ELSA Youth

Hi everyone! I'm Sara, and I've worked at VCC as an ESL instructor and teacher trainer since 2005. I'm a Vancouverite by birth, and although I've lived in Montreal and northeastern China, I can't imagine calling any other place home. When I'm not teaching, I'm usually out and about with my husband and 3 boys - playing ball hockey, riding bikes, running around at the park or beach.life is never dull! I also just finished my Master's of Education at the University of Calgary, so now I'm hoping to finish a few novels, fix up the house and garden, and play more with my little guys. I'm excited about the next few months with the ELSA Youth class at VCC; I have a feeling that my days will be full of fun and laughter with you all.

My name is Jennifer and I am a teacher at Excel Education Centre in Richmond. I have been working at Excel Education Centre for well over a year now. Although I love living here in Vancouver on the west coast of Canada, I am originally from the province of Nova Scotia on the east coast of Canada. I have lived in many Canadian cities such as Halifax, Calgary, and Toronto. I have even lived as far away as China. My passions include hiking, reading, yoga, and listening to 80’s rock music! I look forward to meeting and working with all the new students in the ELSA Youth Program.

My name is Vesna, and I originally come from Serbia, a small country in Eastern Europe. I have been in Canada for 15 years. I live in New Westminster with my husband and two daughters. When I have free time, I enjoy reading, exercising, and spending time with my family and friends. I have been teaching English in the Lower Mainland since 1998. Connection, acceptance, cooperation, and contribution are the values I foster among my students. Being an immigrant and a non-native speaker myself, I feel passionately about motivating my students to do their best and persevere in pursuing their goals. I feel lucky to be doing the job I love and privileged to teach and learn from wonderful people from all over the world.

My name is Natalie. I’m a teacher at Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia. I’m passionate about my job because I’m passionate about people. In my free time I like to travel and explore new places. I’ve lived in five different countries and enjoy learning about different cultures. I love being outdoors. When the weather is good you can find me hiking in Vancouver’s North Shore mountains or swimming in one of Vancouver’s many outdoor pools. When I’m at home I’m usually checking my Facebook or talking to my family on Skype. I like to have dinner parties and entertaining is something I am really good at. I like working with young people because I feel they keep me young and I can’t wait to see what we can discover together this coming year.