed the Waldorf Post Graduate Birth to Three Certificate.
Erin first came to Cedar Bridge School (now Okanagan Waldorf School) in 2007 when her daughter was one year old. Shortly after accessing these initial programs for her daughter, Erin became a Board member, then a teacher and eventually she organically grew into her role as the Early Childhood Pedagogical Leader in our Early Years Center. She is also a member of the Campus Development Committee as well as the Grounds Committee Chair. When asked what attracted her to begin working at The Bridge Educational Society, Erin’s response was inspired and heartfelt:
“I first arrived as a parent, and was attracted by the beauty of the place and the courage and vision of the founders. I was inspired by what was happening here; adults working and learning together to support an intentional environment for children’s learning and health. This is what I experienced on the first day I visited the campus with my first child, and is what still inspires me today. The more years I spent participating as a parent and board member, the more I learned. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn about Anthroposophy and human development, child development and the Waldorf movement. This led me to Waldorf teacher training and eventually full-time work with The Bridge Educational Society. I love living in Lumby, and I feel very fortunate to be working with young children and families here. There are so many aspects of my work that bring me joy, and so much for me still to learn.”
Erin lives with her husband, their children, and their very cool cat. In her free time Erin delights in all things food such as gardening, cooking, foraging for wild foods, canning, preserving and eating! She enjoys spending time outdoors camping, swimming, canoeing, exploring trails and visiting different hot springs throughout BC with her family.
Sian MacLeod
Rebecca Watkin
Please visit again soon…
Danielle Westlake
Jillian Martin
Director of Education OWS
Okanagan Waldorf School Principal
Class 1 Teacher
Ms. Jillian Martin was born in Calgary, AB then lived in the Lower Mainland until the summer of 2015. She worked in the Natural Health Food Industry for 13 years, where she spent considerable time working in and managing the Vitamin Departments of several stores in both Calgary and Vancouver.
Jillian lives with her husband and two daughters. She began her teaching career by homeschooling her eldest daughter for Kindergarten and Grade One. Her family decided to make the move to the Okanagan to enroll their children at Cedar Bridge School (now Okanagan Waldorf School). Jillian then decided to continue her educational journey to become a Waldorf Teacher because of her dedication and commitment to Waldorf Education.
Jillian first joined The Bridge Educational Society faculty in the spring of 2016 as a class assistant and then continued on as kindergarten assistant for several years. The 2019/2020 school year was the first year that she took on the role of lead teacher, where she taught the Grade Three and Four class. She is currently the Grade One lead teacher at Okanagan Waldorf School.
Jillian has completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary and her Waldorf Grades Certificate through West Coast Institute. She is currently working to be a Waldorf Learning Support Teacher, through Waldorf Learning Support.
In her free time, Jillian loves hiking, snowboarding, paddle boarding, gardening and caring for her family’s chickens.
Elysia Raimondo
Erin Barry
Director of Education ECE
EC Faculty Chair
Pedagogical Lead
Ms. Erin Barry originally hails from Edmonton, AB. After some time on the west coast of British Columbia, she relocated to the Vernon/Lumby area in 2006. Her previous work experience is broad and includes working in the sailboat industry, food service, coffee service, viticulture and silviculture.
Erin did her undergraduate studies at UBC, Vancouver from 1998-2003 and is a Certified Yoga teacher. She began her Waldorf Early Childhood teacher training in 2015 and completed it in 2017. In 2020 she completed the Waldorf Post Graduate Birth to Three Certificate.
Erin first came to Cedar Bridge School (now Okanagan Waldorf School) in 2007 when her daughter was one year old. Shortly after accessing these initial programs for her daughter, Erin became a Board member, then a teacher and eventually she organically grew into her role as the Early Childhood Pedagogical Leader in our Early Years Center. She is also a member of the Campus Development Committee as well as the Grounds Committee Chair. When asked what attracted her to begin working at The Bridge Educational Society, Erin’s response was inspired and heartfelt:
“I first arrived as a parent, and was attracted by the beauty of the place and the courage and vision of the founders. I was inspired by what was happening here; adults working and learning together to support an intentional environment for children’s learning and health. This is what I experienced on the first day I visited the campus with my first child, and is what still inspires me today. The more years I spent participating as a parent and board member, the more I learned. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn about Anthroposophy and human development, child development and the Waldorf movement. This led me to Waldorf teacher training and eventually full-time work with The Bridge Educational Society. I love living in Lumby, and I feel very fortunate to be working with young children and families here. There are so many aspects of my work that bring me joy, and so much for me still to learn.”
Erin lives with her husband, their children, and their very cool cat. In her free time Erin delights in all things food such as gardening, cooking, foraging for wild foods, canning, preserving and eating! She enjoys spending time outdoors camping, swimming, canoeing, exploring trails and visiting different hot springs throughout BC with her family.
Victoria Bosk
Erin Barry
Director of Education ECE
EC Faculty Chair
Pedagogical Lead
Ms. Erin Barry originally hails from Edmonton, AB. After some time on the west coast of British Columbia, she relocated to the Vernon/Lumby area in 2006. Her previous work experience is broad and includes working in the sailboat industry, food service, coffee service, viticulture and silviculture.
Erin did her undergraduate studies at UBC, Vancouver from 1998-2003 and is a Certified Yoga teacher. She began her Waldorf Early Childhood teacher training in 2015 and completed it in 2017. In 2020 she completed the Waldorf Post Graduate Birth to Three Certificate.
Erin first came to Cedar Bridge School (now Okanagan Waldorf School) in 2007 when her daughter was one year old. Shortly after accessing these initial programs for her daughter, Erin became a Board member, then a teacher and eventually she organically grew into her role as the Early Childhood Pedagogical Leader in our Early Years Center. She is also a member of the Campus Development Committee as well as the Grounds Committee Chair. When asked what attracted her to begin working at The Bridge Educational Society, Erin’s response was inspired and heartfelt:
“I first arrived as a parent, and was attracted by the beauty of the place and the courage and vision of the founders. I was inspired by what was happening here; adults working and learning together to support an intentional environment for children’s learning and health. This is what I experienced on the first day I visited the campus with my first child, and is what still inspires me today. The more years I spent participating as a parent and board member, the more I learned. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn about Anthroposophy and human development, child development and the Waldorf movement. This led me to Waldorf teacher training and eventually full-time work with The Bridge Educational Society. I love living in Lumby, and I feel very fortunate to be working with young children and families here. There are so many aspects of my work that bring me joy, and so much for me still to learn.”
Erin lives with her husband, their children, and their very cool cat. In her free time Erin delights in all things food such as gardening, cooking, foraging for wild foods, canning, preserving and eating! She enjoys spending time outdoors camping, swimming, canoeing, exploring trails and visiting different hot springs throughout BC with her family.
Vaninder Kaur
Administration
Jillian Martin
Director of Education OWS
Okanagan Waldorf School Principal
Class 1 Teacher
Ms. Jillian Martin was born in Calgary, AB then lived in the Lower Mainland until the summer of 2015. She worked in the Natural Health Food Industry for 13 years, where she spent considerable time working in and managing the Vitamin Departments of several stores in both Calgary and Vancouver.
Jillian lives with her husband and two daughters. She began her teaching career by homeschooling her eldest daughter for Kindergarten and Grade One. Her family decided to make the move to the Okanagan to enroll their children at Cedar Bridge School (now Okanagan Waldorf School). Jillian then decided to continue her educational journey to become a Waldorf Teacher because of her dedication and commitment to Waldorf Education.
Jillian first joined The Bridge Educational Society faculty in the spring of 2016 as a class assistant and then continued on as kindergarten assistant for several years. The 2019/2020 school year was the first year that she took on the role of lead teacher, where she taught the Grade Three and Four class. She is currently the Grade One lead teacher at Okanagan Waldorf School.
Jillian has completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary and her Waldorf Grades Certificate through West Coast Institute. She is currently working to be a Waldorf Learning Support Teacher, through Waldorf Learning Support.
In her free time, Jillian loves hiking, snowboarding, paddle boarding, gardening and caring for her family’s chickens.
Jillian Martin
Director of Education OWS
Okanagan Waldorf School Principal
Erin Barry
Director of Education ECE
EC Faculty Chair
Pedagogical Lead
Ms. Erin Barry originally hails from Edmonton, AB. After some time on the west coast of British Columbia, she relocated to the Vernon/Lumby area in 2006. Her previous work experience is broad and includes working in the sailboat industry, food service, coffee service, viticulture and silviculture.
Erin did her undergraduate studies at UBC, Vancouver from 1998-2003 and is a Certified Yoga teacher. She began her Waldorf Early Childhood teacher training in 2015 and completed it in 2017. In 2020 she completed the Waldorf Post Graduate Birth to Three Certificate.
Erin first came to Cedar Bridge School (now Okanagan Waldorf School) in 2007 when her daughter was one year old. Shortly after accessing these initial programs for her daughter, Erin became a Board member, then a teacher and eventually she organically grew into her role as the Early Childhood Pedagogical Leader in our Early Years Center. She is also a member of the Campus Development Committee as well as the Grounds Committee Chair. When asked what attracted her to begin working at The Bridge Educational Society, Erin’s response was inspired and heartfelt:
“I first arrived as a parent, and was attracted by the beauty of the place and the courage and vision of the founders. I was inspired by what was happening here; adults working and learning together to support an intentional environment for children’s learning and health. This is what I experienced on the first day I visited the campus with my first child, and is what still inspires me today. The more years I spent participating as a parent and board member, the more I learned. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn about Anthroposophy and human development, child development and the Waldorf movement. This led me to Waldorf teacher training and eventually full-time work with The Bridge Educational Society. I love living in Lumby, and I feel very fortunate to be working with young children and families here. There are so many aspects of my work that bring me joy, and so much for me still to learn.”
Erin lives with her husband, their children, and their very cool cat. In her free time Erin delights in all things food such as gardening, cooking, foraging for wild foods, canning, preserving and eating! She enjoys spending time outdoors camping, swimming, canoeing, exploring trails and visiting different hot springs throughout BC with her family.
Jenny Rae Wilder
Interim Director of Education EYC
Rebecca Watkin
Please visit again soon…
Rebecca Watkin
Director of Administration
Sarah McMahon
Accounts Manager
Please visit again soon…
Sarah McMahon
Business Manager
Trish Folland
Admissions Coordinator
Ms. Trish Folland is originally from Prince George, BC. After moving to Vernon, she learned about Waldorf Education. Her daughter was three in 2006 when she heard of a family on an organic farm near Lumby that was starting a Waldorf School. Trish attended the first public meeting and joined the board at that time.
Trish was a parent, board member, and volunteer during the years that her daughter attended Cedar Bridge School (now Okanagan Waldorf School) from preschool through grade 6. Her daughter recently graduated from Charles Bloom Secondary. Both her and her husband volunteered extensively during the school’s pioneer stage. After resigning as a board member, she continued to volunteer with The Bridge Educational Society as a member of the Tuition Adjustment Committee.
Trish completed a diploma in Graphic Design and was on the Kamloops Art Council for 3 years. She owned and operated an Art Gallery and Picture Framing Store in Kamloops. When she moved to Vernon she was a store manager, then corporate director for The Good Feet Stores. Following that, Trish worked in sales, shipping, and receiving for Vale Farms Grassroots Ltd.
In her current position at The Bridge Educational Society, she is the person you see taking attendance at drop off in the morning and usually the voice at the end of the phone when you call the school. She’s that persistent person that is asking you to fill in necessary documents and sign forms in order to keep the student files in good standing and in compliance with the BC Ministry Education – Independent Schools Branch.
Trish’s history with the school and experience with Waldorf education helps to inform her position at the front desk of our Administration office for our parent body, and in representation of The Bridge Educational Society.
Trish Folland
Registrar / Reception
Trish Folland
Admissions Coordinator
Ms. Trish Folland is originally from Prince George, BC. After moving to Vernon, she learned about Waldorf Education. Her daughter was three in 2006 when she heard of a family on an organic farm near Lumby that was starting a Waldorf School. Trish attended the first public meeting and joined the board at that time.
Trish was a parent, board member, and volunteer during the years that her daughter attended Cedar Bridge School (now Okanagan Waldorf School) from preschool through grade 6. Her daughter recently graduated from Charles Bloom Secondary. Both her and her husband volunteered extensively during the school’s pioneer stage. After resigning as a board member, she continued to volunteer with The Bridge Educational Society as a member of the Tuition Adjustment Committee.
Trish completed a diploma in Graphic Design and was on the Kamloops Art Council for 3 years. She owned and operated an Art Gallery and Picture Framing Store in Kamloops. When she moved to Vernon she was a store manager, then corporate director for The Good Feet Stores. Following that, Trish worked in sales, shipping, and receiving for Vale Farms Grassroots Ltd.
In her current position at The Bridge Educational Society, she is the person you see taking attendance at drop off in the morning and usually the voice at the end of the phone when you call the school. She’s that persistent person that is asking you to fill in necessary documents and sign forms in order to keep the student files in good standing and in compliance with the BC Ministry Education – Independent Schools Branch.
Trish’s history with the school and experience with Waldorf education helps to inform her position at the front desk of our Administration office for our parent body, and in representation of The Bridge Educational Society.
Erin Berry
On Leave
Paul McArdle
Facilities & Grounds Manager
Mr. Paul McArdle was born and raised in Liverpool, United Kingdom. He began his working career as a Gamekeeper’s Assistant on Lord Derby’s estate in Liverpool. He always had a working dog, ferrets, and polecats in his life from the age of 10. He shares that animals are what kept him outside, in the woods.
When he was 16 he moved from England to Wales to join the family business of butchering. After three months, he was running the butcher shop in a little Welsh village called Llanymynech.
He left the butcher shop at 18 and started life in the building trade. He got his Finishing Carpentry Certification from Uk College. His first reno job was working on Powis Castle in Welshpool. He has worked with wood and other building materials ever since. In June 2012 Paul, his wife, and their two children relocated to Canada from Shropshire. They believed they would all have more opportunities here. Paul has been a self-employed carpenter for the last 13 years.
Paul shares that he became employed at our campus by accident when a friend gave his name to Ms. Thiessen as a good candidate for our Facilities Manager position. If you know Paul, you will be able to hear his wit and humor shining through there. He became employed here in September 2019. Paul shares that what attracted him to our campus is the location, the Waldorf school, and that he wishes he had gone to a school like this when he was a boy.
Paul’s role on our Campus covers a broad range of responsibilities. He is a member of the Campus Development Committee and is a point person for the different infrastructure and physical systems on campus including water, septic, HVAC, electrical, alarm system, buildings, roadways, physical development, and much more. He oversees their maintenance, safety, and operational standards. He also repairs all manner of items from chairs, signs, latches, fences, and beyond.
Paul is a keen Footballer (Soccer) player and supporter of his birthplace team, the Everton Football Club, which was founded in 1878. He and his wife live in Coldstream where he is finishing up an extensive renovation of their home. They have a whippet and a few chickens. In his spare time, Paul loves to enjoy the outdoors, wildlife, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.
Paul McArdle
Facilities & Grounds Manager
Joe Piercey
Facilities and Grounds Maintenance
‘Mr. Joe’ (as he is known on campus) Piercy is originally from Victoria, BC. He and his wife made their way to Lumby about 5 years ago and purchased an old church that they have been renovating and fixing it up as their home ever since.
Joe completed his apprenticeship training at the Vancouver Trade & Convention Centre and is a red seal chef. Before coming to The Bridge Educational Society, he was self-employed as a handyman which included lots of painting, landscaping, and catering. It was in this capacity that Joe began working at our campus when the EYC was being completed. He notes that the more he walked around and noticed the children playing outside in all the different campus environments he thought “Wow, what a cool place to learn and go to school!”. Joe came on staff full-time during the summer of 2021 as part of the Facility & Grounds Maintenance Team.
Joe and his wife have a daughter and son-in-law who live in Kamloops. Their daughter is a kindergarten teacher. When asked about what he likes to do in his spare time Joe laughed as if to say, “spare time?”. By all accounts, he seems to keep as busy in his spare time as he does at work. He spends his free hours collecting and chopping firewood, exploring the area, mowing his massive lawn, and watching the swallows in the springtime. He enjoys creating a toboggan run in the winter and listening to the joyful screams of friends and family as they rush down on their sleds.
Mark (Pip) McArdle
Facilities & Grounds Maintenance