Anna has been teaching at St. Patrick’s School in Maple Ridge for 40 years. She has taught grades 4,5,6 and for the past ten years has worked as Learning Resource Coordinator. She served as Vice-Principal for many years and is currently part of the leadership team in her school. Her dedication and commitment to the school went beyond the classroom as is evident in the many activities in which she was involved including coaching volleyball, basketball, track and field, as well as assisting with drama club, liturgy choir and Spelling Bee. Outside of teaching, Anna loves spending time with her grandchildren (her husband and children too).  She is part of a dragonboat team, a running club, and can be found playing pickleball year round.

 Deborah has been a teacher and administrator in the CISVA for 25 years, sharing a love for teaching our faith to students at three schools:  St. Anthony of Padua (2000-2013), St. Matthew's (2013-2024) and currently at St. Francis of Assisi School.  She recently completed a Master of Theology degree from the Augustine Institute where she was able to explore the beauty of our Catholic faith in more depth.  Deborah enjoys working and collaborating with her "work family".  Outside of school, Deborah enjoys listening to a myriad of podcasts, taking long walks around her neighbourhood, singing and reading both non-fiction and fiction books.

Greg Accili began teaching at Vancouver College in Sept. of 1985. For the first 25 years he worked primarily as a teacher of middle and high school science and math courses. For the last 15 years he has worked mainly as academic/post-secondary counsellor in the Vancouver College Senior school. In his time at VC he has been involved in many other areas of school life and held other roles, such as Athletic Director and Science Dept. Chair. He was also the Interim Assistant Principal of the Senior School in 2022-2023. Over his career Greg has earned a B.Sc in Biology, Teaching Certificate, Diploma in Math Education and M.A. in Educational Leadership. His wife Cynthia is also a teacher at VC, and they've spent the last 27 years enjoying family life, raising their 4 children.

Gail Imoo has been teaching for 25 years, all but one of them being at St. Paul School in Richmond.  With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Religious Studies and a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia, she has inspired countless students with her passion, dedication, and relationship building.  As the Vice Principal and Inclusive Education Department Head, Gail fosters a welcoming and supportive environment for all learners. She holds an Inclusive Education Certificate from Queen’s University and is currently pursuing a Professional Master in Education with a concentration in Classroom Specialist, also from Queen’s.

John Mendoza has been teaching English Language Arts for 25 years, infusing learning with creativity and imagination to Saint Thomas Aquinas Regional High School in North Vancouver, BC. With a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education and a Master of Museum Education from the University of British Columbia, he has taught countless students throughout his storied career. When not in the classroom, John volunteers at the Vancouver International Film Festival Centre in downtown Vancouver helping with Front of House responsibilities and at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in East Vancouver as a volunteer.  He also volunteers as a writer for the Renfrew Collingwood Newspaper in East Vancouver.  

Loui Salituro has been teaching at St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Secondary for 25 years. With degrees in history from UBC and secondary education from the University of Alberta, Loui has served as STA's athletic director from 2004 - 2024 and currently serves as the school's academic counsellor and gr. 12 grade level advisor. Over his year's at STA, Loui has coached their senior boys' soccer team to three provincial championships and also served as president of the North Shore Secondary School's Athletic Association. Outside of school, Loui enjoys travelling with his family, golfing, making wine and managing his three fantasy football teams.

For the past 25 years, I have been blessed to serve at Our Lady of the Assumption School, working alongside an exceptional and faith-filled community of clergy, teachers, EAs, staff, parents, and students. I am continually inspired by the passion and collaboration that emerge when everyone uses their God-given gifts to advance our school’s vision and mission. As a Catholic educational leader, I am honoured to work with my colleagues in supporting families as they guide children to explore, create, and grow in their abilities, all while fostering a love of learning. It is a privilege to witness our students develop in faith, acquire knowledge, and reach their full potential, all while encountering the person and  love of Jesus!

Mrs. Sameera Fernandes has been teaching mathematics for over 20 years, bringing passion and dedication to Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary School. With a Master’s in Education (Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Math Education) and a Bachelor of Education in Math and Science, Mrs. Fernandes has inspired countless students throughout her 25 years.

In addition to her teaching expertise, she holds a Catholic Educational Leadership Graduate Certificate, a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Science and Systems Management, and a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Biochemistry and Microbiology.

When not in the classroom, Mrs. Fernandes enjoys reading and travelling, seeking inspiration from both literature and her experiences across the globe.

Teresa Ribeiro has been an educator at Our Lady of Fatima Elementary School in Coquitlam for 40 years. With a degree in French and Spanish from UBC as well as being a Portuguese native speaker, Teresa has brought a lifetime of great passion and dedication to the French Immersion Program at École Fatima! Throughout her career, she has taught all French intermediate grades and also began a French Immersion learning support program at the school. She is presently the French Immersion learning support coordinator and Department head.  She continues to inspire countless students to learn French, to appreciate other languages and cultures. Teresa has coached track and field, volleyball, cross country and even basketball.  She began the "Verbathon" competition and has served on many committees. A product of our Catholic school system, Teresa attended St. Joseph's (Van) and is a graduate of St. Patrick's Regional Secondary. She is an active member of her parish (OLF-Van) and besides academics, the Catholic faith is the number one reason she has been a teacher in the CISVA for so many years.  When not in the classroom, Teresa enjoys reading, camping and spending time with her family or doing volunteer work at her parish, like leading the RCIA program. Teresa feels greatly blessed with a long career and wonderful colleagues, students and parents at École Fatima! 

A dedicated educator for over 30 years, inspiring students to reach their potential and fostering both academic and spiritual growth. Currently, Vicky teaches Grade 5 at St. Bernadette School in Surrey, where she has been a passionate part of the school community since 2001. Vicky creates opportunities for students to set realistic goals and achieve curricular competencies across all subject areas.

Throughout her career in Catholic education, Vicky has held a variety of teaching roles that showcase her versatility and dedication. At St. Bernadette, Vicky initially taught Kindergarten to Grade 7 French before transitioning to Grade 5. Beyond the classroom, she is active in extracurricular activities, including coaching volleyball and track and field, organizing liturgical celebrations and leading assemblies. In her personal life, Vicky enjoys synchronized skating, hiking, biking, and gardening.

Before joining St. Bernadette, Vicky taught Drama and Physical Education to junior high students at St. Vincent de Paul School in Calgary from 1998 to 2001, where a career highlight was organizing a school musical. From 1995 to 1997, she taught Grade 6 at Corpus Christi School in Calgary, engaging students in all subject areas and contributing to drama productions and other extracurricular activities. Earlier roles included teaching a dynamic drama program at Ian Bazalgette School (1992–1995), where Vicky led performances and special productions, and Grade 5 at Our Lady of Good Counsel (1991–1992). She also taught French and Physical Education at St. Mary’s in Chilliwack (1989–1991). Vicky finds joy in guiding students spiritually, sharing God’s word, and fostering a strong sense of community within Catholic education.

Mark Stocks is a Grade 3 teacher at Immaculate Conception Delta School. He has been blessed with the opportunities to teach Grade 6, Grade 7 and Grade 3 in his 25 years with the CISVA.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Sociology from Simon Fraser University in 1990.  He then spent the next decade working as a Life Skills Worker in a Day Program for Developmentally Disabled Adults as well as in group homes.  Mark also worked for the Surrey School Board in their Janitorial department to help me pay for his eventual goal of teaching. When not in the classroom, Mark enjoys coaching basketball, track and field and golfing.

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF SERVICE An interview with Mrs. Der This month, Mrs. Judy Der will receive a CISVA award for 40 years of dedicated service. The presentation will take place during the Catholic Teacher Learning Days on February 13. Sitting down with Mrs. Der, she shared moments of her legacy career and what it meant to her to complete 38 of her 40 years at St. Mary’s. How did you come to St. Mary’s, and what was your first impression of the school community? “The Holy Spirit leads you where you need to go.” At the time, there was a recession for teachers, but she saw a bulletin board advertisement for Catholic teachers and applied. Mrs. Der started teaching at St. Mary’s in 1987 after a two-year position in Grade 6/7 at St. Francis Xavier and has continued teaching in our school for 38 years. She has taught a variety of grades throughout her career, including Grades 5, 7, 4, 3, and 1, staying at each grade level for several years, with the longest tenure in Grade 1. Her first impression of St. Mary’s was that the kids were fantastic, the staff was amazing, and the parent community was very supportive. “There is a reason why people stay,” she shared. What are some of your proudest moments in your teaching career? • Mrs. Der worked diligently on a committee to create the CISVA Tool Box for teachers. • She brought the Salmonoids in the Classroom program to St. Mary’s when she taught Grade 4 and received a 20-year recognition award. • She sang in the Catholic Educators’ Conference Choir for 25 years and has been honored to introduce numerous speakers. • She led a CISVA workshop for Grade 3 teachers. • She has mentored ten student teachers over the years, including Ms. Lombardo. What has been your favorite subject or topic to teach? Her passion became science and math. Mrs. Der’s love for science inspired her to plan monthly field trips for her classes. She also brought pets into the classroom including guinea pigs and white rats when she taught Grade 7, when studying the novel, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh. A former student told her that she became a marine biologist because of her. Another student joined a choir because Mrs. Der was always singing. Do you have a favorite grade to teach? “The grade you are teaching at the time you are doing it is your favorite grade.” Mrs. Der spent the most time teaching Grade 1 during the important foundational years. “You are actually experiencing learning at the grassroots in Grade 1. It is an amazing feeling to actually experience these kids and witness their learning.” What advice would you give a new teacher starting their career at St. Mary’s today? “The best thing to do is to ask questions and learn from the kids. Show energy and enthusiasm for the job.” Mrs. Der attended many conferences over the years and was asked to lead prayers and a session on Indigenous resources at CISVA Zonal networking days. She is a lifelong learner, always willing to take risks and try new things. She was the first teacher in the school to have a computer in the classroom after attending a math conference, which led to a computer in the library and then development of the computer lab at that time. She also was the first teacher to bring the Cheakamus (Bighouse) program to the school, and we are still going there today. What role do you believe Catholic education plays in shaping students’ lives, and how has that been reflected at St. Mary’s? Catholic education provides strong moral development that guides students in their daily interactions. Jesus’ teachings serve as a model for kindness and generosity. Her students are learning the song Be the Light of God, a reminder that they are called to be the light by their words and actions. Our core message, “Love one another as I have loved you” - is a great way of life and we can become the saints we are called to be. Mrs. Der shares that in Catholic schools we also have the ability to pray together for both the joys and challenges in life. Our community lifts one another up in prayer which provides strength and comfort. What do you want to be your legacy at St. Mary’s? “My legacy is that I made an impression on my students and their families, and that they can remember me as being happy, enthusiastic and loving my work..” “ The Holy Spirit takes leads you where you need to go...There is a reason why people stay. Mrs. De