Education Team

Core Staff

Meghan Carrico – School Principal

Meghan is a principal, education consultant, distributed learning teacher, partner, mother, and recently a grandmother. Her passion for innovative education has led her to help people start a variety of educational initiatives, from schools to outdoor programs. She is passionate about helping families build community and discover new and bold paths that support their child’s learning. Meghan holds a BA from Antioch college, a teaching certificate from Simon Fraser University, and a MA in Leadership from Royal Roads University. Meghan has a love of textile arts, costume design, theatre, baby goats and mathematical thinking. Channeling her strong belief in community-based education, she founded the TES music theatre program out of the Revue theatre on Granville Island.

Simone LittledaleVice-Principal, Lead Teacher

Simone is an interdisciplinary artist and educator with a passion for inquiry-based education. Her varied work history includes working as a copywriter for nonprofits, a production potter, and an educational falconer. A native speaker of Spanish, she has also worked as a community arts facilitator with Amazonian Indigenous communities through Fundación Calanoa. Simone holds a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Spanish, and has published poetry in both languages. She also holds an Education diploma from the University of Victoria. A grateful guest on Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ territory for over ten years, Simone is also an avid citizen scientist, weaver, forager, indoor gardener, and dispenser of unsolicited bird facts.

Andrew MacLeanScience and Technology Teacher

Andrew is a life-long learner with a passion for building innovative ideas and experiences through technology and education. Relocating to Victoria from Ottawa with his wife Emily in 2015, Andrew has built his career in Victoria navigating the edges of technology education and educational technology through numerous outreach roles with the University of Victoria’s Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, and most recently through his role as the Community Manager for local technology startup Battlesnake. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science from Trent University in Peterborough Ontario and a Diploma in Secondary Teacher Education and Master in Education from the University of Victoria, specializing in Science Education and Educational Assessment respectively. 

Madison Chessa – Education Assistant

Madison is a dynamic and curious person. She currently identifies as a parent of twins who practices community care in various roles. Working as a crisis response worker, doula, and education assistant enables Madison to connect meaningfully with her community and develop personalized support systems. Madison prefers to be outdoors; learning with the land, sharing her excitement and travelling with gratitude. She believes in empowering youth. She is passionate about team building and learning through play. While living and learning as a guest on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples, Madison recognizing the importance of innovative learning and decolonizing practices. She knows a little about a lot, trail runs, beads flowers, plays games and continually seeks new learning opportunities. 

Pisco – School Mascot

Though not on the payroll of the school, Pisco is an important member of the VISII community. Pisco is Ms. Littledale’s parrotlet; he comes to the school when he is in the mood and provides avian mentorship and inspiration. Pisco’s interests include mimicry, chewing things, and almonds.

Marine McDonnell: School Psychologist

Volunteer Teachers

Helmut Hissen, parent, volunteers regularly in the learning centre. He founded Zeebar Technology Services and creates STEAM kits for learning. At VISII, he offers seminars on technology topics and maintains the printers, projectors, and Linux laptops.

Community Experts

VISII learners also have regular access to community experts (virtually or in-person as safety requires). The inquiry model of learning encourages learners to connect with and contribute to their community. Learning happens everywhere!

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