PRINCIPAL

Linda Lamers is a long time Yukon educator who has spent her career working to support students in the best way possible to meet their potential.

 After an eight-year hiatus to British Columbia, Linda and her husband, Alex, returned to the Yukon as their now adult children have decided they want to keep the Yukon as home. They also missed the amazing Yukon vistas and their friends.

She has been working as a superintendent with Yukon Education since she returned almost two years ago and is excited about now making Dakwäkãda, Haines Junction, home.  Outside of work, when not at home curled up with a novel or readings on Educational Leadership, she will likely be out with Alex and her dog on the land or water or hanging out with her granddaughter. 

VICE PRINCIPAL

Having taught for over 28 years, my family and I have made Haines Junction, Yukon our home. I am currently the Vice Principal here at SECS and, over the years, have taught numerous Elementary and High School subjects. When I am not spending time with my son and daughter, I am fly fishing trout, hunting the majestic bison and regularly enjoying many of the great outdoor opportunities Haines Junction has to offer. I am also a proud member of the Canadian Rangers and, when tasked to, go on military exercises in and around Haines Junction. I am proud to call Haines Junction my home!

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

I was born and lived in the BC Fraser Valley for 20 years before coming to The Yukon to run a pub for a summer. As many Yukon stories go, I met my husband to be, and that was that.

After working for Kluane First Nation for 12 years, I moved to Haines Junction and became an administrative contractor. In 2005 I was hired as the Auxillary on Call Administrative Assistant for St. Elias Community School, and in 2010 I was hired in my dream job, the full-time Administrative Assistant at St. Elias Community School.

CAFN DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

K4 EARLY LEARNING TEACHER

Hello! I have over three years of teaching experience and over ten years of working with children.

I graduated from Nipissing University in 2019 with Honors in Physical and Health Education and completed my Bachelor of Education in 2021. I continued to complete my master's in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Evaluation as well as additional qualifications in First Nations, Inuit and Metis Studies and Literacy.

 Growing up and moving all over Canada has deeply shaped my sense of adventure, adaptability, and appreciation for diverse communities and cultures. My goal is to create a play-based learning environment where little hands get messy, imaginations run wild, and curiosity leads the way! I strive to inspire exploration, nurture creativity, and foster social-emotional growth, helping every child thrive in a supportive and inclusive space.

KINDERGARTEN

Hey, my name is Kiana Ruddy but, students refer to me as Ms. R. Currently, I am the K5 teacher, however, have previously been in the school as the Grade 1/2 and Phed . One year has turned into five, as we have fallen in love with the people and adventures Haines Junction has to offer. I am excited to continue my journey at St Elias Community School and can’t wait to see what comes next. 

I graduated from Nipissing University in 2017 with an Honours Bachelor of Physical and Health Education with a Minor in Business. I returned to Nipissing and completed my Bachelor of Education (Primary - Junior Division) graduating in 2019. Since then, I have taken additional courses in Math Part 1 and 2, Special Education, Reading and Kindergarten. 

Regarding teaching, my goal is to build on students’ strengths and create an environment where students are comfortable taking risks in the classroom. I think that it’s important to push the limits of education and find new creative ways to learn. 

GRADE 1

I spent my childhood living on a livestock farm before going to college after high-school. I have a diploma in Environmental Science with a specialization in Land and Water Management, a Bachelor of Science with a Major in Physical Geography and a Minor in Biology, and a Bachelor of Education with a specialization for elementary and middle school years.

I lived all over Canada before falling in love with the Yukon and deciding to make it my home with my husband and our two young daughters. We moved here three years ago and can’t imagine living anywhere else! In my spare time, I love hiking, running, riding horses and spending time with my family.

GRADE 2/3

I am originally from Ontario but have most recently been living in Nelson, BC, on the traditional territory of the Sinixt people. My background is in alternative education, and I am passionate about hands-on, experiential approaches to learning that encourage curiosity. I completed my Bachelor of Education through UBC’s West Kootenay Teacher Education Program and am beginning my Master’s of Education studies this fall. I am so thrilled to be joining the St. Elias Community School this year and look forward to learning alongside students, colleagues, and families. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time in the mountains, especially backcountry skiing and hiking. I feel grateful for the opportunity to explore and learn from the land here in Dakwäkäda, and I look forward to bringing that sense of connection to place into my teaching practice.

GRADE 4/5

In 2014 the mountains drew me to Däkwäkäda-Haines Junction, but it was the people, families and children that have kept me teaching here for over 10 years. Within the classroom, I strive to create a space where learners can follow their curiosities, build resilience, and realize their full potential.

Some of the educational experiences students in my class can look forward to are science fair, where they conduct in-depth research and learn about the scientific method, and Ukrainian egg decorating (pysanky). This unit fosters the students’ artistic skills as they learn, and then teach others, this traditional art form. At the end of the year, we celebrate our hard work and learning with a hike in Kluane National Park and Reserve, further strengthening our connection to the land we live on.

Outside of school you can find me…outside! I love exploring the natural world. I have an inherent interest in the plants, insects, animals, and geological processes that surround me.

GRADE 6/7

I enjoy creating fun learning experiences that challenge students to grow in all subject areas. I like to hear about students’ ideas on how the school can meet their needs, and I also enjoy helping students reflect on how they see themselves as learners.

Annual highlights of my class include the grade 6 Polar Games, performing readers' theater plays, and the annual Heritage Fair and engaging the world of Lego Robotics. Some of my field trips include building and sleeping in snow caves and basic canoeing skills.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy typical Yukon outdoor activities like biking, hunting, and hiking, which I often do with my family. I also help coach soccer.

HIGH SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL

My name is Cyndi O'Rourke and I have been teaching in Däkwäkäda Haines Junction for the past 18 years.

I grew up in the traditional territory of the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation in Dawson City. I teach high school and some of the courses I teach are Home Economics, Social Studies, English First Peoples and more. I highly value creativity and love encouraging students to be creative in my classes. I also love Star Wars and quilting!

HIGH SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL AND SOUTHERN TUTCHONE

Dä̀nnchʼe? Ä́yinzhì Kàłxʼòkw Leger chʼe.  Gúchʼän kʼe Mary Jane Leger ùúye.  Ägunda íchʼe.  Ä́gàlį̄ Jonathan Leger ächʼe.  N-łäyè ä́shela, John Etzel-McLeod, ukʼànītā na.

How are you?  My name is Kàłxʼòkw Leger.  In English, I am called Mary Jane Leger.  I belong to the wolf clan.  My husband is Jonathan Leger.  Together we looked after my younger brother, John Etzel-McLeod.

I grew up in Whitehorse.  I graduated from Porter Creek Secondary School. After that, I learned from the Yukon Native Language Centre from which I have a Native Language Teaching Certificate and Diploma.  I hold an Associate of Applied Science degree in Native Language Education from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, and a Master’s in Education degree from the University of Simon Fraser.  However, the names of the people who truly taught me Our Peopleʼs Way are Lorraine Allen, Margaret Workman, Polly Fraser, and my grandmother Mary (Jackson) McLeod.  Now, I will speak Our Way in order for our people to all learn to speak.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

I have been working at St. Elias for the last 4 school years and am currently the Physical Education teacher. I grew up in Arthur, Ontario where I played a variety of sports in and outside of school.

I attended post-secondary in North Bay, Ontario at Nipissing University where I completed an Honours Physical and Health Education and a Bachelor of Education program. Since moving to the Yukon, I spend most of my free time fly fishing, hunting and playing various sports.

SOUTHERN TUTCHONE - PRIMARY

Ä́yínji Änikhįą úye,  My traditional name is Änikhįą, Guch’än kʼe Erin Jim úye, my English name is Erin Jim. Kajet íchʼe, I am part of the crow clan.

I am a member of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and have always been passionate about my language and culture. I graduated from CAFNʼs Southern Tutchone Language Intensive program in 2023. Since then, I have been pursing my language journey through teaching, taking classes, talking with others, and creating shareable resources. This is my second-year teaching at St. Elias Community School, and it has been a great experience.  I enjoy being able to teach kids my traditional language and feel very lucky to be part of the St. Elias Community School team!

SOUTHERN TUTCHONE - INTERMEDIATE

EDUCATION ASSISTANT (EA)

I am an Education Assistant/ Speech Assistant here at St. Elias School.  I was born and raised in Arthur Ontario and in 1998, I moved west to Wabasca Alberta and joined the school there as an Education Assistant and worked for forestry in my time off in the summers. A few years later we moved to Watson Lake and I joined the school there doing the same role. After our time in Watson Lake we landed in Dawson City and called it home for almost 19 years where I continued my position in the school. Dawson holds a very special place in my heart.

My husband, our two girls, 2 fur babies and I moved to Haines Junction almost 5 years ago where I joined the St. Elias staff and we are happy to call it our home. 

In my off time you can find me at the rink with our girls, all things gardening, crafting and spending any other time in Haines Alaska on the ocean and fishing.

 I love being a part of the St. Elias team and I look forward to what is next to come. 

EDUCATION ASSISTANT (EA)

Hello. My name is Erica Miller. I've lived in the Yukon since 2011 and worked at St. Elias school for over 8 years now. I grew up on a trap line in Northern Saskatchewan and I'm a member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, which is Woodland Cree. I love the outdoors and as most of the kids know, I LOVE fishing. Besides fishing I enjoy spending time with my family on my farm with my many animals. 

EDUCATION ASSISTANT (EA)

I was born and raised in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia.  I graduated from UBC with a BA and a psychology major.  While at university, I also took a strong interest in anthropology, linguistics, and earth sciences.

I moved to the Yukon in 2010 with my three young children and have lived and worked in Haines Junction since 2022.  In my spare time I like to get outside and explore the area.  I love taking photos of the beautiful scenery and my yellow labrador, Roxanne (of course).

EDUCATION ASSISTANT (EA)

In 2010 I came to the Yukon to work in Destruction Bay. I have held various jobs in the service industry in the Kluane area, and landed at SECS 3 years ago as an Education Assistant.  

EDUCATION ASSISTANT (EA)

I am a life-long resident of Haines Junction.  Growing up and graduating from this school.  I am raising my family here now and have kids attending St. Elias School. I come from a counselling background and use that perspective in my work. 

This school and community are and have been very important to me. I am very involved in my community and enjoy investing my time in it.  I co-own and operate a trapline and enjoy getting out with my kids, friends and family on the land.  I am an avid outdoorsperson who hunts and fishes as much as I absolutely can.  I enjoy being outdoors and harvesting is a huge part of what I love to do. 

I have lots of experience in carpentry and mechanics, and love to work with the kids in the shop.  I enjoy working with the high school and helping young adults reach their goals.  I enjoy helping teach youth on the land and sharing my knowledge of the outdoors.

EDUCATION ASSISTANT (EA)

EDUCATION ASSISTANT (EA)

Hello my name is Raven Padmos. I have been an Education Assistant for 20 years. For the past 10 years I have been grateful to be at St. Elias Community School supporting students.

I have an Education Assistant Diploma from the College of the Rockies in BC and DIR Floortime Level One Training from ICDL.

I love gardening and spending time outside with my 3 boys. Our family enjoys travelling to Mexico and learning Spanish every year.

My favourite activity in the school is reading to the K4-KG classes. They are filled with curiosity and always ask inquisitive questions.

EDUCATION ASSISTANT (EA)

EDUCATION ASSISTANT (EA)

EDUCATION ASSISTANT (EA)

I am originally from Moncton, New Brunswick. I moved to the Yukon in 2005 after completing my undergraduate degree of Bachelor of Science in Forest Management from the University of New Brunswick.

I have lived in Haines Junction since 2018 and have worked at St. Elias Community School as both a Teacher on Call and an Educational Assistant for 4 years. I enjoy an outdoor lifestyle which includes camping, fishing, hunting; etc.

EDUCATION ASSISTANT (EA)

I like working out, singing and doing some sports like muaythai, basketball, boxing, badminton and shoveling snow which I find enjoyable and challenging.

I’m a friendly and God fearing person. I respect everyone, specially the elders, teachers and my colleagues.

I like to make a positive and enjoyable classroom which the children will remember until they get old. Just like what I have experience back in my High school days.

EDUCATION ASSISTANT (EA)

I am an Educational Assistant at St. Elias Community School. I’ve been here in Canada since June 2024. I am happily married and a mother of 2 kids. 

I love to sing and bake, it feels therapeutic. 

I’m a God-fearing person and treat everyone with high regard. 

GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR

I have been privileged to spend the last 18-months on maternity leave with my now 4-year-old daughter, River, and 18-month-old son, Asher. You have probably seen me over the last year on my daily walks or bike rides with my children and two dogs. I love spending time in nature and am so grateful to live in beautiful Dakwäkäda.

I began my Yukon adventure 10 years ago, paddling the Yukon River from Whitehorse to Dawson City. What I thought was a move just for a year, ended up being 5 years in Whitehorse, filing various roles as Educational Assistant, Substitute Teacher, Special Education Teacher, LAT, and Primary Counsellor, before moving to Haines Junction.

Over the last 5 years, I have been at SECS as LAT and Grade 1/2 Teacher. I have a Master of Special Education, and I am a trained Yoga Instructor.  I am passionate about helping students reach their full potential and supporting the Whole Child. I absolutely love teaching self-regulation skills, Social Thinking, mindfulness, and yoga. I also look forward to connecting with families to better support the students at SECS.

LITERACY / ART

Dä̀nnchʼe? Äyinzhì Ferryn ùye. My name is Ferryn Nowatzki and I am excited to be working here at St. Elias School. I originally hail from the Southern Lakes region of the Yukon, where I was raised on the traditional territory of the Carcross-Tagish First Nation and Kwanlin Dun First Nation on the shores of Tàkwädàdhāni - Marsh Lake. Growing up in a rural area meant a childhood filled with catching bugs and frogs and making forts, berry picking in the high alpine at the family cabin, swimming in glacier fed creeks, and skating and skiing on frozen lakes. The feelings of joy and wonder that come with exploring and experiencing nature connection is something I hope to share with students, as well as working alongside them to build confidence and connection in their own abilities and relationships with each other and the land. I am also a bookwork and a word nerd! Languages and literacy are a passion of mine, and I’m thrilled to be working in the role of Literacy Teacher this year. I enjoy hiking and camping with my family and dog, Tula, in the mountains surrounding in Dakwäkäda/Haines Junction.  I have a keen interest in botany and will probably inundate you with plant facts if you go hiking with me! I trained in Visual Arts at the University of Alaska, and then completed my Bachelor’s of Education at Vancouver Island University. I have been teaching K5- grade 3 in the Yukon since 2018.

LITERACY

Hello! I am excited to be the Literacy Teacher and supporting our students with their reading and writing.  I love teaching and this will be my 19th year at St.Elias Community School.  I have taught mostly Grade 2 and Grade 3, but have also taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grade 4 and Reading Recovery.  Outside of school, I enjoy reading, doing puzzles, travelling, and spending time outdoors.    

CLASSROOM LANGUAGE SUPPORT

Ä́yinzhì K'ukhäla chʼe ye Guchʼän kʼe Monica Primozic ùúye.  

Hello! I am excited to be back at St Elias Community School as Southern Tutchone Language Classroom Support .

I have been a teacher for 21 years at St. Elias Community School -  throughout these years, I have taught Grade 1, Grade 2, K4 and Kindergarten. 

I am a Champagne and Aishihik First Nation citizen. I have lived in Haines Junction for 30+ years and have raised my three children, Natane, Anthony and Matsʼäsä̀na Mą here in Dakwäkäda.  I have been involved and active in many Haines Junction community events, groups and committees.  I enjoy being out on the land, teaching our CAFN culture and traditions and spending time with my family and friends. 

LAND AND LANGUAGE CONNECTOR - FNSB

Hello, my name is Dakalama (Tracy Kane) I live in Dakwakata, (Haines Junction) Ajesadla Katsa dan Ku First Nations School Board ichi. (I am the Land and Language Connector at St Elias Community School)

I am married to Hugh, from Lhuaan Mun Keyi (Kluane) and we have two children Gochoox (Justin) and Kwansha (Abigail) I am of the Agunda (Wolf) Clan Southern Tutchone and Daktaweidi (Killer Whale) Alaska Tlingit. I am a citizen of Champagne Aishihik First Nations. (CAFN)

I attended University of Alberta and I have worked for CAFN in various positions for the past 25+ years, but always working with children, youth and education. The connection I have to our knowledge keepers and the cultural teachings has helped me help others.

Dak annta je, Nanuchi (Take care of yourself and see you soon)

DUNENA WELLNESS SUPPORT WORKER - CAFN

My name is Lena Ross. I am the Dunena Wellness Support Worker at CAFN and will be based out of St. Elias Community School.

I’m from Teslin, YT, a Teslin Tlingit Council Citizen and a member of the Crow Clan. I have worked as Summer Student Coordinator, Employment and Training Officer, and On-Call Daycare Worker in the Education Department at CAFN which has helped me gain experience and understanding with helping Citizens and Students with their schooling needs. I have attended Yukon University and University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business. I enjoy camping and fishing with my husband and our 3 children, and 2 dogs.