Fraser Academy
Valerie N. has extensive experience in special education and research, currently serving as the Registrar, Special Education Coordinator, and First Aid/Medical Team Lead at Fraser Academy since September 2009. In this role, Valerie coordinates additional funding and services for students with severe and complex needs, while also managing first aid events, educating staff on medical conditions, and training the first aid team. Prior to these roles, Valerie worked as a Research Consultant at Fraser Academy, conducting a literature review on best practices in special education, and at The University of British Columbia as a Social Science Researcher and Research Assistant, where involvement included conducting qualitative research and developing evaluation questionnaires. Valerie holds a Diploma in Special Education from The University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Toronto.
Fraser Academy
Fraser Academy (FA) is an independent school in Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC serving students in Gr. 1-12 with dyslexia and language-based learning differences through day and outreach programs. We serve a gap in the system where approximately 20% of the student population is under-served by mainstream education. The ripple impact of our programming also adds great social value. While our student population has skills and strengths which are in demand in the 21st century, it can also be vulnerable to mental health, substance abuse, higher drop-out rates, and other risks when not supported. We are proud to be at the forefront of educational practices, providing a learner-centric environment with the most effective research-based methods to optimize personalized learning, cognitive, social and emotional development, and post-secondary opportunities setting our students up for a successful life. Fraser Academy is fully accredited by the BC Ministry of Education and all students follow a core curriculum; all students also follow individualized education plans. This means that they learn at their ability, skill level and pace—and because of this, they experience success from day one.