Teachers
Mikala Abbott
Teacher
I have been an English Language Arts teacher at St. Pat's since 2020. I have my Bachelors of Arts and Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta. I love living in Yellowknife and working with the vibrant and dynamic students at St. Pat's, and I am excited to continue to learn and grow with them!
Rayna Brands
Teacher
Hello! I began teaching at ESPHS in 2020 and I have loved every minute of it! Originally, I am from Vancouver but have chosen the North as I love winter and the wonderful sense of community. After I got my Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology, I spent a lot of time travelling and working before getting my Bachelor of Education in Secondary Science Education from the University of British Columbia. Usually, if I am not working, I am researching for my next travel adventure or at the gym.
Kali Brasseur
Teacher
My name is Kali Brasseur, and I am the head of the Math Department and a math teacher at Ecole St. Patrick High School. I graduated from St. Pat's in 2006, and began working here in 2012 after I earned my degrees in Mathematics and Education from the University of Alberta. I have two daughters, Sophie (age 6) and Addie (age 3), and a dog named Tango (age 7). This semester I'm teaching Math 10-C, Math 20 & 30 Pre-Calculus, and Math 31 (Calculus). I love working with students to help them to develop their problem solving skills, and to become more confident in their own mathematical abilities. Outside of school, I enjoy reading and weightlifting. The book that I've enjoyed the most so far in 2021 is Piranesi by Susanna Clarke.
Keneisha Buddoo
Teacher
I hail from the country of Bob Marley and the fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt. 🇯🇲. This is my first year at ESPS, but my 16th year in Education. This year, I am teaching Grade 8 ELA, English 20-1 & 20-2. Other Fun Facts: -I taught for 3 years in Nunavut; -I have a Masters in Education from FIU; -I am working on Publishing a Book; -I have a 3-year-old; -I am a Restauranteur; -I am a cool cat, but I'm allergic to cats! 😎
Chelsea Cameron
Teacher
I joined the St. Pat’s Irish family in 2019. I teach English Language Arts and occasionally Social Studies. I received both my Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees at Saint Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia. In my undergrad, I majored in Celtic studies and minored in Fine Arts. Through my education degree, I was able to train as a middle school teacher. Since graduating I have enjoyed teaching a range of classes including middle school ages. When not in the classroom I enjoy arts and crafts, gardening, kayaking, reading folklore, and brushing up on my Scottish Gaelic language skills.
Thea Campbell
Teacher
I began teaching at ESPHS in 2000, after teaching for three years in Nova Scotia. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Canadian History from St. Francis Xavier University and a Bachelor of Education from Mount Allison University. I teach all Social Studies courses and some English Language Arts. Outside of school time, I enjoy running, cooking, baking, playing bagpipes, and ferrying my daughter to activities.
Tina Crapeau
Teacher
Damien Frelat
I am Damien Frelat, and I have recently joined the French Immersion teaching staff at Yellowknife Catholic Schools (YCS). While I am new to the YCS family, I am not new to teaching. I come from the France’s education system, where I have taught for 11 years. I made Canada and Yellowknife my home a year ago and am truly looking forward to contributing positively to our community.
Sara George
Teacher
Hi St Pats... I am an internationally experienced Chemistry and Science teacher. I completed a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science in Chemistry and Bachelor of Education from the University of Kerala, India and taught for eight years in public schools in the Middle East. I would like to call myself a life-long learner. In June 2022, I completed Master of Educational Leadership and Administration from Brock University, Ontario. Moreover, I worked as a part-time teaching assistant at Brock University. My academic and professional life in India, Middle East and Canada helped me develop deep intercultural awareness and sensitivity and I am excited to be part of the vibrant St Pats community!
Rob Hart
Teacher
I have taught at St. Patrick High School since the 1997-98 school year but was also a student at St. Pat's! I graduated in 1989 and completed my Bachelor of Arts (Political Science/History) and Bachelor of Education (English/Social Studies) at the University of Alberta. I have three children and all of them have graduated from St. Pat's. My eldest works at St. Pat's and my younger two currently attend the University of Alberta. My wife is also a teacher with Yellowknife Catholic Schools and teaches English at Ecole St. Joseph School. I love literature and being able to teach it at my old high school was a dream come true. I have also had the opportunity to coach many different sports teams at St. Pat's and in the community. I love it!
Kelly Janes
Teacher
This is my twenty-ninth year teaching; twenty-three of which have been in Yellowknife. (Not sure how that's possible since I'm only 35!) I came here from Nova Scotia on a two-year plan but fell in love with the North. Over the years, I have taught a variety of grade levels and subjects, my favourite being grade eight English Language Arts. I am currently a Literacy Support Teacher and librarian. I spend the majority of my days with nine English Language Arts classes. I am one of the staff advisors for our school's Best Buddies Chapter (http://bestbuddies.ca/). Let me know if you'd like to learn more about our amazing group.
Santhosh John
Teacher
I Completed Master of Science in Physics (2001) and Bachelor of Education (2002) from the University of Kerala, India. Have 17 years of teaching experience in Qatar and in India handling lessons in Physics, Mechanics and in Mathematics. I Have experience in various Physics curricula, including Cambridge AS & IGCSE, CBSE and in IB. Created multicultural lesson plans incorporating technology into the classroom. Implemented a variety of teaching tools to accommodate all learning styles including multimedia and multi-dimensional curriculum. I always work for fostering a positive and safe learning atmosphere. I am thrilled to share my enthusiasm and energy for these subjects with students of St. Pats!
Sam Paquet
Teacher
I was born in Saint John, N.B. I teach grade 8 French Immersion and grades 10, 11 & 12 Religion. I arrived in Yellowknife in August of 2019 after spending 25 year teaching French Second Language in Ottawa, Ontario and French prior to that for 6 years in the Maritimes. My educational training can be found on the Ontario College of Teachers Website under Samuel Joseph Paquet. I enjoy weekly Lectio Divina style book studies on meditation. I also enjoy cooking, canoeing, travelling and self-rejuvenating by spending my summers by the ocean in PEI.
Greg Poile
Foods Teacher
In my first career, I was a Journeyman Chef, working mostly in Lethbridge and Edmonton. When I found I was tired of slaving away over a hot stove, I decided to go to university to find a new career. I graduated from the University of Lethbridge in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science (Biology, Chemistry and Geography) and a Bachelor of Education (Science Education). I secured my first teaching position that fall at ESFCHS/AHSFA in Okotoks, Alberta where I was the Foods teacher and head chef. I stayed there for the next 23 years. I then went looking for my next teaching position and found St. Pat’s was willing to hire me, so I moved to Yellowknife last year and had so much fun that I’m back again this year. I look forward to making more fun, happy memories this year.
Jacquie Pollard
I began teaching at ESPHS in the fall of 2020, after teaching middle school for many years in Alberta. I attended the University of Alberta where I received my Bachelor of Education Degree in 1998. Currently I teach English, some Social Studies and ELA for our K&E students. Moving to the North has been a pretty cool experience for myself and my family, even though our son stayed in Alberta to go to school and work! Finding new trails to hike, getting out fishing or boating or just heading off to school or my daughter's sports take up my extra time outside of school. I love to read, have learned how to bead, enjoy music and singing, as well as anything outdoorsy :-) St. Pat's is a great family to be part of and I am proud to be here supporting your kids.
Thana Rahim
Born in Iraq, I embarked on a Journey of academic and professional growth that has shaped my life's purpose. I obtained a Bachelor of Education from Brook University and completed my second Master's degree in Physics at Queen's University. I have been teaching at St. Pat's since 2006, sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm for Physics with students. I also love cooking and love making jewellery.
John Roche
Teacher
Hello! My name is John Roche. I'm originally from Déline, NT. It's on the shores of Great Bear Lake and is the place I grew up. I always love going back home to visit and see family. I now consider Yellowknife another home as I attended St. Pats as a student from 2014-2017. I completed my Bachelor of Education at the University of Alberta in 2022 and began teaching here last school year. I love being back as a teacher and working with the students each and every day. In my free time I play and watch basketball, alongside many other sports such as soccer and volleyball. Additionally I enjoy fishing and always miss catching big trout on Great Bear Lake! I have been teaching Mathematics primarily here at St. Pats. I enjoy the challenge of making math accessible to all learners and hope to continue learning from our students!
Emma Smith
Teacher
This is my 14th year at St. Pat's where I teach Drama, Visual Art, and lots of other things in between, including English, Social Studies, Religion, and Health. If you are looking for me at the school, you can usually find me in the Art Room or the Drama Room. The student groups I advise are: L.I.F.E. Group (Lived Inclusion for Everyone), - which supports and creates a safe space for LGBTIQ+ students and allies Green Team - the student-led environmental activism group which is mainly headed by Ms. Colpitts Grad Council - the meetings are in my room, but really Mr. Wong and the students do most of the work! As always, if students are looking for COM hours, there are always various Art & Drama jobs to be done at the school, so just come see me. This year's Drama Production is Mean Girls Jr.! The Cast are hard at work learning lines, songs, choreography, while the Crew is designing and painting sets, creating and finding props, and organizing the costumes. The show will be December 14, 15, and 16 at the Northern Arts & Cultural Centre. We are pleased to announce that we have teamed up with the Parcel of Rogues and the Nutcracker to offer a Matinee package deal where you can see the Matinees for all 3 shows for a discounted price of $54! Tickets will be on sale soon at nacc.nt.ca - get yours before they sell out! Here's to another great year! - Ms. Smith
Stephanie Sorowka
Hello Bonjour Komodo hoizi! I began teaching here at St. Pat's in 2022 with a focus in Math, Science, and Core French. Before landing here I've coast to coast and across the seas, being born in Ontario, raised in California, attending high school in New Hampshire, university in Nova Scotia (St. FX B.Sc. Environmental Sciences with Biology), study abroad in Japan, my bachelor of education in Newfoundland (B.Ed Memorial University), teaching internship in Guatemala, post-degree internship in Vietnam, and the start to my teaching career in a Little Red River Cree Nation in northern Alberta. You may see me and my partner around town on our bikes, with our dogs at Tin Can, on the water in a variety of vessels, skiing or kicksledding in the winter, or volunteering at NACC. Feel free to reach out and say hi!
Tobi TaylorDusome
Teacher
Loralea Wark
I have been a teacher at St. Pat's since 2001, when I graduated from Brandon University with my B.Ed (AD); my first degree is a BA with a major in History and a double-minor in English and Psychology. I am the Social Studies Department Head, and teach mostly Social Studies courses with a few English classes thrown in for some variety. I also teach Canadian War History in alternating school years, and that course always culminates in a school trip to the Canadian battlefields in France and Belgium. If this learning and travel opportunity is something that interests you, please contact me for further information!
John White
Teacher
I was born and raised in Yellowknife after moving here from Edzo at a young age. I graduated from St. Pat’s and decided to come back after receiving my B.Ed. from the University of Lethbridge to teach ELA. After teaching English and Northern Studies for three years, I am now the Leadership and Resiliency Facilitator. When I’m not at the school I can usually be found at the rink, ball diamond, hunting or fishing on the big lake or walking my dog, Pippin. This is my fourth year teaching at St. Pat’s and I’m extremely happy to have the opportunity to return and contribute to my community. Hopefully that will include being on the land with students and winning a couple more Challenge Cups!
Amy Wilkinson
Teacher
My name is Amy Wilkinson, and I am in my fifth year of working in the ESPHS Learning Centre. I grew up in Russell, Manitoba, and completed my Bachelor of Education (BEd) and Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) at Brandon University. I arrived in Yellowknife nearly 20 years ago for my final student teaching placement at ESPHS. After a couple of years as a substitute, and a handful of years at Weledeh and St. Joe's, I happily joined the Grade 8 wing at ESPHS. Then the opportunity of the Learning Centre came my way. I am so grateful to work with our Irish students to set and reach academic and personal goals, and look ahead to next steps after high school. Building relationships in a safe and supportive environment is at the forefront of what I do every day, and maintaining those connections even after students leave is incredibly important to me. I enjoy any opportunity to listen and learn about the people of the North, and love mitt-making in my spare time. Please see me in the Learning Centre if you need anything - I look forward to meeting and working with you! Nexè nezı̨ hǫɂa nı̨de - have a nice day!
Paisley Wood
My name is Paisley Wood and I am originally from Ontario but have traveled and lived around the world. I am excited to be calling Yellowknife home this year and getting to enjoy everything the North has to offer. I am astounded by the beautiful nature I will be able to explore and the people I will meet. I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies, History, and French from Wilfrid Laurier University. I then obtained my Bachelor of Education from the University of New Brunswick. I am passionate about learning new languages, travelling, and reading. I have had the privilege of exploring and living in places such as South Korea, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Brazil, and most of the east coast of Canada. I am so excited to be joining the St. Pats community this year. I am teaching a mixture of English, Social Studies, and Religion courses. I am extremely passionate about the arts and encourage students to get involved where they can. I try to integrate this love of the arts into my classroom as often as I can in order to encourage creativity and freedom within my students! I look forward to the challenges and opportunities the school year brings and look forward to learning together!
Chanese Nakoyak
Community Liaison
Born and raised in Yellowknife, with family roots in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. I enjoy spending time outdoors, being with family, and watching classic 90s movies.
Shelby Pellerin
Student Wellness Mentor
Hi everyone, my name is Shelby Pellerin (Ms. Shelby) and I am the new Student Wellness Mentor! I recently moved from C.F.B. Shilo, Manitoba to Yellowknife as of December 2024. I am a military spouse as my husband serves with the Canadian Armed Forces; Yellowknife has always been a dream posting choice across the country. For the past decade, I have completed post-secondary studies for a Bachelor of Science (Psychology Major and Biology Minor) and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology; I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor (C.C.C.) through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). Mental health is a significant passion of mine – I have experience working on the Klinic Crisis Line, Manitoba Suicide Line, and on a peer support team for first responders & frontline workers called Project Resilience 911 (PR911). A few fun facts about me: I love Zumba dancing, socializing with friends, and listening to hip-hop & rap music!
Kali Brasseur
Teacher
I’m Kali Brasseur, I have taught math at ESPHS since 2012. I graduated from St. Pat’s in 2006, and earned both my Bachelor’s in Mathematics as well as in Education from the University of Alberta. In 2023 I completed my Master’s in Mathematics Education with Western University. I have two daughters who attend St. Joe’s, and in my spare time I enjoy reading, training in the weight room, and playing squash. I love solving math/logic puzzles and playing board games. St. Pat’s has been an important place to me all of my life, and I’m grateful for the chance to contribute to the school community.