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Our Staff
Kindergarten to Grade 7 school

Our Staff

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Lucien Power
Principal

Having taught Science and Math in independent schools in Vancouver and Whistler for 12 years, my family made the move to the Cowichan Valley in 2021. I have a passion for teaching and learning, including Inclusive Education practices, culminating in the completion of my Master of Education in Inclusive Education in 2026. This school has incredible teachers, EAs and community spirit that makes working here a joy. The sense of community and strong relationships between students and staff align with my pedagogical values.

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Kailyn Chutka
Inclusive Education Coordinator

Evergreen’s strong focus on community, holistic education, and nurturing each child’s unique journey deeply aligns with my own pedagogical values.

 

I hold a Bachelor of Education from the University of Victoria, and with my background in primary education and early childhood development, I am passionate about creating supportive, inclusive environments where every student feels valued, confident, and empowered to thrive—whether we're working together in Inclusive Education or getting active in PE!

 

When I’m not at school, I can usually be found out with my dog or heading over to my second home in the Gulf Islands to go fishing, hiking, tending to my garden, and spending time at the beach.

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Karoline Creighton
Spruce (Grades 5, 6, 7)

Evergreen Independent School is a wonderful place to teach and learn. As a staff and community we strive to celebrate and nurture each student to see the gifts within themselves; to support and honour their individual educational journey. As a teacher, I feel inspired to work at Evergreen, a place that provides students with the confidence to know themselves and the skills to be future leaders.

 

I have been teaching at Evergreen Independent School for nine years and have had opportunities to work in a variety of classrooms. While I enjoy teaching all subjects my passions lie in Outdoor Education, Art Education and Physical Education. 

 

Around the community I am usually out in nature, exploring all the wonderful places the Cowichan Valley has to offer.

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Caitlin Morris
Fir (Grades 1 & 2)

I started teaching at Evergreen in the fall of 2021. I was attracted to the school because of its focus on community and educating the whole child. I value the leadership and social skills our students develop as they interact with students of all grade levels. I have a Bachelors of Education from the University of Victoria and I am thrilled to have found a school to teach which matches my educational philosophy.

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When I'm not at work I can usually be found driving one of my children to their various activities, walking my dog, Gus, or singing songs around a campfire. 

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Lauren Mack
Arbutus (Grades 3 & 4)

Coming soon...

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Melissa Bosma
Pine (Kindergarten & Grade 1)

I am the Pine teacher at Evergreen, teaching Kindergarten and Grade 1 this year where the students’ favourite activities in the classroom include time on the indoor swing and rings! I have a Bachelor of Education from Vancouver Island University and am certified to teach K-12. I’ve taught locally and abroad, and continuously recognize how unique Evergreen is. So much so that both of my own children attend the school!

 

When not at work I love reading, board games, and trying to keep our kittens from following us on walks to the lake.

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Karla Ryan
Arts & ADST

I am delighted to be returning to the Evergreen Community after 5 years working and teaching in other jurisdictions.

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I have a Bachelor of Education from VIU with experience and certification for teaching K-12 in a variety of Independent settings. I have worked for many years to fill my toolkit for working respectfully and humbly within these traditional unceded territories of the Hul'qumi'num speaking people. I have enhanced my own education to explore ways to invite children to know their place, their connections and responsibilities to the land and to each other. I have not found an educational setting that has done a better job of that than Evergreen Independent School.

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When I am not at Evergreen I enjoy living closely with the land, growing and tending living things to create with and to feed myself and others. I also enjoy sewing, singing and hiking all the beautiful trails we have access to.

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Lianne Clarke
Cedar (Junior Kindergarten)

I left my home in New Zealand when I was 22 and came to Canada. I worked as a nanny for a couple of years and then became a permanent resident. 30 plus years on Vancouver Island, I think I can call myself a local! I completed my ECE in Victoria in 1997 and I have worked as an Early Childhood Educator or an Educational assistant for the last 20 years. In 2018 I moved up to the Cowichan Valley and started working part time at Evergreen School as an Educational Assistant. I am now the teacher for Cedar class. I enjoy providing an environment for young children where they can play, learn, and begin to develop their social and emotional skills in a safe way as they connect with other children their age.

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I have two adult sons. When not hanging out with 3 and 4 year olds, you will find me on a mountain or maybe on one of the beautiful nature trails we have around here. I also enjoy paddle-boarding, swimming, and bike riding.

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Tara Masih
Cedar (Junior Kindergarten)

Coming soon...

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Melanie Wilson
Administration Assistant  
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Stephanie Petite
Education Assistant
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Alek Hamilton
Education Assistant
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Ashley Parry
Education Assistant
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Lucy Johnson
Education Assistant
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Carmen du Bois
Education Assistant
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Leslie Brown
Finance Manager
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Susan Buckley
Education Assistant
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Kristy Doward
Education Assistant
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Chantal Stacey
Education Assistant
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Ezra Wilson
Education Assistant
Our Board Members

Chair
Vice Chair
Treasurer
External

Secretary

Director
Director
Director
Director

Director

Director

Anna Morgan

Kayla Burnell
Eric Gowland
Colleen O'Dell

Julia Diamond

James McBride

Lexi Corbett

Abby Hanson

Jennifer Mabbott
Andrés Navas

Jack Topliss

Independent school Vancouver Island
Evergreen Independent School Society

Society members - The parents, caregivers, and guardians who make up the diverse families at EIS represent the roots, reaching out for nutrients to sustain the tree (organisation). Elected board - executive and at large - Represent the main themes and ideas brought by the society. The deep, strong roots to feed the trunk and ground the tree. They keep us connected to the past, our school biography, while striving to support the school as it moves into the future. The board holds the responsibility for the financial plan, policy and processes, and the vision & values of the school. Board chair - Guides the board and is the link between the society and the educational realm via the Principal. Oversees the board work, creating a safe space for our society to create the vision & values for our students. Principal & Admin - Oversees the educational realm of the school with close links to the board and chair. Provides for the needs of the staff and students while upholding the requirements of the Independent School act, and MECC policy. Teachers and EAs - Are the connection to the student life, bringing the vision & values, BC curriculum, our themes, virtues and school culture to life. Students - Are the reason we are all here - to enliven and draw out from within them their innate gifts, guided by the vision & values as set out by the society and board.

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