Meet Our Team

Meet our EA Team

Our Team

Taryn McPherson

Andrea Heidema

Taryn McPherson

Literacy, Numeracy & Executive Functioning EA

Grades 5-12

Andrea Heidema

Back in the Fall

Literacy, Numeracy & Executive Functioning EA

Grades 5-12

Sandi Meyerhoff

Coming this Fall

Literacy, Numeracy & Executive Functioning EA

Grades 5-12

Lucinda Beshay

Back in the Fall

Math and Science EA

Grades 5-12

Meet our Admin Team

Taryn McPherson

SSC Coordinator-

Allison Miles

IE Academic Advisor and SSC Manager

Chelsea Bitgood

Director of Innovations

Kaylee Moerman

Innovations Admin. Assistant

& Assessment Coordinator

Get to Know Me Card

Taryn McPherson

Literacy, Numeracy & Executive Functioning EA

Grades 5-12

Zoom 1-1 pre-booked appointments

Booking calendar for Zoom: https://calendly.com/taryn-mcpherson/literacy-support-centre

Hi! I’m Taryn McPherson, and here are a few fun facts about me!

I moved from Ontario to BC in 2009, and for 13 years, I called BC home; family brought me back to Ontario in 2022.
When the weather cooperates, I love gardening, hiking, camping and road-tripping; otherwise, I enjoy a good book, puzzle, or cup of tea with a friend.
I am passionate about sharing my love of learning with others and helping my students reach their greatest potential.
I am encouraged, knowing that no matter what life throws at me, I never have to tackle life alone (Philippians 4:12-13).

These are my greatest strengths in this role:

I love helping students fill their toolboxes with skills they can use in all parts of life!
I love creating schedules and goals so students can manage their time well!
I am a super planner and organizer! I love helping students get started!
I love Science (well, Physics a little less!) and many aspects of Math (comfortably helping students into Middle School).
I love helping students in other key areas of the journey, for example, connecting with teachers, preparing for tests, researching for assignments, and writing and proofing work!

If you’re taking these HCOS courses, I can help!

ADST (TechLAB, Textiles, Media Design, Food Studies, etc.)
Arts Education (Studio Arts, Musical Theatre, Instrumental Music, Drama, Dance, etc.)
Career Education & Work Experience (CLE, CLC, WEX)
Christian Studies
Electives (Student Council, Adventure Discipleship, Leadership, etc.)
English Language Arts (Lit Studies, New Media, Composition, First Peoples, etc.)
Math (Grades 5-10 Maths & Upper-level Workplace Math)
Physical & Health Education (PE, Outdoor Ed, Fitness & Conditioning, Active Living, etc.)
Sciences (Grades 5-10 Sciences, with some Grades 11 & 12 comfortability; Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Life Sciences, Psychology, etc.)
Second Languages (Coursework Only - ASL, French, Spanish, etc.)
Social Studies (BC First Peoples, Comp Civ, Political Studies, World History, Physical Geography, etc.)

Here are some of the supports I can provide:

Academic courses - comprehension, higher-level thinking, step-by-step instruction
Accountability and check-ins to help you stay on track
Building confidence due to anxiety or insecurity
Executive functioning - organization and planning, scheduling and goal-setting, time management, breaking down assignments into smaller parts
Motivation - pinpointing distractions and discussing strategies to kick procrastination to the curb
Navigating Platforms - Brightspace, Study Forge, Encom, and Google Workspace
Preparation for Literacy and Numeracy Provincial Assessments
Skill-building – critical thinking and problem solving, note taking and essay writing, study and test preparation, communicating and advocating needs

Zoom 1-1 pre-booked appointments.

Booking calendar for Zoom

https://calendly.com/andrea-heidema-ea/learning-support-clone?month=2024-10

Andrea Heidema

Literacy, Numeracy and Executive Functioning EA

Support in learning such as:

Support with organization, planning, time management and motivation
English
Science - comprehension/questions (Biology, Environmental Science, Earth Science)
Humanities
Career Courses: CLE and CLC
PE courses: PHE, Active Living, Fitness & Conditioning, Outdoor Education
Elective courses Eg. music, WEX, Foods etc.
Additional support: Math grades 5-9, Workplace Math 10 & 11

Andrea’s strengths: executive functioning support, goal setting and accountability, planning and time management, proofreading, research skills, middle school math, upper level science (biology, earth science, environmental science)

Get to know Andrea:

Andrea was born and raised on Vancouver Island, where she lives now with her husband and two school aged children. Her love for homeschooling began a few years back when she had the opportunity to teach her son through HCOS. Her favorite part of homeschooling was the flexibility that she had to explore and encourage his particular interests, and spending time diving deep into areas he loved. Andrea has worked with children in a variety of settings for almost 20 years. She graduated from Camosun College in 2008 as a Community Support Worker & Education Assistant. She loves making connections with her students, helping them grow in confidence and meet their learning goals. In her spare time she loves to be near the ocean, exploring the beach or fishing with her family. She also enjoys gardening, baking and curling up with tea and a good book.

Sandi Meyerhoff

Literacy, Numeracy & Executive Functioning EA

Grades 5-12

Booking Link Coming Soon

Hi! I'm Sandi Meyerhoff, and here are a few fun facts about me!

I have over 20 years of home education experience and continue to support the youngest of my three children, who is set to graduate in 2026. This journey began with HCOS in 2004 - the year the school started!
I began working as an EA with HCOS back in 2019. In addition to providing in-home support, I have been a part of the Nanaimo CC, CC+ and Teen CC.
I returned to school in 2023 to complete my Education Assistant Certificate at Vancouver Island University, focusing on executive functioning and learning strategies.
I love to spend time in nature—whether walking trails, kayaking, or relaxing with family and friends. I also enjoy reading, writing, and making art as part of my creative expression.

These are my greatest strengths in this role:

I am especially drawn towards English and Humanities courses, and am skilled at assisting with writing assignments.
I love coming alongside students, helping them build their executive functioning, critical thinking, and communication skills.
I am passionate about helping students build their “life toolboxes” - promoting social-emotional learning and a growth mindset that contribute to increased confidence.
I am constantly inspired by the resilience and potential of students, believing every student can thrive with the right support, structure, and encouragement.

If you're taking these HCOS courses, I can help!

ADST (TechLAB, Textiles, Media Design, Food Studies, etc.)
Arts Education (Studio Arts, Musical Theatre, Instrumental Music, Drama, Dance, etc.)
Career Education & Work Experience (CLE, CLC, WEX)
Christian Studies
Electives (Student Council, Adventure Discipleship, Leadership, etc.)
English Language Arts (Lit Studies, New Media, Composition, First Peoples, etc.)
Math (Grades 5-8)
Physical & Health Education (PE, Outdoor Ed, Fitness & Conditioning, Active Living, etc.)
Sciences (Grades 5-8 Sciences, with some Grades 10-12 comfortability; Life Sciences, Earth Sciences)
Second Languages (Coursework Only - ASL, French, Spanish, etc.)
Social Studies (BC First Peoples, Comp Civ, Political Studies, World History, Physical Geography, etc.)

Here are some of the supports I can provide:

Academic courses - comprehension, higher-level thinking, step-by-step instruction
Accountability and check-ins to help you stay on track
Building confidence due to anxiety or insecurity
Executive functioning - organization and planning, scheduling and goal-setting, time management, breaking down assignments into smaller parts
Motivation - pinpointing distractions and discussing strategies to kick procrastination to the curb
Navigating Platforms - Brightspace, Study Forge, Encom, and Google Workspace
Preparation for Literacy Provincial Assessments
Skill-building – critical thinking and problem solving, note taking and essay writing, study and test preparation, communicating and advocating needs

Lucinda Beshay

Science and Numeracy EA

Grades 5 - 12

Zoom 1-1 pre-booked appointments.

Booking calendar for Zoom: https://calendly.com/lucinda-beshay-ea/math-and-science-support-center?month=2024-09

Hi! I’m Lucinda Beshay, and here are a few fun facts about me!

I am a former HCOS graduate (2017) and UBC graduate (2021).
Returning to HCOS feels like coming full circle; I am excited to contribute to the very environment that played a crucial role in my own education!
My love and wonder of Science started at an early age as I marvelled at how God intricately designed every aspect of our world with precision and detail.
Outside of work and studying, I enjoy playing the piano, going to the gym, serving at my church's youth group, and reading a book with my headphones on.

These are my greatest strengths in this role:

My wide range of Math (including Pre-calculus) and Science (including Biology, Life Science, Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Psychology) skills will blow you away!
I love helping students identify their strengths as they reach for their goals!
I enjoy helping students with their coursework - lessons, practice questions, assignments, projects, labs - and preparing for their tests!
I have a deep passion for student wellness and personal growth.

If you're taking these HCOS courses, I can help!

Math (Foundations, Workplace, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Accounting, etc.)
Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Life Sciences, Geology, Psychology, etc.)

Here are some of the supports I can provide:

Academic courses - comprehension, higher-level thinking, step-by-step instruction
Accountability and check-ins to help you stay on track
Building confidence due to anxiety or insecurity
Executive functioning - organization and planning, scheduling and goal-setting, time management, breaking down assignments into smaller parts
Motivation - pinpointing distractions and discussing strategies to kick procrastination to the curb
Navigating Platforms - Brightspace, Study Forge, Encom, and Google Workspace
Preparation for Numeracy Provincial Assessments
Skill-building – critical thinking and problem solving, note taking, study and test preparation, communicating and advocating needs

Allison Miles

IE Academic Advisor and SSC Manager

Get to Know Allison:

Allison is married and has two adult children. She is a host mum to many international students, as well as a fur mum to golden retrievers and Bengal cats.

Having raised kids with neurodiversity, she has a passion to help her students transition into post-graduate world with tools and strategies to navigate challenges and succeed in their unique journey. Drawing from her own experience as a parent, she understands the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment that embraces the diverse strengths and gifts of each student.

Outside of work, Allison is an avid explorer of the world, finds solace in the simplicity of camping, and channels her creativity into interior décor and gardening. Her story is one of love, learning, support and a perpetual quest for the beauty that can be found in every corner of the world, both near and far.

Chelsea Bitgood

Director of Innovations

Get to know Chelsea:

Chelsea is married to Richard (Director of StudyForge) and has 5 children ranging in ages from 9 to 15. She loves to spend time in the outdoors, whether that is watching her boys play for their high performance baseball teams, or relaxing by the pool on a hot summer day.

Chelsea homeschooled her children through COVID, has worked to develop curriculum of online schools and has taught many courses at HCOS over the years. Her wide variety of experiences has given her the knowledge and ability to contribute to different areas of the school including the Student Support Centre. Did you know that before the SSC existed, Chelsea oversaw the EAs that support students for extra help?

She enjoys live music - her favourite band is NeedtoBreath. Loves to travel and explore new locations. Cruising is her favourite - throw your stuff into a room and arrive at new location each day!

Her heart is with HCOS and wants nothing more for students to see success - whatever that goal is for them.

Kaylee Moerman

Innovations Admin. Assistant & Assessment Coordinator

Get to know Kaylee:

Kaylee is married to Jordan and has three energetic sons. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys camping, spending time with her family and friends, beach days, and finding new coffee shops. However, the majority of her week is spent at the football field, cheering on her three sons.

Since August 2023, Kaylee has been employed at HCOS as the Innovations Assistant and Assessment Coordinator. She has thoroughly enjoyed her time here and has begun updating the SSC website. While Kaylee does not book with students directly, she is actively involved in the SSC’s website’s maintenance and updates

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