Meet Our Faculty

PRINCIPAL

Conal Tanner is thrilled to be a part of Edmonton Classical Academy’s founding team. Originally from Ottawa, he was first introduced to classical education by his mother, who ran a homeschooling group from first to eighth grade. Conal then attended an all-boys boarding school in Pennsylvania for the last two years of high school, where he fell in love with Shakespeare, Euclid, logic, Dickens, Byron, the Latin language, and Homer. "I had the epiphany that one of our deepest desires is for the truth, and it is in attaining and reflecting on the truth that we find some of the deepest joys possible in life."

He graduated from Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, California in 2007 and returned to Ottawa. From 2009-2012, Conal served in the Canadian Forces, spending most of the time working at the tactics school at CFB Gagetown. After the army, Conal taught at a small private school in New Brunswick and then earned his B.Ed. from University of New Brunswick.  From there he moved to Bogotá, Colombia, where he taught all levels for fours years. Most importantly, it was in Bogotá that he met, fell in love with, and married his wife Pilar, with whom he now has three young children. 

From the cold mountains of Colombia, they packed up and moved to Arizona, where Conal has spent the last three years teaching at a classical charter school, Chandler Preparatory Academy. When asked his initial thoughts on being named principal educator of Edmonton Classical, Conal said, “I am both humbled and thrilled... Classical education — the education by means of reading what the best that the brightest have written and following a proven tradition — is not just for the elites who can afford private schools. It’s for everyone, and I want to be part of this educational renaissance.”

ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL

Originally from Panama, Melissa immigrated to Canada with her family as a child. Her father was a Professor of International Law and her mother (who is from the Philippines) was a Linguistic Anthropologist at the University of Alberta. Melissa journeyed through higher academia with the completion of her B.A. in English Literature with a specialization in Shakespeare; a B.Ed. in secondary English from the University of Alberta (2010); and an M.Ed. in Education Leadership from the University of Portland (2020). Melissa has taught grades 4 through 9 as an elementary generalist, a junior high specialist in English Language Arts, second languages and social studies, an ESL instructional coach and a teacher in the Cogito Alternative Program. Throughout her teaching career, Melissa always yearned to teach her students more about life and the virtues that make us human. She is thrilled to be a part of Edmonton Classical Academy where she can now pursue pedagogy imbued with the teachings of truth, beauty, and goodness. She and her husband have raised two children who are now grown and on their own.

When asked to take on a leadership role with the Academy, Melissa felt honoured and humbled to be entrusted with such important work. Having written her master’s thesis on how English Language Learners best acquire English; she feels blessed to have been given the portfolios of ESL and Specialized Learning Supports. Melissa looks forward to dedicating herself to the pursuit of wisdom and excellence both in the classroom and as a leader. C.S. Lewis said, “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” Melissa hopes to see all students at Edmonton Classical Academy journey through their learning in preparation to live lives filled with meaning and beauty.

LEARNING LEADER & GR 5 ELA & SCIENCE, GR 4 HISTORY

Timothy N. Nelson was raised in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. He loves rain and trees, and laments that both are in short supply in Alberta. His first jobs were fruit picker, pollen cleaner, barrel washer, cook, and farm hand. Before becoming a teacher, he worked as a psychiatric hospital chaplain. Timothy moved to Alberta for love, and he remains because that love has multiplied: he has four young children with wife Katherine.  

Timothy obtained a BA in English Literature, and was thrilled that he only had to take one theory class before immersing himself in texts like the Iliad and Odyssey, the Aeneid, Beowulf, the Divine Comedy, Paradise Lost, and numerous Shakespearean plays. From Oregon, he then moved to Vancouver, B.C. to study Theology at Regent College, with one year at Oxford University. This experience affirmed his lifelong love of learning, his dedication to seeking truth fearlessly, and his desire to share that knowledge and enthusiasm with students.

Since moving to Alberta, Tim has taught English, Religion, and Social Studies in grades 7-12. Together with Aquinas, he believes that all education is ordered to human happiness (eudaimonia). He takes further inspiration from Simone Weil who wrote: “The joy of learning is as indispensable in study as breathing is in running. Where it is lacking there are no real students, but only poor caricatures of apprentices who, at the end of their apprenticeship, will not even have a trade.” Tim does not wish his students to be tradeless apprentices, but souls who seek after truth, beauty, and goodness.

Kindergarten Homeroom

Amy Waters was born and raised in Calgary. She received her Bachelors of Arts and Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta in 2016, and has been working in various teaching positions since. She has mainly taught in Indigenous communities, teaching students from pre-K to Grade 5. Amy believes strongly in the power of building relationships with students and is looking forward to cultivating these relationships with her students at Edmonton Classical Academy. In her spare time Amy can be found cross-stitching; crafting; spending time with her dogs, husband, and young daughter; and reading (particularly exploring a new-found love of Marcus Aurelius). 

Grade 2 Homeroom

From the moment she was first introduced to the wonder and magic of books, Andrea Koning has been enraptured by literature and the English language. She followed that passion and received national acclaim through the Royal Canadian Legion's National Youth poetry award, and then received a BA in English from Concordia University of Edmonton. Working in the business world upon graduation led her to find her true vocation in teaching, leading her to return to her alma mater to obtain a Bachelor of Education degree. She has since had the opportunity to teach both locally and internationally. Andrea recently returned from teaching abroad in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, where she was passionate about spreading her love of learning and literature with her students. When she's not teaching, you can find her chasing adventures in a new book, running path, or travel destination.

Art & Drama

Colette Bachand's upbringing traces back to a quaint town just north of St. Albert. Demonstrating a talent for art from an early age, she has garnered an impressive collection of awards. Notably, Mme Bachand has contributed two murals to the town of Legal, along with several others adorning local schools. Her academic journey led her to attain a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta. Over the past seven years, she has been serving various school districts in and around the Edmonton area as either an Art or French teacher. Mme Bachand believes that everyone has an undiscovered artistic ability, which can be harnessed when guided by proper instruction. A cornerstone of her teaching philosophy is designing projects that cater to students of all skill levels, ensuring a sense of achievement across the board. During her leisure time, she finds tranquility by the lakeside, often drawing inspiration from nature's beauty.

Educational Assistant

Danica Marlow has been teaching classical ballet for over twenty years. She first received teaching qualifications in the Cecchetti method, and currently holds her Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies through the Royal Academy of Dance. Having spent seven years performing with Citie Ballet, she draws on her experiences on stage to help her students excel. A mother to two young boys, Danica recognizes the need for development and appreciation of virtue. She is inspired by the vision of Edmonton Classical Academy, and thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of its students.

Grade 3 Homeroom

Originally from Toronto, Domenica McPeek recently earned her Bachelor of Education from The King's University in Edmonton. She previously graduated from Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College, a liberal arts post-secondary institution in Barry's Bay, Ontario, with a Bachelor of Catholic Studies and a concentration in philosophy and theology. Prior to this, she attended the University of Toronto for a year, studying Life Sciences. In the past, Domenica has worked as a cook, and has directed programs teaching culinary arts and STEM subjects to disadvantaged students. She is a strong advocate for classical liberal arts education, and is passionate about pursuing the truth with her students. During her free time, Domenica is an avid reader, and she enjoys hand lettering, baking, and cooking.

English as a Second Language

Originally from the Cayman Islands, Elizabeth studied at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College, in Barry’s Bay, Ontario. She then continued her education by earning a Bachelor's in English Literature and a minor in Philosophy from Redeemer University in Hamilton, Ontario. Elizabeth is a great lover of Literature and an avid reader of the classics. Through her time at university, Elizabeth developed a fondness for the pursuit of truth and the mission to form the whole person. In her free time, Elizabeth can be found playing rugby, spending time with family and friends, or cooking up a storm.

Music

Originally from Hamilton, Ontario and of Hungarian background, Etelka Nyilasi has an Honours Bachelor of Music (Wilfrid Laurier University) and Master of Music (Birmingham Conservatoire, UK) in composition, as well as a Master of Music in violin performance in Middle Eastern music from the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). Her background also includes extensive teacher training in Kodály musicianship and pedagogy from the Kodály Institute in Kecskemét (Hungary), the British Kodály Academy and the Alberta Kodály Association. Besides teaching music at Edmonton Classical, Etelka teaches violin, viola and piano in her home studio. When not performing or teaching, she enjoys doing Hungarian-style embroidery, knitting, travelling, hiking, and taking flying lessons.

History, Literature and Composition

Originally from New Brunswick, Joseph Grondin studied the liberal arts in Ontario at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Catholic Studies in 2019, concentrating in history. He moved to Alberta for love in 2021 and enrolled in the University of Alberta’s after-degree education program. He graduated this year with a Bachelor of Secondary Education with a major in Social Studies and a minor in English Language Arts. He believes history to be fundamental to the human experience and in the power of language to move hearts and minds. Joseph spends his leisure time engaging in one of his many hobbies, including reading, writing, and composing poetry. Otherwise, he can be found spending time with his wife.

French

Born in Montreal and raised primarily in Edmonton, Katherine was raised in a multilingual / international family with a fascination for learning about other cultures and languages. She completed her bachelor's degree in education at the University of Alberta, with a Spanish language minor. Katherine has enjoyed teaching in a variety of programs including French immersion, Spanish bilingual, and has worked as home-school mother and facilitator. With her husband, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and hiking. In her spare time, Katherine has enjoyed volunteering as piano accompanist at her parish for a number of years, working with both adults' and children's choirs.

Math & PE

Andrew Tachie-Menson, known in the school as Mr. Menson, originally hails from Ghana, West Africa.

He holds a Bachelor of Science (honours) degree in Pure and Applied Mathematics from the University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. After his graduation, he started his teaching career at the St. Johns’ Grammar School, Achimota, Ghana where he taught for 7 years. While there, he completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Education (P.G.D.E) at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. He moved to the United Kingdom with his wife and son and continued with his teaching career as a mathematics teacher at the Cardinal Hinsley Secondary School and later at the Hasmonean Jewish school for the boys and girls. He pursued the Graduate Teacher’s Program at the Middlesex University to become a professional teacher in the United Kingdom with the Qualified Teachers Status (Q.T.S) certificate. Mr. Menson has been teaching Junior and High school Mathematics program for over 25 years and acquired advanced skill methods to help low and high achievers excel in mathematics in his classroom. He moved to Canada in 2008 with his family of 5 and has been working with various school in the Alberta province as a substitute teacher. In 2012, he completed his teacher preparatory program for high school mathematics at the University of Alberta, Canada and worked mostly with Strathcona Christian Academy under the Elk Island Public School board. Mr. Menson hopes to explore and deepen his understanding in classical teaching strategies with teachers at the Alberta Classical Academy to make mathematics education for students at all levels more enjoyable. His hobbies include playing the piano keyboard, networking computers, working with the Linux operating system, programing, exploring and using the open-source computer software programs.

Latin Tutor

Born and raised near Edmonton, Alberta, Mark graduated with a Bachelor of Catholic Studies from Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College in 2020. He has been immersed in classical liberal arts education since high school, a blessing for which he is extremely grateful. Mark has taught Latin, English grammar, writing, and literature at Campion Classical Academy in Edmonton, as well as for the Gilbertine Institute’s WISDOM Online Program. He previously worked as a crew lead in the construction and restoration industry, is a certified water remediation technician and a licensed asbestos technician, and also dabbles in woodworking and landscaping. In addition, he has spent time over three years teaching swimming to children and school groups. His other passions include meteorology and astronomy, hiking, gardening, playing hockey and soccer, and discussing The Lord of the Rings. Mark firmly believes that the antidote to the many issues that plague society today is the revival of classical education and the pursuit of the truth, as the truth is what truly sets one free.

Educational Assistant

Born and raised on a farm on the outskirts of Edmonton, Ruth graduated with a Bachelor of Catholic Studies with a concentration in Theology in 2022 from Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College, a Liberal Arts post-secondary institution in Barry’s Bay, Ontario. Prior to this, Ruth was homeschooled with a primarily classical, great books program of studies. She has always enjoyed asking the deeper questions of life, and originally wanted to be an archeologist in order to discover the primal truths of what it means to be human and live well. Ruth loves being immersed in theology, philosophy, literature, history, science, and math for this end and to reawaken wonder. In her free time, Ruth enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, gardening, wood carving, cooking, and singing in her traditional church choir.

Grade 1 Homeroom

Tabitha Faith Wiebe was raised on a farm in Southern Alberta. She is passionate about reading, sports, hiking in the mountains, and practicing the ancient art of hospitality. She met her husband Jeremy in university, and together they have two lovely children.

Since earning her Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta, Tabitha has spent 13 years as a teacher, including four years at a German bilingual program. Tabitha has a deep passion to see students become the best version of themselves, and strives to set an example of lifelong learning by continually expanding her own knowledge of history and of the world. Among her influences as a teacher is C.S. Lewis, who wrote that “The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles but to irrigate deserts.”

Math & Science

Originally from Taiwan, Yeefang earned her PhD in Physics from Queens University in 2013. Before she became a teacher, she worked as a scientist and researcher focusing on laser technology, optical system design, computational photography, data science and artificial intelligence. This background provided her with an advanced understanding of both theoretical and applied science and mathematics. In addition to teaching in Edmonton and Sherwood Park schools, she also homeschools her own child, and is working to instil a love of classical Chinese literature, mathematics, and piano. Her ongoing reflections on her teaching at schools and homeschooling motivates her to constantly refine, experiment with and balance her teaching strategies. She enjoys hiking, swimming, volleyball, yoga, jade collecting, and spending time with her young daughter.

English as a Second Language, ELA Tutor

Born in Edmonton, Zach Schauer obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and English Literature from MacEwan University, and a Master’s in Philosophy from the University of Toronto. He has also received the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for his non-profit work in mental health advocacy. In the past, Zach worked as an Academic Don at Trinity College in Toronto, a writer and program officer with the Antarctic Institute of Canada, and a supervisor at a local lube shop. His love of truth pervades all of his work, and he finds no greater joy than seeking virtue and wisdom with those around him. Aside from reading philosophy and talking peoples’ ears off about it, Zach loves playing music, writing fiction and non-fiction, and embracing the wonders of nature on long walks. He is passionate about providing students an education that opens them up to seeing the transcendent in the mundane and loving true goodness for its own sake.

Secretary

While Tina Cunningham is Canadian-born, she spent most of her adult life living overseas in New Zealand and Australia. She is the proud mother of her daughter Krista and wife of Nathan. Tina earned a Doctorate of Natural Medicine (DNM) with a Diploma of Ayurveda Medicine (Dip. Ay Med) from Auckland New Zealand, and a Master’s degree of Public Health (MPH) from the University of Queensland. She enhanced her education by studying and practicing at the SDM Ayurveda Hospital in Hassan, India, and has taught college-level nutrition courses in New Zealand.

Tina has a passion for helping others, especially those with health issues, and works to promote healthy lifestyles for others and for herself. With her friendly and loving nature, Tina is delighted to be a part of an amazing team at Edmonton Classical Academy, and is excited to see the growth and joy of every student who enters the doors.

Administrative Assistant

Dianne was born and raised in Edmonton, and has also lived in Toronto and on an organic farm in southern Saskatchewan. Her interest in education was piqued after attending the first Edmonton Classical Academy open house. She knew then that she wanted to be involved in this meaningful project, and happily left her 35-year career in financial services.

She a graduate of the Gestalt Institute of Toronto and subsequently had a small five-year Psychotherapy practice in Toronto. When not at work, she enjoys being a mother and all the returns that investment brings. Her hobbies include healthy cooking and finding new ways to make vegetables taste good. She is passionate about ensuring that children know and understand the world in order that they may successfully navigate the world they will inherit. Favourite Quote: ‘Better a bitter truth than a sweet lie’. - unknown