Mary-Susan thrives in a fast-paced work environment where each day offers a different challenge. A seasoned Executive Assistant with over 30 years’ experience, she is passionate about delivering exceptional customer and client service. Over the years, she has been actively involved in volunteer work taking her to Guatemala and Cambodia and closer to home, volunteering with Make-A-Wish.
In her off-time, Mary-Susan enjoys reading, camping and exploring new coastlines.
Margo Langille: Oxford Campus Administrative Assistant, School Receptionist
I began working at Armbrae September of 2007. Our son had just started Primary and our youngest daughter was in Grade 3 - both at Armbrae Academy. At that time, my
husband, Jamie Langille, was a teacher at Armbrae - so joining the team was in fact more like an extension of our family. Over the years, I have worked in the Preschool, as a dedicated Primary Supervisor, and as an assistant to the Administrative Assistant. In 2014, I took over the Administrative Assistant position full-time. I have made incredible friends here at Armbrae, in both the faculty and the parents, and have watched with pride as children whose shoes I once tied in the Lower School have grown to do amazing things in the Middle and Upper School and then graduate and take on the world. What a gift it has been to work in such a vital and energized community!
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Denise Smith: Upper School Administrative Assistant, Coburg Campus
Denise grew up in Dartmouth and moved across the bridge to Halifax in her early twenties. She enjoys reading, being by the ocean, and spending time in the UK - but lately has been keeping it to day trips along the coast of Nova Scotia. She studied Sociology at Saint Mary's University, then ended up changing course entirely and attending the Canadian Tourism Institute where she graduated with a diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management. She has worked in Tourism, Admissions at a post-secondary institution, a local newspaper, and most recently spent the last number of years in Finance. Denise often thought she would like to return to an educational environment - so when an opening in administration at Armbrae presented itself, she jumped at the opportunity. Since the fall of 2021, she has been assisting the Head of the Upper School at the Coburg Campus - where she loves the positive atmosphere and is really enjoying getting to know the students and staff.
Jennifer is grateful to be the second oldest of three siblings from a Dutch immigrant family that came through Pier 21 in the mid 1950's. Her mother is where her love of music, gardening and hiking originated. Jennifer's education and work experience led her to becoming part of the Armbrae family as Business Manager which she has enjoyed for the past 19 years.
Suzanne Morrison: Admissions and Marketing Director
Suzanne is a proud Cape Bretoner and even prouder Xavierian. A graduate of St. F.X. University with her Bachelor of Arts in English and Political Science, she has spent most of her career in communications. She has worked for Tourism Nova Scotia and several advertising agencies in Halifax, and spent years partnering with her sister in an event management company - Offspring Productions. Offspring produced an annual event in the HRM which was a four-day activity-driven family weekend with a large exhibition component. Suzanne has also been a partner with her husband photographer James Ingram in their production company Jive Photographic Productions for over 20 years. During this time, she became a certified Make-Up Artist to assist with the family business. Suzanne has three sons, Hogan, Redford, and North, the eldest who graduated from Armbrae in 2016. Her strong passion for the school - developed during Hogan's time at Armbrae - combined with her sales and marketing experience, make her a great fit for the role of Admissions and Marketing Director at Armbra. Responsible for the popular quotes on the Armbrae sign, her motto is "Do what you love, love what you do."
Stephen (Steve) Clarke began his Headship on July 1, 2019, joining Armbrae from Ridley College in St. Catharines, Ontario, where he was most recently Deputy Headmaster and Head of Lower School, and where he and his wife Elizabeth (Liz) worked as educators and leaders for 20 years.
At Ridley College, Steve began as Director of Information Technology in 1999 and held increasingly broader leadership roles, focusing on school improvement and community enhancement including Curriculum Director, Head of Academics, Head of Upper School and Head of Lower School. His long list of accomplishments at Ridley include: advancing educational technology; championing professional development; guiding the launch of the globally recognized IB programme; initiating the expansion of the school from a Grade 5-12 to a JK-12 "IB Continuum School"; supporting the development of the Strategic Plan and Master Campus Plan; and shepherding upgrades and enhancements to facilities throughout school. In addition to his leadership contributions at Ridley College, Steve taught in the classroom and coached hockey, sailing and golf.
Stephen Clarke is an Ontario Certified Principal with an academic background in Biochemistry, Honours Bachelor of Science and Master of Science, and a Bachelor of Education, all from the University of Ottawa. Before joining Ridley College, Steve began his career teaching general Science, Biology, Chemistry and Math in Ontario (Ottawa) secondary schools in 1990, and he spent four years at Crestwood School (Toronto) as Director of Information Technology.
Rebecca Cornick: Director of the Foundation Years Programme
Rebecca Cornick has been the PreSchool/PrePrimary Lead Teacher and Director for the last seven years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a concentration in Psychology from Ottawa University, Qualified Teacher Status from School Centred Initial Teacher Training in England, an internationally recognized Montessori Primary Teaching Diploma from the Montessori Training Centre of British Columbia and an Early Childhood Education Certificate, Level 3, from the Nova Scotia College of Early Childhood Education.
Rebecca has lived and taught in Ottawa, South Africa, New Zealand and England. She began her career as a Montessori Teacher in 2003 in a small rural school in Cornwall, England. During this time she went back to University to obtain her teacher’s certification. With this new qualification, Rebecca expanded her teaching scope and began working as a Primary teacher in the local public elementary school where she remained for 4 years.
Rebecca returned to Canada in 2008 and soon after opened her own Montessori School in her home. She operated this for several years before she was appointed her dream position as Director of the PreSchool and PrePrimary division of Armbrae in August 2015.
Rebecca is passionate about her curriculum and enjoys the privilege of seeing the students flourish at the beginning of their journey at the school. She has a strong understanding of child development and prides herself on creating a nurturing environment with an educational flair that promotes lifelong learners.
Erin MacDonald: Early Childhood Education Diploma, Level 2
Erin grew up in Prince Edward Island where she began her career. She is a Holland College graduate (Level 2) and former Association of Early Childhood Educators Nova Scotia (AECENS) board member. She has been a proud member of the Armbrae Academy family 2017 and an Early Childhood Educator for more than twenty years. She enjoys running and playing ultimate frisbee and is the coach for the Armbrae Academy ultimate frisbee team.
Erin is passionate about play based learning and early childhood development. Her focus is on supporting positive behavioural development and helping children to form positive relationships with their peers. These principles allow Armbrae students to become strong and empathetic members of the school community. She also loves to incorporate music with her teaching.
Jaime Diaz: Early Childhood Education Diploma, Level 2
Jaime was born and raised in the Halifax area. She attended the Nova Scotia College of Early Childhood Education and graduated with level 2 qualifications. Jaime has been teaching young children, in childcare centres and private schools for the last 20 years. She has tutored elementary aged students and has implemented strategies to enhance reading comprehension.
Jaime has a keen interest in geography, travel and learning about educational philosophies from around the world. After graduation, Jaime moved to the Dominican Republic to teach English to elementary students. She is passionate about the Montessori method of education, promoting independence and teaching respect for one another and their environment. Jaime is a captivating storyteller and motivates the students to reach their full potential.
Jaime is actively involved in the school and co-runs the Spanish club. She is thrilled to be a part of the Armbrae community.
Jenny received her Bachelor’s of Science in Early Childhood Development from the University of Tennessee and completed her B.Ed. in Texas. She is currently in the Master of Education program at St. Francis Xavier University, concentrating in early elementary pedagogy. Jenny has taught in early elementary classrooms for over fifteen years. She strives to instill curiosity within her students by helping them develop a love for learning. She is particularly interested in nurturing cultural awareness and appreciation for diversity within her classroom. She believes Armbrae is a vibrant community where students can discover more about themselves, their friends, and our world.
Jenny immigrated to Canada with her partner and daughter in 2017. She has made her home in the Armbrae neighbourhood and, with her family, enjoys being part of community life. They enjoy discovering Halifax on foot and savouring cups of coffee at local cafes.
Caroline is a graduate from Wilfrid Laurier University (BA) and Nipissing University (BEd) through the combined Concurrent Education program.
Caroline has taught both Grades One and Two at Armbrae Academy, and she also runs a Book Club and STEM Club for Grades One and Two. Caroline previously taught in Armbrae’s preschool and was a teaching assistant for Primary and Grade One for two years. She has also taught in England and in public schools.
Caroline returned to Armbrae from the UK because of the Armbrae community, the small class sizes and the supportive learning environment. She is interested in early literacy, inclusive education, hands-on learning and works to apply this to her teaching.
M.Ed. in Early Elementary Pedagogy (St. FX)
Co-curricular: Amazing Shake
Before arriving at Armbrae two years ago, Charity spent almost a decade teaching for the HRCE. In that time, she taught every grade from Primary to Three, as well as Music, and spent two years as an Early Literacy Support teacher.
Charity believes that all children can accomplish great things within a caring and supportive classroom built on positive relationships. She strives to nurture students’ natural curiosity, and their innate sense of justice, by encouraging them to learn about the world around them and by bringing current events into the learning environment. She has a passion for preparing students for life after Armbrae and she channels that passion into the Amazing Shake club and middle school competition.
One of her favourite things about Armbrae is the obvious connection between students and faculty that is noticeable in everyday life throughout the school.
• Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Criminology (University of Toronto)
• Bachelor of Education (OISE, University of Toronto)
• Masters in Development Economics (Dalhousie University)
• Co-curriculars: Lower School Running Club, Ski/Snowboard Club, Math Kangaroo Club
Kevin has 19 years of experience teaching in independent and public schools, locally, nationally and internationally. He has taught a variety of courses in upper, middle and lower school levels ranging from Precalculus to Economics to Grade 6 Language Arts. At Armbrae Academy, he loves the energizing discussions with young people about important ideas. He also loves helping coach young runners, mathletes and facilitating skiing and snowboarding. Kevin is energized by the enthusiasm of young students and the critical thinking of older students. He continues to love learning while being exposed to new concepts and challenges by students, colleagues and through professional development. With a background in youth work and camp directing, he is also pleased that his current job includes occasionally strumming guitars and a lot of laughter.
Mme Jo-Anne Brown-Shimeld is a graduate of l'Université de Moncton with a B.Ed. in Preschool-Elementary Education, and at McGill University she earned a Certificate in Teaching a Second Language. She loves the outdoors and is now training to be a Forest & Nature School practitioner to help children discover the natural world around them. She grew up speaking French and English at home and is very grateful to be able to share her mother tongue with her students. She has learned so much from her experience teaching and believes children have so much to teach us. She is very excited to begin Gardening 101 with students in order to get the Armbrae vegetable gardens growing again. She has enjoyed teaching at Armbrae for 20 years because of the spirit of caring in the community and the possibilities that teaching a small class can offer.
In 2012, Dani moved to Nova Scotia from Vancouver Island to take up a teaching position at Armbrae Academy. She possesses a number of French proficiency certificates, as well as extensive training in the specialty of instructing French to young learners. Childhood summers spent on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica ignited Dani’s love of this language and culture while the time she spent teaching in the South-West of France solidified her desire to work in the classroom with children. Dani strongly believes in the importance of language learning to help us break down barriers and to make greater connections with the world around us, and she endeavours to instil this mindset in each of her students. These days, along with her partner, Dani calls Halifax home, and they spend their free time renovating their old house or hiking with their dogs.
• 2010 Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies, Major in Architecture - Cooperative Program. Dalhousie University, Canada.
• 2004 DEA (graduate degree) in Interior Architecture with honours. Lebanese University, Lebanon.
• 1999 Baccalaureate Diploma in Experimental Sciences. Ecole Nationale Orthodoxe, Lebanon.
Rana is a certified Art Teacher with experience educating students of all ages (pre-primary to college). Fluent in Arabic, French and English, Rana specializes in Art, New Technology, Learning technique, Educational Art, History of Art, Autocad and French.
Presently teaching Art and French to pre primary, primary and grade one at Armbrae, she has 13 years of teaching experience teaching Artistic Education to Early Childhood Educators and also various mediums of Art to high school students.
Early in her career, she had her own interior design firm in Lebanon and also worked for Lydon Lynch Architects in Halifax, NS.
Physical and Health Education (PrePrimary & Primary)
Susan Beazley: Physical and Health Education (PrePrimary & Primary)
Susan Beazley has been a part of the Armbrae community for over 42 years. She is the Athletic Director and teaches Physical Education to Grades P-2. Susan has coached for over thirty years at various levels from school, club, provincial to university. Sports include basketball, field hockey, soccer, volleyball, badminton and hockey, winning several different championships. Susan is currently on the CAIS Athletic Director’s Executive and is the Chair of Metro High School Athletic Associations. She received her Bachelor of Arts from SMU and worked one year at Sacred Heart before coming to what was then The Halifax Ladies College, now Armbrae. In 2010, she received her Masters in Physical Education and Sport from Drake University and her certificate for Canadian Athletic Administration in 2014. Susan was actively involved with Team Nova Scotia at the Canada Games in ‘05 & in 07 was Chef for Team Nova Scotia. Susan now sits on the Canada Games Management group for Team Nova Scotia.
Susan was inducted into the St. Mary University Sports Hall of Fame for her contribution to women’s sports in 2004. Over the years, she has received many awards including the Nova Scotia Athletic Coaches Service Award and the Dorothy Walker Distinguished Service award for Nova Scotia in 2019
She was also a member of the Nova Scotia Field Hockey team that was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame in 1995. Susan has had the great pleasure of watching her three children (and now 2 of her 3 grandchildren) grow up at Armbrae Academy.
Jalynn Skeir: Physical and Health Education (Grades 1 - 4)
Born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Ms. Skeir graduated from Cape Breton University with a B.Sc. (Major in Biology and Minor in Chem and Psych). She later attended Acadia University where she received her B.Ed. - Secondary Division - focus on Science and Physical Education.
During Ms. Skeir's education journey, she was fortunate enough to play a number of years through Basketball Nova Scotia and 5 years of university basketball for CBU where she was part of an AUS Championship team. Throughout her athletic career, Ms. Skeir realized her passion for coaching through her work with BNS whilst achieving her coaching levels. This led her to the opportunity to coach with the Acadia University's Women's team, earning two more AUS championships along the way.
John Tramble: Physical and Health Education (Grades 5 & 6)
• BA, 2007 & B.ED, 2009 - St.Francis Xavier University
• Co-curriculars: Director of Basketball
From Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Mr. Tramble teaches Physical Education and Health at Armbrae, and he is our Director of Basketball. Mr. Tramble has over 15 years experience, having started teaching elementary/junior high/high school levels in various subjects beginning in Prince George, British Columbia, and moving on to Calgary, Alberta before making the cross Canada tour back to Halifax in 2018. In addition to teaching, Mr. Tramble has coached Basketball at five different universities across Canada, and he has gained a wealth of experience coaching from the grassroots to the provincial and university levels. Mr. Tramble says that “Teaching allows me to get up every morning and do what I love most: to connect, build and inspire with a simple philosophy - Help me, Help you.”
• B.A. Mount Allison university
• B.Ed., Spec.Ed. Acadia University
Sandra has been a part of the Armbrae family for over 30 years. As the Lower School Learning Strategist, her goal is to support students' diverse learning needs (in the classroom, small groups, one-on-one), on their path to becoming engaged life long learners. In the position of librarian, Sandra introduces students to library and research skills that will support their inquiry-based learning. Through her work organizing book fairs and the Battle of the Books team (COVID hiatus notwithstanding), Sandra shares her joy of reading with the Armbrae community. Her co-curricular involvement includes the Lower School sewing club where she is learning new skills along with the students. Armbrae has a great collaborative atmosphere that encourages learning and friendship across grades and divisions which brings a unique sense of community to the school.
Jessica is an actor, writer, director and educator born and based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She believes that theatre is essential for building confidence, social skills and creativity in children and youth. She has written and directed nine Armbrae Jr. School musicals and has directed four successful Armbrae Sr. Drama productions. Jessica was the recipient of the Best Supporting Actress award at the Liverpool International Theatre Festival and was nominated for a Robert Merritt award for her work with The Plutonium Playhouse. Since joining the Armbrae family in 2011, she has worked professionally with Zuppa Theatre, Lunasea Theatre, Villains Theatre and Phyllis Rising Productions and is always looking for opportunities to further her craft and passion for performance.
B.A. Music, Major in Voice
St. Francis Xavier University
Mr. LeBlanc grew up in the Acadian community of West Pubnico, Nova Scotia. In high school, his passion for music flourished and he knew that music would be his life. After graduating from St. FX, he became a voice and piano teacher at the Canadian Conservatory of Music. There he also taught young children in the Musical Friends program and teenagers in the Summer Rock program. In 1993, he became the music teacher at Armbrae Academy. Mr. LeBlanc has composed music for over 20 musical plays. He is in his element with computer technology and is well versed in audio and video production. His co-curricular activities include Garageband and Guitar Mania. Mr. LeBlanc is an active musician in the community and he has directed many choirs and ensembles through the years. Sharing his passion for music is his driving force. Music offers a means of expression that is unique and fulfilling. Active participation in music making is the cornerstone of his music program. Armbrae is a vibrant and supportive community where music, along with a great variety of events and achievements are celebrated.
Jessica is an actor, writer, director and educator born and based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She believes that theatre is essential for building confidence, social skills and creativity in children and youth. She has written and directed nine Armbrae Jr. School musicals and has directed four successful Armbrae Sr. Drama productions. Jessica was the recipient of the Best Supporting Actress award at the Liverpool International Theatre Festival and was nominated for a Robert Merritt award for her work with The Plutonium Playhouse. Since joining the Armbrae family in 2011, she has worked professionally with Zuppa Theatre, Lunasea Theatre, Villains Theatre and Phyllis Rising Productions and is always looking for opportunities to further her craft and passion for performance.
• B.A. in Human Kinetics, St Francis Xavier University
• B.Ed., St Francis Xavier University
Mr. Brennan comes from a small town in North-Western New Brunswick, where he grew up on a potato farm - learning the values of hard work and accountability. He attended St. FX to follow his academic and athletic aspirations by completing his B.A. in Human Kinetics, his B.Ed. and running for the St. FX varsity track and field team.
During his Bachelor of Education studies, Mr. Brennan specialized in the teachable subjects of Physical Education, French, Social Studies, and Outdoor Education. Mr. Brennan believes that developing relationships with students and allowing them to take an experiential learning approach will best lead to their academic development. He believes that allowing students to engage with material applicable to their everyday lives will significantly improve their course achievement; ultimately leading to their success as a student.
Mr. Brennan runs the table tennis extra-curricular and coaches the Armbrae Track and Field team. His passion for track and field led him to break multiple school and AUS records and to eventually become an assistant sprints and hurdle coach for the St.FX track and field team in his final year of study. He hopes to foster the athletic development of Armbrae students by coaching the Armbrae track and field team.
Language Arts 9-1, 9-2, Drama 10 & 11, African Canadian Studies 11
Paul Carter: English, Drama
• B. Ed., B.A. (Hons), High Distinction - University of Toronto
• Volleyball coach, Duke of Edinburgh Award coordinator, English, Drama
Born and raised in England, Paul has travelled widely, crewed in several ocean yacht races, and is a keen cyclist, avid reader, and writer. He was educated in Bermuda, Oxford, London, and Toronto. After joining the teaching profession, Paul honed his craft for 15 years with the Toronto District School Board and was drawn to Armbrae for its sense of belonging, academic programme, and small class sizes. He particularly enjoys the ability to tailor each class's curriculum to the needs of the students and respond t
In 2012, Dani moved to Nova Scotia from Vancouver Island to take up a teaching position at Armbrae Academy. She possesses a number of French proficiency certificates, as well as extensive training in the specialty of instructing French to young learners. Childhood summers spent on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica ignited Dani's love of this language and culture while the time she spent teaching in the South-West of France solidified her desire to work in the classroom with children. Dani strongly believes in the importance of language learning to help us break down barriers and to make greater connections with the world around us, and she endeavours to instil this mindset in each of her students. These days, along with her partner, Dani calls Halifax home, and they spend their free time renovating their old house or hiking with their dogs.
• Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science (St. Francis Xavier University)
• Masters of Mathematics in Applied Mathematics (University of Waterloo)
• Bachelor of Education (OISE, University of Toronto)
• Co-curriculars: Math Circle, Math Contests and Senior Robotics
With over 15 years of teaching experience, Krista has taught both mathematics and computer science to students ranging from grade 9 to grade 12. She began her teaching career in the Peel District School Board in Mississauga and then moved internationally to teach at Neuchâtel Junior College (CAIS) located in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Krista is a passionate educator who works relentlessly to find ways to help support and improve student success, while at the same time endeavouring to add depth, interest and enrichment to the Math curriculum. Originally from Antigonish, Krista is excited to have returned to her beloved home province, sharing her joy for mathematics with the Armbrae community.
• Middle School Teacher English and Fine Arts
• CAIS Internal Evaluation Coordinator
• B.A. (English and History double major), St. Francis Xavier University
• B.Ed. St. Francis Xavier University
Mr. Howard is a proud Maritimer born in the small town of Antigonish, Nova Scotia and comes from a long line of impassioned educators. He currently lives in Dartmouth with his partner and when not teaching, Mr. Howard can be found enjoying a good book, playing music with friends, and getting outdoors with his dog.
After graduating from Armbrae Academy, Mr. Howard attended Saint Francis Xavier University for his Bachelor of Arts and his Bachelor of Education. His first year out of school was spent abroad teaching English Literature in Ghana and Nigeria before returning home to eventually find a full-time position working alongside the very teachers who had inspired him.
Mr. Howard believes that a classroom should feel like a community where everyone is accepted and respected, and where a student feels their voice is valued.
Olivia Hodder started her career at Armbrae in July 2020 and teaches in the Middle School. Growing up in Mineville, Nova Scotia, Olivia moved to Ontario at the age of 14 to pursue a high level hockey career. She attended Brock University in Niagara, Ontario, completing the Concurrent Education program in the Middle School division whilst playing on the Women’s Varsity Hockey Team. Olivia specializes in Indigenous Education, Science, and History.
When she is not teaching, Olivia likes to spend her time with her friends, family, and dog, Bauer. She loves to travel and experience new things, as well as playing sports and spending time outdoors.
Olivia strives to establish a welcoming and positive learning environment that promotes risk taking, experiential learning, critical thinking, and an active lifestyle. She is passionate about environmental action and works to portray this in her teachings. Olivia admires the tight knit community that Armbrae has to offer and is grateful to be a part of it.
• B.A. Music, Major in Voice
• St. Francis Xavier University
Mr. LeBlanc grew up in the Acadian community of West Pubnico, Nova Scotia. In high school, his passion for music flourished and he knew that music would be his life. After graduating from St. FX, he became a voice and piano teacher at the Canadian Conservatory of Music. There he also taught young children in the Musical Friends program and teenagers in the Summer Rock program. In 1993, he became the music teacher at Armbrae Academy. Mr. LeBlanc has composed music for over 20 musical plays. He is in his element with computer technology and is well versed in audio and video production. His co-curricular activities include Garageband and Guitar Mania. Mr. LeBlanc is an active musician in the community and he has directed many choirs and ensembles through the years. Sharing his passion for music is his driving force. Music offers a means of expression that is unique and fulfilling. Active participation in music making is the cornerstone of his music program. Armbrae is a vibrant and supportive community where music, along with a great variety of events and achievements are celebrated.
Cynthia has been teaching FIne Arts and Art History for approximately 30 years, after having earned a masters degree in Fine Art and Education from NSCAD University. The early part of her teaching career began in Croydon England, where she taught third form to sixth form, in both the design and fine art departments. The second part of her career took her to New Zealand where she taught in a Maori community in the North Island. She has taught extensively in the public school, both dance and art, and can often be found at Halifax's NSCAD department and AGNS. Cynthia believes and feels passionate about art in everyone's lives. The Art program at Armbrae is a humanistic approach to art with three main goals of art making in mind. It promotes critical thinking, (making and understanding), creative thinking (a cognitive understanding of the world), and communication (linguistic- learning the language). The program assists in the intellectual, emotional and social growth of the students. Visual arts provides students with opportunities for making, looking and reflecting. They are a dynamic part of our life and culture, providing pleasure and enjoyment, as well as encouraging students to gain deeper insight and awareness.
Cynthia has had the pleasure of teaching her own son who was a “lifer” at Armbrae.
Besides her son, Cynthia's passion is for painting, running and yoga, and the beautiful oceans of Nova Scotia - perfect locations for painting, running and yoga.
Kim has a BS with honours from the University of Miami with a double major in Marine Science and Biology, and a MS in Oceanography from the University of Delaware. She recently completed an M.Ed. in teaching students with diverse learning needs and exceptionalities. She enjoys applying what she’s learned to her teaching practice and in her role as Learning Strategist in the Middle and Upper School. Kim believes in helping each learner recognize and maximize their unique strengths and in building strong relationships between students, families, and school staff.
Advanced Math 10-1, 10-2, Precalculus 12, Calculus 12
Cynthia Perry: Mathematics
Cynthia enjoys the challenge and beauty of mathematics, inspiring her to earn a master’s degree in the subject. Cynthia is an Upper School math and calculus teacher, and she has also taught Upper School English, her other academic specialty. Cynthia has worked in both the public and the independent school systems, and she has previously held administrative positions in addition to her classroom assignments. In both roles, she enjoys working with students, parents, and colleagues. Cynthia tries to encourage an enthusiasm for learning while helping students recognize and celebrate their success. As an Upper School teacher, she strives to challenge students and prepare them for the rigorous courses they will encounter beyond Armbrae.
• A.B. cum laude in Anthropology (Archaeology), Harvard College, 1985
• M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning (Technology in Education)
• Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2001
My ‘first career’ was in archaeology, where I specialised in later European prehistory and worked in France and the UK. In 1992 I moved back to Boston, my home town, and changed my focus to teaching at the high school level. I taught Computer Science and served as a Technology Director at boarding and day schools in New England before accepting the position of Director of Technology at Armbrae and moving to Halifax in 2009.
At Armbrae, my job includes teaching students of a variety of ages as well as supporting teachers in their use of instructional technology. I love the variety that every day brings and the challenge of navigating the always-changing waters of technology. I also love helping students to become creators, rather than consumers, of technology.
Outside of school, my passions are sailing with my family in our 41-year-old wooden schooner COMET II and volunteering with the Canadian Ski Patrol.
Born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Ms. Skeir graduated from Cape Breton University with a B.Sc. (Major in Biology and Minor in Chem and Psych). She later attended Acadia University where she received her B.Ed. - Secondary Division - focus on Science and Physical Education.
During Ms. Skeir's education journey, she was fortunate enough to play a number of years through Basketball Nova Scotia and 5 years of university basketball for CBU where she was part of an AUS Championship team. Throughout her athletic career, Ms. Skeir realized her passion for coaching through her work with BNS whilst achieving her coaching levels. This led her to the opportunity to coach with the Acadia University's Women's team, earning two more AUS championships along the way.
• BA, 2007 & B.ED, 2009 - St.Francis Xavier University
• Co-curriculars: Director of Basketball
From Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Mr. Tramble teaches Physical Education and Health at Armbrae, and he is our Director of Basketball. Mr. Tramble has over 15 years experience, having started teaching elementary/junior high/high school levels in various subjects beginning in Prince George, British Columbia, and moving on to Calgary, Alberta before making the cross Canada tour back to Halifax in 2018. In addition to teaching, Mr. Tramble has coached Basketball at five different universities across Canada, and he has gained a wealth of experience coaching from the grassroots to the provincial and university levels. Mr. Tramble says that “Teaching allows me to get up every morning and do what I love most: to connect, build and inspire with a simple philosophy - Help me, Help you.”
• B.Sc. Hon. Physics Major- Queen’s University
• B.Ed. Queen’s University
Born and raised in Ontario, Mr. Thomson attended Queen’s University for his bachelor of science honours degree - Physics - and his bachelor of Education degrees. Having never visited the province of Nova Scotia before moving here in 2020, he loves getting out and exploring the beautiful coastal trails and environment that Nova Scotia has to offer.
Mr. Thomson currently teaches Science and Mathematics in the Middle School and is the Physics specialist for Grade 11 and 12. He prefers taking an experiential approach to teaching, looking for opportunities to have students physically engage with their learning. He believes it makes students relate their learning to real-life experiences, building stronger connections with the course expectations.
Having played and coached hockey at a competitive level, Mr. Thomson is excited to be on the ice coaching a fun and competitive hockey program at Armbrae. He also facilitates the Upper School Robotics program.
Shelley Thomas is an award-winning teacher, writer, and artist. She has received international recognition for her contribution to ideas in education, and has worked with Greenpeace, the UN, and with schools throughout Europe, South and North America.
Thomas is a graduate of McGill University (MA), the University of Western Ontario (BA), and the University of Toronto (B.Ed). She served as Head of English at Ridley College (Ontario) and then as head of English and Dramatic Arts at Neuchâtel Junior College (Switzerland) before relocating to Nova Scotia with her surf-loving husband and dog.
A lifelong beachcomber, Thomas has a deep love and affinity for the ocean, its creatures, and their preservation. She actively combs the shores of the Great Lakes, the North Sea, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans where she scours tidelines for artifacts, fossils, flotsam, marine flora and fauna to photograph and research. Currently, she is completing work on a beachcombing memoir that covers a sabbatical year of treasure hunting on fabled shorelines around the world.
Favourite authors include Mary Oliver, Helen MacDonald, Maria Popova, and her Armbrae students.
English Language Arts 7-1 & 7-2, Social Studies 7-1 & 7-2
Ben Ur: English, Social Studies
Mr. Benjamin Ur is from Halifax, Nova Scotia and is teaching Social Studies, English, and EAL at Armbrae. Mr. Ur majored in History and Political Science at Dalhousie University and received a Bachelor of Education degree from Acadia University.
He had a successful athletic career with the Dalhousie Men's Soccer team and was named CIS All-Canadian in his final year. His passion for the sport took him to Israel, where he pursued a professional soccer career and competed in the top divisions in the country for eight years. Mr. Ur is now involved heavily in the local soccer community, having worked with Dartmouth United Soccer Club and the Acadia Women's/Men's program. As a graduate of Armbrae, Mr. Ur is extremely excited to be back and begin his teaching career with us. He has been passionate about sharing his soccer expertise in the school's co-curricular activities by providing students of all ages and abilities with the opportunity to enjoy the world's sport. Mr. Ur believes that Armbrae is a unique community that cares deeply about all of its students that enter its building and remains supportive of those individuals in their future endeavours, wherever that may take them.
Ms. Utter grew up on Salt Spring Island, B.C., a close-knit community surrounded by nature. At Dalhousie University she received her B.Sc. with Combined Honours in Chemistry and Mathematics and was awarded the John Hamilton Barrett Prize ‘for demonstration of exceptional ability in Chemistry as well as the ACS Award in Analytical Chemistry. On completion of her B.Ed. at St. Francis Xavier University, she was honoured with the University Gold Medal.
Ms. Utter believes that education is rooted in connection through fostering positive relationships and ensuring purposeful context to students.
The Armbrae community is important to Ms. Utter because of its unique ability to support and engage all students. Facilitating co-curriculars that inspire new interests including, Quilt Club and Chemistry Club, are how Ms. Utter loves connecting with students. In her spare time you will find Ms. Utter painting, sewing, or hanging out with her cat, Quin.
Jamie-Lynn Wilkinson: Social Studies, Citizenship, Leadership
• BA (Saint Mary's University- Political Science Major)
• B.Ed. (Mount Saint Vincent University)
Jamie-Lynn Wilkinson is from the Acadian municipality of Clare, Nova Scotia, a beautiful seaside community known for its language, music, and seafood. She teaches Social Studies and English Language Arts at Armbrae Academy and is consistently impressed with student motivation for success and their genuine curiosity for learning. Jamie-Lynn’s love for teaching first began in Phnom Penh, Cambodia while volunteering for a non-governmental organization aiding vulnerable girls. It was there that she gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the power of education and decided to become a fully qualified teacher. Soon after earning a Bachelor of Education from Mount Saint Vincent University, she moved to London, England where she spent two years teaching at a secondary school and travelling Europe as much as possible. When she returned home to Nova Scotia she was employed with the Halifax Regional Centre for Education and eventually by Armbrae Academy. Jamie-Lynn continues to actively volunteer in her own community and enjoys bringing her world experience to the classroom to inspire students to become engaged global citizens.
