Kristi Rigg, BEd, MEd
CEO/Founder
Kristi Rigg is the Founder and CEO of West Coast Centre for Learning in Surrey, BC — a support centre dedicated to empowering neurodivergent individuals and their families through evidence-based learning and cognitive development programs.
With more than 30 years in education, Kristi has advanced inclusive practices that honour each learner's unique strengths. She holds a Master's in Education Management (Hons) from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan, and has led educational initiatives across Canada, Hong Kong, and Brazil.
Before founding WCCL in 2014, Kristi established international schools in Rio de Janeiro and Hong Kong, and taught at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, where she supported both neurodivergent and multilingual learners. She continues to serve her community as both an advocate for accessible education and a support provider through non-profit engagement and contributes regularly to regional publications on topics such as neuroaffirming support, cognitive development, and social-emotional wellness.
At WCCL, Kristi leads with a focus on strategy, innovation, and compassionate care, remaining actively involved in client services and programs such as PEERS® and Secret Agent Society. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to helping every learner build confidence and thrive in their own way.
Shannon Brathwaite
Centre Administrator
Shannon is dedicated to creating a positive and supportive environment at West Coast Centre for Learning by fostering a space where both students and educators thrive.
With a background as the owner/operator of an in-home family daycare from January 2008 to April 2020, Shannon has a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing and facilitating learning environments. Shannon's journey in childcare has been marked by a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching atmosphere for young minds. Her previous role as a daycare owner/operator has instilled in her a keen insight into the developmental needs of children and the significance of a well-rounded educational foundation.
Shannon is a passionate advocate for the well-being of our planet and its creatures. Outside of work, Shannon finds solace in the great outdoors — camping, hiking, tending to her garden, and exploring the wonders of herbalism. Most importantly, Shannon cherishes quality time with her family, creating memories.
Heather Seabrook
Marketing and Communications Manager
Heather Seabrook brings over 15 years of experience in strategic communications, marketing, and community relations to the Westcoast Centre for Learning. She has led award-winning, cross-functional campaigns across corporate, non-profit, and small to medium-sized business sectors. Her expertise includes creating and executing marketing plans, building strategic partnerships, and leading initiatives that align with organizational goals. With a proven track record in driving brand growth and developing impactful communications strategies, Heather focuses on enhancing the Centre’s visibility and fostering business growth. She is dedicated to both high-level strategy and hands-on execution, ensuring WCCL’s long-term success.
As a mom of two neurodiverse teenage girls with personal experience in WCCL’s transformational programs, Heather is deeply passionate about contributing to the Centre’s mission, vision, and goals.
Cathy Harrison
Business Administrator
Cathy Harrison is the Business Administrator for West Coast Centre for Learning. Cathy has been with West Coast Centre for Learning since it started in 2014. Cathy has over 25 years experience in banking and finance. She is responsible for all financial matters such as client billing, payroll, accounts payable and banking. If you have any administrative issues, she would be happy to hear from you.
Natasha Young
Creative Content Specialist
As part of the Marketing & Communications team, Natasha supports the execution of West Coast Centre for Learning's content strategy by developing visually engaging social media assets, brochures, newsletters, and website elements. Working with the Marketing & Communications Manager, she helps translate brand messaging into creative content that aligns with campaign goals and resonates with WCCL's audiences. She keeps best practices and current trends aligned with WCCL's content to keep fresh and relevant materials consistent across communication channels. Natasha brings a background in digital design and visual storytelling, contributing her creative eye to enhance audience connection and brand cohesion.
Dr. Rob Bedard, DTh, MA, BTh
Certified Birkman Coach & Leadership Trainer
Dr. Rob Bedard earned his Master's in Leadership & Training degree from Royal Roads University (Victoria, BC) and his Doctorate degree from the University of South Africa (UNISA).
For decades Rob has been training individuals and teams in various organizations, secondary schools (Professional Development Day training), and higher education institutions. Rob has coached hundreds of individuals and teams through their StrengthsFinder® (CliftonStrengths®) and Birkman® assessments as a leadership, competency and career coach. He also mentors young and established adults in individualized career and leadership planning and advancement strategies.
In short, Rob is passionate about training, mentoring and coaching individuals and teams.
Jennifer Duke
Licensed School Psychologist
Jennifer Duke is an experienced school psychologist with an extensive background in providing psychoeducational assessments and consultation within school settings. She holds a Master's Degree in School Psychology from the University of British Columbia. Over the past 18 years, she has worked with children and youth from diverse backgrounds and across a variety of educational environments.
Jennifer is deeply passionate about the science of learning—how students think, grow, and thrive—and is dedicated to helping parents and educators understand the cognitive and emotional processes that support learning. She regularly provides consultation, assessment, and professional development to assist school staff in implementing evidence-based strategies that foster effective teaching and meaningful student success.
Under the supervision of Dr. Da Silva, Jennifer aims to build a comprehensive understanding of each child’s learning strengths and needs, and to identify ways to best support their growth. As a mother herself, she values collaboration with families and strives to create a warm, trusting relationship when providing psychological services.
Anthea Rippin, MAT, MACP, BSC Elem Ed, BA Music
Executive Functioning Coach, Registered Clinical Counsellor, Certified PEERS Instructor
Bohdanna Popowycz, M.Ed., BCBA
Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, Foundations in Social Skills Instructor
Terri-Lyn Sudom, MEd
Certified SAS Instructor
Terri-Lyn Sudom is a behaviour consultant with extensive experience supporting autistic children, neurodivergent learners, and their families. She holds a Master of Education in Special Education with a specialization in Autism and Developmental Disorders from the University of British Columbia. Terri-Lyn has worked in the disability field since 2012, beginning her career alongside a paediatric physiotherapist, where she gained valuable interdisciplinary knowledge and a strong foundation in family-centered care.
Terri-Lyn's practice is grounded in collaborative, strengths-based, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches. She has worked across home, school, and community environments, providing parent coaching, behaviour intervention supervision, and individualized support programs. Her areas of interest include early learning, feeding, Positive Behaviour Support, body and sexual health education, and safety programming. With a background in kinesiology, she brings a unique understanding of motor development and functional movement to her work. Terri-Lyn has completed all required coursework and is currently preparing to write the BCBA certification exam.
Her passion for the field is deeply personal—Terri-Lyn grew up with a sister with autism, giving her first-hand insight into the experiences of siblings and families. This lived perspective enriches her practice and guides her commitment to offering compassionate, practical, and meaningful support.
Outside of her professional role, Terri-Lyn enjoys yoga, officiating ringette, and exploring the outdoors through hiking. She is dedicated to lifelong learning and to empowering children and families in ways that celebrate their strengths and individuality.
Kelly Satran, BA, B.Ed, M.Ed, MSc.CLPPC
Executive Function Coach
Kelly is an educator with a heart for helping learners grow. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, and Master's in Education and Pediatric Psychosocial Care. Completing her studies at Brock University and McMaster University, Kelly brings over five years of hands-on teaching experience to her work. As a former special education resource teacher and current academic tutor in Niagara, Kelly is passionate about equipping learners with the tools they need to succeed, especially those who may need extra support.
Now a new mom to a baby girl, she brings a fresh, nurturing outlook to her work, creating positive virtual spaces where every learner can thrive. Kelly lives in the Niagara Region with her husband, daughter, and furry husky companion.
Charmly Smith, BA
Certified Mandt Instructor, Cognitive Fitness Coach
Eleanor Milsom, Registered Psychiatric Nurse
Certified Mandt Instructor, Certified Cognitive Therapy Behaviour Coach
Eleanor is a Registered Psychiatric Nurse with more than forty-three years of experience in the field of mental health. Trained at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), her career has spanned a broad spectrum of settings, including provincial corrections, residential care, assisted living, and community and emergency mental health services.
Her work spans all ages and stages of life, supporting children, youth, adults, and older adults aging in place. Known for her compassion, advocacy, and holistic approach to the delivery of care and staff development, Eleanor is committed to creating safe, respectful environments for clients and the teams who care for them to thrive.
Eleanor has served in key leadership roles, most recently as a Provincial Senior Manager at BC Housing. As well, she brings over seventeen years of management experience within the non-profit sector.
Beyond her work in Canada, Eleanor is passionate about humanitarian service and has contributed to numerous housing support projects in rural Mexico—an extension of her lifelong value of dignity for all people.
Certified as a Mandt Instructor and Cognitive Therapy Behaviour Coach, Eleanor continues to share her knowledge with others, fostering growth and resilience in the environments where she serves.
Rachel Delhamende, BEd, BSc, MA
THRIVE ADHD + Me Instructor and Executive Function Coach
Rachel initially joined our team as an instructor to pioneer the THRIVE ADHD + Me program. Rachel is a natural fit for the program as she not only has a passion for kids, but also fitness! Currently, Rachel also works as an EF Coach. Rachel previously taught Grade 3 at a private independent campus school and now works with an Online School as a Learning Services Consultant. Rachel recently completed her Masters Degree in Special Education.
Rachel's love for fitness started with playing basketball where she played at both the high school and college level. After finishing college, she quickly found Crossfit and fell in love with a heavy barbell. More recently, Rachel has explored kickboxing, hiking and Lagree! Rachel truly desires to make fitness accessible for all kids which has been evident through running fitness related camps and coaching kids from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Lisa Rosenberg, BA, BEd
Certified PEERS Instructor, Certified SAS Instructor
Lisa received her Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Education from Queen's University. She has always had an interest in those who learn differently, and did her thesis on the effects of assistive technology for students who have reading disabilities. Lisa is certified as a Special Education Specialist, and is currently a Resource Teacher for a public school board in the Greater Toronto Area.
She has been teaching for over ten years (both abroad and in Canada) and has taught a variety of grades and abilities. In recent years Lisa has taught in Autism classrooms and became a PEERS Certified Instructor to better support her student's social-emotional needs. Lisa lives in the Greater Toronto Area with her husband and 2 children.
Kit Cheung, BA, B.Ed, M.Ed
Executive Function Coach
With over 15 years of teaching experience, Kit Cheung brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to inclusive, student-centered education. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from York University, a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia, and a Master of Education from the University of Toronto.
Kit's diverse teaching background spans English Language Learning (ELL), High School Humanities, and Middle School Homeroom, allowing him to connect with students across a wide range of ages and learning profiles. His areas of expertise include differentiated instruction, universal design for learning, culturally responsive teaching, and capacity building. He is especially passionate about fostering inclusive learning environments that celebrate diversity and support the success of all learners.
Kit also brings specialized experience in multimodal teaching strategies tailored to students with diverse needs, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to thrive.
Christopher Brodie-Smith, ICF ACC, COC, BA, PDM, LSSBB
Certified PEERS Instructor and Executive Function Coach
Christopher is an ICF ACC-accredited coach with a specialization in neurodiversity, supporting teens and adults in both personal and professional development. He holds an Organizational Coaching certification from the University of British Columbia.
As a neurodiverse individual, Christopher offers a unique perspective on diverse learning styles and cognitive processes. He is passionate about helping others navigate challenges and achieve their goals. His love for coaching grew from his business advisory career, where he supported clients in overcoming personal and professional obstacles. Christopher’s coaching style is insightful, direct, and respectful.
In his free time, he enjoys hiking, biking, fly fishing, and exploring the beauty of British Columbia with his wife and daughter.
Ashley Gowanlock
Equine Facilitated Wellness Instructor
Ashley is a three-time Paralympian in Para-Dressage, representing Canada at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, the London 2012 Paralympic Games, and the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. She also rode at the 2010 and 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games.
She began riding at the age of two, after being diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.
Ashley has engaged in public speaking for many years, and since 2014, has been an ambassador for Right To Play, an organization dedicated to educating children about healthy, active living. She published her first book, My Opportunities Just Dress Up As Obstacles, in late 2015.
Ashley currently works as as an Education Assistant and motivational speaker.
Grace Rode, B.Sc.
Social Coach
Grace holds a B.Sc. in Biology from UBC and plans to pursue a B.Ed. She brings a wealth of experience working with a diverse range of age groups in various capacities, from supporting international students learning English to leading performing arts and coding camps.
Passionate about promoting inclusivity, Grace served as an executive member of Best Buddies UBC during her time at university, a club dedicated to fostering meaningful friendships between individuals with and without disabilities. Her approach centers on creating a welcoming and supportive environment where students can learn, connect, and encourage one another to achieve their goals.
Outside of her professional work, Grace enjoys cooking and baking, always ready to experiment with new recipes in the kitchen.