Our Team

Jenny Ritsma – Supervisory Officer

The Supervisory Officer is responsible for the Indigenous portfolio that advances Indigenous education as part of a system-wide commitment to reconciliation and equity. The role focuses on implementing policy frameworks, fostering inclusive environments, and building capacity among administrative staff and trustees to ensure Indigenous perspectives are embedded across the organization. The Supervisory Officer supervises the Indigenous education team, providing leadership and strategic direction, and represents the Indigenous voice at the executive table to influence decision-making and promote authentic engagement with Indigenous communities.

Jennifer Staats – Indigenous Consultant/Lead

The Lead implements the provincial strategy to boost Indigenous student success, foster cultural awareness for all students, staff, and build community ties, focusing on Reconciliation by integrating Indigenous histories, perspectives, and teachings across the curriculum, consulting with communities, supporting Indigenous students’ well-being, and ensuring culturally responsive environments. The Lead bridges policy and practice, working with administration, teachers, and Indigenous communities to implement TRC Calls to Action, support self-identification, and ensure equitable resources.

Kait Popert – Indigenous Student Support Worker 7-12

The Student Support Worker (Secondary) supports First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students’ academic, cultural, and personal success by acting as mentor, advocate, and connector, helping with pathways to graduation and post-secondary life, building positive relationships, and linking students and families to culturally relevant support systems and resources within schools and the wider community.

Angela Carson – Indigenous Student Support Worker K-6

The Student Support Worker (Elementary) provides culturally grounded support, offering counseling, crisis intervention, and advocacy for First Nations, Métis, & Inuit students and families, connecting them to resources, and guiding school staff on Indigenous perspectives, focusing on reconciliation, healing, and student well-being within an anti-oppressive framework, guided by Indigenous principles.

Katie Croft – Indigenous Special Assignment Teacher – On Leave

Arianna Amaral-Bertozzi – Indigenous Special Assignment Teacher

The Indigenous Special Assignment Teacher is responsible for organizing the Indigenous Week of Learning in elementary schools, planning and coordinating activities that celebrate and deepen understanding of Indigenous history, culture, and perspectives. This role involves creating and delivering engaging lessons that align with curriculum expectations and incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing, while supporting teachers in embedding Indigenous perspectives across subject areas. The teacher designs interactive learning spaces that encourage students to explore and engage with authentic artifacts, fostering curiosity and respect for Indigenous traditions. Additionally, the position builds relationships with Indigenous communities and Knowledge keepers to bring authentic voices into the learning process, promoting inclusive practices that honor Indigenous identities and histories.

Carolle Belanger – Indigenous Student Achievement Teacher – Elementary

The Indigenous Student Achievement Teacher (Elementary) works collaboratively with classroom teachers and special education staff to support Indigenous students in developing a deeper understanding of math concepts and preparing for EQAO assessments. This role focuses on addressing achievement gaps by providing targeted instructional strategies, culturally responsive approaches, and individualized support to students in Grades 3 and 6 who have demonstrated lower performance compared to their non-Indigenous peers. By fostering confidence in mathematics and promoting equitable learning opportunities, the teacher helps improve student outcomes while ensuring that interventions respect and integrate Indigenous perspectives and ways of learning. The plan for this role is to extend beyond mathematics in the future to include literacy support.

Nicholas Casey – Indigenous Student Achievement Teacher – Secondary

The Indigenous Student Achievement Teacher (Secondary) works collaboratively with classroom teachers, special education staff, and guidance counselors to support Indigenous students who are struggling with course achievement. This role focuses on addressing achievement gaps by providing targeted instructional strategies, culturally responsive approaches, and individualized support to students. By assisting students with credit recovery, the teacher helps improve student outcomes while ensuring that interventions respect and integrate Indigenous perspectives and ways of learning.

Darlene Schaffer – Inuk Knowledge-Keeper

Darlene brings her vast knowledge of Inuit culture and traditions to students in all grade levels. During the Indigenous Week of Learning, she presents to all students in the school and supports learning in individual classrooms. Darlene supports the secondary school curriculum by engaging with students in NBE Indigenous Literacy classes as well as Indigenous studies courses.