Staff
Administration
Angie Ward is PAA’s Principal.
A committed educator, Ms. Ward misses teaching some of her favourite courses, including Religious Studies, but is still finding ways to build relationships with students here at PAA. She knows each one by name and encourages all to come visit with her “open-door” policy. Ms. Ward's favourite PAA activity is the celebration of graduates at yearly Commencement ceremonies. Out of the office, Ms. Ward enjoys a bit of adventure. She is proud of combating her fears to attain her PADI Open Water Certification and is always on the hunt for the best Mexican Food Canada can offer. Admittedly, it’s hard to find so she enjoys East Indian food as a substitute! Ms. Ward's support of both teachers and students creates a teaching-learning environment in which everyone can achieve success. Her leadership style is modeled after the Shepherd in Psalm 23, whose example gives her much encouragement and strength.
Rod Jamieson is PAA’s Vice Principal, CTS Instructor, and Athletic Director.
Despite his busy schedule, he claims that he could not survive a day without peace and quiet. There is little to be found since his days are mostly filled with giving school tours to visitors, which he loves, and students coming into his office claiming, “It’s not my fault,” which he could live without. Mr. Jamieson enjoys teaching woodworking, welding, and mechanics as well as showing off his one-of-one Wayne Gretzky-autographed hockey card. He is currently the longest-serving staff member at PAA with a vision beyond the day-to-day because he believes, “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is only temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
Susanna May joined the PAA family in the spring of 2017. Mrs. May comes with an intimate knowledge of school programming and organization due to the fact that she has several years of teaching experience herself.
We are looking forward to getting to know her more as she cheerfully coordinates office matters and serves to make our students smile.
Kevin Clarke is the Residence Hall Dean here at PAA.
His hands-on training comes from Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, where he earned the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Achievement. Dean Kevin brings a great deal of Pathfinder leadership experience, and enjoys all the community outreach and service involvement he has been able to participate in. His favourite school courses were PE, Choir, and Band and his support of dorm students is evident as he spearheads the MASH initiative to Make Academic Success Happen for students here at PAA. He enjoys collecting pins to showcase at Pathfinder Camporees and would gladly eat haystacks or spaghetti for every meal! His life and work has shown the truth of God’s plans to bring a hope and a future to everyone here at PAA (Jeremiah 29:11).
Patti Smedley comes to Alberta from beautiful Coal Harbour, BC on Vancouver Island. After celebrating her daughter's grade 12 graduation from PAA in 2016, she decided to stay on and fill her empty nest with the many students in residence here at Maple Hall.
Dean Patti has abundant energy and a beautiful smile, and a heart for each of "her" kids here at PAA.
Katelyn Ruiz brings a love of learning to her role of PAA Director of Public Relations and Drama instructor.
She enjoys talking and teaching as well as connecting with students through various student leadership and ministry opportunities. Katelyn completed her B.Ed. at Canadian University College and her MA from Andrews University, and strives to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer (Romans 12:12). Her favourite meal is usually one she doesn’t have to make, although she does enjoy cooking as a hobby. When Katelyn’s not found in the PAA hallways or Praise Band practice room, she’ll be biking, running, reading, or writing. To her, relationships with students are such a sacred thing and it is her goal that each PAA student know they are loved and prayed for every day.
2017-18 on Maternity leave
Teachers
Mike Berdan teaches English 10, 20, 30 and Physical Education while also coordinating intramurals and coaching the highly competitive and successful soccer, and basketball teams.
His belief is that he, along with the students he encourages, can do all things through Christ, who gives all strength (Philippians 4:13). Graduating with his B.Ed. from Canadian University College, Mr. Berdan is currently pursuing his MA, but still finds time to go water skiing. He couldn’t live without his phone, though, since it has his Bible and schedule, connects him to his wife and two sons, and lets him rival his students’ score in Flappy Bird. In addition to eating good Mexican food, Mr. Berdan enjoys working with PAA’s students by helping them discover the potential they have, and teaching them about the incredible gift of life Jesus offers.
Emile Ndezeki is a our new Social Studies teacher.
Sharline Fernandez graduated from Canadian University College before joining the campus staff at PAA. She organizes and instructs the Social Studies program for the upper grade levels and is the class sponsor for the graduates of 2017. Her unique expressions and genuine interest in students make her a very friendly face in PAA's hallways. Ms. Fernandez is excited about joining the history department on their European tour in May of 2017 and encourages all of her students to become active and responsible citizens.
Zack Loxdale is our new Science teacher.
Holly Kay is our new RS teacher
Ted Deer came to our campus from his pastoral position in Regina, Saskatchewan. He is an enthusiastic leader in service and a supportive presence here at PAA. His office door is always open to students, offering treats and quality time in building relationships, both within our student body and, more importantly, with our Saviour. Pastor Ted's many adventures began at PAA when he attended for his highschool years and graduated in 1996. He shares weekly wisdom through PAA's Chapel services, Sabbath Schools, Dorm Worships, Vespers programs, and more.
Michelle Lintan is a graduate from Canadian University College, whose recent and varied classroom experiences include Chemistry, Video Production, and all levels of Mathematics. She continues to enjoy teaching her favourite school subject, Math, and is always seeking to implement new methods and technologies to engage and encourage her students. Valedictorian of her high school graduating class, Mrs. Lintan trusts that God has great plans in store for her and all of the students here at PAA (Jeremiah 29:11). Mrs. Lintan likes eating cupcakes while online window-shopping, but the best part of her day comes from interacting with her students in class at PAA.
Here is her classroom website: https://sites.google.com/a/paa.ca/mlintanwebsite/
Colton Greenlaw is a graduate of PAA and returns to our community with a Masters degree in Mathematics and a love for this campus.
Looking forward to seeing him in action come the start of the 2016-2017 school year!
Melinda Purviance is a welcome presence on the PAA staff, and familiar to the campus as she graduated from Canadian University College in 2014, and continues to play for the Burman Women's Soccer Team.
Her favourite subject as a student in school was Biology, and that is one of the courses she likes to teach at PAA, in addition to Science 20/30 and PE. Mrs. Purviance loves to eat homemade Mexican food, preferably under the stars on a mountain or rock-climbing trip. She counts her greatest personal achievement as earning her first “real” job after successfully completing her student teaching at PAA! Her encouragement for students comes Philippians 4:6-7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Del Spenst is a man of many talents and interests.
He serves as the instructor of PAA’s Math and Digital Photography courses, but also plays an important role in developing relationships with students both in and outside of class. His love of building is not just seen in his rapport with students, but also in Lego and the log house he constructed. Graduating with his BA from Walla Walla University and his MA from Loma Linda University, Mr. Spenst believes that one of his greatest personal achievements was hiking the 300 miles of the Pacific Coast Trail. It’s hard to say exactly what the highlight of his life has been, since he has done a lot of things, and with his long term service to PAA, the best may still be coming! Mr. Spenst knows that He who began a good work in his own life and that of his students will carry it on to completion until the day Jesus returns (Philippians 1:6).
Now retired, Mr. Spenst is enjoying time with his family, but will join us again in second semester to teach his famous course on Digital Photography!