We are your experienced team of professionally accredited education specialists with experience supporting clients to overcome learning challenges from diverse settings.

Kristi Rigg, BEd, MEd

CEO/Founder

Kristi Rigg is the CEO and Founder of West Coast Centre for Learning in Surrey, BC. Her primary focus is providing support to individuals and their families, struggling with challenges to learning, memory and personal capacity development.

Kristi has a Master’s Degree in Education Management (Hons) from the University of Bristol in England and holds a Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Saskatchewan. With over 20 years of experience in the Education field, her academic contributions are known among Independent & Public Schools and Distance Education providers on behalf of learners with learning challenges locally as well as Internationally.

Kristi regularly speaks on education best practices and serves as a local resource by writing articles related to cognitive fitness training and educational supports, in the local media. A community activist, she has served two terms on the board of a local non-profit bringing literacy development and cognitive coaching support to survivors of domestic violence, PTSD, and human trafficking.

Kristi’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for start up ventures, led her to pioneer International Schools in Rio de Janeiro and Hong Kong. While in Hong Kong, Kristi worked for the English Schools Foundation as Head of the English Language Centre and taught at Chinese University where she provided support for families of children with special needs.

Kristi founded West Coast Centre for Learning in 2014. West Coast Centre for Learning is dedicated to customizing successful learning approaches for children, youth, adults and older adults with learning difficulties and memory challenges affecting personal choice and equal access to quality educational opportunities. Kristi oversees the overall corporate direction and strategy for the Centre including programs, support, consulting, marketing, and alliances and channels. She focuses on strategy, leadership, innovation, and providing a quality service for her clients.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dr. Danielle Desfossés, PhD, MA, BA

PEERS for Preschoolers Instructor


Dr. Danielle graduated from a Top 10 World-Ranked Family & Human Development Department. She obtained her Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) from Arizona State University, specializing in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and executive functioning skills.

With ten years of full-time graduate training post-bachelor, including a four-year Master of Arts degree in the same field, Dr. Danielle serves families virtually with her comprehensive knowledge of how children and adults develop in the context of family and peer relationships across the life course as our PEERS for Preschooler Instructor.

Anthea Rippin, MAT, MACP, BSC Elem Ed, BA Music

Executive Functioning Coach, Registered Clinical Counsellor, Certified PEERS Instructor


Anthea has rich background in education and Clinical Counselling and has been working with children in these capacities for 27 years. She began her teaching career working in an elementary school and then branched out to teaching in a K-12 setting, serving as Director for Special Education, Vice Principal and Principal. Anthea has supported teachers and students in multiple roles over the years and most recently she has been working with K-12 students as a Counsellor and Academic Advisor. She has training and experience working with Zones of Regulation as well as implementing Michelle Garcia Winner's social thinking curriculum and is a registered Clinical Counsellor. She enjoys working with students of all ages and stages!

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


Charmly received her Bachelors of Arts from the University of Oregon. Her love of teaching is a life long endeavour as she is a PEERS, MANDT, Cogmed and ESL Certified Instructor who has taught locally and internationally. Charmly has worked with children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities for over 25 years; from creating meaningful recreational activities to coordinating a 25 person Advocacy group known provincially and federally for their work on making Canada more accessible and inclusive. Charmly, a certified Mandt instructor since 2015 has trained staff and families on the importance of positive communication, conflict resolution and the crisis cycle. She is passionate about advocacy, learning and sharing. Her outgoing flair for presenting has allowed her to train adults with disabilities in the Surrey School District, local colleges and Inclusion BC Conferences. Charmly currently conducts our PEERS for Young Adult classes, MANDT for Families training and is a certified Cogmed Coach.

Rachel Poon, 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.

Kate Maryschak, BA

Certified PEERS Instructor; Executive Function/Social Skills Coach


Kate joined West Coast Centre for Learning in 2015 and has a bachelor’s degree from Simon Fraser University.

Kate is a trained coach through Co-Active Training Institute (CTI) and a certified trainer for Sanity School for Parents and Teachers (through Impact ADHD). She is a certified PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) curriculum provider through UCLA. Kate is experienced in Executive Function coaching, implementing Michelle Garcia-Winner’s Social Thinking curriculum and strategies, as well as teaching The Zones of Regulation curriculum to students, teachers, and parents. Kate is also an enthusiastic and experienced Fast ForWord coach.

With over 20 years of experience working with special needs students, parents, and teachers in school settings (both public and private) Kate brings a wealth of knowledge with her to West Coast Centre for Learning.

Rosie Jiang, MA, BCBA®

Certified PEERS Instructor, Executive Function Coach


Rosie is a passionate and dedicated Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) with over five years of experience in behaviour analysis and program development. She is also a certified PEERS® instructor who enjoys incorporating everyday social skills training for adolescents and young adults. Outside of work, Rosie enjoys indoor rock climbing, mindfulness practice, and arts.

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.

Michelle Souliere-Robertson, BA, BEd, EA

THRIVE ADHD + Me Instructor


Michelle is a dedicated educator and advocate for inclusive education, specializing in supporting students with diverse needs and abilities. She lives and works on the unceded territories of the Stólo, Matsqui, Kwantlen, Katzie, and Semiahmoo First Nations, where she honors the rich history and traditions of Indigenous Peoples in the region. Her Franco-Ontarien roots allowed her to immerse herself in French culture, where she learned the importance of language, traditions, and the preservation of cultural identity. This background instilled in her a passion for bilingualism and a deep connection to the Francophone community, enriched by experiences such as celebrating la Saint-Jean-Baptiste and participating in local festivals.

As an adult, Michelle discovered her Métis heritage, which inspired her to integrate Indigenous values and beliefs into her daily life. This journey strengthened her profound connection with nature and further shaped her holistic approach to education. She believes in fostering an inclusive classroom that embraces Indigenous Knowledges, ensuring that students of all backgrounds feel valued and supported.

Michelle's academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies, a minor in English, a Bachelor of Education with a minor in French, and an Education Assistant certificate. She has a strong foundation in special education and social-emotional development, which informs her work in creating individualized support plans and providing strategies such as positive reinforcement, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution. Michelle is dedicated to helping students navigate their emotions, build resilience, and develop the skills needed for self-regulation.

Fluent in both English and French, Michelle is passionate about her role as a French Immersion Teacher. She strives to create a learning environment that not only fosters academic success but also promotes students' overall well-being, independence, confidence, and sense of belonging. Through her dedication to inclusive education and cultural understanding, she aims to positively impact both her students and the broader community.

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.

Kaitlin O'Neill

Social Coach


Kaitlin joined West Coast Centre for Learning to help pioneer our THRIVE ADHD + Me Program and works as a program assistant. Kaitlin is a university student studying at Kwantlen Polytechnic University where she is pursuing a career in Elementary Education.

Ashley Gowanlock

Social Coach


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.

McKenna McManus, BA Psychology

Social Coach


McKenna is a recent graduate of Simon Fraser University where she completed her undergraduate bachelor majoring in psychology and double minoring in Indigenous Studies and Human Development and Counseling.

McKenna has a desire to continue to pursue the counseling field for teens, youth, and young adults. She hopes to work with those with Type One Diabetes as she is a Type One Diabetic herself and wants to help kids like herself. She is hoping to complete her master degree in counseling in the near future