Kristin Harbut, Director/Academic Teacher
info@magnussenschool.com
My mother Bjorg Magnussen (1945-2001) was my inspiration for co-founding Magnussen School. She dedicated her life to placing the care of others before herself. From her I learned the values of education and unconditional respect for all. In 2001, I enrolled at the University of British Columbia and completed two Bachelors Degrees in Psychology and Education with a concentration in Special Education. Through my studies in Special Education, I was introduced to Howard Eaton and his work with students and learning disabilities. In 2005, I accepted a teacher position at the Eaton Arrowsmith School and trained as a Cognitive teacher through the Arrowsmith Program in Toronto. In 2006, Howard and I co-founded Magnussen School with my mother’s wisdom at heart. I dedicated myself to establishing a school that extinguishes the struggle that some students feel from education and rebuilds the self-confidence too often lost in traditional learning environments. My vision was to create a school of excellence which would educate and nurture each child as an individual.

Roger Brunson, Principal/Academic Teacher
info@magnussenschool.com
I am a Brooklyn, New York native. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science and Human Biology at Cornell University. I then studied at New York Presbyterian: The University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell, leading up to the professional certification of Registered Dietitian. After that experience I relocated to rural upstate New York to teach nutrition education courses and there I discovered my passion for teaching while leading an elementary age student group. I soon enrolled in Columbia University’s Teachers College where I completed a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education with Middle School Extension in the area of science instruction. I relocated to British Columbia in 2006 and began teaching at Magnussen School in 2007. I found that my philosophy of educational care aligned with what Kristin Harbut had established. In January 2009, I accepted Kristin’s recommendation and became the School’s Principal. To me, Magnussen School has brought to life all my dreams of what education should be: Small classroom sizes, regular parent communication, and a great deal of personal attention given to each student’s social and academic growth. It’s with great honour and respect, that I afford the opportunity to lead this institution towards a successful future.

Erin Poettcker, Vice Principal Elementary/Academic Teacher
info@magnussenschool.com
I received my B.A. degree in 2004, majoring in English Literature and minoring in History. Although it was my goal throughout university to go on and finish a second degree in Education, I decided to take a few years in between to work at a small private school as the office administrator and lunch hour supervisor, while also volunteering with various children’s programs in the city. I finished my B.Ed degree, specializing in English and Social Studies and went on to work as a teacher on call for the Richmond School District. While working for Richmond, I came across the opportunity to join Magnussen School.  It is my goal as a teacher to encourage student-centred activities in the classroom, appealing to a variety of learning strengths and interests so that every member of the class might find a way to engage with the topics. Since being at Magnussen School, I have had the opportunity to attend a week-long intensive workshop with Dr. Gordon Neufeld, training in Non-Violent Communication, mindfulness, and social thinking, all of which have enriched my experience as an educator.  Besides my passion for literature and history, I bring along my interests in writing, music, drawing, painting, sewing, jewelry-making, knitting, baking, and horseback riding.

Carrie Boutilier, Vice Principal Primary/Academic Teacher
info@magnussenschool.com
Teaching has been my lifelong dream. In 2003, I completed a Bachelor Degree in Education from UBC with a specialization in Primary Education and English as a Second Language. Upon graduation, I worked extensively as a Teacher on Call, teaching a wide range of grades and curriculum. The following year, I implemented AIM, an accelerative integrated method to teach Junior School French at a local private school. In 2005, I had the pleasure of meeting Howard Eaton and the opportunity to work as an Academic Teacher at Eaton Arrowsmith School. For five years, I worked in an environment that supported a community of learners, students, teachers, parents and caregivers like no other. In the spring of 2011, I was approached by Kristin Harbut and Roger Brunson and offered the position of Magnussen School Primary Vice Principal and Academic Teacher. At this point, I reflected upon my kindergarten and primary teaching experiences and mentors. I could visualize the type of nurturing, compassionate, and stimulating classroom that could meet the social and academic needs of young people. I am grateful for this opportunity and I am committed to creating a primary program that rests on a solid foundation of academic, social and emotional skills.

Alvin Bonifacio, Academic Teacher
info@magnussenschool.com
Science and teaching are my greatest passions. In 2008, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from UBC, majoring in Biology. I have always been attracted to the instructional and inspirational aspects of science and decided to pursue a career in teaching. In 2009, I graduated from the UBC Bachelor of Education program with a degree in Secondary science education, majoring in Biological sciences. When I came across the opportunity to work at Magnussen, I knew that I found a school that fit with my teaching styles and philosophies. This school also gave me the chance to go to and experience one of Gordon Neufeld’s workshops. His theories and tools for emotional development and healthy attachment have given me amazing insight and have set a solid foundation for my personal and professional growth. I am thrilled to be teaching science at Magnussen School and am looking forward to working with the talented and unique students and caring staff. I also hope that my broad interests in life such as in music, cooking, gardening, fitness, hiking, philosophy and technology (just to name a few) will serve as an inspiration in the school community.

Camelia Kasirer, Academic Teacher
info@magnussenschool.com
I was born and raised in Romania, where I completed my M.S. in Engineering. I then moved to Israel, where I returned to university to complete my B.A. in Math Education. There I married and raised two wonderful daughters. In addition, I became a certified Conflict Mediator by the Law Society of Israel. Since moving to Vancouver, I have completed BC certification in Math Education at the University of British Columbia. Although I started my professional career as a Civil Engineer, I found I had a passion for teaching, which led me to switch fields. Since acquiring my B.A. in Math Education, I have taught Math at the elementary and secondary school levels to multicultural student bodies and over a wide range of course levels. In 2009, I began volunteering at Magnussen School and was eventually offered the opportunity to take on a teaching position. I find great pleasure in helping my students understand and learn new topics, as well as helping them build their self-confidence. I am a firm believer in teaching students life-long learning skills. Besides teaching, I enjoy reading, writing, exercising, yoga, going to the theatre, cooking and baking. I am very happy to be working at Magnussen because it has afforded me the opportunity to meet unique and interesting individuals-both students and staff.

Lindsay Huddlestan, Academic Teacher
info@magnussenschool.com
In 2006, I received my B.F.A degree from Concordia University in Montreal and majored in community art education. This experience truly solidified my love of teaching, art and working with others as I had the opportunity to facilitate exhibitions, teach art at the elementary and high school level, participate in public art initiatives and design an art program for adults with special needs.  Upon graduating, I returned to my hometown of Vancouver and commenced my B.Ed degree in elementary education at UBC, specializing in Problem-based learning. This approach to pedagogy ignited my passion for social justice, inquiry based teaching practices and highlighted for me the importance of creating authentic learning experiences for my students so they may gain valuable skills and knowledge together that they can transfer to the outside world.  It is an honour to be a recent addition to the team at Magnussen and to teach art, social studies and social justice in such an innovative and caring learning environment. Each day I feel fortunate that I am able to work with our students alongside an inspirational and dedicated team of teachers in a student-centered learning environment that allows each individual to share their strengths with one another in a safe space.  I bring forth an extensive background in dance, music, team sports, traveling, outdoor education and visual art that I wish to contribute to the Magnussen school community. Outside of school, I enjoy swimming, camping, reading, creating art and spending time with friends and family.

Ryan Lang, Academic Teacher
info@magnussenschool.com
I first developed a passion for teaching while volunteering at elementary and middle schools during my undergraduate years at Simon Fraser University.  In 2005, I graduated with my B.A degree completing a double major in Criminology and History.  While one of my dreams was to become a teacher, I knew that it was time for me to accomplish my other dream of traveling around the world.  The experiences gained during this time, including teaching in Uganda, have been invaluable to me as a person and as an educator.  In 2007, I returned to Vancouver and had the opportunity to work as a special education assistant before being brought onto the Magnussen School team in 2008.  I immediately fell in love with the opportunities and the individual attention that the Magnussen staff provided the students and was reluctant to return to SFU.  In 2010 I received my B.Ed. degree concentrating in Social Studies and Physical Education with a minor in Curriculum Instruction and Theory.  When I was given the chance to return to Magnussen in 2011, I felt incredibly fortunate to once again be able to work in such a positive and conducive learning environment, one that ensures the success of each student.  It is my hope that in contributing to the positive atmosphere of the school I will be able to share not only my passion for social studies and physical education, but also my passion for reading, poetry, hiking, cooking and rugby.

Brian Hung, Bio Coming Soon

 

 

Mark Bleasdale, IT & Facilities Manager
info@magnussenschool.com
I am very excited to be part of the Magnussen School as the Information Technology and Facilities Manager. I feel fortunate that my knowledge of technology can, in some small way, help to support the teachers who change the lives of children for the better every day. I have a great love of music and enjoy playing piano and guitar, and listening to music of all kinds. I also enjoy photography and kayaking.

Howard Eaton, Ed.M, Director
Howard Eaton is the founder of the Eaton Arrowsmith School and the Eaton Cognitive Improvement Centre. He has been a Sessional Instructor at the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Educational Psychology and Special Education. He teaches courses on Learning Disabilities/Differences at UBC to public and private school teachers in British Columbia. Howard Eaton is also an author and public speaker on issues pertaining to learning differences. The Magnussen School has been the creation of both Howard Eaton and Kristin Harbut (Co-Directors). For other companies that Howard Eaton has developed visit www.eatoneducationalgroup.com.