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 Cameron MacMillan.
Math Interventionist
With 17 years of experience in education, I bring a deep passion for inclusive education and a commitment to supporting all students. I believe every child has the potential to learn and grow, and it is the teacher’s role to create the conditions for their success. My approach centers on understanding each child’s unique needs and fostering an environment where every learner feels valued and empowered.
I live in Grande Prairie with my wife, Jodi, son, Dominic and our dog, Da Vinci as well as two grown children in Edmonton. I spend a lot of time at the lake with my family, and am a sports fanatic, especially when it comes to my Edmonton Oilers. I have coached multiple sports including soccer, basketball, track and field and minor baseball which has taught me many lessons on supporting children as well.
I am dedicated to making a difference in the lives of students, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
About
My name is Erika Walsh.
Reading Interventionist
Erika Walsh has dedicated 17 years to the field of education, bringing a wealth of diverse experiences to her roles. Throughout her career, she has taught various primary and elementary grades, served as an Inclusive Education Coach for a school division, and worked as an Inclusive Education Coordinator within a school. Erika has also been an integral part of a school administration team, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments.
She has gained extensive expertise by training in the Empower Reading program which focuses on fundamentals of reading intervention.
Erika firmly believes that every student has the right to a quality education and that a positive connection to learning is key to unlocking each student’s potential. With a passion for literacy, she strives to create impactful lessons that help students build strong foundational skills and develop a lifelong love of learning. Her dedication to supporting students in strengthening their literacy skills and cultivating productive work habits drives her commitment to educational excellence.
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 Deanna Konno.
Math Interventionist
Dee is an experienced educator with 10 years of teaching in both elementary and senior high school settings. Throughout her career, she has developed a deep passion for supporting students with learning disabilities, ADHD and autism, always striving to create inclusive and accessible learning environments. In the year prior to her maternity leave, Dee discovered her niche in the inclusive education realm and is eager to continue working with neurodiverse learners, helping them to reach their full potential.
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As a mother of 2 young children under three, Dee's professional journey is deeply motivated by the desire to provide her own children with a future where diversity is valued and all abilities are recognized. The challenges of balancing motherhood with her work have only strengthened her commitment to inclusive education. Dee hopes to build a world where both her children and all students can grow up in an environment that nurtures their unique strengths and offers them opportunities to thrive.
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!
