Nanaimo Innovation Academy
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A unique educational program to inspire life-long learning.
SCHOOL FACULTY
At Nanaimo Innovation Academy, we hire professional staff and BC certified teachers that are young at heart, excited about teaching and learning, and are creative with how they engage students. Our teachers imagine the future of our students and work with them through trusting relationships that bring out growth and achievement.
Please read more below about our current teachers and their passions...
If you are interested in joining our team, please email your cover letter and resume to admin@nanaimoinnovation.org
Lindsay - Principal
principal@nanaimoinnovation.org
Lindsay grew up on beautiful Gabriola Island and has been exploring nature ever since! She completed her Bachelor of Education degree at Vancouver Island University, with a specialization in Elementary Education and Physical Education and Nutrition. During her lengthy career as a teacher and librarian with SD68, she taught a variety of grades and subjects to students at with varying learning styles, needs, and exceptionalities. She also completed a Sexual Health Educator Certificate in 2013.
Varenka - Spanish and Yoga Teacher (ECE Teacher)
Hola! My name is Varenka. I was born and raised in Mexico City, where I obtained a BA in Psychology, with a clinical focus. I moved to Canada 14 years ago. I have been working with children all ages for over 15 years as a teacher, counsellor, psychologist and support worker among other things. I am also a certified yoga teacher for adults and children. I love teaching yoga and breathing techniques to kids. I enjoying Acroyoga, the outdoors, hiking, canoeing, and cooking.
Keely - Executive Director
Admin@nanaimoinnovation.org
Keely Freeman is the founder and Director of Nanaimo Innovation Academy. Education has long been a passion of hers. Keely is most interested in innovative teaching methods and practices, especially those involving hands-on learning in nature. After completing her degree in Anthropology at the University of British Columbia in 2004, she taught overseas in Korea, Taiwan and throughout South America. She has visited and lived in over 50 countries and can’t wait to explore more.
When she first moved to Nanaimo in 2015, Keely worked supporting the enrolment efforts at Island Oak High School, a Waldorf School in Duncan, BC. She also supported the fundraising and community involvement efforts at the Nanaimo Women’s Centre (NWC). It is at the NWC that she was able to hone her grant writing skills.
Before she moved to Nanaimo, she was one of the founding staff members who worked alongside Dr. David Strangway to create Quest University Canada, in Squamish BC. During her 14 years at Quest, Keely was responsible for admissions, enrollment, financial aid, and marketing. Prior to Quest, she worked at an experimental high school in Burnaby, BC, a community elementary school in Whistler, BC and with educational groups at the Delta Museum and Archives.
Throughout her career, she has been on the following boards:
• 2019-current Board of Directors for PacificCare- Nanaimo, BC
• 2017-2020 Board of Directors for Cedar Beach Resort- Salt Spring Island, BC
• 2015-2019 Planning Committee Member for the NACAC Vancouver International Universities Fair- Vancouver, BC
• 2012-2016 Board of Directors for Casa Guatemala- Orphanage in Río Dulce, Guatemala
When she first moved to Nanaimo in 2015, Keely worked supporting the enrolment efforts at Island Oak High School, a Waldorf School in Duncan, BC. She also supported the fundraising and community involvement efforts at the Nanaimo Women’s Centre (NWC). It is at the NWC that she was able to hone her grant writing skills.
Before she moved to Nanaimo, she was one of the founding staff members who worked alongside Dr. David Strangway to create Quest University Canada, in Squamish BC. During her 14 years at Quest, Keely was responsible for admissions, enrollment, financial aid, and marketing. Prior to Quest, she worked at an experimental high school in Burnaby, BC, a community elementary school in Whistler, BC and with educational groups at the Delta Museum and Archives.
Throughout her career, she has been on the following boards:
• 2019-current Board of Directors for PacificCare- Nanaimo, BC
• 2017-2020 Board of Directors for Cedar Beach Resort- Salt Spring Island, BC
• 2015-2019 Planning Committee Member for the NACAC Vancouver International Universities Fair- Vancouver, BC
• 2012-2016 Board of Directors for Casa Guatemala- Orphanage in Río Dulce, Guatemala
Sarah - Head Chef and Nutritionist
As a long-time Nanaimo resident, I am still in awe of the bounty this island provides us. We truly live in one of the most beautiful places in the world! I believe that what we put in our body can either hinder or help us reach our full potential and help us live our happiest life. `I have been a Red Seal Chef for over 15 years and recently graduated from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. I am very passionate about sharing my knowledge of food.
Michael - HR and Family Support
I have been in many career paths since the 1970s, artist, musician, wildlife technician, and eventually by the 1980s began working in education as a primary and middle school teacher for a few years in Alberta, where I was born and raised. Eventually, I went into art as therapy, counseling with youth and families and ended up in higher education with a MA in Adult Education and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction (UBC).
Over the years I have been part of several conscious learning communities and worked as an organizational consultant in various places of which mostly my experience is in the caring field. I've most enjoyed this new adventure with NIA and getting to know young children and the ways they create and learn, especially in the outdoor and nature-based settings. I delight in challenging children and others to 'think outside the box.'
After doing a five month artist residency at NIA in July-Dec. 2021, I made a commitment to help out in the social building of a forest school and community in my semi-retirement years, here in Nanaimo.
My special interest is helping staff, administration and parents in supportive ways so that they may continue to grow and develop a quality life-style and improve their knowledge and skills in being with children.
I look forward to serving on the NIA leadership team and as HR and Family Support.
Over the years I have been part of several conscious learning communities and worked as an organizational consultant in various places of which mostly my experience is in the caring field. I've most enjoyed this new adventure with NIA and getting to know young children and the ways they create and learn, especially in the outdoor and nature-based settings. I delight in challenging children and others to 'think outside the box.'
After doing a five month artist residency at NIA in July-Dec. 2021, I made a commitment to help out in the social building of a forest school and community in my semi-retirement years, here in Nanaimo.
My special interest is helping staff, administration and parents in supportive ways so that they may continue to grow and develop a quality life-style and improve their knowledge and skills in being with children.
I look forward to serving on the NIA leadership team and as HR and Family Support.
Lea - Office Manager
office@nanaimoinnovation.org
I am happy to be part of the team at NIA. I moved to the island 10 years ago. Prior to coming to Nanaimo, I grew up in Northern Alberta, Fox Creek. I’ve experienced areas of work from retail to crane operator to bookkeeper. Since joining NIA, I have added the Responsible Adult course and Respect in Sports workshop. I enjoy volunteering as a Scouter for Beavers and with various other community programs.
Ryan - Groundskeeper and Maintenance
Jess - Communications & Event Coordinator Info@nanaimoinnovation.org
Hi!
My name is Jess. I am a former news broadcaster who spent more than 10 years covering current affairs in the Southern Interior and mid-island regions. In 2011 I graduated from BCIT with a Diploma of Technology for Broadcast and Media Communications. In May 2022 I joined NIA as the Communications/Event Coordinator, and I am thrilled to be apart of this vibrant team.
I am passionate about building lasting relationships within our community. Outside of work, I am a mom of two, I enjoy baking and selling artisan breads, canning preserves, and hiking with my hubby!
My name is Jess. I am a former news broadcaster who spent more than 10 years covering current affairs in the Southern Interior and mid-island regions. In 2011 I graduated from BCIT with a Diploma of Technology for Broadcast and Media Communications. In May 2022 I joined NIA as the Communications/Event Coordinator, and I am thrilled to be apart of this vibrant team.
I am passionate about building lasting relationships within our community. Outside of work, I am a mom of two, I enjoy baking and selling artisan breads, canning preserves, and hiking with my hubby!