Leading by example
The SelfDesign® Learning Foundation is led by a passionate Board of Directors and Leadership Team who strive to make a difference in the lives of our learners and families.
Our board of directors
Vancouver Island–based technology entrepreneur Carlos da Ponte brings to the SelfDesign Learning Foundation Board of Directors his considerable experience with non-profit boards and advisory councils for education-oriented organizations. With those organizations, he has led organizational restructuring processes, IT overhaul projects, committee-building exercises, and board revitalization.
But his own experiences with self-directed education drives his involvement with SelfDesign. As a teenager, he travelled the world by boat while completing his studies by correspondence. At Simon Fraser University, he challenged the limits of the standard curriculum by designing an undergraduate degree that suited his interests. His Master’s degree in Environment & Management from Royal Roads University provided him with the flexibility, technology, support and freedom he needed to learn remotely while he continued working. These experiences prompted him and his wife to offer the same flexibility and choice in learning to their own young children.
“I am a firm believer that there are different ways to learn, every individual has a unique way of learning, and that embracing this approach yields that best outcomes for the individual and society,” he says “It is this perspective I see mirrored in SelfDesign’s mission and programs.”
Devon has a long and varied history with SelfDesign. He is an alumni of the Wondertree and Virtual High programs (predecessors to SelfDesign) and has roots in natural learning principles and practices.
Devon brings 25 years of experience in software development – a curiosity first discovered at Wondertree, which continued into a career. Devon is passionate about the intensifying confluence of knowledge, technology and culture that is opening so many directions in learning.
Frank Heinzelmann has been part of the SelfDesign community for many years, having watched his three children grow into passionate, self-directed and confident learners as they progressed through our kindergarten to grade 12 program.
“SelfDesign’s approach and vision towards lifelong learning are inspiring, and I believe that it is ever more relevant in our global community,” he says. “I believe that SelfDesign, as a leading independent online learning provider, already serves as a model for natural and personalized lifelong learning, not just in BC but globally.”
Frank brings to the SelfDesign Learning Foundation Board of Directors his expertise and experience in banking and investment, as well as in biology and forestry, with degrees from the University of British Columbia and universities in Germany and South Africa. His professional work has focused on environmental consulting and, in recent years, private banking and investment. A Vancouver resident, he is a founding member and board member of the Jericho Stewardship Group, and an active member of the Spanish Banks Streamkeepers Group and the Jericho Lands Working Group, where he works with university students undertaking environmental research projects.
Verena was born and raised in North Vancouver, BC and feels most at home when nestled between the ocean and the mountains. In 2002, she began her work with Wondertree Learning Centre, first as an educator, then as vice-principal. Verena’s Masters of Arts in Integrated Studies allowed her to weave teachings from Indigenous knowledge, self-directed learning and living inquiry into her practice. Verena lives on Haida Gwaii with her husband and two daughters, where she is a Principal with School District 50.
As a co-founder of a self-directed learning community, an organizational coach, a learning facilitator, and product designer in both the entertainment and ed-tech industries, Lara brings a diverse set of knowledge and skills. With over 20 years of experience working with teams and leadership, she values generative communication, innovation, and developing solutions based on people’s needs.
Lara’s unique learning journey, growing up as an unschooled child in the forests of BC’s Fraser Valley, has inspired her and her husband to raise their own children with a customized, learner-centric approach, based on the belief that all people are naturally wired to learn and thrive.
Lara now lives in the Comox Valley with her husband and children, where she works online as a youth and organizational coach. In her free time, she likes playing board and card games, singing and playing her ukulele, exploring nature, and building a rich community for herself and her family.
She joined the SelfDesign Board of Directors in 2023.
As an entrepreneur and executive leader, Werner has considerable first-hand business expertise in the private sector, industry associations and government. Throughout his three-decade-long career, he has worked closely with and coached senior executives of hundreds of businesses and firms around the world to implement strategies, tactical plans and long-term solutions to make organizations more competitive and effective and identify ways to bring about effective change.
Werner has previously served on the boards of directors for Family Services of Greater Vancouver, the Quality Council of BC, and the Industry Training & Apprenticeship Commission.
In his free time, he cycles and plays volleyball and pickleball. He and his wife live in the Lower Mainland. They have two adult children.
He joined the SelfDesign Board of Directors in 2023.
SelfDesign Learning Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors consisting of up to 11 elected directors. They’re responsible for providing strategic support and expertise to ensure the continuity of the vision, legacy, and succession of leadership for SelfDesign Learning Foundation.
Our foundation leadership team
Amber first joined SelfDesign Learning Foundation in January 2017. She is passionate about providing overall leadership and oversight to the organization’s programs.
What she loves most about her position at SelfDesign Learning Foundation are the people she works with and the fact that our community is one of the most dedicated, resilient and heartfelt group of people she could hope to work with.
When she looks back on her career and her time with SelfDesign Learning Foundation, her biggest achievements have always involved making a positive difference in other people’s lives and working as a not-for-profit leader allows her to do that everyday.
When Amber isn’t at work, she loves spending time with her family and friends, cycling, hiking, travelling, and she loves to run – having completed eight marathons, including the Boston Marathon in 2014.
Sandy is responsible for ensuring the Foundation and its programs operate effectively. She sees her role as one of supporting SelfDesign contractors to work with learners and families, and removing any challenges or obstacles that prevent that.
Sandy is passionate about helping young people achieve the work-life future they want for themselves. She feels fortunate to have built a career creating successful transition pathways for high school students and young people to employment and/or post-secondary education and training primarily in resource-based industries and the trades. She also helps employers hire and develop workers based on what they can do (rather than what their credentials say they can do) and where their interests are aligned.
What attracted Sandy to SelfDesign was the organization’s learning model, its inclusivity and the potential it offers to learners and families. She appreciates being part of a team that is supporting and growing the organization not just to prepare children to live but to thrive in the world. Sandy is continually impressed with the integrity and commitment of the people who work at SelfDesign; it’s one of the things she loves most about the organization.
Outside of her work with SelfDesign, Sandy enjoys spending time with her family, including supporting her daughter as she currently transitions through university and into a career. She also loves to walk, cycle and travel.
Dave comes from a security background and has been consulting to global clients since 2001. He develops, maintains and oversees the operations of information, IT services and security to ensure the effective, efficient support to all the clients and programs of SelfDesign Learning Foundation, and leads a team of eight people.
After many years of consulting in various parts of the world, including five years of living in Africa, Dave’s mentality for learning, interactions and success was greatly impacted. Dave discovered SelfDesign Learning Foundation upon returning to Canada in August 2016. SelfDesign program offerings resonated with Dave’s ethics and viewpoints and he was thrilled to join the organization.
What Dave loves most about his position at SelfDesign is the fact that he has the opportunity to redefine how learning is presented away from the traditional “memorize, repeat, succeed” learning models.
When Dave isn’t busy saving the world on his computer, he’s interested in all forms of fermentation, long distance bicycle touring, marine aquaria and music composition.
Karen joined SelfDesign in 2017 after being attracted to SelfDesign as an organization aligned with her personal values as well as her knowledge, skills and interest in developing and leading integrated and impactful communications for a mission-focused, multi-stakeholder organization.
Karen directs and oversees all external and internal communications including communications planning and implementation, internal communications, marketing, social media and website management, and so much more.
In her time at SelfDesign, Karen has developed and implemented a new brand across the organization, developed and directed a basement to attic renovation of the communications infrastructure, policies, procedures, guidelines and internal communications vehicles.
What Karen loves most about being a SelfDesign contractor are the people and purpose of the organization. It is very rewarding for her to be part of an organization that offers a unique, inclusive and personalized learning experience for thousands of learners every year with a team of dedicated and passionate individuals who care deeply about what they do.
Outside of her work at SelfDesign, Karen enjoys attending music festivals and concerts and is the founder and volunteer executive director of the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival, a non-profit organization with a mandate to bring jazz music and visual art to the community through the annual two-day festival. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends and enjoying everything the Fraser Valley has to offer, including walking trails, cafes, art galleries, farmers markets and wineries.
Debra came to SelfDesign in 2008 after discovering and being drawn into the learner-centred philosophy of SelfDesign. Having her own less than satisfying school experience, Debra found this new approach to learning compelling and saw the potential for learners to cultivate a strong sense of self worth.
As the Director of Human Relations, Debra provides advice and direction regarding all aspects of the contracting process for SelfDesign and handles human relations matters of a confidential and sensitive nature.
Throughout her career, Debra has worked in organizations across a wide range of industries including legal, government, health care and education. Her focus for the past 20 years has been in the field of educational operations and leadership.
What Debra loves most about SelfDesign are the people and the creative environment. She loves being part of an organization that encourages learners to fully be themselves and enjoy the process of learning.
Nikki Kenyon is the Director of Organizational Learning & Culture and in this role acts as a caretaker for the philosophy and model of SelfDesign. Her work is to share the vision, mission, values and philosophy with all SelfDesign contractors, learners, and families (and those beyond the organization), with a focus on building culture and connection.
Nikki has been mentored directly by previous leaders and stewards of the SelfDesign philosophy and has had the opportunity to dive deeply into the work. She has worked with SelfDesign since 2007 in a variety of capacities from learning consultant in SelfDesign’s kindergarten to Grade 9 program and in support services to Path Course Facilitator to Principal of SelfDesign® Learning Community. Her four children spent many years in SelfDesign as well.
What Nikki loves most about SelfDesign is that the work is based in cultivating relationships that support development of a love of lifelong learning. It is a privilege to walk alongside passionate people – learners, families and colleagues – and witness and support their learning journeys. Outside of work, Nikki loves spending time with her family at home and out in the world, as well as building furniture, reading fiction, riding her bike (fast) and spending time with friends.
Paul oversees a knowledgeable and productive team of 13 SelfDesign contractors who do the many different types of work associated with procuring educational supports for learners and more general goods and services for the organization. The work of these folks includes creating contracts, processing invoices, maintaining learners’ budgets, and purchasing for LRS, IEP supports, the Cultural Learning Grants, and the HomeLearners Network. The expanded team also handles verification and tracking processes related to Criminal Record Checks, WorkSafe BC training requirements, and qualifications of support services and materials suppliers.
He has a business degree in supply chain management and is an accredited supply change management professional through the Purchasing Management Association of Canada. He brings to his role more than 30 years of experience in warehousing, logistics, distribution, inventory control, procurement and contract management for both small and large private and public corporations including Ford Motor Company and the University of British Columbia.
Shirley has more than 20 years of experience in the financial sector. As a senior transformational leader and Vice President of Finance & Information Technology with the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, in Ontario, until 2021, she was instrumental in helping guide the organization through the pandemic, drawing on her understanding of the business and its financial position and her expertise with cash management during crises.
Shirley holds a Bachelor of Mathematics degree from the University of Waterloo and is a chartered professional accountant (CPA).
When she is not working, she enjoys hiking local forest trails, paddle boarding on lakes in her region, playing tennis and spending time with her family.
Catherine is the principal of the SelfDesign Learning Community.
Catherine began her work with SelfDesign in 2004 as a learning consultant and a support education learning consultant. She has worked with scores of learners and families with diverse needs and approaches.
In her time in various roles at SelfDesign, Catherine has led the creation of the SelfDesign Library of Learning Experiences, bringing accessible, curated resources to our learners. The last few years have included developing and implementing SelfDesign’s new grades 10-12, and coordinating our growth as an inclusive kindergarten to Grade 12 program.
What Catherine loves most about SelfDesign is that learners can be who they are, authentically. From the whole family connection to the learning consultant to inclusive universal design in our learner offerings, relationship to ourselves, each other, and our world – is at the core of our philosophy.
Outside of her work at SelfDesign, Catherine loves to cook, swim, spend time with her husband and two daughters, and is found making something crafty every day!
Clarissa is one of two vice principals with the SelfDesign Learning Community.
Vanessa is one of two vice principals with the SelfDesign Learning Community. Her work with SelfDesign means she can contribute to our incredible kindergarten to Grade 12 program together with a team of truly innovative and dedicated educators.
Vanessa began her work with SelfDesign in 2010, writing interdisciplinary curriculum for the high school program. She then became a SelfDesign High mentor, high school coordinator, and is now in her fourth year as vice principal.
In her time in various roles at SelfDesign, Vanessa has worked closely with the human resources team and Educator Services to ensure that SelfDesign Learning Community attracts and maintains a team of excellent educational contractors. Her other key projects include working with the development of the camps and events offerings, the newly formed learner council, and the B.C. School Sports opportunities for learners.
What Vanessa loves most about SelfDesign is the fact that we are like no other learning program in the world. While it takes longer to explain what she does at dinner parties, the innovative excellence of our work at SelfDesign makes it all worth it.
Outside of her work at SelfDesign, Vanessa loves to be active. With her partner and daughter, she enjoys camping trips in the Kootenay backcountry and in their Boler camper, playing first base on her ball team, mountain biking and taking her two senior dogs for lunchtime hikes. Her love of renovating their 1970’s A-Frame takes up the remaining moments of each day.