Meet our Staff!
Administration
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Principal: Trine Dennis
Dä̀nnchʼe?, hello. I am honored to help lead at Kwata kets'adan ku. I have been living in the beautiful Yukon for 24 years on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, and I was fortunate to be able to raise my three children here. Before coming to the Yukon, I lived in Fort Nelson B.C., Port Hardy B.C., and Kamloops B.C.. Kamloops is where I grew up after I immigrated from Kristiansand, Norway. My interests range from reading a good book, CrossFit, hiking, camping, cooking, and fishing. I love getting on the river with my husband to fish for salmon in the summer and fall. My passion for learning is something I hope is contagious with the wonderful staff and students I have the pleasure of working with each day at Kwata kets'adan ku! Nanugishį (see you again soon) |
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Vice Principal - Jon Allen
Danch'e?, hello, I have been a member of the Hidden Valley School community since 2016. I live in Whitehorse with my wife and our 2 children. I was raised in Southern Ontario and from an early age began making connections to my outdoor surroundings. My peers and I were given the space, time and trust to explore the forests, parks, creeks and trails that surrounded my family home. It was here that my understanding of who I was as a learner, a friend, a creator, an explorer and as a person, began. My love of teaching and education was largely developed through working with children as a young adult. As an educator my desire to create and foster opportunities for the children that I work with is rooted in play, hands-on experience and helping children DO! At the core, I want to help influence the development of happy, kind, thoughtful students that value themselves, their families, their peers and our community. |
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Administrative Assistant
Máa sá iyatée! Dáa Shaawát yoo xát duwasaakw.
Yan Yedi y xát sitee. Aatlein kwandaax.
Hello, I am Dáa Shaawát, (Michele Thompson) Administrative Assistant at Hidden Valley Elementary. Originally from Atlin, BC, I have lived in Whitehorse for most of my life. I am a member of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Yan Yedi Wolf Clan.
In 2024 I began working as the HVES Administrative Assistant, a position I have wanted for years! I love to share jokes with the kids and hear their amazing stories. My hobbies include paper crafting, sewing, gardening and wood working. Thank you for welcoming me to Kwata Kets’adan Ku - Hidden Valley Elementary!
Máa sá iyatée! Dáa Shaawát yoo xát duwasaakw.
Yan Yedi y xát sitee. Aatlein kwandaax.
Hello, I am Dáa Shaawát, (Michele Thompson) Administrative Assistant at Hidden Valley Elementary. Originally from Atlin, BC, I have lived in Whitehorse for most of my life. I am a member of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Yan Yedi Wolf Clan.
In 2024 I began working as the HVES Administrative Assistant, a position I have wanted for years! I love to share jokes with the kids and hear their amazing stories. My hobbies include paper crafting, sewing, gardening and wood working. Thank you for welcoming me to Kwata Kets’adan Ku - Hidden Valley Elementary!
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Southern Tutchone Teacher
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bio coming soon - Tu Shat K’e - Nicole Smith
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Primary Teachers
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Kindergarten: Melaynie Campbell
My name is Melaynie Campbell, and I have been part of the Hidden Valley School community since 2018. The Yukon has been home for most of my life, and I feel incredibly grateful to live and work in such a beautiful and amazing place. My husband, Joel, and I have raised our two children (Damon & Ocean) here, and our family now includes three young adults, as well as our much-loved dog, Mac! I love spending time outdoors with my family. We enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking, camping, swimming, exploring trails, and going off-roading. Being outside and discovering new things is something I especially love to share with my students. Teaching Kindergarten brings me so much joy! Each year, I look forward to meeting my new little learners and welcoming them into our school community. I feel honoured to be part of their learning journey and to help foster their curiosity, confidence, kindness, and love of learning. We are incredibly fortunate to have beautiful outdoor spaces, trails, and wildlife right outside our school doors. In Kindergarten, we take our learning outdoors every day, creating meaningful connections with our community and the natural environment. Through play, exploration, and investigation, students are encouraged to wonder, discover, ask questions, and learn together. I look forward to exploring, investigating, playing, and learning alongside my students each day. In Kindergarten, learning is always an adventure! |
Kindergarten/Grade 1: My name is Melissa Oulton, and this is my fifth year teaching and my third year teaching Kindergarten/Grade 1.
I moved to the Yukon almost five years ago from Kamloops, BC, shortly after completing my Bachelor of Education at Thompson Rivers University. The Yukon was always a place I wanted to explore, and I knew it would be a wonderful place to begin my teaching career. Moving here was a big change after growing up in the Okanagan Valley, but I quickly realized that the Yukon was exactly where I was meant to be!
In my free time I love exploring the Yukon with my husband William and our dog Cojo. I am also currently completing the last few courses of my Master’s in Inclusive Education and Literacy Education through Queen’s University. Thank you for taking the time to read a little bit about me! :)
Shaw ni ‘than
I moved to the Yukon almost five years ago from Kamloops, BC, shortly after completing my Bachelor of Education at Thompson Rivers University. The Yukon was always a place I wanted to explore, and I knew it would be a wonderful place to begin my teaching career. Moving here was a big change after growing up in the Okanagan Valley, but I quickly realized that the Yukon was exactly where I was meant to be!
In my free time I love exploring the Yukon with my husband William and our dog Cojo. I am also currently completing the last few courses of my Master’s in Inclusive Education and Literacy Education through Queen’s University. Thank you for taking the time to read a little bit about me! :)
Shaw ni ‘than
Grade 1 - Laura Erickson
Hello, Danch'e? My name is Laura Erickson, and I am happy to be teaching Grade One again at Hidden Valley. I have been living in the Yukon for 25 years teaching in Ross River and Mayo. I also taught in the Early Learning Program and Yukon Native Education Teaching Program (YNTEP) at Yukon University. While I enjoyed teaching adults, I greatly missed being a classroom teacher. I love being outside with students and learning on the land. I also love my honeybees, my garden and my family. Grade One is such a special year of learning and growth for students. I am excited to support them as they develop new skills, discover their strengths, and grow as readers, writers, and learners
Hello, Danch'e? My name is Laura Erickson, and I am happy to be teaching Grade One again at Hidden Valley. I have been living in the Yukon for 25 years teaching in Ross River and Mayo. I also taught in the Early Learning Program and Yukon Native Education Teaching Program (YNTEP) at Yukon University. While I enjoyed teaching adults, I greatly missed being a classroom teacher. I love being outside with students and learning on the land. I also love my honeybees, my garden and my family. Grade One is such a special year of learning and growth for students. I am excited to support them as they develop new skills, discover their strengths, and grow as readers, writers, and learners
Grade 2/3: Jennifer Jang
Dännch’e?, bonjour, hello, my name is Jennifer Jang. I am from Vancouver and initially came to the Yukon to fulfill a wish to see the north. Instead of staying for 3 months, I stayed and taught in the Yukon for two years. Afterwards, I worked for the Vancouver School Board as an itinerant teacher but the call of the north was always whispering in the wind. I returned to the Yukon in 2013 to continue as an educator. My favourite time of the year is the fall because I love the crisp, cool fall weather highlighted by the vibrant colours of change. It also means it is the start of a new school year, new friends, and a fresh box of crayons. This year, I am very excited to begin another journey of wonder and learning with the Hidden Valley Family. I am looking forward to learning with the students in the grade 2/3 class and helping them grow into caring individuals who understands the meaning of kindness and perseverance.
Dännch’e?, bonjour, hello, my name is Jennifer Jang. I am from Vancouver and initially came to the Yukon to fulfill a wish to see the north. Instead of staying for 3 months, I stayed and taught in the Yukon for two years. Afterwards, I worked for the Vancouver School Board as an itinerant teacher but the call of the north was always whispering in the wind. I returned to the Yukon in 2013 to continue as an educator. My favourite time of the year is the fall because I love the crisp, cool fall weather highlighted by the vibrant colours of change. It also means it is the start of a new school year, new friends, and a fresh box of crayons. This year, I am very excited to begin another journey of wonder and learning with the Hidden Valley Family. I am looking forward to learning with the students in the grade 2/3 class and helping them grow into caring individuals who understands the meaning of kindness and perseverance.
Grade 2/3: Aviam Soudack: I’m honoured to be a homeroom teacher at our Learning House/Bush School, Kwata kets'adan ku. I arrived at Hidden Valley Elementary 4 years ago as a Learning Assistance Teacher. I'm nearing 2 decades of homeroom experience, teaching from Canada to far flung communities including South Korea, Colombia, Guatemala, Senegal and Egypt. My growing family enjoys the natural beauty that Yukon offers, and my daughters, Nora & Mollie, simply adore all things Whitehorse. I look forward to contributing to our Dän Shawthän community.
Shaw ni'than, Todah, Merci, Thank You
Mr. Aviam Soudack
Shaw ni'than, Todah, Merci, Thank You
Mr. Aviam Soudack
Intermediate Teachers
Grade 4/5: Katie Feht
Danch’e, Hello, my name is Katie Feht. This will be my sixth year teaching in the Hidden Valley community. I have called the Yukon home for seven years, which has helped shape who I am as a person and teacher. I spend much of my time hiking, biking, paddling, hunting, fishing and playing hockey. I take any opportunity I can to get on the land with my husband, our daughter and our dog, as well as with my students. I’m looking forward to the learning, adventures and growth the come with a new school year.
Danch’e, Hello, my name is Katie Feht. This will be my sixth year teaching in the Hidden Valley community. I have called the Yukon home for seven years, which has helped shape who I am as a person and teacher. I spend much of my time hiking, biking, paddling, hunting, fishing and playing hockey. I take any opportunity I can to get on the land with my husband, our daughter and our dog, as well as with my students. I’m looking forward to the learning, adventures and growth the come with a new school year.
Grade 4/5 - Hello! My name is Nigel Sinclair-Eckert. This will be my third year teaching at Hidden Valley Elementary School, and I am excited to be teaching grades 4 and 5. Before joining the Hidden Valley community, I was fortunate to teach at Khàtìnas.àxh Community School in Teslin. I believe in learning life and academic skills in a supportive and welcoming environment, and building a classroom culture that reflects those values. When not in the classroom, I love mountain biking, paddling, snowboarding, goaltending, and hiking with my dog Gibson. The Yukon is an incredible place to live and learn, and I am grateful to share that with the staff and students of Hidden Valley.
Grade 5/6: Nicole Birkeland
Hello! My name is Nicole Birkeland, and I am excited to return to the Hidden Valley community this spring as an intermediate literacy teacher.
Originally from Salmon Arm, BC, I moved to the Yukon eight years ago with my husband, Phil, and our daughter, Rémi. We spent three years living and working in the traditional territory of the Vuntut Gwitchin in Old Crow before returning to Whitehorse in 2020. In 2024, we welcomed a new addition to our family—a son, Ember.
As an educator, I am dedicated to continuous growth and improving my teaching practice. I am passionate about fostering community and a love learning in my students.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time outdoors with family and friends, as well as exploring my creative side through textile arts.
Hello! My name is Nicole Birkeland, and I am excited to return to the Hidden Valley community this spring as an intermediate literacy teacher.
Originally from Salmon Arm, BC, I moved to the Yukon eight years ago with my husband, Phil, and our daughter, Rémi. We spent three years living and working in the traditional territory of the Vuntut Gwitchin in Old Crow before returning to Whitehorse in 2020. In 2024, we welcomed a new addition to our family—a son, Ember.
As an educator, I am dedicated to continuous growth and improving my teaching practice. I am passionate about fostering community and a love learning in my students.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time outdoors with family and friends, as well as exploring my creative side through textile arts.
Grade 6/7- Dänch’e? Hello! My name is Andrea Webber (she/her) and I have been a part of the Hidden Valley School community since 2018. This year I am returning to the Gr. 6/7 classroom, after a year as a Learning Assistance Teacher, and the two previous years on maternity leave. I grew up and began my teaching career in Ontario and moved to the Yukon in 2012. I am grateful to now call the Yukon my home and to be raising my two boys in this beautiful place. As an educator, I am passionate about fostering community and connections between students and the outdoors. Outside of school, I love spending time outside with my family and friends and growing food my garden.
Grade 6/7 - Hello! I’m Katie McAffee, and this is my third year at Hidden Valley! I’m so happy to be back after spending last year away completing my Master’s. In the classroom, I love finding ways to make learning fun, hands-on, and meaningful, while creating a space where students feel supported, challenged, and excited to be there. Outside of school, I spend lots of time with my husband, Matt, and our corgi, Bruce, who usually keeps us pretty entertained. Basketball has always been a huge part of my life and I love having the opportunity to coach a sport I am so passionate about. I enjoy getting outside whenever I can, whether it’s hiking, camping, fishing, or just enjoying everything the Yukon has to offer.
Educational Assistants
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Tammy Reed
Hello, my name is Ms. Tammy. My life is shared with my loving and supportive partner Jeff. We have a large blended family with seven children (ages 10-22) and two fur babies. Our house is very busy but full of love and adventure. I have a background in Early Childhood Development with over 15 years experience working in a variety of rolls within childcare in Whitehorse and this will be my 3rd year at Hidden Valley School as an Education Assistant. I grew up on the traditional territory of the Taku River Tlingit in Atlin and moved to Whitehorse at age 15 to finish my schooling. Growing up in the small community of Atlin gave me a childhood filled with outdoor play and education much like that at Hidden Valley School. I spent my time with friends hiking, canoeing, hunting, fishing, snowshoeing, skiing, camping, buiding forts, picking berries, playing sports and helping out in the community. Working with, learning alongside and exploring with children brings me joy. Seeing their excitement when they discover new things or achieve new goals makes me smile. I am very excited to continue working with the team at Hidden Valley School and look forward to new adventures this year! |
Dénht'ā? How are you in Kaska. My name is Alexandrea Lutz. I was born and raised in the Yukon. I come from Watson lake, a little community on the bc border. I'm a proud member of the Liard First Nation.
12 years ago I moved to Whitehorse and never left. I met my partner Felix and we started our forever life together. We have two boys and both have autism. Being a mom of two kiddos with autism pushed me into my now career at Hidden Valley. I love being a EA! |
Mabuhay! My name is Gilbert Tagalog. I was born and raised in the Philippines. My family and I came to Yukon with a heartfelt dream — to finally live together under one roof after nine years of long-distance while my wife worked in Singapore. Yukon made that dream possible, and today we are happily raising our two wonderful children here in the North.
Living in Whitehorse has been an incredible experience for our family. We’ve embraced adventures we never had back home — from experiencing our very first winter and playing in the snow to enjoying sledding and skiing together. With 10 years of experience as an elementary teacher, and as a Filipino, I bring the values of bayanihan (community spirit) and malasakit (genuine care and compassion) into my work each day, helping create a positive, inclusive, and nurturing environment where every child feels supported and valued. I truly enjoy being part of the Hidden Valley community and look forward to continuing to grow alongside the students and staff here. |
Dana Wilson -This is my third wonderful year as an Education Assistant at HVS. I feel incredibly lucky to work with such an amazing group of students and staff. My husband and I moved to Whitehorse in May 2023, and we often say we wish we had made the move sooner! We love spending time outdoors, exploring the beautiful surroundings with our dog, Freyja. One of the things I appreciate most about HVS is how much we incorporate outdoor learning and exploration into our days.
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Danch'e? bonjour, hello! My name is Amandine, and the Yukon has been my true home since 2019, when I arrived from France — right into a new language, a new culture, and a new adventure. I am the lucky mother of three amazing human beings — Agathe, Luke, and Iris — whom I’m so grateful to raise with my wonderful husband, Jordan. You’ll often see our family biking, hiking, canoeing, and camping with our loving dog, Mollie, on the beautiful Yukon land. Before moving here, I worked as a registered nurse, caring for others in a variety of settings. In Whitehorse, I’ve worked as an early childhood educator. These experiences have taught me patience, compassion, and the joy of helping people grow. What I love most about Hidden Valley School is its heart, a place where every child is seen, valued, and trusted to become their full self. The outdoor learning, the laughter of children in the forest, and the connection to the land and Yukon First Nations ways of knowing all make this a very special community to be part of.
I feel truly grateful to walk alongside students as they discover who they are and what they can do. Thanks for reading about me — all the best! |
CLAUDIA HARDING- Hello! My name is Claudia Harding, and I’m originally from Australia, though I’ve been fortunate to call Canada home for the past 20 years. Recently, my family and I made the move to the beautiful Yukon after living in central BC.
I’m passionate about spending time outdoors and love hiking, camping, canoeing, biking, and skiing with my husband and two young children. Nature truly is my happy place.
I was drawn to Hidden Valley because of its unique focus on getting children outdoors, connecting with nature, and fostering their curiosity through hands-on, engaging experiences. What has kept me here, however, is the incredible sense of community—the passionate and supportive students, as well as the amazing team of educators. (photo to follow)
I’m passionate about spending time outdoors and love hiking, camping, canoeing, biking, and skiing with my husband and two young children. Nature truly is my happy place.
I was drawn to Hidden Valley because of its unique focus on getting children outdoors, connecting with nature, and fostering their curiosity through hands-on, engaging experiences. What has kept me here, however, is the incredible sense of community—the passionate and supportive students, as well as the amazing team of educators. (photo to follow)
My name is Pratham Saddi, and I’m so happy to be part of our school community. I moved to Canada in 2021 and completed my Diploma in General Arts and Sciences at St. Lawrence College in Ontario. Before becoming an Educational Assistant, I worked as a Support Worker and a School Bus Driver, where I learned the importance of patience, kindness, and safety.
I love supporting students, celebrating their successes, and helping create a caring and positive classroom where every child feels included and confident. I look forward to a wonderful year of learning and growth together!
I love supporting students, celebrating their successes, and helping create a caring and positive classroom where every child feels included and confident. I look forward to a wonderful year of learning and growth together!
Bios coming soon: Tannen Elliot, Shantell Risby, Janice Anonuevo, Erin Neufeld, Mary Nunez, Khushdeep Kaur
Learning Assistance
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Denise McDiarmid
Danch'e?, bonjour, hello! My name is Denise McDiarmid (she/her) and I have the wonderful pleasure of teaching at Hidden Valley School. I was born and raised in the small Yukon community of Stewart Crossing/Mayo, where my childhood saw me engaging in the vast outdoor experiences our territory has to offer. From horseback riding, dog sledding, salmon fishing, and trekking through the natural wilderness, I was able to learn and experience my local environment in a fun and hands-on manner. Play was the vehicle for my daily adventures in the forest in my backyard, and all of these experiences have shaped how I approach teaching. I hope to provide the students at Hidden Valley with an opportunity to connect with themselves, their local environment, and feel a sense of belonging and success by building on their strengths and interests. |
Danch'e? Hello, and Kia Ora. My name is Stephen Horton (he/him) and I am excited to be a learning assistance teacher for numeracy at Hidden Valley School. I am the proud parent of 3 children with my beautiful wife. My family and I recently returned to the Yukon following many years in New Zealand. Seeking to raise my family with the same type of experiences that I grew up with, we now spend our time enjoying the Yukon outdoors, skiing, hiking, canoeing, boating and enjoying the wilderness. It is these types of experiences that I strive to immerse students learning in as well as we explore numeracy together.
Danch'e? Hello, and Kia Ora. My name is Stephen Horton (he/him) and I am excited to be a learning assistance teacher for numeracy at Hidden Valley School. I am the proud parent of 3 children with my beautiful wife. My family and I recently returned to the Yukon following many years in New Zealand. Seeking to raise my family with the same type of experiences that I grew up with, we now spend our time enjoying the Yukon outdoors, skiing, hiking, canoeing, boating and enjoying the wilderness. It is these types of experiences that I strive to immerse students learning in as well as we explore numeracy together.
Sara Brown - Hello! My name is Sara Brown, and I am so excited to be joining the Hidden Valley School community as a Learning Assistance Teacher. I recently moved to the Yukon from Manitoba with my husband, Mac, and our dog, Lily. My husband previously lived in Whitehorse and brought me to visit the Yukon a few years ago. I quickly fell in love with the beautiful landscapes, the welcoming community, and everything the Yukon has to offer. We always hoped we would have the opportunity to make our way back, and this summer we were very excited to finally make Whitehorse our home!
Before becoming a teacher, I spent several years working as an Educational Assistant, supporting students with a wide variety of strengths and needs. My time as an EA played a huge role in my decision to become a teacher and helped shape the kind of educator I hope to be. I developed a particular passion for supporting students who may experience school a little differently and for finding ways to build on each child’s individual strengths, interests, and abilities. I feel incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to begin my teaching career in this unique role where I can continue doing work that I care so deeply about. I strive to create a space where students feel safe, valued, supported, and successful, while making learning meaningful and fun.
Outside of school, I love staying active, hiking, fishing, camping, and spending time with our family and friends. Anyone who knows us knows that our puppy Lily is a big part of everything we do—we believe every adventure is better when we can enjoy it with our puppy! We are so excited to experience our first year living in the Yukon and continue discovering everything this beautiful territory has to offer. I am incredibly grateful to be joining the Hidden Valley community and look forward to getting to know the students, families, and staff and to all of the learning and adventures ahead!
Before becoming a teacher, I spent several years working as an Educational Assistant, supporting students with a wide variety of strengths and needs. My time as an EA played a huge role in my decision to become a teacher and helped shape the kind of educator I hope to be. I developed a particular passion for supporting students who may experience school a little differently and for finding ways to build on each child’s individual strengths, interests, and abilities. I feel incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to begin my teaching career in this unique role where I can continue doing work that I care so deeply about. I strive to create a space where students feel safe, valued, supported, and successful, while making learning meaningful and fun.
Outside of school, I love staying active, hiking, fishing, camping, and spending time with our family and friends. Anyone who knows us knows that our puppy Lily is a big part of everything we do—we believe every adventure is better when we can enjoy it with our puppy! We are so excited to experience our first year living in the Yukon and continue discovering everything this beautiful territory has to offer. I am incredibly grateful to be joining the Hidden Valley community and look forward to getting to know the students, families, and staff and to all of the learning and adventures ahead!
Specialists
Allen Penny - ADST/Music Teacher
Hello, Danch'e?, my name is Allen Penny (he/him) and I am the music and learning commons teacher here at HVS. I am originally from New Brunswick but my partner Greg and I took a chance at moving to a new place we knew very little about at the time and since arriving - it has very much felt like home and is now the place where we have started our family. We love the Yukon so much we named a little one after it! Aside from music and performing as hobbies – I enjoy exploring the outdoors, gathering with friends and family and as all the kids know – gaming J. I am excited to be here at HVS and I look forward to collaborating, creating and seeing all the amazing upcoming engineering and musical productions. |
D'Arcy Hill - Physical Education Teacher
Hello, my name is D’Arcy Hill (he/him) and I am excited to be the new Physical Education teacher for Hidden Valley School. I am originally growing up in Whitby (just outside Toronto), Ontario and played a lot of sports growing up. I was lucky enough to play Basketball, Baseball and Lacrosse for York University while I was getting my degree in Kinesiology. I then ended up doing my teacher degree, with a focus on Health and Physical Education, at the University of Queensland in Australia. I moved to Whitehorse 8 years ago and now have two boys, Sean (4 yrs) and Douglas (6 yrs) with my partner Julia. As you can see, I love all types of sports and activities and value participation, fair play and fun when doing any sport or activity. I look forward to a great active school year, GO HUSKIES! |