Arts Faculty
Angela Andersen
AP Studio Art, AP Art History, Drawing and painting, AP Coordinator
Hon. B.A. (McMaster) , M.A. Ed. (UVic)
Angela Andersen was raised on forested family acreage in Metchosin, B.C. This is reflected in her long-term studio focus of ‘tree portraits’. Ms. Andersen’s work appears in collections throughout Canada and the U.S. Her paintings have been curated into the Sooke Fine Arts Show for multiple years, and her piece ‘Ghost’ won ‘Best in Show’ at the Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show in 2021. A lifelong creative; Ms. Andersen enjoys experimenting with multiple mediums and processes, always striving to connect with and reflect the natural environment of the Island and her off-grid home and studio in West Shawnigan. Her career as an art and art history educator began with a teaching contract at an international high school in Italy. With over 20 years of experience across multiple visual art disciplines, Ms. Andersen’s practice is centred on developing student capacity for community and leadership through creative pursuits. During her time on the Cowichan Valley Arts Council board, she initiated their first annual student art exhibition in the spring of 2020. In 2017 she was awarded the Duncan Business Association Shirley McGuinness Memorial Award for her leadership in public art collaborations in the City of Duncan. Ms. Andersen’s hobbies include researching and engaging in land restoration practices, gardening, foraging, and making natural healing products. She is the proud mom of two young women and loves to ‘dream and scheme’ with her artist husband over morning coffee.
Justine Backlund
English, Arts
B.F.A. (SFU), M.St. (Oxford)
Ms. Backlund is from BC’s Lower Mainland but has spent as many summers as she can remember exploring coastal waters by sailboat. She completed her B.F.A. at Simon Fraser University, receiving the Praxis Centre for Screenwriting Award for her final project. By her love of storytelling, Ms. Backlund was propelled to complete a Masters in Creative Writing at the University of Oxford. She is most interested in the power writing has to connect us and hopes to share her love of language arts with her students. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, creative writing, reading, and cold-water swimming.
Hilary Britton-Foster
Technical Director; Theatre Production Instructor
Technical Theatre Diploma
Hilary Britton-Foster is a seasoned theatre technician who has been working in the industry for more than 10 years. With credentials in lighting design for dance and theatre, and having held numerous positions within her field including Head of Lighting, Assistant Technical Director, and Production Manager, Ms. Britton-Foster brings hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of the live entertainment industry. With a passion for the stage, she looks forward to guiding budding technicians on their theatrical journey!
Robert Burgess
Hand Built Ceramics Teacher
BFA (Hon), B. Ed.
Mr. Burgess took a degree in Visual Arts at UVic before deciding to be a teacher. He has taught in the public, private, and Indigenous school systems within BC, including living on two remote reserves. He spent ten years at Meadowridge School in Maple Ridge, mostly as an art teacher.Outside of art and teaching, Mr. Burgess has an extensive background in outdoor pursuits, especially in whitewater, and has recently acquired a sailboat he is learning to use. He is also active in medieval recreation, where he does armoured combat—though not LARPing.
Ivana Cappelletto
Art Foundation, Art Rotation Teacher
BA (University of Alberta); MA (European Institute of Design)
Ivana Cappelletto brings a wealth of experience in education and the arts, having taught Foundation Art at institutions such as Emily Carr University, Vancouver Film School, Simon Fraser University, Langara College, and the University of Alberta. Holding a BA from the University of Alberta and a master;s degree in Visual Communications from the European Institute of Design in Milan, Italy, Ms. Cappelletto also spent 11 years as an art director and designer in Milan. Throughout her career, painting, drawing, and the fundamentals of art have always been central to her style of work.Ivana Cappelletto is dedicated to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of creatives. She has successfully managed collaborations between seasoned professionals and emerging talent, fostering a supportive environment for growth.
Julie Carere
Economics, Business, and Debate Teacher
Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology — University of Waterloo Honours Bachelor of Mathematics — University of Waterloo
Julie teaches Business and Economics at Brentwood College School and also teaches in the co-curricular Robotics program. Prior to joining Brentwood, she served as a DP Coordinator and taught IB Economics and Mathematics, with a focus on project-based, interdisciplinary learning.Originally from Waterdown, Ontario, Julie has three children—two boys and a girl. As a lifelong learner and educator, she tutored university students for over 15 years in subjects including Statistics, Accounting, Corporate Finance, Economics, and Game Theory. She also co-founded a tech-based startup, helping to program its website, and enjoys talking about real estate and investing.Outside the classroom, Julie loves sewing, speed hiking through the forest, and spending time at the beach. Her family once spent six months traveling around the world, and they continue to explore new places whenever they can.
Sara Checkley
English Teacher; Debate; Advisor (Hope House)
BA, Hons. (SFU); MA (UVic); B.Ed (UVic)
Having taught for years with one view of Mt. Baker, Ms Checkley thought she’d try another perspective. Born in the interior of the province and raised on the island, she comes to Brentwood with years of public school experience and the stories to match. Learned in the ways of AP, many things English, a healthy smattering of Socials, and some chef-inspired Foods teaching, Ms. Checkley is looking forward to bringing all of these things together in her Brentwood classes. A Word Nerd to her core, all students in her classes can look forward to deeply nerdy etymological origin stories of words and phrases. In those off-school times you can find her browsing the Criterion Collection, trying a new restaurant, attempting to learn the cello, and poorly recreating the dance moves from some of her favourite Bollywood films. Mostly though, she’ll be with her family, book in hand, and either on, near, or in the water throughout the year.
Scott Doehler
Instructional Leader, Science; Robotics and Metamorphosis 9 Teacher
B.Sc., B.Ed. (Queen’s)
Born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario, the son of two teachers, Mr. Doehler has—along with many fellow Canadians—opposed Earth’s rotation and slowly drifted west. After backpacking around the world for a year following university, Mr. Doehler enjoyed ten great years teaching junior high school in Edmonton and Calgary before shifting to ‘Island time’ and joining the Brentwood faculty. He has an absolute passion for the rocks, raw power, and beauty of our planet, and champions courses in Earth science and geology. When not in one of the science labs, Mr. Doehler can be found in the Robotics Lab helping students explore mechanics, coding, and engineering.Outside of the wonderful whirlwind that is Brentwood, Mr. Doehler joins his wife Marianne—a fellow geologist—in passions for vocal music, snowboarding, and backcountry hiking. Summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa and taking their eight-month-old son on his first multi-week camping trip throughout Alaska and the Yukon exemplify the travel ‘bug’ that has so thoroughly bitten them both. Mr. and Mrs. Doehler now live off-campus with three wonderful children, one dog, two cats, and four rats—though they can count numerous adopted sons still on campus from their five years as Assistant Houseparents in Privett House.
Paul Fletcher
Photography
As a teenager, Paul Fletcher found his passion for photography. His photographs, in his current association with Los Angeles-based Getty images, have been published worldwide and his photographic artwork hangs in many homes, galleries, and businesses. In 1998, Mr. Fletcher produced Somenos: The Grandfathers Spoke to Me, a photographic and poetic celebration of the Somenos Marsh Conservation Area. When not teaching at Brentwood, Mr. Fletcher spends his time traveling the world, usually in third world countries, documenting the beauty, socio economic conditions and the environment of the places he visits.
Jim Ganley
English, Photojournalism, Yearbook, BEAT Sponsor
B.A. (Trent); B.Ed., M.A. (University of Toronto)
Parents with a sense of adventure took Jim Ganley from his childhood home in Peterborough, Ontario, to encounter adolescence in Kingston, Jamaica and Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Along the way, he attended or taught at the International School of Tanganyika, Lakefield College, Trinity College, and Shawnigan Lake School. In between, he developed a passion for travelling backwards over water in narrow shells which he pursued energetically for 30 years. Jim his wife, Jillian Napier, an economics teacher and girls basketball coach, are raising their three children – two Brentwood alumni – in the peaceful beauty of the Cowichan Valley. Growing concern for the environmental legacy we are leaving our children and grandchildren has led Jim to enthusiastically lead the Brentwood Environmental Action Team (BEAT).
Cody Gibson
Social Justice & Social Studies teacher; Climbing Coach; Graphic Design
B.Ed., IB, TESOL,
Mr. Gibson, is an experienced world educator and traveller with thirty-four countries and counting; mainly in Vietnam, Guatemala and Mexico. His time overseas provided constant challenges and joys and he hopes to bring his experience to students here at Brentwood.If you can’t find Mr. Gibson on his standard rounds on campus, then seek him outside in the forest—climbing rocks, looking at moss, hiking the west coast trail and generally galavanting around the island that he grew up on and loves. He is excited to offer classes that deliver an exciting time, lots of debate, and a widening of horizons.
Leyla Haslebacher
Industrial Arts and Design Teacher
B. Gen. TRU, B. Ed. VIU
With a background in design, art, and industrial arts, Leyla Haslebacher has spent many years teaching and inspiring individuals to explore the intersection of artistic expression and practical skill. Leyla comes to Brentwood with the belief that everyone has the capacity to transform their ideas into reality. From early childhood, she has been passionate about creating things from basic materials and this passion has only grown over the years. One of her favourite things in the world is to act as a guide, helping students discover their innate creativity.Ms. Haslebacher is a passionate educator with a deep commitment to fostering creativity and craftsmanship in students. Through hands-on lessons and a focus on problem-solving, she encourages students to develop both their technical abilities and their unique creative voices. Whether working with students in the Design Lab, guiding them through design concepts, or teaching the fundamentals of woodcraft, Ms. Haslebacher brings a wealth of experience and a dedication to helping each student unlock their full potential.
Michael Keddy
Head of Music
BMusA (UWO), BEd (UWO), DipFA (UCalgary), MMus (UManitoba), PhD (UVic)
Dr. Michael Keddy is an accomplished Canadian conductor, educator, and percussionist who currently serves as Head of Music at Brentwood College School in Mill Bay, British Columbia and Music Director for The Greater Victoria Concert Band (Senior level). Dr. Keddy holds a PhD in Music Education/Conducting from the University of Victoria and a Master’s Degree in Wind Conducting from the University of Manitoba, having also completed advanced studies in conducting from the University of Calgary. Throughout his career, Dr. Keddy has earned praise for the exceptional musicality of his ensembles and has taken leadership roles as conductor for the University of Victoria Wind Symphony, the University of Victoria Don Wright Symphonic Winds, and guest conductor for the Civic Orchestra of Victoria.As a percussionist, Dr. Keddy boasts a distinguished performance history, from serving as the principal timpanist and percussionist for the Civic Orchestra of Victoria to performing across Europe—most notably as a marimba soloist and percussion section leader of the Ontario Youth Concert Band, which included a solo performance at Buckingham Palace. He has also provided educational leadership as Music Director and IB Exhibitions of Learning Instructional Leader at St. Margaret’s School in Victoria and as Head of Performing Arts at Parry Sound High School (ON), and as faculty at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Keddy is widely respected for his commitment to music education, frequently adjudicating and conducting clinics throughout Canada, and remains active as a clinician and performer, with credits that include marching in the World Champion Blue Devils’ snare line and continuous involvement in community and youth music initiatives.
Michelle Legassicke
Law Studies, Psychology, Philosophy, Politics & Economics teacher;Assistant Houseparent (Mack House)
B.A. (Uvic), M.A. (uWaterloo)
Growing up on Vancouver Island, Ms. Legassicke loved this hub of kayaking, fishing, and outdoor adventures. After completing a B.A. at the University of Victoria, educational and research opportunities took her east, and further afield around the world. Following the completion of an M.A. at the University of Waterloo and time working abroad in Tanzania, she returned to Canada—settling on the east coast at Dalhousie University. While in Halifax, she had the opportunity to design and teach classes in the Political Science and Sustainability departments. She also worked in student life and residences at the University of King’s College. Supported by the Dallaire Institute, EUCE, SSHRC, and Innovation grants, Ms. Legassicke’s work took her around the world: conference presentations in Hong Kong and London, research projects in Ghana and Sierra Leone, and travel to Cambodia and Indonesia. She returned to the West Coast in 2019 to be closer to family, joining Brentwood as a Boarding Faculty Assistant and working with the Debate, Model UN, Public Speaking, and Field Hockey programs. Ms. Legassicke teaches Law Studies 12, AP Psychology, and a seminar class on Philosophy, Politics and Economics. When not walking her dog Kenzie, you can find Ms. Legassicke working with students in the Model UN and Public Speaking program, or around Mackenzie House—where she works as the Assistant Houseparent.
Joe Lyons
Pottery Teacher
Visual Arts (VIU)
Joseph Lyons discovered his love for clay as a child, in Seattle. As an adult, he attended classes at Pottery Northwest for years before moving to Kauai, Hawaii, where became the apprentice to master potter Dean McRaine. In 2016, Mr. Lyons immigrated to Canada to attend Vancouver Island University. He graduated with honors and a degree in Visual Arts in 2020 and took up a position as Artist-in-Residence at Nanaimo Ceramic Arts. Mr. Lyons enjoys making pots in his home studio while raising two kids in an artistic household with his partner—a children’s book publisher, author, and illustrator.
Scott McGill
Rock Band Teacher
B.Mus., Jazz (VIU)
Born and raised on the west coast, Scott McGill majored in pop voice and jazz at Capilano College in Vancouver. He gained industry attention with the release of two notable independent albums nominated for music awards: in 1997, the album, First Time won runner-up at the YTV Youth Achievement Awards. In 2000, Check the Hype was nominated for Best New Indie Album at the influential West Coast Music Awards. In 2001, Mr. McGill was selected for a part in the Global Television reality show, Pop Stars: Boy Meets Girl, filmed in Toronto. Mr. McGill has fronted three bands in Vancouver: Revelry, Juice, and Hummer. He also composes and records his own solo projects. He regularly opened for bands such as Nickleback, Widemouth Mason, and Tower of Power and describes his work as “acoustic-pop-folk-soul-jazz”. Mr. McGill’s teaching philosophy encourages students to find their own voice through music. At Brentwood, he teaches Rock Band and has helped students to earn national-level awards.
Megan Rea
Dance Teacher; Choreographer
B.A. Hons (The Hammond School, University of Chester); PGCE (Royal Academy of Dance)
Miss Rea brings a lifelong love of dance and musical theatre to her teaching, shaped by experiences living across Europe and studying in the UK. Having attended boarding school herself, she understands the unique opportunities and sense of community that life in such a setting can offer. Growing up, she followed her passion for the stage to earn a B.A. (Hons) in Musical Theatre, later completing postgraduate study at the Royal Academy of Dance.Miss Rea’s teaching journey has taken her from East London to the Swiss Alps. She has embraced the unique opportunities of each role while inspiring and supporting her students of all ages and diverse backgrounds. Drawing on her professional stage experience, she brings real-world insight to her teaching, enriching students’ learning. Miss Rea loves connecting with young dancers, encouraging them to step outside of their comfort zone, build confidence, and reach their full potential.Now having embarked on a new adventure on Vancouver Island, Miss Rea is thrilled to share her passion, creativity, and enthusiasm with the vibrant Brentwood community.
Jeff Szeryk
Physics and Robotics teacher
Honours B.Sc., Chemistry/Physics (University of Waterloo) B.Ed. (Queen's)
Mr. Szeryk, from Ontario, attended the University of Waterloo. He was part of the Physics/Chemistry Co-Op Program and graduated with a teaching degree from Queen’s University.Jeff Szeryk has been teaching internationally and in Canada for the last 30 years. His teaching stints have been in Eabamet Lake (Fort Hope), Ontario, Inuvik, NT, Istanbul, Canmore, Damascus, Syria, Bratislava, Slovakia, Sofia, Bulgaria, and George Town, Cayman Islands.Mr. Szeryk has three truly wonderful 3rd-culture kids. His older daughter is attending the University of Waterloo, his younger daughter is attending her second year at Dalhousie University in Halifax, and his son will be enjoying his 3rd year here at Brentwood.
Edna Widenmaier
Director of Arts; English Teacher; Musical Director; Theatre Manager of the T. Gil Bunch Centre for Performing Arts
B.A. (Guelph), M.A. (Toronto)
A graduate of the Master of English and Drama (Massey College, the University of Toronto, and the Drama Centre in London, England), Edna Widenmaier has enjoyed over four decades of teaching experience in English, musical, and theatre. After several years in ‘the real business’, including management of Theatre Passe Muraille in Toronto and Canadian Place Theatre in Stratford, she began her teaching career in Vancouver. Since joining the Brentwood faculty in 1990, Mrs. Widenmaier tap-danced among and between the roles of teacher of English, drama, and musical theatre, and as Head of the English Department, before her present appointment as the Brentwood Director of Arts.Her experience as a setter of exams for the Ministry of Education and a reader and faculty consultant for the College Board supports her passion for teaching Advanced Placement English Literature and her obsession as a “Bardologist” (an excessive admirer of all things Shakespeare!). Mrs. Widenmaier also directs and produces the annual Brentwood spring musical. At home, in the summer, she enjoys puttering in the garden, reading, watching the stars.
Where Students Choose To Be
+1 (250) 743-5521
admissions@brentwood.ca
info@brentwood.ca
2735 Mount Baker Road
Mill Bay, BC, Canada V8H 1K8