VANCOUVER TEAM

Our Director, Devan, is the ultimate multi-tasker. In addition to performing assessments at the clinic, Devan also develops new programs, trains internally and externally, and oversees and mentors new clinicians through their training and early months with students. Dedicated to each of the many areas of her job, she is an excellent role model for staff and students. Devan has a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from the University of Calgary and has worked for The Reading Foundation since 1999. When she isn’t working or volunteering, she enjoys traveling, reading, and almost every mountain activity.

Laurel joined The Reading Foundation as a clinician in 2012. Over the years, she has applied an analytic and creative approach to work as a Team Leader, Program Developer, Trainer, and Assessor. She loves to put her Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics to good use tailoring our remediation programs to meet individual students' needs. Laurel uses her clinical experience and leadership skills to mentor clinicians and Team Leaders. Connecting with parents and educators to help extend students' success here to their home and school life is a key part of her role. When Laurel isn't at work, you can find her volunteering, walking her dog, devouring a book, or seeking out the best food in Vancouver.

David’s patience and positivity have made him an excellent role model for students and clinicians alike since joining The Reading Foundation in 2013. As a Team Leader, he effectively and thoughtfully manages the diverse needs of his students. David’s adaptability allows him to truly guide a student through their learning. David enjoys the humorous conversations that often accompany teachable moments. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Sciences from the University of British Columbia. As one might suspect, David likes to spend his time away from work caring for neighbourhood cats.

Virginia has been an integral part of the team since joining The Reading Foundation in 2015. Her enthusiasm and dedication to her students combine to create an enjoyable and productive atmosphere during every clinical hour. Her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Sciences, along with strong program knowledge, help her carefully adapt programs to meet the needs of each student. Virginia’s ability to quickly relate allows her to build a relationship with students where they can feel empowered and supported while tackling challenging work. She is also dedicated to communicating clearly and effectively with parents in order to ensure the highest level of student success within the clinic, and beyond. When not at work, Virginia can be found riding her bike around the city or relaxing with her cat.

Since joining The Reading Foundation in 2015, Emma has put her calm and positive spirit into every hour with her students! As a Team Leader, Emma carefully tailors each program to best meet the needs of her students. She enjoys seeing them progress and become more confident in their abilities. Emma’s patience and ability to connect with her students results in effective and enjoyable hours. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Sciences from the University of British Columbia. Outside of work, Emma enjoys running, and then rewarding herself after with her delicious baked treats!

Originally from Malaysia, Cheng Yee’s adaptability and warm personality allows her to individualize our programs to best meet the diverse needs and talents of each student. Her Bachelor of Arts in Human Geography and International Relations from the University of British Columbia has fuelled her strong passion for education in unique and valuable ways, including conducting participatory research on language preservation and alternative education spaces within Canada and abroad. As a UBC International Scholar Alumna, she hopes to use her own education journey to empower students to celebrate their passions and find ways to help them achieve their goals. Cheng Yee has been with the Reading Foundation since 2016. During her free time, she enjoys creating handmade cards and venturing to find new Malaysian restaurants in Vancouver!

Since joining the clinic in 2017, Jon’s passion for helping students reach their education goals has helped him excel as a Clinician and now as a Team Leader. His Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science from Simon Fraser University has greatly contributed to his understanding of developmental psychology and informs how he tailors programs to meet the needs of individual students. Jon strongly feels that education should be enjoyable and, in his previous volunteer work, has facilitated programs that aimed to foster a love of science. When he is not working, Jon enjoys consuming stories in all media forms and taking candid shots of friends and family with his DSLR.