Dr. Jim Christopher

Dr. Jim Christopher is the Head of Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School and Maplewood Alternative High School, partner independent schools for children and young adults with learning differences in North Vancouver. A former teacher, Principal and Superintendent of Special Education in the public system in Ontario, he has been actively involved for decades in the drive to differentiate learning experiences to meet the needs of all learners. Prior to moving to North Vancouver in 2012, with his wife and two sons, Jim spent four years as head of a Pre-K - 10 Montessori and IB/MYP school in Bermuda.

Mark Ballard

Mark Ballard is the principle of Ballard 360 Real Estate, dedicated to excellence in industry practice and customer service. Mark is an award winning realtor with over 30 years of experience and expertise in the real estate industry.

As an active member of the community, Mark serves on the Board of the West Vancouver Foundation and is a member of the West Vancouver and North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce. Mark is a committed patron of several of Vancouver’s vibrant arts and cultural organizations.

Mark earned his Bachelor of Commerce with real estate and finance specialization from the University of British Columbia.

Sarah Garr

Relationships form an essential foundation for a caring, vibrant and innovative school community. In order to best support our students' social, emotional and academic growth, we must challenge ourselves to expand our definition of success to encompass a wider range of skill sets and abilities. Each student has a unique story and it is our responsibility to learn these stories. We must create an environment that supports and celebrates the diversity of all students. As a secondary Vice Principal in the Richmond school district, I am privileged to work alongside colleagues, students and families to do just that.

Sean Nosek

Sean Nosek is Director of Instruction, Learning & Innovation with West Vancouver Schools. He was co-chair of DisruptED Vancouver 2014, and was identified by The Learning Partnership in 2014 as one of Canada’s Outstanding PrincipalsTM. Sean is excited by integrative thinking and non-linear approaches to learning. He regularly champions “The Art of Wandering” and believes passionately in adventure. A former literature teacher, Sean is inspired by great works and great ideas. He enjoys being physically active, cutting through alleyways, listening to vinyl and contemplating life’s big questions. You can follow his thinking on Zen for a Crazy World.