Board of Directors
Jennifer Roberts-Director
Originally from the Edmonton area, Jennifer graduated from the University of Alberta Education program majoring in Drama and Special Education. Her first teaching position was in Barrhead, Alberta teaching Drama, English and Special Education for six years. She was appointed Department Head for Fine Arts and started numerous curriculum programs including portfolio development and Theatre Studies. Jennifer then spent the next ten years teaching Drama, Special Education and English in Canmore, Alberta. Again she implemented several new curriculum programs including fitness and nutrition before moving to Kimberley in December 2010. Since living in Kimberley Jennifer taught at McKim Middle School, Selkirk Secondary and adult education at The College of the Rockies. After falling in love with the area and the community, she was thrilled to accept the Principal position at Kimberley Independent School as it truly reflects her philosophy of teaching and way of being. Beyond school she has owned and managed a bike touring company in the Rockies, as well as a team building and entertainment company utilizing African Drums. She has been a personal trainer, Cranial Sacral / Reiki therapist, a general manager, and a musician. Jennifer loves to mountain bike, golf, ski and scuba dive. Her family means the world to her and as a result she creates balance in her life so she can spend quality time with her amazing husband and son. Her philosophy of teaching is to teach with respect, integrity, compassion and laughter. She believes in the paradigms of the Kimberley Independent School and wants to build on the foundation and ideals of the school.Megan Purcell-Vice President/Chair/Director
Megan grew up in centralAlberta, where outside of school, she spent much of her free time playing with her horses, teaching riding lessons and organizing summer camps. After a travel year abroad, she studied Political Science at UBC and UVic, graduating with her Masters degree in 2009. Her research focused on the impacts of health policy designed to improve children’s wellbeing. After spending several years working in government, in the fields of addiction and mental health, child welfare policy, and health, Megan was most recently a Project Coordinator at theUniversityofAlberta,SchoolofPublic Health. For three years, she coordinated a province wide evaluation of Alberta Health and Wellness programming for children and youth. Megan worked with elementary schools across Alberta to understand their needs and strengths in terms of making healthy choices available to their students and families. Josh Lockhart-Treasurer/Director
Josh is a husband, father, student and counsellor. He and his family are new to Kimberley, relocating from Winnipeg, MB in July 2011. He is attending Gonzaga’s Master of Counselling program inCranbrook. Josh has been a columnist, co-author, and a blogger since 2009. You will currently find Josh stirring up Continuing Education at the College of the Rockies Kimberley Campus. On days off Josh strolls the Platzl, visits the library, plays with his two children, and attempts to play cricket.
Gwen Zanini-Secretary/Director
Gwen Marpole-Zanini is originally from MontrealQC, and graduated from McGill University with a B. ED. in Kinesiology and Fitness. She came west to ski and never went back. With 12 years of ski instructing under her belt she set off to pursue a career in aviation. As a pilot with various Helicopter companies, Gwen explored the best our country’s north has to offer. Along the way she met her husband who shared the same love of the mountains and the great outdoors. Five years ago, they moved toKimberley(BC’s best kept secret) and now have two beautiful children. Gwen’s daughter has been at KIS for three years.
“KIS has exceeded all my expectations for the health, development and education of my child” says Gwen, “I couldn’t be happier!”
“With KIS’ philosophy to teach and nurture every child, one can’t help but succeed”.
Gwen is happy to join the Board of Directors, and hopes to fulfill her duties there within.
“It’s a great way to get involved, and support our children.”
Jilll Bellm-Director
Hi My name is Jill Bellm. I was born in Sudbury,ON and grew up in AB and BC. I’ve lived in Kimberley for 11 years now and love this special little paradise. I’m known throughout the fitness, dental and resort community of Kimberley. I love knowing the opportunity of providing my children and others the safe, knowledgeable and scholastically satisfying environment this School has to offer! Come and see for yourself!!Kathleen Murphy-Director
Kathleen Murphy grew up in the West Kootenays and always enjoyed an outdoor lifestyle. Upon completing her Chiropractic education she felt the pull of the mountains and decided to return to the west and make Kimberley her home. She opened her Chiropractic practice in Kimberley 1981 and continues to work full time caring for her human and animal patients. She has been involved with the Kimberley Independent School since its inception in June 2008 as a member of the Board of Directors and as a parent. Her son has been a student at the school for the past three years and will be entering grade eight at Kimberley Independent this year. “Our school offers an interesting, diverse option in education for our community. Our small class sizes enable the teachers to embrace teaching methods and opportunities that would be difficult with larger classes. Drawing on the strengths and talents of the children,parents,staff and greater community we have created a strong school community that works to support each childs’ individual learning needs and ability.” Kathleen holds the board chair position and welcomes any questions or inquiries you may have regarding the school.