CMSD82 2025-2026 Leadership Staffing News Release (PDF News Release)

Coast Mountains School District wishes to announce the following leadership staffing changes for the 2025-2026 school year:

Erika Barton
Currently a Teacher Librarian at Cassie Hall Elementary School, Erika is appointed to the position of Principal at Cassie Hall Elementary School effective August 1, 2025.  Erika holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of British Columbia and a Post-Graduate Teacher Librarian certificate from Queen’s University.  Her experience includes teaching and supporting teachers with instructional and assessment strategies in literacy and numeracy for all learners, including those from diverse and rich cultural backgrounds.  Erika’s knowledge of the community, students and families, and her dedication and reputation as a team player and relationships builder will serve Cassie Hall Elementary School very well. 

Kendra LeBlond
Currently a Kindergarten/Grade 1 Teacher at Cassie Hall Elementary School, Kendra is appointed to the position of Vice Principal at Cassie Hall Elementary School effective August 1, 2025.  Kendra holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Northern British Columbia including a Special Education Program certificate from Queens University.  An outstanding primary educator, she is passionate about creating new ways so that all children can become successful learners by implementing innovative ideas, embracing a vibrant, culturally rich environment and community while fostering creativity.  Her knowledge and passion for early learners make this appointment a very good fit.

Toni Craig
Joining Coast Mountain School District from Alberta, Toni is appointed to the position of Vice Principal at Caledonia Secondary School effective August 1, 2025.  Toni holds a Master of Education degree from the University of Lethbridge and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta.  She has gained comprehensive experience throughout her career in K-12 public education with a robust background in teaching along with school administrative experience.  Toni’s philosophy centres on a holistic approach to education and leadership, emphasizing collaborative problem-solving, viewing challenges as opportunities and recognizing the importance of building strong relations for achieving success.  She will make a great addition to the Caledonia Secondary leadership team.

Matthew Lowndes
Currently a Classroom Teacher at Caledonia Secondary School, Matthew is appointed to the position of Vice Principal at Caledonia Secondary School effective August 1, 2025.  Matthew holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Thompson Rivers University, a Bachor of Education degree from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Education degree from Vancouver Island University.  He is a dedicated, community minded educator and a strong advocate with a deep commitment to the success of all learners.  Matthew is an avid supporter of youth activities in Terrace which will serve the community of Caledonia Secondary well. 

Joe Dominguez
Currently a Vice Principal of Caledonia Secondary School and the Administrator for the school district’s International Student Program, Joe is appointed to the full-time position of Administrator for Coast Mountains’ International Student Program effective August 1, 2025 as part of the school district’s continued focus and investment in this program.  Joe’s passion, dedication and focus will bring continued great benefits for the International Student Program.

Shelley Klassen
Currently a Classroom Teacher at Skeena Middle School, Shelley is appointed to the position of Vice Principal at Skeena Middle School effective August 1, 2025.   Shelley holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of British Columbia.  She is a team player and a strong passionate advocate for success for all learners.  Shelley’s knowledge of Skeena Middle School students and families, and her reputation as an outstanding educator with a deep commitment to the success of all learners, will serve Skeena Middle School well.

Kate Doane
Currently a Classroom Teacher at Thornhill Elementary School, Kate is appointed to the position of Vice Principal at Thornhill Elementary School effective August 1, 2025.  Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Ontario and Master of Teaching degree from Griffith University in Australia and a Post-Graduate certification in Mathematics Education from Queen’s University.  She is an experienced and respected educator with a thorough knowledge of instructional and assessment strategies for all learners, including those from diverse and rich cultural backgrounds.  Kate’s dedication and passion in improving learning success for all learners will have a continued positive difference for all students at Thornhill Elementary School.

Cori Boguski
Currently a Classroom Teacher at Nechako Elementary School, Cori is appointed to the position of Vice Principal at Nechako Elementary School effective August 1, 2025.  Cori holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Victoria and a teaching certification from Simon Fraser University.  She is an exceptional educator who brings a wealth of experience with 29 years of teaching experience and various teaching assignments.  She is passionate about the success for all learners and brings great insight, leadership and commitment to making a continued positive difference for all students at Nechako Elementary School.

Sarah Willan
Currently an Inclusive Education Teacher at Majagaleehl Gali Aks Elementary School, Sarah is appointed to the position of Vice Principal at Majagaleehl Gali Aks Elementary School effective August 1, 2025.  Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Bachelor of Education degree, and a Master of Special Education degree from the University of Northern British Columbia.  She is highly regarded by her colleagues as a dynamic and innovative teacher, and her work has always been characterized by an emphasis on putting students first, teamwork and building positive relationships with students, parents, staff and the community.  Sarah has a deep respect for diverse cultures and is passionate about making a difference in the lives of all learners.

Ryan McCann
Currently a Classroom Teacher at Hazelton Secondary School, Ryan is appointed to the position of Vice Principal at Hazelton Secondary School effective August 1, 2025.  Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Bachelor of Education degree from Queen’s University.  He is currently completing his Professional Master of Education degree from Queen’s University.  Ryan is a remarkable secondary teacher who has a reputation for working tirelessly to make secondary school a positive experience for all learners.  Hazelton Secondary School will continue to benefit from his secondary teaching experience, energy, sense of humour and a strong commitment to success for all learners.

Alysha O’Brien
Currently an Inclusive Education Teacher at Hazelton Secondary School, Alysha is appointed to the position of Vice Principal at Hazelton Secondary School effective August 1, 2025.  Alysha holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Thompson Rivers University, a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Northern British Columbia and a Special Education certificate from Queen’s University.  Alysha is an outstanding teacher, born and raised in Hazelton, Alysha, herself is of Gitxsan ancestry, has a deep respect for diverse cultures and is passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people.  An experienced secondary educator at Hazelton Secondary School, she brings strong connections to students and families with a deep commitment to the success of all learners.

Taylor Murrell
Currently a Vice Principal of Hazelton Secondary School, Taylor is appointed to the position of Vice Principal at New Hazelton Elementary School effective August 1, 2025.  Taylor holds a Bachelor of Education Degree from Burman University and an English Language Learner Program Specialist certificate from Queen’s University.  Next month, she will graduate with a Master of Education in Literacy Education from Queen’s University.  Taylor has been an exceptional addition to the Hazelton Secondary School Team, playing a key role in the school’s programming including several initiatives.  New Hazelton Elementary School will benefit tremendously from having an educator with the experience and enthusiasm that Taylor will bring to the Vice Principal role.

Congratulations and our best wishes are extended for every success on your appointments!

Sincerely,

Tracey MacMillan
Superintendent of Schools