Employee Directory

BA, B.Ed, Mount Allison University

At Stanstead College since…
I’m beginning my third time at Stanstead College (1997-2001; 2007-2012; 2022-)

Hometown
Halifax, Nova Scotia

If I had to describe my job it would be…
I enjoy facilitating the academic, athletic, and social growth of the students I am fortunate to interact and work with.

When I’m not working at Stanstead College, I am...
Watching & reading about soccer & coaching, or doing something active outside.

A person/book/song/place/etc. that has inspired me
My parents were my role models & guiding lights. Pep Guardiola is my favourite coach. The country of Cyprus inspires me. Barometer Rising (Hugh MacLennan) is my favourite novel.

Other jobs I've had
Director of Soccer & teacher at King’s-Edgehill School; Director of High Performance and REX, Soccer Nova Scotia; Head Coach Dalhousie University women’s soccer

A thing you may not know about me
I have a significant fear of heights

Most memorable moment at Stanstead College
So many to choose from my two previous times at SC… but, one really fun one was in October 2011, when the senior girls & senior boys soccer teams both won playoff championships on the same afternoon and at home. With our fields only a few metres apart and the referees’ game-ending whistles sounding almost simultaneously, the ensuing on-field joy and celebrations between our two teams of players and coaching staffs showed just how tight-knit Stanstead College really is. It was a really fun afternoon!

B.Ed. McGill University

At Stanstead College since…
2021

Hometown
Lac Brome, Quebec

  
If I had to describe my job it would be...
A new and exciting challenge every day!

When I’m not working at Stanstead College, I am...
Trying to get through my PVR, watching sports, recording my podcast, friends, family, as much as I can!

A person/book/song/place/etc. that has inspired me
“Let us learn to show our friendship for a man when he is alive and not after he is dead.”
– F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Other jobs I've had
I help manage the family ski shop.

A thing you may not know about me
I am absolutely petrified of heights!

 

At Stanstead College since…
2019 (chaperoning trips since 2017)

Hometown
Fairport, NY

If I had to describe my job it would be…
Capturing the magic moments that happen at Stanstead on a daily basis through photographs, videos, and words. I will also be covering Drama classes during a maternity leave until the winter, coaching volleyball and basketball and serving as house parent in Davis.

When I’m not working at Stanstead College, I am...
Hanging out with my puppy, Namy (named after Joe Namath), and ferret, Flutie (named after Doug Flutie). We swim in the lake, hike mountains and go on long country drives to Burlington, VT while we listen to tunes. Our favorites include: Neil Young, Led Zeppelin, The Velvet Underground, Dave Matthews and Tupac. I own a business in Burlington, VT, so that is an ever-evolving space that demands some time and attention on some weekends - where I am usually fixing, cleaning, building, and/or planning events. I am happiest by the water and in a boat - canoe or kayak. I adore plants and gardening, can't get enough of films, play the piano, cook like I am never going to eat again, like to sweat, and raise as many monarch butterflies as I can in the summer.

A person/book/song/place/etc. that has inspired me:
Patch Adams and Mr. Rogers - because they embody altruism
East of Eden - it was the first book that stole my heart and undivided attention
“Natural Beauty” by Neil Young - because it's perfect
Outer Banks of North Carolina - because it is also perfect

Other jobs I've had
I was a live-in nanny for two different families for about 6 years. One family lived in Park City, Utah, and the other family owned a summer camp in Maine. I was an Americorps member for the Area Agency on Aging in Newport, VT where I worked with senior citizens and disabled adults. I worked at the Brattleboro Retreat on the forensic involuntary floor for major mental illness for adults. This led me to Howard Center in Burlington, VT where I was a case manager for adult with major mental illnesses that were living in group homes. Throughout all of this time, I was usually coaching basketball and lacrosse at the same time. I also opened Last Stop Sports Bar in Winoski, VT with a close friend -- a dog-friendly, safe, Buffalo Bills-loving bar that tries to give back to the community as much as we can.

A thing you may not know about me
I wear a men's 12 shoe and my husband Adam Spirk wears a 9 1/2 men's shoe.

Most memorable moment at Stanstead College
The 2018 talent show. It was the moment I realize that I was truly amongst the most talented, creative humans I had ever met in my life.

BA, B.Ed, Bishop’s University

 

August 2024

 

I grew up in Quebec City, moved to Lennoxville for university, spent a year living and teaching in Cambridge, UK, and now call Magog home. 

Inspiring young minds to explore their creativity and express themselves through art, and guiding them to see the world from new perspectives. 

 

Enjoying the outdoors, traveling, playing sports (volleyball, golf, snowboarding), reading, painting/drawing, or spending time with family and loved ones. 

My sister, who has an intellectual disability, has been a profound inspiration in my life. She has helped shape who I am today. Her positive outlook and ability to live in the moment are lessons I strive to apply in my own life every day. Thank you, Sharly xx 

 

Resource teacher, English and Science teacher, French language acquisition teacher, special education technician, customer service representative.

I was part of a bowling league when I was younger and even had the chance to play on television twice. 

 

Building meaningful connections with students and colleagues, inspiring a love for art and contributing to a supportive and creative school community.

Hometown
Lac-Megantic, Que.

If I had to describe my job it would be…

The incredibly valuable opportunity to affect young people in a positive way through a multitude of settings and situations.

When I’m not working at Stanstead College, I am...

Home building stuff (snow forts or forts in the living room) with my kids or actually repairing my house or doing some family sports or just chillin' and playing video games or reading. Forts are cool.

A person/book/song/place/etc. that has inspired me

When I first started working here, there were two major mentors who I credit with making me a better teacher/coach and that's Mr. Simard and Mr. Van Dyke. Also, my wife, an elementary school teacher who works so hard every day with kids in the elementary school across the street who come from various backgrounds, some them very difficult home situations. My kids inspire me through their natural curiosity and love of life.

Other jobs I've had

First real job: seven years of treeplanting to pay for university. Great summer job. A little nuts! Second real job: selling cedar shingles and bark mulch for a sawmill that was owned by my father-in-law. But this job (teaching) is the one I was meant for! :-)

A thing you may not know about me

I collected comic books all through university and for a time afterwards. Specifically Sandman and Hellblazer. Loved those! Can't wait to re-read them all...

Most memorable moment at Stanstead College

There are many. The senior girls rugby team 2003 won in double sudden-death overtime over arch-rival BCS. The junior girls soccer team 2011 (not the 2014 one that won everything; that was a fun team too, but the one that finished in third place and went on to upset at the semis and finals to win the championship). Every single Cafe Cappuccino nite. My office. Those who have started a song in my office know exactly what I am talking about. Four or five of us cramped in there with piano and guitars and singing. There's a magic that starts in there every time... going from nothing to something in an hour. It's amazing!

Finally...

Still trying as hard as I can to be the best teacher/coach/mentor/person I can be. I believe good teachers can change the world.

 

BA Biology/Psychology Bishop’s University 

BSc Exercise Science/Athletic Therapy Concordia University 

Currently Perusing MEd in Post-secondary Studies at Memorial University
 

2022

Hometown 

Waverley, Nova Scotia 

Whether it’s in the classroom, on the field, or in the residence, I describe my job as being a “life coach.” I am passionate about building a positive school culture and I love living on campus, working with students and cheering them on in all aspects of school life.  

When I’m not working at Stanstead College, I am... discovering new dog walking trails, finding water, sharing good food with friends or at the rink or the rugby pitch.  

Legacy by James Kerr is filled with inspirational nuggets on leadership and life, passed down from the New Zealand All Blacks. I have two copies of the book, listen to the audiobook often, and I have motivational quotes from the book saved on my phone! My former kayak coaches, Ann Dodge and Csom Latorovszki taught me a great deal about hard work and commitment. I think my coaching style models theirs in many ways, and I still hear their words of encouragement in my head when I need a little push. 

Director of Student Life and Wellness, Certified Athletic Therapist, Cardiac Rehab Technician, Lifeguard 

A thing you may not know about me
I was big into sprint kayaking when I was younger, medalling at Canada Games and I set a national record with my partner and former Olympian, Karen Furneaux. I paddled a giant pumpkin in the Annual Pumpkin Festival in Windsor, NS, and placed second. (I was sore for weeks…it was one of the hardest things I have ever done!)

B.A. Social Studies and Secondary Education (Bishop’s University); B.Ed. Secondary Education (Bishop’s University)

 

At Stanstead College since: 2023

 

Hometown: Montreal, QC

 

If I had to describe my job it would be... trying to get students interested in history and geography so that they can use it in everyday contexts and build their own critical opinions/thinking.

 

When I am not working at Stanstead College, I am... Attempting to finish one of many books, spending time with my cat, or at the gym.

 

A person/book/song/place/etc. that has inspired me: My mother, who has always taught me that I could do anything in life if I worked for it and truly believed in it.

 

Other jobs I’ve had: I am fortunate to have been hired at Stanstead College straight out of university. Before that, I’ve held various jobs such as data entry, working for BeaverTails, cashier, and customer service.

 

A thing you may not know about me: I speak somewhat fluent Italian.

Most memorable moment at Stanstead College: Supervising the Jay Peak trip during February break and getting the entire school to sing "Happy Birthday" to Mr. Kousaie at assembly.  

He has also been a past administrator within the school in Athletics (6 years as assistant followed by 16 years as director), Humanities Department head (5 years) and Bugbee House (1 year as assistant followed by 9 years as director). He has been a supervisor in many extracurricular activities over the years, including organizing and supervising 11 years of March break trips with students all over the world, and past club activities like Theatre Arts, Camera Club and Stanstead Broadcasting Service (SBS). He currently works with the Derby Community Service group.

His coaching profile has included multiple activities over many years, mainly in senior boys basketball (22 years) and senior football (22 years), but also including other commitments of various lengths and level of basketball, soccer, rugby and golf. His current coaching assignment is with the senior boys soccer team where he is presently in his 7th year. He is an avid spectator of many athletic events both at home and on the road.

A blend of my passion for academics and athletics

When I’m not working at Stanstead College, I am...

Enjoying down time with my girlfriend and our wonderful son, Gabriel.

A person/book/song/place/etc. that has inspired me

My parents; Tim and Terry Thompson
My Uncle; Mark Botell
Wayne Gretzky

Other jobs I've had

Residential Don - Appleby College (2010-2012)
Toronto Zoo (high school and university summers)