OUR TEAM
Colleen Murray
School Director
Colleen is the Founder and Director of Arrowsmith Independent School and Preschool. She also happens to be the Mom of one of our students! She has a passion for educating youth that is 'second-to-none' and a desire to get it right when it comes to preparing youth for a promising and fulfilling adulthood.
Early in her life, Colleen developed the perspective that there's a way to approach learning that engages all children. When her daughter's previous school closed down, Colleen, along with her partner, Ryan, and their respective families, decided to begin fresh. It was their joint passion for a young girl's education that was the catalyst for the birth of Arrowsmith Independent School & Preschool in August of 2016.
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When she isn't raising chickens and children, Colleen is an avid outdoors-woman.
Leslie Bremner
Principal & Teacher, Grades 4 & 5
Leslie is our Principal and Class 4/5 Teacher and the mother of two of our students. She holds a BC Teachers Certificate, a Bachelor of Education from Vancouver Island University, a BA in Journalism and Communication from the University of Regina, and has completed training in Waldorf Education.
After teaching for several years in Japan and Ireland, Leslie and her family moved to Vancouver Island where she has taught a Waldorf-inspired, nature based curriculum since 2012. She believes in a balanced approach to learning that provides children with quality academics, life skills, nature studies and an appreciation of art and music.
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Leslie is also a certified Yoga teacher and spends her free time camping, gardening, and exploring with her two young sons. She is an avid runner and you might even see her competing in local events!
Sam Gaudette
Vice- Principal & Teacher, Grades 2 & 3
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Sam is excited to be a part of the Arrowsmith team! She recently graduated from Teachers College with a degree in English, French, and Education. Sam has worked in a variety of teaching settings such as tutoring, Montessori schools, au pairing, and Forest school. She has also taught in both high schools, elementary schools, and preschools.
Sam is passionate about nature, learning, and traveling. During her free time, Sam enjoys exploring the island, doing yoga, reading, and cooking. As an educator she aspires to celebrate the uniqueness of each child and to foster an empowering and safe environment where students are able to explore their passions and selves through a a holistic and nature based approach to learning.
Kristen Smith
Music K-3, Co-Teacher Band & Choir
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Kristen Smith began her elementary teaching career in 2007 after working for six years as a music therapist with people of various backgrounds and ages. Ten years into her work as a K-2 classroom teacher, Kristen was invited to take over the music program at her K-6 school. She loved helping the 600 students she saw every week, experience the power of making music together and seeing themselves as capable musicians. Kristen said goodbye to that school last June when she relocated to Qualicum Beach with her family.
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When she's not sharing her love of music, you can find her walking the dog and exploring the area with her husband Jason, and daughter Isla.
Pat Andrews
Education Support
Mrs. Andrews is inspired by and deeply connected to nature. She is excited to relocate to beautiful BC with her husband, where 2 of her 3 sons currently live, and where her 3rd son plans to relocate. With many years of experience in teaching in public education in Ontario, working with special needs children through Waldorf Healing Education and Remedial Training, homeschooling, teaching music in her own small Kindermusik business, working as a music teacher at a Montessori School, establishing and running a Forest and Nature School, and working with the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada, Mrs. Andrews brings a deep passion for lifelong learning to Arrowsmith Independent School.
Mrs. Andrews believes that learning to build positive, effective relationships is key to thriving. She embraces and supports a holistic approach to education, integrating outdoor learning, mindfulness, student-teacher co-created learning, and uncovering the curriculum through unique and creative methods. She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside the Arrowsmith Independent School Community of Families.
Nicole Bidewell
Preschool Manager & Early Childhood Educator
Nicole began her career as an Assistant Teacher at a a daycare outside Vancouver, before getting her Early Childhood Educator's certificate and eventually operating her own daycare center for 10 years. She brings over 20 years of experience working with children, to her role as our Preschool Manager, and thrives on creating entertaining and educational programs for preschoolers.
Nicole is also a certified Children's Yoga instructor and regularly incorporates yoga practices into the children's daily rhythms. Her focus is on building their life skills for emotional and mental well-being, and providing them with mindfulness practices for managing their emotions.
In her spare time, Nicole likes to go for long trail walks with her husband and 2 dogs, do yoga, hang-out with her two adult children, and in the wintertime, she enjoys curling.
Christene Mackay
Preschool Teacher
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Hellen Keller once said, 'Knowledge is love, light, and vision,' and that's the philosophy Christene brings to her role as a preschool teacher.
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Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Christene has always known in her heart that caring for children is her true calling. With many years of experience in the child care profession, she's had the privilege of guiding toddlers, special needs children, and those aged 3 to 5 on their journeys of discovery.
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Christene believes that puddles are for jumping in, clouds are for finding animals in, and mud is the perfect ingredient for mudcakes. As far as she's concerned, anytime and anywhere is a great time to delve into the world of books with these young explorers.
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Christene resides in Parksville with her husband, and 2 dogs, and has two grown children.
Christene loves dragon boating, kayaking, traveling, cycling, and walking her 2 dogs in our beautiful surroundings.
Susan Rintoul
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Susan graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Arts in Child Care and Psychology. She counselled elementary school aged children and youth in Grand Forks and Trail BC through non profit organizations, as assistant to the elementary school counselor and as a child care worker in an alternative school.
After a short stay in the Okanagan, she moved to Parksville where she spent more than 14 years working in the career development field and raising her family. Susan has two adult children.
In 2023 Susan completed her Early Childhood Education Assistant Certification and is delighted to once again be investigating in children and families.
Susan enjoys yoga, walking by the ocean and being Auntie to her favourite dog Willo.
Opal Murray
School Mascot
We're proud to have Opal as a member of our team. Her kind and loving nature provides a calming influence for children and creates a safe and welcoming environment for learning. Kids love working with Opal, and her presence helps them feel more comfortable and focused. Your child will love the gift of Opal's calm and gentle companionship on the days she is with us. Opal is at the school 2-3 days a week.
Michaela Miller - Teacher, Grades 6/7​
Melissa Hood - Education Assistant
Anne Hall - Teacher, Music & Theatre
Jackie Schemenaur - Teacher, Enrichment & Life Skills
Serena Boyer - Teacher, French & Art
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