Afton is excited to contribute to ONE TO ONE as a Transition Support Specialist. She is passionate about her work in the not-for-profit sector and particularly about bringing the joy of reading to children. She gets plenty of story time practice with her daughter, who is just starting to read. Afton holds a BA in Social Justice from the University of Victoria and a Diploma of Marketing Communications from BCIT. In her spare time Afton enjoys volunteering!

Andrea holds qualifications in Journalism, English, Library Science and ESL. She spent 18 years working in South African community libraries, serving the learning needs of ESL families who experienced inadequate education under the Apartheid system. Andrea went on to work for the British Council in the UK, where promoting literacy was the core mission. She believes reading is the most important life skill and the foundation for all other skills, and sees regular one-to-one mentoring as the most effective way to ingrain these skills for life.

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Anna completed her teaching degree with a specialization in primary education at UBC. After graduating, she had the incredible opportunity to work in Japan, where she created English programs tailored for Japanese English teachers. She then taught in both England and Australia, gaining diverse teaching experience along the way. Now, she’s a mother of two and has been heavily involved with her children’s school’s Parent Advisory Council (PAC) for the past eight years, and is currently serving as the chair for the third year.

Gayle, a retired business lawyer, has a lifelong love and favourite childhood memories of everything relating to books, reading and libraries. Her past and present volunteer efforts include sitting on the District of North Vancouver Library board of trustees, her involvement with the Friends of the Library, mentoring students through formal programs at the YWCA and Beedie Luminaries, as well as the informal mentoring of young lawyers during her working career. Gayle is also an active tutor with One to One Literacy, creating opportunities for children to develop their reading skills, empowering them to achieve their full potential; and also reflecting her belief in the fundamental importance of literacy as a cornerstone of personal and societal growth.

Sarah Cohen is a dedicated educator and human resources professional with a passion for fostering literacy and lifelong learning. With over 20 years of experience in special education, she has served as a teacher, vice principal, and human resources director, making a significant impact on students and staff alike. In 2022, Sarah transitioned from grade school education to the technology sector, where she expanded her HR expertise. She currently works as a labour relations consultant at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

Barinder comes from B.C.’s Interior and has been a volunteer in her community since her school days.  Her volunteering runs from on-the-ground experience to serving on boards.  Literacy has always been a focus, whether it is spending hours at the local library either reading or volunteering, leading book clubs or supporting literary causes.  Barinder has her own consulting business in the healthcare industry with a focus on policy, strategic operations and implementation.

Natalie joined the board in 2017, bringing with her considerable experience in the BC school system.  Originally from Quebec, Natalie has been a French Immersion teacher since 1989.  She is a trained resource teacher, and is currently an elementary school principal with the Vancouver School Board.

Natalie is passionate about literacy and is a former District Literacy Mentor for the VSB, and toured the Province as a Literacy Mentor for two years. Having discovered the ONE TO ONE Literacy program in 2011, Natalie immediately implemented it in her own school.  Outside of her professional life, Natalie is a mother, traveller and painter.

Reading has been a central part of family life for Francis, who was born in Japan, grew up in Vancouver and studied and worked in Montreal, New York, Toronto and Hong Kong. Francis has over two decades of experience working in law and media, including as a partner in the Vancouver office of Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, and in senior legal roles with FOX Networks Group and Walt Disney Television International.

Francis is active in the not-for-profit community in various volunteer advisory and board roles, and is always happy to give and receive book recommendations.

Growing up in Vancouver’s public school system, Tina experienced first-hand the importance of building a solid foundation in literacy at a young age. Her two school-aged children keep her on her toes and remind her of the tremendous impact that One to One can make on children’s literacy.

Tina is a Risk Management and Finance executive with 20+ years of experience in leading international public companies to evolve their risk management framework, operational & financial processes and internal audit practices. Tina spent 10 years working in both London, England and New York City, and gained valuable perspectives from life outside of Vancouver.