Our Staff
Our dedicated team of experts.
Executive Team
Howard Eaton
Founder and Director
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A passion to help others started with my own diagnosed severe dyslexia in 1971, and the impact this disability had on my life. Fortunately, I had a wonderful team of tutors and teachers that got me through elementary and high school and provided enough guidance to encourage me to attend university. In 1990 I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a B.A. in Psychology. From there, I went on to do graduate work at Boston University, earning a M.Ed. in Special Education with a teaching certificate in elementary and high school instruction. I spent five years tutoring and teaching at both the elementary and high school level prior to starting a career in conducting psycho-educational assessments. I have been involved with the Orton-Gillingham British Columbia, Learning Disabilities Association of Vancouver, and Learning Disabilities Association of Canada in the past. In 2005 I started my first school, Eaton Arrowsmith in Vancouver, British Columbia. The schools utilize the Arrowsmith Program, founded by Barbara Arrowsmith-Young, to improve the cognitive functioning of children, teenagers and adults with learning disabilities and attention difficulties. A second school was started five years later in Redmond, Washington, called Eaton Arrowsmith Academy in 2012. As a result of my involvement at Eaton Arrowsmith Schools I have authored two books, Brain School (2010), and The Brain Pioneer (2019).
Sandra Heusel
Admissions Director
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After receiving an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Victoria, I worked as a special education assistant with the Vancouver School Board. I also volunteered and tutored students with learning differences through the Learning Disabilities Association in Vancouver for four years. I then went on to receive a teaching certificate in elementary education from Simon Fraser University and worked as a resource teacher for the Vancouver School Board for five years, during which time I received my Diploma in Special Education from the University of British Columbia. Over the past 20 years, through my work with Howard Eaton, I have had the opportunity to help many children and adults better understand their learning styles. I have been very privileged to be one of the founding staff members at Eaton Arrowsmith. I have had the pleasure of occupying many roles at the school, from head cognitive teacher to admissions director. Watching our students build their capacity to learn and become more confident, capable individuals is truly a joy. As admissions and marketing director, I look forward to reaching out to the public in order to share my knowledge of not only the Arrowsmith Program, but also the incredible community spirit that exists at the school. When I am not at EA, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children, Kate and Sam. I also enjoy running, hiking and connecting with good friends.
Rose McLachlan
Registrar and Operations Officer (on Maternity Leave)
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Early experiences with friends and family with learning disabilities inspired a passion that has remained with me throughout my life, and a desire to support students with learning disabilities academically as well as socially and emotionally. I completed a B.A. in psychology and sociology at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where I also dabbled in math, physics and special education.
I spent several years working with Howard Eaton at the Eaton Learning Centre, which gave me experience in psycho-educational assessment as well as a better understanding of the needs of students with learning disabilities. My experience as Eaton Learning Centre’s assessment manager made for a natural transition to assessment manager at Eaton Arrowsmith (EA). In 2008, I joined the staff at EA and had the pleasure of working one-on-one with each new student to guide them through the initial Arrowsmith assessment.
In 2009 and 2010, I returned to UBC to study human development, learning and culture, and received a Master of Education degree. I was particularly interested in learning about the interactions between social and emotional learning, mindfulness and learning disabilities.
I entered my role as Admissions Director at EA in 2010, and in August of 2012 I transitioned to the role of Admissions Director for the Eaton Arrowsmith family of schools.
In my current role as Eaton Arrowsmith’s Registrar and Operations Officer, I welcome new students and families into all of our Eaton Arrowsmith and Eaton Arrowsmith Adults locations and programs. I enjoy getting to know new students and their families and introducing them to our amazing schools, knowing that all new students will be welcomed wholeheartedly by students and staff into a warm, caring, and supportive environment.
In my spare time, I enjoy camping and hiking, dancing, photography, traveling, sewing, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
Mark Bleasdale
Chief Information Officer
and Facilities Manager / Teacher
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I am very excited to be part of the Eaton Arrowsmith as the chief information officer and facilities manager. I feel fortunate that my knowledge of technology can, in some small way, help 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.
Lori Leung
Assistant Financial Controller
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I am excited to join Eaton Arrowsmith as their Assistant Financial Controller. Having come out of a background in engineering and finance I am looking forward to supporting the staff and assisting parents with their financial needs. I am responsible for accounts receivable. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require assistance. I am fluent in English and Cantonese.
Kelsey Hanna
Registrar and Operations Officer
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The great teachers in my life inspired me to become an educator from an early age. Having taught and worked with hundreds of students and families over the years I've been with Eaton Arrowsmith has helped me "pay forward" what those teachers did for me. Since graduating from UBC with a Bachelor of Education, specializing in Special Education in 2007, my journey as an educator continued at Eaton Arrowsmith with various roles from teacher to school principal. The amazing students I've worked with, whose determination and resilience to improve their own cognitive abilities and achieve their goals has inspired me from my very first day here. Like my students, I strive to keep learning every day, in my personal and professional life. Taking on a role outside of the classroom is a new path for me, and one that I believe continues to allow me to grow professionally as well as to support the work of our students at all of our schools. Outside of school I spend my life with my wife, two children, and two cats!
Chris Wherity
Director of Community Relationship Development
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Since joining Eaton Arrowsmith in 2015 I have been fortunate to see firsthand the positive impact the Arrowsmith Program has on students and families! This program is unparalleled in its ability to address learning differences head on and set the stage for greater quality of life and satisfaction outcomes. Working for Eaton Arrowsmith Schools has been incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally, championing what I believe and know will make a difference for those suffering from cognitive challenges. Through our schools environment and effective delivery method of the Arrowsmith Program, the neuroplastic change that is needed to address and improve learning capacity for individuals is possible! It is my privilege and honor to work daily alongside such a dedicated team and I look forward every day to supporting, seeing, and hearing the success stories of our students!
Online Team
Josh Poirier
Program Director
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I firmly believe, and have witnessed, the Arrowsmith Program having an amazing impact on the lives of those from a variety of backgrounds. My work started with Eaton Arrowsmith School in 2012, where I helped kids with a variety of learning differences engage in a program that challenged and strengthened their cognitive abilities. With the success in my classrooms, the research question was posed if this program could also help those who have sustained a brain injury. I left the classroom to facilitate a study with the University of British Columbia to investigate if those with chronic brain injury symptoms could improve cognition to return to a normal life. With the success of the study, I soon became the Executive Director of the Watson Centre Society for Brain Health, where we used aspects of the Arrowsmith Program, with years of success in helping those with learning disabilities, to treat those with brain injury. What this showed was that the brain is the brain, and certain regions are made to do jobs that others are not meant to do; by stimulating neuroplasticity into regions of the brain that have been either delayed by a learning disability or impacted by a brain injury, the Arrowsmith Program has the remarkable potential to help anyone who could benefit from improved cognition. As Co-Director of Instruction at Eaton Arrowsmith School Online, my goal is to help provide lasting cognitive improvements, for anyone who needs it, from the comfort of their own homes or schools, worldwide.
Rafael Croisetiere
Lead Instructor and Advisor
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I feel privileged having the opportunity to be joining the EASO organization as a Cognitive Instructor alongside our dedicated and dynamic team. My journey within the realm of neuroplasticity began immediately following the completion of my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia in 2011, where I worked as a 1:1 aide at Eaton Arrowsmith School in Vancouver, BC. Enthralled with the possibilities of neuroplasticity and the ability to improve one’s cognitive capacities was captivating straight from the get-go. I have been fortunate to fulfill numerous roles within the Eaton Arrowsmith School since joining 10 years ago, most recently serving as the Co-Principal for the 2021-2022 school year. My passion for this work continues to be fueled by our committed community in their pursuit of cognitive change – a vision I will always stand by. When stepping out of the classroom, I thoroughly enjoy spending time hiking and golfing in the summer as well as hitting the slopes searching for powder in the winter!
Jenna Kelly
Lead Instructor, Advisor, and PEERS® Program Facilitator
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My journey with Eaton Arrowsmith started as a student aide while finishing my BA/BEd degree in 2006. I immediately became inspired by this program, as it directly aligns with my passion to work with children and help them succeed at school. Over the past 13 years, I have continued my career with the Arrowsmith program in various roles. I have been a cognitive teacher for both children and adults in Vancouver, and helped open an Arrowsmith program in Alberta where I was the head teacher for three years. Now, I am excited to be part of the team helping to grow the Arrowsmith online program. As a mom of nine-year-old twin girls, I have developed a new appreciation for online education and am excited to continue to connect with students and help them succeed. In addition to teaching and “momming”, I am also passionate about health, fitness and enjoying time outdoors with my friends and family.
Shireen Chaganti
Cognitive Instructor (on Maternity Leave)
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I have always wanted to be an educator. I knew the importance of a good educator from my childhood experiences in Singapore. Life sometimes takes you on a winding path and for me, it was filled with learning opportunities. After graduating university with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a minor in Counselling and Human Development, I worked in Early Childhood Education for 6 years and implemented the Reggio-Emilia approach. During this time, I entertained the idea of becoming an educator and finally took the leap when I stumbled upon an old assignment from my elementary school that stated my hopes of becoming an educator. I took that as a sign and went back to university and received my Bachelor’s in Education with a minor in Learning Disabilities. Upon graduation, a great opportunity came along, and I moved to London to teach students with the primarily diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. I learnt how to create fun, engaging individualized lessons that catered to my students’ interests. I am excited to join the Eaton-Arrowsmith family and create fun, engaging lessons. I believe every child has to potential to succeed in whatever they want to do and with the right tools, they can.
Pranav Temburnikar
Cognitive Instructor
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I understood that irrespective of where we come from, all of us share the common emotions of happiness, anger and sadness- this has changed everything for me. That has made me create authentic connections with the people I met. Add to that my experience, from reading, watching, and meeting different people, to train my brain to create new habits and make it a routine, gave me an insight into how we can train our brains to achieve goals. That led me to get a certification in Life Coach as I wanted to help people, especially young adults, to understand their own needs and gain confidence to fulfill them.
To be a part of Eaton Arrowsmith School is a great opportunity that aligns with my passion. I have learned from reading how one can create new connections in their brain, to see that now in action through this program will be enriching. I believe my patience, and to really understand an individual where they are at will help me as a teacher to engage and motivate students.
Apart from that I love to cook, read, go to coffee shops, listen to music, watch movies, run, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Bethany Church
Cognitive Instructor and PEERS® Program Facilitator
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I first learned of the Arrowsmith Program in 2013, and began as a Homework Club Teacher with Eaton Arrowsmith Victoria in 2014. From the get go, I was fascinated. Every educational program and approach I’d been involved with until that point had been about working around cognitive challenges, not through them. Helping students strengthen areas of weakness turned my job into a passion project – it never gets old witnessing personal growth and the confidence that comes with it! I’m so thrilled to be back with Eaton Arrowsmith in an online capacity. In addition to helping others with their learning goals, I am a mom to two daughters, enjoy DIY home projects, and love to explore new places!
Cedar Marshall
Teacher’s Assistant
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I was born, and have lived, on beautiful Gabriola Island, BC most of my life! I love outdoor opportunities with my dog, my bike, and my camera.
My school experience has been in French Immersion elementary and then English high school in Nanaimo. I really hit my stride when I started with the Eaton-Arrowsmith program in Victoria and Vancouver while I was finishing high school and starting in the young adults program. I experienced cognitive improvement and rising confidence that was noticed and remarked upon frequently by my family and friends.
Soon after I left EAS I was invited back as a Student Aid in their Vancouver (UBC) Program. I loved being part of the team and supporting the cognitive, social, and emotional growth of the students I was working with. We went outside every day. We connected through all kinds of fun days, nature explorations and celebrated our accomplishments!
As someone who has been helped by the EAS program, I know firsthand how the exercises look from a student perspective. They are challenging, but ultimately rewarding and the benefits are long lasting. I am excited to be working with the EA team again to support students learning and growth.
Jennifer Bose
Cognitive Instructor
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Challenging the brain has always driven my interests. I grew up in a society wherein education gets priority over all spheres of life. As a child I was driven by undying passion towards Mathematics and the Sciences, which yet thrives to be my area of expertise. I’m a double graduate in Biological Sciences and Chemistry; I received a concentration in Cellular and Molecular Genetics.
When I read about the Arrowsmith Program (AP) and the exercises delivered at Eaton Arrowsmith (EA), I was simply amazed by the uniqueness of the program! Currently, I work as an Academic and a Cognitive (Clocks) teacher at EA and EASO. The Symbol Relation exercise- Clocks, has been my most favourite AP exercise. It has been rewarding to observe cognitive improvement in students with respect to comprehension, conceptual understanding, and reasoning with the help of Clocks.
Experiencing the joy of students unleash their brain potential and learning exciting things through working our Clocks together satiates my neurons.
Alexa Caon Cognitive Instructor
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I began my journey at Eaton Arrowsmith after completing the adult program and seeing the difference the program had made in my life. I became inspired and started working at EA in 2017 as a Student Aide in multiple classrooms. In 2020, I completed a Life Coaching Diploma and this year have started a Professional Counselling Diploma. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, knitting, reading, and spending time with my dog. I am really looking forward to the opportunity of working with our students online.
Taylor Pilgrim
Office Manager / Teacher’s Assistant
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The brain has always been an interest of mine so the opportunity to work at Eaton Arrowsmith is truly exciting. I’m thrilled to be joining EAS as Vancouver’s Office Manager/Administrative Assistant. I grew up in Halifax where I earned a BSc in Psychology. Vancouver has been home to me since 2018 when I came here to pursue more creative endeavors by attending Vancouver Film School screenwriting program. Writing is a great passion of mine and I love creating stories in all forms. I feel very lucky to have been able to explore different paths in my education and career. Ultimately, my love for learning lead me here and I’m incredibly grateful!
I may appear shy but chat with me about movies/TV or ask about my cat and I will talk your ear off!
Neta Rappaport
Independent Symbol Relations Instructor / Teacher’s Assistant
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Coming soon!
In School Team
EA Redmond Team
Tracy McCammant
Principal
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It’s a privilege to lead Eaton Arrowsmith in Redmond. The staff and families in this community are super committed to its success and enabling a bright future for the students. I cannot imagine a more perfect fit for my professional background and for my personal commitment to improve educational opportunities for all children. I have served as a special educator in public schools for more than 10 years. This role provided me with experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and with a wide array of learning disabilities. However, for many, cognitive change was not happening. Discovering the Arrowsmith Program has been transformational for me. I am incredibly excited that this is the “missing link” that bridges the gap between disability and ability in learning and future opportunities for students. I am dedicated to making this opportunity available to anyone who needs it. On a personal note, I’ve been married to my husband, Scott, for more than 30 years. We have three grown children and two adorable “grands”. I enjoy reading good books, growing veggies in my garden, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Courtney Kaeser
Head Teacher
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Like those around me, I too am incredibly grateful to be part of the Eaton Arrowsmith team. As someone who was drawn to teaching through their own child's needs, I can attest a struggling student impacts those surrounding them, and the ripple effect on family members can be profound. Eaton Arrowsmith Redmond changed my family's trajectory in 2015 and it has been my privilege to pay it forward ever since.
Neha Sethi
Office Manager
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I have served as a Special Educator with Schools in the UK and have worked in Corporate HR in Talent acquisition for a total span of 9 years. We recently relocated to Seattle after living in London for 8 years. While working with schools, I learnt classroom management techniques and supported children with Learning difficulties. I am still learning the ropes in my current role, and I look forward to using my previous experience and my empathetic nature to contribute to the success of Eaton Arrowsmith Academy. I feel grateful to be part of this wonderful team of staff, students, and families. I am excited to learn more about the Arrowsmith Program and have been inspired by the work they do. On the personal front, my husband and I have a loving 8-year-old daughter with whom we love to spend time playing board games and going on nature hikes.
Naivasha Sophusson Smith
Teacher
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Born and raised in Seattle, I ran on the University of Washington track team and graduated with a degree in psychology. For the past 11 years, I have worked with students of all ages in sports, both locally and internationally. I was introduced to the Arrowsmith Program through a colleague and was immediately drawn to it. I am so excited and grateful to be joining the Eaton Arrowsmith community and I look forward to helping students and families reach their goals. I am an avid traveler, motorcyclist, and love riddles and puzzles.
Supraja Raman
Teacher
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Bio coming soon!
Julie Driscall
Academic Teacher
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I have been an educator for over 20 years. I have taught all ages of children from birth to age three (as a nanny), to mixed-age kindergartens (ages 3-7), to grades 1 through 5 and beyond. Additionally, I have a background in public speaking on various educational topics (child development, parent education, Waldorf Curriculum and more).
I have two daughters, ages 18 and 20. Aimee is in her senior year at Woodinville High School and Rylie is a sophomore at Whittier College in LA. My family and I have lived in several states over the last 20 years, ultimately considering Washington state to be our perfect home.
In my free time, I enjoy handwork and crafting projects that I sell online and through local craft fairs throughout the year.
I am very excited to incorporate my knowledge of child development as well as years of classroom experience into the academic curriculum at Eaton-Arrowsmith.
Sarah Kirk
Teaching Assistant
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I feel it a blessing and divine purpose that brought me here to Eaton Arrowsmith Academy! As a person who grew up with learning disabilities myself, I developed the dream of becoming a Special Education teacher. As my education went on, I was told that probably wouldn’t be likely. So, I went on working with kids at the preschool level and enjoyed this immensely except I still had the dream of working with kids with learning issues like the ones I endured. Fast forward, I have 3 boys two of which have neurological challenges. I was delighted to discover EA and knew I had to be a part of this amazing culture! I started as a volunteer, did the symbol recognition exercise (Clocks) mastered up to 8 hands!!! Now I’m proud to say, I’m now a teacher's assistant which has fulfilled my dream!!! I feel it a privilege and a joy to be an example to these kids as they go through this program!
EA Vancouver Team
Stephanie Gulliver
Co-Principal/ Teacher
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When I was young, I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to go to school with “the big kids”, so it came as no surprise that I grew up to be a teacher. I was lucky to be exposed to several passionate and dedicated educators throughout my many years of schooling. I received my bachelor’s degree in sociology from Acadia University in Nova Scotia and then shortly after, I earned my post-graduate diploma in elementary education from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Originally from Montreal, I always loved the idea of living on the west coast and moved to Vancouver in 2010. I was introduced to the world of neuroplasticity in 2011, when I took up a volunteer position at Eaton Arrowsmith, later becoming a 1:1 aid. My desire to continue to expand my knowledge and support this work didn't stop there, as I later became a cognitively trained teacher and have been working with the wonderful EA team ever since. I feel elated when a child succeeds at something we have worked on together. I love both the challenge and fulfillment of working at Eaton Arrowsmith and watching our students' form new neural pathways. The changes that happen among our student body, thanks to work we do, is indescribable. In my spare time, I enjoy hopping on my road bike, swimming, rowing, strapping on my skis or snowshoes during the winter months and exploring Vancouver's many sites.
Mark Bleasdale
Co-Principal/ Teacher
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Having been with Eaton Arrowsmith since its inception almost 20 years ago, I have been fortunate to watch hundreds of children and adults with cognitive weaknesses make profound changes in their lives through the program. I am thrilled to take on the role of Co-Principal to continue to build on our culture of cognitive, social and emotional support, and make learning fun by connecting through humor, music and pop culture.
In my free time I enjoy cycling, hiking, kayaking and working out as well as playing piano and guitar and singing.
Sangeetha Jose
Academic and Cognitive Program Teacher
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Having been born and raised in Dubai, I had the privilege of experiencing different forms of teaching and learning. However, as time flew, I realized that I am a visual and a creative learner. This was a challenge as most school follow a traditional system of teaching that forces learners to follow a norm rather than exploring their learning styles. I’m glad to join Eaton Arrowsmith program as they give me an opportunity to learn and experience cognitive minds and how our brain renders information differently also, a platform to use my creativity in making teaching fun and colorful. Unlike the traditional norms that we’ve been following.
In my free time I like to listen to music, go to gym, explore different places with my friends, and cook different recipes. One of my goals is to relearn drums and violin, and to ride a motorbike.
Taylor Pilgrim
Office Manager
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The brain has always been an interest of mine so the opportunity to work at Eaton Arrowsmith is truly exciting. I’m thrilled to be joining EAS as Vancouver’s Office Manager/Administrative Assistant. I grew up in Halifax where I earned a BSc in Psychology. Vancouver has been home to me since 2018 when I came here to pursue more creative endeavors by attending Vancouver Film School screenwriting program. Writing is a great passion of mine and I love creating stories in all forms. I feel very lucky to have been able to explore different paths in my education and career. Ultimately, my love for learning lead me here and I’m incredibly grateful!
I may appear shy but chat with me about movies/TV or ask about my cat and I will talk your ear off!