Geoffrey Johnston has a combined 24 years’ experience in teaching and administration with the Coquitlam School District. He has worked in the field of International Education since 2008. Geoffrey holds a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (MA.Ed.) as well as a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). Geoffrey was the Counselling Department Head, Work Experience Coordinator and International Education Contact at Port Moody Secondary. He has previous experience teaching Business, Science and ELL at the secondary level.

Geoffrey is a member of the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), the Canadian Association of Public Schools-International (CAPS-I) and the International Public Schools Education Association (IPSEA).

Geoffrey is an approved Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA), regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).

As the Principal of International Education, Geoffrey is committed to supporting students, parents, and stakeholders from around the world.

Heidi Upton has over fifteen years of experience teaching ELL in Coquitlam School District, and grew up in Port Coquitlam. Heidi attended Terry Fox Secondary as a high school student, and graduated from Simon Fraser University with degrees in History and Education. She completed her teacher training in International Education, and spent two months of her practicum in Dalian, China, at a Maple Leaf International School. She also has a Master’s Degree in TEAL (Teaching English as an Additional Language) from Simon Fraser University. Heidi was the International Education Contact and English Language Coordinator at Gleneagle Secondary before joining International Education as a District Coordinator. In her role as ELL Coodinator, she administered ELL assessments, organized ELL student placements and was involved in ministry ELL audit compliance. In addition, she has over 5 years of experience teaching International Education Summer School. She is committed to creating meaningful learning opportunities for all students studying in Coquitlam, and to support them in finding a sense of belonging and achievement.

Shawn Silverstone brings over 18 years of experience in the education sector, having worked with a public post-secondary institution and two public school districts. He is deeply engaged in the international education community, previously serving as a mentor in the BCCIE Mentorship Program, Treasurer of IPSEA, and an active member of CAPS-I and CBIE.

Shawn possesses extensive expertise in developing and managing international contracts and partnerships. He leads the research, design, implementation, and execution of client-focused International Education Partnerships and Programs, ensuring sustainable and mutually beneficial collaborations.

In addition to his leadership in program development, Shawn oversees both internal and external marketing initiatives, driving international engagement and enhancing the global presence of Coquitlam School District across more than 40 countries. He is also a recognized speaker, having delivered presentations on marketing and international education at major conferences such as ICEF, CBIE, BCCIE, CAPS-I, and other forums worldwide.

Shawn’s contributions to the field have been recognized with the BCCIE Excellence in International Education Marketing Award, highlighting his impact and leadership in the sector.

Douglas Lee is an education specialist with a master’s degree in Technology from Lawrence Technological University in Michigan, US. Douglas has a vast experience with International Education in the K-12 sector for over 15 years, specifically in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Douglas is committed to maintaining and strengthening working relationships with our partners from around the world.

Douglas is qualified in the administrator and Proctor of the TOEFL test Centre and manages two TOEFL test Centres under International Education.
A member of CAPS-I.

Stephanie Claggett has over 15 years’ experience working with international students of all ages. She worked in private English language schools and career colleges before joining the Coquitlam School District. Stephanie has a Bachelors in English Language and a Masters of Business Administration specializing in International Business and Organizational Behaviour, both from the University of British Columbia. Stephanie is a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA), regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). She holds a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation and also has experience teaching ESL and test preparation to adults. Stephanie is dedicated to creating seamless experiences for our students and partners locally and around the world.

Adrienne Chapell has over 15 years experience in the Coquitlam School District, having taught in both middle and high school. As an SD43 graduate herself, she attended Riverside Secondary School where she later taught English, French, Career Education, and Leadership, as well as held a Department Head role. Adrienne created a program at Riverside called International Buddies where Leadership students regularly plan, run, then attend activities and events with International students. Through this program, as well as in her classes, she has worked with many International students, supporting them in the classroom and providing additional opportunities to engage in the school culture. Additionally, Adrienne taught conversational English in China for a summer. She completed her undergraduate degrees at the University of Waterloo and Brock University, specializing in language instruction, and has a Masters degree in Educational Practice from Simon Fraser University. In her role as Program Coordinator, she is committed to supporting students to succeed with their learning, engagement, and involvement in a caring and safe school community.

Roberto grew up in Coquitlam and completed elementary, middle, and high school in the Coquitlam School District. He attended Centennial Secondary School as a high school student and later graduated from Simon Fraser University with degrees in Science and Education. Roberto has been a teacher at Gleneagle Secondary School for 8 years, teaching all Junior and Senior Science courses. Additionally, he spent 2 years as a school counselor, supporting students’ social-emotional well-being and guiding them through British Columbia’s graduation program.

As the International Education Contact at Gleneagle for 3.5 years, Roberto worked with one of the largest International Student populations in the district. In this role, he supported students from all over the world with their transitions to Canada, helping them navigate cultural differences while ensuring their experiences were meaningful, enriching, and supportive of their academic achievements. Roberto also facilitated cultural opportunities to help students connect with the local community and deepen their understanding of Canadian culture.

Roberto is committed to fostering relationships and building a strong, inclusive community within the Coquitlam School District.