Our Team

Andriy has been a part of the Whytecliff team since 2017. He holds a Law degree from Kyiv National University and Political Science degree from Simon Fraser University. Andriy’s unique skill set, acquired throughout his life, allows him to work with this program as both an Administrator and Youth Worker.

Prior to his employment with Whytecliff, Andriy has worked as a deputy judge and deputy district attorney in the Ukraine, which gave him an opportunity to observe the justice system from inside. He is a passionate skydiver and has years of experience working as a soccer referee. His sense of humour and love of learning and children is an inspiration to all.

Originally from Ontario, Anna joins us with a love for west coast mountains! She received a Bachelor of Education, from Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, and a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree with a Major in Fine Arts and Double Minor in Psychology and Religion, from the University of Toronto. Anna is also a Certified Yoga Instructor, with speciality training for youth. Lastly, she is a devoted educator of the outdoors, completing the Outward Bound Canada Instructor Development Program.

Ilona was part of the original team who opened the Burnaby program in 2001. She was the Principal and the Humanities teacher for four years before returning to the program in 2016 as the Program Manager. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in World History and Secondary Education, and a Master’s of Science Degree in Brain-Based Teaching and Learning. She has worked with youth in both teaching and counseling capacities, and has worked with a wide spectrum of young people in the Gifted and International Baccalaureate Programs, and in Special Education. She is passionate about teaching the thinking skills of optimism and growth mindset to all youth and families, and is dedicated to “busting” the myths many young people have about their ability to learn and change (through teaching about the concept of neuroplasticity).

Jamie has always been passionate about helping people through life’s struggles, and her wish is to walk alongside youth and families on their journey towards healthier lives. She has earned an Aboriginal Early Childhood Education Certificate and Child and Youth Care Bachelor of the Arts Degree. She specializes in teaching and guiding Aboriginal children, youth and families on their healing journeys and assists them in finding appropriate resources. Jamie has eight years of experience working with infants, youth, parents, and caregivers. She is a Youth and Family Worker at Whytecliff. A quote that stuck with her through it all is, “Behind every behavior is a need!”.

Jonathan has built his career as a Youth Worker for 18 years based on his passion for encouraging young people to meet their potential. He has worked all over the Lower Mainland with youth ages 4-25 at various school programs, community centres, and day camps. He is a proud member of a close-knit family residing in the Lower Mainland and all over England. He enjoys travelling to new places and experiencing other cultures, food, and activities. Jonathan also enjoys playing many sports including golf and basketball and also attends Seattle Seahawks games.

Kevin first taught in 1993 when he was invited to share drawing techniques with his 1st Grade teacher’s new class. Over the next twenty years he developed his educational philosophy in-line with his personal philosophy: Learning is growing, and growing is living. Kevin has experienced adversity both personally and professionally, and he believes a strong educational environment comes from connecting with youth on real-life terms. Kevin has a background in English literature and language skills, history and humanities, and theatre and visual arts.

Born and raised in India, Kiran has more than 7 years’ experience in teaching and working with youth (including poor and special needs children at an elementary and secondary level). She was head of the department at the Marx Institute of Science in Punjab, and holds Master’s Degrees in Education and Mathematics. Since moving to Canada in 2015, she has worked at the Khalsa school in Surrey, and has experience in teaching Applied Design, Skills and Technologies, and Math and English. Her chief goal at Whytecliff is to enable and encourage students to appreciate the usefulness, power and beauty of mathematics.

Lisa was born and raised in Langley, BC. After finishing High School at Brookswood Secondary, she went to Kwantlen College to become a Nursing Assistant. She then worked at Peace Arch Hospital and Surrey Memorial for 18 years. During this time, Lisa was married and had two children, Ashley who is 24 now and Kyle who is 20. After 18 years working as a Nursing Assistant she decided it was time to change careers. She went on to work as an Outreach Worker for high risk, street entrenched youth and then as Caregiver / Youth Worker for youth struggling with addictions. In her free time, Lisa enjoys kayaking and stand up paddle boarding.

Luca became involved with Whytecliff Learning Centre first as a Practicum student in 2015, and then as a Youth Worker in 2017. Prior to joining Whytecliff, she volunteered in a variety of non-profits—developing and delivering services to help engage youth in the Fraser Valley.

Luca was a star basketball player with Brookswood Secondary of Langley throughout her high school career. Her skills allowed her to gain a scholarship at Trinity Western University, where she led her team for 5 years while pruning her shooting skills. Now these skills are being shared with Whytecliff’s youth.

Luca is a strong member of a local family in the Langley area and is proud to mentor the students at Whytecliff.

Marcus has been a Youth and Family Worker at Whytecliff since 2012. He has shown on multiple occasions what “ethics of care” truly means. Marcus’ commitment to kids’ well-being is second to none. This year he will be taking a leadership role in developing the electronics and outdoor education program.

Marcus draws upon his approachable personality in active listening and hands-on learning. Marcus’s love of animals and nature is obvious, and he works with many children in activitiers related to the outdoors.

Robert Kissner, B.A. (Honors), M.A., Ph.D., R.S.W. is the founder and creative energy of Focus Foundation of BC. Dr. Kissner is a specialist in stress and trauma, with an interest in innovative ways to facilitate resilience and emotional recovery. He has experience in clinical practice, agency administration, teaching, research, and as a social innovator and entrepreneur. He is a former member of the Simon Fraser University Senate and Board of Governors. He served as President of the BC Association of Social workers and was BC provincial representative to CASW. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award in 2012.

Dr. Kissner has taught a wide range of subjects for the University of Chicago, SFU, Trinity Western University, UCFV and Douglas College, including courses in social work, education, criminology, and sociology. For balance, he loves to read, learn and grow, to travel, and to go hiking and explore the outdoors.

Shelley earned a B.A. degree in neuropsychology and BSc. Degree in computing right after high school. While at SFU she played on the soccer team and worked part time for a small building repair company. After graduation she continued to work in the trades for the next 25 years before returning to SFU to get a teaching degree specializing in education and learning disabilities. After 5 years of teaching in public schools she found a home at Whytecliff, where she gets to teach math, science, robotics and carpentry.

Wendy decided to become a degreed teacher when she was in high school, building her passions and interests into a career where she could encourage children and young people to do the same. Her goal is to inspire children and youth to learn new things, become passionate about their dreams and discover what is best in themselves. Wendy enjoys travelling to other countries and learning about different cultures, and she has worked in Japan as an English teacher. She enjoys drawing, painting, and digital art, as well as music, writing, history and literature.

Raised in Nanaimo, Wes recently graduated from Trinity Western University with a major in Biology and a Minor in Psychology. Wes has a background in fundraising and volunteering, and has long had a passion for sports and fitness, as well as coaching. He loves to use his coaching skills and experiences to build meaningful relationships and help others grow. Wes is also an avid technology enthusiast (especially Apple), enjoys watching movies, and has a deep passion for Biology.