OUR STAFF
EESE is proud to have staff that are passionate about making a difference in students’ lives through tireless dedication to education. Get to know each of our team members below.
LOUISE GIESBRECHT
Executive Director
Louise Giesbrecht is a graduate of the University of Manitoba with her BA and CPHR and Intercultural Communication designation. She brings a wealth of experience in the areas of newcomer integration and cultural diversity awareness. Her professional roles in the private and public sectors have included Manager of Diverse Workforce Development, Employment Equity Officer for University of Manitoba, Executive Director of the Alliance of Manitoba Sector Council.
OUR TEACHERS
ALLYN FRANC
Teacher
Allyn (she/her) holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Social Anthropology from Dalhousie University and a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on Curriculum Development and Design from Common Wealth Open University. She earned her CTESL (Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language) from the University of Manitoba.
Allyn taught English in South Korea for four years and has been teaching at EESE for over 20 years. She studied Mandarin for four years at the Manitoba Academy of Chinese Studies and continues to deepen her knowledge through Duolingo and Chinese podcasts.
In her free time, Allyn enjoys boxing, puzzles, and gardening. Her exceptional teaching skills and dedication are reflected in the love and respect she receives from her students.
KELLIE MARTIN
Teacher
Kellie has been a teacher at EESE since 2011. She has taught Listening, Speaking, Reading and Pronunciation. As well she has worked as a facilitator in the Returning Reading program. Kellie has over 20 years of experience in the Education field. She has worked in a wide variety of programs and with a wide variety of age groups including children, adults and seniors. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Winnipeg and her CTESL certificate from the University of Manitoba. Kellie is passionate about teaching newcomers and is known for both the warmth and humour she brings to her lessons.
LAURIE NEMEZ
Teacher
Laurie graduated from the University of Manitoba with her B.A. (Psychology and English) and B.Ed. (English and French) degrees. She enjoyed teaching French as a second language to elementary and middle years students in public and independent schools for over 20 years. After teaching English as a Foreign Language on three volunteer trips to Haiti, Laurie was inspired to pursue a future in Adult EAL, completing her TESL Certificate at the University of Winnipeg. She has taught English to adult newcomers at the RETSD (River East Transcona School Division) and Academic English to international students at the University of Manitoba. Laurie is an enthusiastic and caring teacher who is passionate about helping her students develop skills that will enrich their lives and help them realize their academic and professional goals.
TRACEY CRITCHLEY
Teacher
Tracey graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Manitoba and has over 20 years experience teaching a wide variety of programs to adults in Canada and abroad. She taught ESL in Germany for 7 years at the beginning of her career, and recently completed her CELTA certification in Barcelona, Spain. Tracey is an enthusiastic teacher who strives to create a fun and engaging classroom environment that promotes language learning and celebrates the unique skills and experiences of her students.
KAREN LOEB
Teacher
Karen Loeb graduated from Concordia University in Montreal with a Bachelor of Arts in French Studies (specialization in translation). She completed her TESL Certificate at the University of Winnipeg in 2009 and has worked at various schools in Winnipeg. Karen began working as an instructor in the English at Work program in 2012, as a teacher at EESE in 2020 and later as a curriculum developer and Returning Studies facilitator. She took on the role of English at Work coordinator in 2023 and now she is back to doing what she loves most – teaching English and helping newcomers build skills and succeed.
HILDA BERGEN
Substitute Teacher
Hilda received her Bachelor of Arts (in drama and music) and Education degrees from the University of Winnipeg. After teaching in the private and public schools (Grade 3 – 9) for a number of years, Hilda obtained a TESL certificate from University of Manitoba in order to work with adult newcomers. As a teacher and facilitator, Hilda derives a lot of joy in supporting students in achieving their language goals for workplace or academic purposes.
