Department: Leadership Team

Paula joined the international education team after a long and successful career in the private sector. Her skills and experience include supporting students from all over the world in adjusting to a new culture, sales and marketing, conflict resolution, negotiation, office management and career development. Her business career took her across North America, as well as to South America, Asia and Europe, where she formed partnerships with agents and colleges and met prospective students. Paula has a Bachelor’s degree in English and Portuguese literature and was certified as a teacher in her native Brazil. She loves international education for the benefits it brings to both the student and the host community, and she is excited to put her background to work in the public sector. In her spare time, Paula enjoys reading, travel and time with family.

Gabriel has a strong passion for international education, having spent over 20 years recruiting and assisting international students to have the best possible experience worldwide. He has an extensive background in providing ongoing customer service for students while taking part in an academic or cultural program abroad. Gabriel has been an international high school student in the USA, has a bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality, has managed an international student agency in Brazil, and worked as a Marketing Director in Canada, supporting students from various countries. Gabriel also enjoys camping, hiking, and soccer. Gabriel’s responsibility includes marketing for students in Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey.

Diane has worked in the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows school district for over 20 years as an elementary teacher, secondary teacher, English Language Learning (ELL) teacher, English Language Learning (ELL) coordinator, International Education teacher and Vice Principal. Diane holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia and a Masters in Teaching English as an Additional Language from Simon Fraser University. Diane lived and taught English in Japan for four years, did four months of undergraduate study in Thailand, South Korea and Hong Kong and has travelled extensively in Europe, Asia and Australia. Diane values the richness of cultural and linguistic diversity and has always advocated for International students and newcomers to Canada. She loves welcoming students from around the world as part of the International Education team.

Tricia has worked in the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows school district for many years as a Teacher (elementary and secondary), International Liaison, Counselor, Vice Principal and Principal.  Tricia holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Victoria and a Masters in Educational Leadership and Management from Royal Roads University.  She taught English in Taiwan early in her career, and has been a strong advocate for all students, including International Students and new English Language Learners.  Tricia’s family has hosted International students from many countries, and she thoroughly enjoys being part of a multi-cultural team that welcomes and hosts students from all over the world.  Tricia’s responsibility include marketing for students from Europe and Mexico.