Tanya Thiessen has been in education for the past 13 years with 9 of those in school administration. She has a Bachelor’s of Education and a Masters in Educational Psychology both from the University of Alberta. Currently on leave from Elk Island Catholic Schools, Tanya is the principal for the Canadian International School in Guangzhou an Alberta Accredited International School. For the past 9 weeks Tanya and her leadership team have been navigating the world of online teaching during the Covid-19 pandemic. She is grateful to be able to share her experience with her colleagues in Alberta as they face this new and challenging time.
Melissa Guzzo is originally from Edmonton, Alberta and this is her fourth year at CIS. She studied at the University of Alberta where she received her Bachelor of Education majoring in Elementary Education. This is her 13th year of teaching. She has taught children from the ages of 5 years old to 15! At CIS she plays two essential roles, that of the Makerspace lead and assistant principal for ECE! Melissa has been in China since the end of January and has witnessed all the ups and downs of self-isolation and supporting teachers, students and families during uncertain times.
Kim Romyn is currently the assistant principal for elementary at CIS. She has both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education from Campus Saint-Jean, University of Alberta. She previously taught in the French Immersion program for 8 years spanning from Grades 3-7. After, she worked with Alberta Education for the curriculum redesign of the mathematics program of studies. Kim has been essential in ensuring a thorough plan for elementary learning during this campus closure period.