VANCOUVER TEAM

Over Laurel’s years at The Reading Foundation, she has applied an analytic and creative approach to team leading, program development, scheduling, training, and assessing. As Director, she uses her extensive clinical experience to mentor staff and guide student programs. Laurel is passionate about meeting each student’s educational needs to help them thrive and develop a love of learning. She values connecting with parents and educators to help extend students' success from the clinic to their home lives and schoolwork. Laurel has a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from the University of British Columbia and has worked at the clinic since 2012. Outside of work, she loves cooking at home, exploring the outdoors with her dog, volunteering with kids, and spending time with friends and family.

Virginia, our Assistant Director, has been an integral part of the team since joining The Reading Foundation in 2015. Since then, she has applied her strong program knowledge and Bachelor of Arts in Speech Sciences to Team Leading, Assessing, and staff development. Her enthusiasm and dedication to our students and staff contribute to the fun and productive atmosphere in the clinic. She is also dedicated to communicating clearly and effectively with clients to ensure the highest level of student success, extending beyond their time in the clinic. 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!

Dinah joined The Reading Foundation in 2017 after graduating from the University of British Colombia with a Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Systems. Dinah works as both an Educational Clinician and as the Administrative Leader in the Vancouver office. With her enthusiasm and attention to detail, Dinah ensures that each student she works with is able to get the most out of their program. As Administrative Leader, Dinah makes sure that the Vancouver office is running smoothly and facilitates clear communication with parents and students. Dinah is passionate about creating an accepting and supportive space, where students can recognize their own success and feel empowered to challenge themselves. When not at work, Dinah likes hiking, cross-country skiing, cuddling her two kittens, and writing short stories.

David’s patience and positivity have made him an excellent role model for students and clinicians alike since joining The Reading Foundation in 2013. His adaptability allows him to truly guide a student through their learning in each session. 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.

Krizia joined The Reading Foundation in 2018. Since joining the team, she has brought her zest for learning to all of her roles at the Vancouver office. As a Team Leader, her favourite part of teaching is seeing her students' faces light up with joy when they begin to notice their growth. She fosters a love of learning in all of her students and works hard to personalize each of their programs to meet their unique needs, while also catering to their interests. As an Office Coordinator, Krizia makes sure that both parents' and students' questions are answered clearly and accurately. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Sciences and in her spare time, she enjoys cuddling with her dog and spending time with her family.

After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from the University of Victoria in 2018, Irina soon joined The Reading Foundation team to pursue her passion in teaching and language. She continues to use her knowledge to help provide each student a meaningful and unique learning experience in all aspects around the clinic. As a Clinician, Office Coordinator, and Team Leader, Irina strives to help students build their skills and confidence to reach their fullest potential. She is dedicated to making their sessions enjoyable and development long-lasting. Outside of working at the clinic, Irina enjoys baking sweet treats and road-tripping around B.C.!