Our Faculty and Staff

Nigel Austen

Head of School

Nigel Austen joined Alexander Academy as the Head of School in June 2021. Originally from Victoria on beautiful Vancouver Island, Nigel holds a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of British Columbia, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in world history and political science from the University of Victoria.

He also studied marketing management at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

Nigel has spent the past two decades working in various administrative and teaching roles in public and private schools in China, Japan and Canada. He has now worked at 7 high schools of sizes between 100 to 2700 students.

He has most recently spent the last 11 years working as a Principal, Vice Principal, Educational Coordinator, Department Head and teacher at British Columbia offshore schools in China.

He has served as a school inspector for Cognia, formerly AdvancED, which is the biggest pre-university accreditation organization in the world. He has also been a guest speaker at educational conferences in Asia and worked at the Canada Embassy in Tokyo, Japan.

In his spare time, Nigel enjoys the outdoors, playing hockey, basketball, and golf, attending concerts, and reading about history.

Nigel is an avid traveller and has visited more than 30 countries. Nigel and his wife Yohko became proud parents to twin girls in October 2019.

Daniel Hayashi

Marketing and Admissions Officer

Daniel Hayashi is a marketing professional passionate about promoting education and working with international students. Multiculturalism is part of his identity. He has lived, studied, and worked in the USA, Brazil, Australia, and Canada. His parents are Japanese, but he was born and raised in Latin America.

Learning is what motivates him every day. He has a Master's degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, a postgraduate degree in Strategic Management, a Bachelor's degree in Economics, and two diplomas: Marketing and Digital Design.

During his career, Daniel led international marketing projects across different industries, and in the past four years, he has focused on the Education sector. As Marketing and Admissions Officer at Alexander Academy, he works closely with the Head of the School and the Admissions and Business Development Director, providing admissions support and working on recruitment and marketing initiatives for the institution.

In his spare time, Daniel searches for inspiration from all art forms, especially cinema. He is also a foodie and a coffee lover.

Spencer Todd

Head Teacher

Spencer Todd has enjoyed the challenge of making class content relevant to the lives of his students since 1998 when he first became a Humanities teacher.

Initially, he started as an English teacher in the public system in Victoria where he stayed for several years before moving back to his hometown of Vancouver. Soon thereafter, he became involved with working with international students in a number of different roles to help them prepare for success in the British Columbia high school system and beyond.

He especially relishes the challenge of aiding international students in their senior English classes and on their Provincial exams. Spencer has a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies and a Post Degree Professional Program in Education from the University of Victoria, as well as a Post Degree Diploma in Fine Arts from the University of British Columbia.

In his spare time, he enjoys reading about history, listening to music, following the Miami Dolphins, and spending as much time as possible with his wife and two daughters.

Berenice Lewis

Admissions & Business Development Director

Berenice Lewis is a graduate of the University of Calgary where she received her Bachelor of Education. She also holds a Master of Arts from the University of Phoenix with a specialization in Leadership and Administration.

Berenice oversees all enrolment activities at Alexander Academy and works closely with the Head Teacher and administrative team to bring students to Alexander Academy. Berenice is committed to ensuring that students can access all that Alexander Academy has to offer.

Berenice has extensive experience in independent schools, working as a former educator, principal, Head of School, and now Director of Admissions. Her diverse experiences in the field of education confirm her belief in the power of education to drive positive change within her community and beyond.

Carol Wang

Marketing and Admissions Officer

Carol Wang had 8 years of management and 16 years of work experience in the international education industry in China prior to joining Alexander Academy as a Marketing and Admissions Officer. Helping students appreciate what Canadian education has to offer has been the focus of her career.

Carol has a Diploma in Business and recently completed a Bachelor of Arts at Trinity Western University majoring in Leadership. Carol intends to promote Alexander Academy and British Columbia independent high school education to overseas families. With an inclusive mindset, she focuses on showcasing the school’s academic excellence to the global community and helping international students grow and succeed.

In her free time, Carol enjoys travelling, reading, and meditation.

Bilguun Ganbaatar

Educational Counsellor and Finance Officer

Bilguun (Beku) Ganbaatar is a distinguished alumna of Alexander Academy, where she now serves as an Educational Counsellor and Finance Officer in the finance and admissions office.

Bilguun graduated from Alexander Academy in 2018 and subsequently attended Alexander College, where she studied Business Management. During her college years, she mastered business fundamentals such as market research, marketing campaigns, and strategic planning. In June 2023, she earned her Bachelor of Management with Honours from the University of British Columbia.

Having moved to Canada six years ago to pursue her education at Alexander Academy, Bilguun has overcome numerous challenges, demonstrating resilience and determination. She firmly believes that investing in one's dreams is an endeavor worth pursuing. This journey of personal and professional growth has allowed her to reflect on her past and define her future aspirations.

Yara Machado

Administrative Assistant

Yara Machado started her career back in Brazil. She grew up in São Paulo and moved to Vancouver in 2015.

Prior to working at Alexander Academy, Yara worked three years at PwC Brazil as an Executive Assistant, two years at Murchies Tea & Coffee as a Retail Store Supervisor, and two years at Sprott Shaw College as an Administrative Assistant, as well as an Employment Service Specialist.

She brings over 10 years of Office Administration experience. Yara holds a Bachelor in Bilingual Secretary and a Post Degree in Events Management.

In her spare time she enjoys playing with her 4 years old son, cooking, decorating and traveling.

Javier Garcia

Mathematics and Physics Teacher

Javier Garcia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. He has many years of teaching experience with university level courses such as Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probabilities and Statistics. He has also taught Mathematics and Physics at secondary schools in Cuba, Bolivia and Canada.

Mr. Garcia received his bachelor’s degree and completed a Master’s degree from the Havana Pedagogical University Enrique Jose Varona, and he completed his certification as a British Columbia certified teacher at Simon Fraser University.

Mr. Garcia is a fan of all sports and plays volleyball, tennis and chess in his spare time. He has also enjoyed coaching and personal training in the past. He enjoys music, salsa dancing, getting involved in community activities, and spending time with family and friends.

Jenny Guan

Student Services Manager

Jenny Guan received her Bachelor of Science (major in Biology) and Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia.  She had taught various subjects at a secondary level, including Math and Science, in British Columbia. She enjoys working with students from a variety of backgrounds.

Jenny highly values the cultural diversity in Vancouver and she is thrilled to join the Alexander Academy community. She believes in the importance of acknowledging each student's individual needs and unique learning styles. When not teaching, Jenny enjoys spending time with her family, doing yoga and playing badminton.

Clifford Hildebrand

Business & Science Teacher

Clifford Hildebrand is a teacher with a wealth of experience. After graduating from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, he moved to Taiwan where he spent 15 years teaching English and experiencing a new culture.

While in Taiwan, Cliff earned a Master’s degree in Education, focusing on Curriculum and Instructional Development. He taught at a variety of institutes including high schools and a university, where he was the course coordinator for the third-year writing course for the English department.

Cliff then returned to Canada where he has been teaching since 2013. During his time in Canada, he has taught a variety of subjects including Economics, Physical Education, Social Studies, Math, Environmental Science and more. Cliff enjoys many things including sports, music, and reading. What he loves the most, however, is helping students understand new things. He hopes he can be a help to you while you are at Alexander Academy.

Alan Boudaghi

English and ELL Teacher

Alan Boudaghi has 17 years experience working in education. Prior to joining Alexander Academy, Alan has worked with renowned institutions like International House London, RMIT University in Australia, and Maple Leaf Educational Systems in Malaysia. In 2023, Alan moved to Canada, bringing his extensive experience and love for education to his new home.

Throughout his career, Alan has taken on many roles, including Academic Director, Professional Development Manager, English Enhancement Coordinator, Learning Center Manager, and ESL/ELL teacher. He has played a significant role as an academic leader and mentor, training more than 1,500 teachers. Alan has also worked as a school inspector for Cognia Canada. As a frequent speaker at ELT conferences, he is dedicated to staying updated on new teaching and testing methods.

Alan is a PhD candidate in TESOL and holds a Master in TESOL degree from the University of Malaya, and a Bachelor of Education degree from the UCNA. He also has several Cambridge ESOL certificates and has served as a Cambridge Examiner for Writing and Speaking. Recently, he completed his TESOL Canada certification.

In his free time, Alan enjoys outdoor activities like swimming, camping, and cycling. He loves attending concerts and reading about literature, history, and sociology. A passionate traveler, Alan has visited 28 countries.

Mark Lappan

Social Studies Teacher

Mark Lappan graduated from the University of Victoria with a degree in History and a minor in Medieval Studies. He then went on to enroll in Simon Fraser University’s Professional Development Program where he specialized in Social Studies. Soon after, he earned his MSc in History through the School of History, Classics, and Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh.

Mark’s time as both student and teacher has taken him across the globe. Highlights include teaching English and organizing culture fairs in Japan, working as part of the excavation team at the necropolis of ancient Pronnoi, and delivering lectures on Canadian military history, including Canada’s ongoing NATO and UN commitments, as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces.

In his down time Mark is an avid outdoorsman, something he attributes to being born and raised on the North Shore. Rain or shine you can find him on the trails of the Pacific Ranges, or organizing an impromptu overnight on Crown land.

Frances Treanor

Fine Arts Teacher

Frances Treanor was born and grew up in County Monaghan, Ireland. She graduated from the National College of Art and Design Dublin, Ireland, with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art; specialising in ceramics. Frances then progressed onto a Professional Master’s in Art and Design Education from the same university.

Throughout her teaching career, Frances has worked in a variety of educational settings including; elementary, secondary, and further education in Ireland. She also spent over a year teaching in London, UK, in a school of students with special educational needs. Frances is an avid artist who spends time outside of teaching creating and displaying her own artwork.

Frances is also a passionate musician and has accomplished her Senior Certificate grade in piano from the Royal Irish Academy of Music, the highest level that can be awarded. She likes to spend her spare time baking, swimming, and enjoying the outdoors.

Dr. Mannu Maken

Chemistry and Biology Teacher

Dr. Mannu Maken holds a PhD in Chemistry from Concordia University, as well as a Master of Technology in Nanoscience and Technology, Master of Science in Chemistry, and a Bachelor of Science in Analytical Chemistry. Mannu has a rich background in teaching chemistry at universities and high schools around the globe. She brings her deep expertise and passion for the sciences to the classroom where she enjoys inspiring young minds.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Mannu is a lifelong learner with a keen interest in history, theology, and world cultures. She finds joy in exploring new ideas and perspectives.

In her spare time, Mannu practices yoga and meditation, embracing these activities as part of a holistic approach to well-being. She is also an advocate for physical fitness and enjoys staying active through various outdoor adventures.

Travis Woloshyn

English and ELL Teacher

Mr. Travis Woloshyn has been working in teaching and administration positions in international education for more than a decade. He also has a variety of post-secondary education experience, including a diploma in theatre arts at Red Deer College in Alberta, undergraduate studies at Langara College, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English at Simon Fraser University, and an Education Degree from The University of British Columbia.

Mr. Woloshyn's main teaching concentrations have been English, English Language Learning, and Drama (Film and TV) over the years, but he has also taught classes in Art, Social Studies, and Career Education. His classes have a positive energy that is built on a passion for the material he teaches and for getting the best out of the students he works with.

Outside of the school, Mr. Woloshyn participates in a variety of activities. He is an actor with over twenty-five years of film experience. He is also involved in the local pro wrestling scene and enjoys podcasting with people who share his love of pop culture. He lives in East Van with his wife and daughter, who are also super fun.

Grace Chen

Librarian

Grace Chen (she/her) is a librarian from Vancouver. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Simon Fraser University and a Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of British Columbia.

Grace previously worked as an archivist for the Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre, a library assistant for Lululemon Athletica, and a library collections manager for the Royal BC Museum and Archives. She is passionate about improving the accessibility and discoverability of resources and research materials for all audiences, and is excited to contribute to the development of the Alexander Academy library collection and services.

Outside of work, Grace is a fitness enthusiast and loves powerlifting, Olympic lifting, and hiking. She adores the nature and beauty of the Pacific North West and is always looking for opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

As an ex-figure skater, Grace continues to be an avid fan of the sport and her preferred winter activity involves watching skating competitions online and cheering very loudly from her couch.

Stacey Franklin

English and Physical Health Education Teacher

Stacey Franklin is passionate about both teaching and her subject area, English.

Ms. Franklin has completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts in English and Women and Gender Studies at the University of Toronto, where she graduated with high distinction; she also has a Master’s degree in teaching (MT), which she earned from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto; and she has a Master of Arts in English, also from the University of Toronto.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Franklin’s hobbies include rock climbing and yoga--she is even an experienced and certified climbing wall instructor and yoga teacher. She also enjoys camping, hiking, and spending time outdoors.

Yang Mao

Computer Science and Mathematics Teacher

Yang Mao holds Master of Computer Science and Engineering degree from the State University of New York, as well as a Bachelor of Engineering in Intelligent Science and Technology degree. Yang is passionate about technology, computer science, and teaching. He has many years of teaching experience in computer science, programming, algorithms, data structure, web development, digital media, robotics, and mathematics.

Yang has worked for several leading global companies such as HSBC, PayPal, MasterCard, and Goldman Sachs as a senior software engineer. With his experience in the IT industry, he specializes in bridging the gap between theory and real-world application and providing students with practical insights and hands-on learning experiences.

Yang is a fan of all sports and plays basketball, badminton and chess in his free time. He also enjoyed hiking, kayaking, and paddleboarding.