Laura Schwertfeger
District Principal
lschwertfeger@sd62.bc.ca

Laura has worked in the Sooke School District since 2009, as a teacher of English Language Arts and French Immersion, and then as an administrator in the International Student Program since 2010. She has a passion for bringing together people from different cultures to increase intercultural understanding. Laura has lived and worked in five different countries, and is conversationally fluent in German, Spanish, and French. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and American Literature and Language, a Bachelor of Education degree in Secondary Education, and a Master’s of Business Administration.

Amber O’Quinn
District Vice Principal
aoquinn@sd62.bc.ca

Amber has worked in the Sooke School District for 15 years, and has been working with the International Student Program since 2015. Born and raised in BC, Amber studied History and Spanish at the University of Victoria, and completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Teaching ESL at Queen’s University. She has taught a variety of subjects including Spanish, ESL, First Nations Studies and Social Justice and is currently completing a Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at Royal Roads University. Amber has personal experience studying abroad in Argentina, and enjoys working with international students as they experience a new culture and improve their language skills.

Nancy Blundell
Program Manager
nblundell@sd62.bc.ca

Nancy has been working with international students for over twenty years. She began her career with the University of Victoria English Language Center, then in 2008 joined the Sooke International Student Program. Although born in Vancouver, she has spent the majority of her life on Vancouver Island. She holds a B.A. in International Studies and a M.A. in Pacific and Asian Studies. Nancy has lived, worked and studied in two countries (Australia and Taiwan) and loves learning about and working with people from other cultures.

Robin Bayne
Administrative Assistant
rbayne@sd62.bc.ca

Robin is originally from Regina, Saskatchewan, and has been living in Victoria for 5 years. She has been working in the Sooke School District since September 2019, serving as a member of the office team at several of our schools and departments, including Belmont Secondary School and Spencer Middle School. You may recognize Robin’s name as she has worked previously in our department in the Accounts Clerk position. We are thrilled to welcome her back to our department in this new role.

Christine Bollenbach
Homestay Co-ordinator
cbollenbach@sd62.bc.ca

Christine has been supporting international students and local Homestay families for the Sooke International Program since 2015 when Royal Bay Secondary School and the new Belmont Secondary School first opened to students. She has lived in 2 countries and is originally from the Canadian Prairies where she earned a H.B.A. in Sociology followed by a Diploma in Public Relations from the University of Winnipeg. Christine enjoyed a gap year living with host families and experiencing new cultures from around the world. In the past, Christine and her own family have hosted international students in their home. These experiences continue to influence her as she supports students and Homestay families to create the best possible experience.

Marnie Snobelen
Homestay Co-ordinator
msnobelen@sd62.bc.ca

Marnie originally comes from Ontario, Canada, where she completed her Bachelor of Applied Science at the University of Guelph. She has many years of experience working with children and their families, and her passion is helping people make positive and meaningful connections as well as promoting personal and academic growth. She joins the Sooke School District’s International Program with several years of Homestay Coordinator experience and is excited to be able to continue this role in her own local community. Marnie lives with her family in the Westshore area, and enjoys local outdoor recreational activities like hiking, paddleboarding, and biking, as well as travelling and experiencing new cultures.

Kaia Gyorfi
Health and Wellness Coor
kgyorfi@sd62.bc.ca

Kaia Gyorfi joins the International Student Program as the Health and Wellness Coordinator. Originally from Victoria, she earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Business from the University of Victoria and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration. Over the past two years, Kaia has served as a mental health and wellness mentor for high school students in the Northwest Territories. Moving into the role of Health and Wellness Coordinator in the Sooke School District, she is eager to assist international students in overcoming challenges to their health and wellness and to enhance their experience. Outside of work, Kaia enjoys hiking, skiing, and spending time with her family and friends.

Tracy Brown
Accounts and Records Clerk
trbrown@sd62.bc.ca

Tracy is originally from Calgary, Alberta and has called Victoria home for 20 years now. She has been working with the Sooke School district since October 2019 in a variety of positions. In her spare time she loves to garden, spend time on the boat and travel.