Our Team.
We have carefully selected our team of interventionists to ensure that your child will have a positive learning experience with an expert in their field. Our team has the skills to both teach and grow your child's confidence as a learner. Find out more about each one and select which interventionist best fits your child's personality and needs. We will recommend a good fit for your child after initial testing is completed.
About
My name is Leanne Bachinsky.
Reading Interventionist
Leanne Bachinsky, a professional educator, with over 15 years of experience in the classroom, has been supporting students in the primary grades for most of her career. Her passion is working with children, from very young to older students, finding creative and interactive ways to effectively help them meet their potential. She is positive, caring, engaging and will be able to help your child to grow and develop in the areas of numeracy and literacy. Leanne has completed the Orton-Gillingham Science of Reading training that uses a multi-sensory approach to teaching the child to read, spell and write. This approach will give your child a much needed foundation to literacy skills that will help them in the classroom and in their daily life as a reader and writer. Her areas of expertise and training have given her the skills to provide intervention in the area of reading (with a focus on children ages 5-8 but can support students in language arts up to grade 6). Leanne is also a busy mom to two active teenage boys and enjoys her time outside going for walks with their new puppy. Leanne's passion for learning and connecting are unparalleled and we are thrilled to have her join the Bloom Learning team as we expand to better serve GP and area's educational needs.
About
My name is Jen Rogan.
Math Interventionist
With over 20 years of experience as an elementary classroom teacher, Jen is dedicated to creating learning environments where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to succeed. She strongly believes in building meaningful relationships with her students, meeting them where they are, and adapting instruction to their individual strengths and needs.
Jen loves teaching mathematics and has spent a lot of time throughout her career pursuing continued professional development in this field, particularly in the principles of Building Thinking Classrooms and, more recently, STEM learning tasks. Her favorite part of teaching mathematics is witnessing the spark of excitement when a concept clicks for a child. This joy fuels her passion for helping students build confidence and develop a lasting love for learning.
Jen grew up in Grande Prairie and still calls it home. Outside of school, she enjoys walking and enjoying coffee outdoors with friends, reading a good book, spending time at the lake with family, or travelling for the next big concert.
About
My name is Jenn Thompson.
Math/Stem Interventionist
With 17 years of experience as a teacher and school administrator, Jenn brings both heart and expertise to her work with children. Her background includes roles as principal, assistant principal, classroom teacher and she is know for creating inclusive learning spaces where children feel safe, supported and inspired to succeed.
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Jenn has a special passion for helping students build confidence in math by making the learning both meaningful and accessible. She believes every child has the potential to grow when given the right tools, encouragement, and a little fun along the way.
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Outside of work, you can find her spending her time with her big, blended family, exploring creative projects and dreaming up STEM camps that spark curiosity and joy.
About
My name is Jessica Lavallee.
Pre-Kindergarten Program Director
With eleven years of experience in Early Childhood Services, Jessica Lavallee brings Early Childhood Education knowledge, passion, and a commitment to inclusive learning and trauma-informed care. An Alberta-certified ECE, Jessica shares early learning knowledge with her school-based Junior Kindergarten students and families, and with school districts' staff through professional development presentations. In 2023, Jessica received the County of GP Rotary Club’s Excellence in Education, Service Above Self award.
As a proud AECEA and Outdoor Play Canada member, and ten years of leading early learning programs, Jessica prides herself on keeping up with current, data-driven practices in Early Learning Care. She is thrilled to share the magic that can be created for future readers through early literacy programs with Bloom Learning GP!
When not sharing time with Littles, Jessica loves adventuring with her adult children, husband, and dogs in the great outdoors! ATVing, trail running, paddle boarding, skiing, and snowshoeing are some of her favorite hobbies.
About
My name is Rhonda Carroll.
Reading Interventionist
I have been honored to guide children on their educational journeys for the past 13 years, believing wholeheartedly that learning should be enjoyable and engaging. I constantly seek ways to ignite joy and captivate young minds in the world of discovery.
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Each learner arrives with their own unique talents and my mission is to help them bloom. My passion lies in laying the foundational building blocks for reading readiness, ensuring I address the distinct needs of each child. Every young mind harbors unique learning abilities, and I am devoted to nurturing young learners with these essential tools, fostering growth in every child. I am committed to helping each child realize their potential, thrive, and embrace the joy of reading. Witnessing the sparkle in a child's eye as they read their first book is truly a magical experience.
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Together, with my husband, we have raised two sons and have called Grande Prairie home for nearly 30 years. I find joy in the company of family and friends, indulging in the art of crafting and nature walks with my trusty chocolate lab.
About
My name is Kirsten Clark.
High School Interventionist
An experienced educator with over ten years in the field, Kirsten has taught at both the K-12 and post-secondary levels. From English and social studies to courses on remedial math and reading, language and literacy, child development and beyond, being a reflective lifelong learner, using evidence-based pedagogy to create rigor, and nurturing
strong relationships are at the core of her teaching philosophy.
Kirsten is passionate about reading, writing, and all things literacy, and recently completed a Certificate in Teacher Librarianship from the University of British Columbia. She has a bright pink Little Free Library in her front yard, runs a local chapter of Silent Book Club, and is a traditionally published author.
Outside of work, Kirsten keeps busy volunteering on various boards, washing hockey jerseys, and baking chocolate cake while listening to podcasts. She lives in Beaverlodge with her husband and two children, who keep her on her toes.
About
My name is Ashlee Scheller.
Reading Interventionist
Ashlee Scheller brings 12 years of experience in elementary education as a classroom teacher, with a strong focus on building meaningful connections with her students. She believes that fostering these relationships is essential for effective learning. Understanding that students with diverse learning needs approach education in various ways, she is committed to creating an environment where all students—regardless of neurodiversity—feel supported, safe, and encouraged to take the risks necessary for growth.
Dedicated to continuous professional development, Ashlee is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in Structured Literacy and Reading Science to enhance literacy support in the Grande Prairie community.
Outside of her professional life, Ashlee is a wife and mother to a wonderful blended family. She enjoys spending her leisure time at the lake or in the mountains and treasures the simple pleasures of a warm cup of coffee and the sound of her children’s laughter during board game nights.
About
My name is Sheila Petteplace.
Reading and Math Interventionist
Sheila Petteplace has been a professional educator for the past 24 years. Her most recent role was teaching grade 2, where she learned and witnessed great success with UFLI and Heggerty. She spent over a decade in grades 5 and 6 classrooms, and before that, she was fortunate to be an AISI math specialist and delivered math innovations. She applied a lot of this intensive training and research on how young brains learn math to such a variety of learners.
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Sheila loves the outdoors in any season and is a Level 1 Cross Country Ski instructor. She also loves being on her downhill skis or behind a boat knee boarding. She adores her husband and the adventures they get up to while travelling and enjoys it when her two grown children can join.
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Sheila's favourite part in all her experiences is when students' eyes light up, and they internalize their understanding and skills. Her heart swells when confidence blooms in any child, especially if that child struggles in an area or finds school hard.
About
My name is Lindy Bradford.
Math Interventionist
With over twelve years of educational experience, Lindy brings knowledge and skills that will be
an asset to Bloom Learning Centre. She has years of experience working with younger students
supporting literacy, math and speech. She also has worked with students in the High School
setting by providing alternative learning paths and opportunities for students of all learning
styles. Lindy understands the importance of reaching individual success of all students based
on their skills and abilities.
Lindy’s educational philosophy is centered around working with students to help them learn,
grow and succeed in their education. She believes in supporting the whole child and uses her
strong relationship skills to build foundations of trust and respect with those she supports.
Lindy’s caring nature, love for learning and ability to support is contagious to those she
supports.
In her spare time, Lindy enjoys being active, through walking, paddleboarding and being
outdoors. She also loves to read and shop.
About
My name is Tanya Ferner.
Reading Interventionist
With 10 years of experience in small group and one-on-one reading intervention, Tanya Ferner is a dedicated professional passionate about helping children unlock their full potential in literacy. She has specialized training in a variety of evidence-based reading intervention programs, including Levelled Literacy Intervention (LLI), Code Breakers, Toe by Toe, Vault Into Reading, and Precision Reading. Tanya is skilled in guiding students through decoding strategies, building phonemic awareness, and enhancing fluency and comprehension.
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Throughout her career, Tanya has worked with a diverse range of students, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), providing individualized support and fostering a love of reading. She thrives on the connections she builds with students and takes immense pride in celebrating their progress, no matter how big or small. As an avid reader herself, Tanya is deeply committed to setting children up for success and creating a nurturing environment where each child can experience the joy of learning.
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Tanya has lived in Grande Prairie for 17 years with her husband and their three beautiful daughters. With her youngest daughter graduating in June 2024, Tanya is now excited to dedicate more time to helping others. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time with her family, dogs, and friends. Tanya loves to read, hike, and finger knit warm blankets, and is blessed and grateful for what life has to throw her way!
About
My name is Glenda Birnie-Browne.
Reading Interventionist
My name is Glenda Birnie-Browne and have been working with students now for over 14 years. I have worked with many children on a one-on-one basis as well as in a group setting as a reading interventionist/reading support. I have been trained on the usage of multitudes of different reading interventions. This ensures that I have a broad skillset to approach each individual child and ensure that I am able to access the tools that will help them specifically. I have over a decade of supporting struggling readers through a gentle and positive approach. I am confident that I will be able to help support the learners at Bloom Learning. It is incredibly gratifying to be able to help the kids with their struggles and to see the improvements they make - sharing in that new growth and excitement.
Glenda was raised close to Grande Prairie and have lived here with her husband and three grown children for over 40 years. Her hobbies include working in the yard, gardening, camping, and quadding. She enjoys time with my family and friends most.
About
My name is Sarah Bombardir.
Reading Interventionist
Sarah is an educator with multiple years of teaching and intervention experience. While completing her Bachelor of Education, she worked as an online tutor, supporting students across North America with reading and writing. Her areas of expertise are writing and reading support, and she has recently found a passion for supporting EAL (English as an Additional Language) learners. Throughout her career, she has taught in classrooms ranging from primary to middle school and enjoys the differences and qualities that different grades bring. During her most recent role teaching grade two, she facilitated lessons using up to date science of reading programs and feels passionate about how these programs assist in speaking, reading, and writing English.
Her love of helping children as they learn to read has been supported through her completion of a graduate certificate in teacher librarianship, as well as attending various workshops to deepen her understanding of the reading process. As she continues her professional development, Sarah was recently accepted into a Master of School Counselling program. She has aspirations to support students holistically so they can feel their best and be prepared for learning each day.
Outside of her professional life, Sarah can be found baking new treats in her kitchen, travelling, reading, or writing. She is eager to support the Grande Prairie community with Bloom Learning and is excited to help students gain confidence and foster a love for reading and writing.
About
My name is Lisa Airth.
Math Interventionist
Lisa Airth is a teacher with 5 years of classroom experience and is passionate about helping students build true confidence in math. As someone who struggled with math growing up, she understands how overwhelming it can feel and how quickly students can fall into the mindset of, "I just can't do this!" Becoming a teacher gave her the opportunity to change that narrative for other students. She believes in creating a space where students feel free to ask questions, make mistakes and grow from them - academically but personally as well in a safe environment.
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Her greatest reward is watching a students' confidence grow and bloom as they begin to truly understand the material and genuinely begin to believe in their own abilities.
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Outside of teaching, Lisa enjoys spending time with her spouse, bonus kids and their dog. They love kayaking, camping and playing games together.
About
My name is Ashley Sakundiak.
Reading and Math Interventionist
Ashley has a range of education and experience starting with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences from The King's University in Edmonton. Following this she was eager for more and attended the University of Alberta to study pre-requisite courses for a Masters of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology. With a
desire to start working with children and a passion for communication and education she took a job as a full time educational assistant in Grande Prairie. This position provided her with ample opportunities to work one on one with students
and facilitate small group lessons. She worked alongside a speech language assistant facilitating speech programs tailored to individual students' needs. Her time spent as an EA has led her to pursue a Bachelor of Education after-degree. She is currently
enrolled in the TEN program at Northwestern Polytechnic and has been actively working for two school districts as a classroom supervisor.
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While Ashley is originally from Vermilion she now resides in Sexsmith with her husband and is enjoying making this place home. She enjoys camping, coffee, being outdoors, crafting, reading and board games with friends and family.
She is looking forward to supporting children through Bloom Learning Center by providing them with tools tailored to their needs to develop skills that will help them flourish in and out of the classroom.
