About Us

Staff Profiles

READ teachers pursue professional development opportunities on an ongoing basis. For details, please see the teaching qualifications page.

Administration

Claire Rettie, MA – Executive director
Claire’s work at READ is guided by her belief that literacy needs are best served by individuals and organizations collaborating to create solutions. Previous careers as a small business owner, government communications director, program designer and adult educator helps her understand and balance the needs of learners, partners and the organization. Focused on serving wide-ranging literacy needs, Claire brings her commitment to innovation, fairness and inclusion to her role as executive director.

Tracey Childerhose, MBA – Financial manager
At READ, Tracey puts into daily practice her lifelong commitment to community involvement. She values the opportunity to bring her professional financial skills to aid in the society’s success, having witnessed family and friends who struggled with learning disabilities. She believes learning is a life-long process and continues her professional development in accounting. Tracey joined READ in 2006, and has worked in finance and administration at university departments and non-profits since 1987.

Kim Carver, Student services administrator
Kim’s extensive background, education and training in the community social services sector has allowed her to see first hand the importance of  literacy skills. She believes the opportunity to improve one’s literacy can help people access health services and information, justice, and economic opportunities. Kim, who joined READ in 2011, has been a foster parent and is currently also a youth worker at a residential home.

Staff

Ross Banister, B.Sc., B.Ed. – Teacher, Quadra site
Ross believes in exercising the mind and the body, and as a teacher has found that asking students questions guides them to find answers on their own. He values unique learning styles and believes equal access to education is the foundation of Canadian society. Ross joined READ in 2010.

Jan Beckett, BA, B. Ed. – Teacher
Jan likes to create a cheerful, positive atmosphere for learners so they will feel safe, supported and respected. Since 1991, she has taught the KEY, adult basic skills and English as a second language programs at READ, and previously taught middle school English. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and drama. Jan is inspired by a desire to help people who struggle with literacy so they can reach their full potential.

Janie Harrison, B.Ed, M.Ed. – Teacher, Quadra site
As a teacher, Janie believes that all her students have strengths and that is it is her job to find, use and build on those strengths. She began at READ in 1977 as teacher’s aide, and came back as a teacher in 1986. She has also worked as a teacher on call and taught in READ’s adult literacy program. It’s her desire to help students reach their potential while sharing her own love of learning.

Amie Jamin, B.Ed., Teacher, Colwood site (on leave)
Amie brings a diverse range of teaching experience to READ. She taught Grade 1 in Thailand, English as a Second Language to new Canadians, and used her specialization in learning support with students in Guelph, Calgary, and Duncan. She joined READ in 2010 and is honoured to help students improve their literacy. Experience has shown Amie that learners gain confidence and opportunities when they have a second chance to learn what they may have missed previously.

Jasmine Mitchell, B.Ed., Teacher, Quadra site
Jasmine has come full circle: Once a READ student, she is now a READ teacher with a unique understanding of the young learners that come to her. She joined READ in 2010 following a career as a remedial instructor in Ontario. Jasmine also has a degree in psychology with an emphasis on child development and has created programs for students from the ages of four to 18.

Tammy Moore, B.S. Elem. Ed. – Child and Youth Program Coordinator, Quadra site
Tammy believes everyone has a lesson to teach and a lesson to learn. She began her career as a teaching assistant and then spent six years as an elementary school teacher in Tennessee. She has worked for READ’s children and youth programs since 2007. She wants people to have the opportunity to improve their literacy skills so they can have more choice over the direction of their lives.

Dena Moussa, BA, B. Ed., Teacher, Colwood site
Dena believes that every child can reach their full potential. As a teacher with experience developing educational programs for children in Grades 1 to 6 and extensive work in community programs, she enjoys creating individual and differentiated learning plans to help guide learners in school and in life. Dena joined READ in 2011. She likes to make learning fun and interactive.

Terri Shortill, BA, B.Ed. – Teacher, Sidney site
Terri believes that literacy is a necessary life skill that helps build confidence and self-esteem. By using individual strategies and celebrating the student’s short and long term goals, she helps the student become the leader in their own learning process. Terri is an advocate for volunteerism and has volunteered for local and international not for profits. She joined READ in 2010, and believes community development starts with individuals helping each other to obtain their goals.

Liz Stannard, BA, B.Ed. – Teacher, Sooke site
Since the age of 19, from Taiwan to Manitoba to Sooke, Liz has helped students make learning connections. She believes literacy is integral to managing both daily life and future dreams in a world increasingly dependent on words and information. Liz worked at READ from 2002 to 2006 and rejoined the Society in 2011. She enjoys sharing her own love of learning and discovery with students by celebrating students’ accomplishments and guiding them to success.

Bill Thistle, BA, B.Ed. – Teacher, Colwood site
Bill’s musical abilities, voracious reading and love of the outdoors allow him to bring rich and varied experiences to the students at READ. Bill sees teaching as an opportunity for students and teachers to explore their environment through interactive learning and on-going encouragement and assessment. He joined READ in 2011 and has worked as a classroom teacher in Grades 5 and 7, as well as volunteered in French Immersion classrooms.

Helen Thomas, B.Ed. – Workplace educator
Helen’s joy as an instructor comes from witnessing “the light bulb moment” – when learners understand new information. She has taught adult literacy at READ since 1987 in various learning environments, including the workplace. Helen’s specialized training and experience in the diagnosis and remediation of learning difficulties have developed her belief that everyone can enjoy success, given the right approach, time and encouragement.

Dano Underwood, Capturing Stories; Expanding Knowledge program coordinator
Dano knows what it is like to be a youth struggling with literacy. He credits his acting teacher with having a pivotal impact on his life, and hopes to play an equally important role in the lives of Greater Victoria youth. Dano studied at the Centre for Indigenous Theatre and Performing Arts in Toronto. He has worked as a First Nations education assistant, a youth programmer, employment councillor, youth facilitator, and as a cultural enrichment worker.