Administration & Staff
School Administration
Heather Johnson
she/her
Headteacher
BA (Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB)
Certificate in Environmental Education (Algonquin College, Ottawa, ON)
BEd (Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS)
MEd (Acadia University, Wolfville, NS)
One of Heather’s first days at HIS was substitute teaching on “9-11”. In the days following, she witnessed how thoughtfully teachers responded to students—some with parents working in New York—and how naturally and intuitively the members of the school community interacted with one another.
It is this community’s respect for the broader world (including the environment) that Heather most enjoys. Heather is eager to connect HIS students with experiential learning and natural landscapes. She loves to introduce students to the worm farm, or help them nurture vegetables and flowers in one of the school’s growing spaces.
Heather has teaching experience in our Elementary and Middle School departments, leading theme research studies and upper school theatre productions. Her commitment to active listening and restorative practices makes for strong, supportive relationships.
Some of her best moments come when HIS Alumni drop by for a hug, share their continued achievements, and let her know how fondly they remember their time at the school.
Leigh-Ann Fulmore
she/her
Middle School Teacher
Deputy Headteacher
BSc (University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB)
BEd (Mount St. Vincent University, Halifax, NS)
MEd (Acadia University, Wolfville, NS)
Following a very successful practicum placement, Leigh-Ann joined the Halifax Independent School teaching staff in 2006, as a new BEd. graduate.
Leigh-Ann has grown along with HIS and credits the school’s collaborative and progressive environment with nurturing her greatest strengths.
Leigh-Ann embraces interdisciplinary connections, demonstrating genuine enthusiasm and interest as a way of encouraging student engagement.
Outside of school, Leigh-Ann enjoys sharing her deep appreciation for the natural world with her two children.
Jill Morgan
she/her
Elementary Teacher
Lower Elementary Dept. Head
BAA, Child and Youth Studies (Mount St. Vincent University, Halifax, NS), BEd (University of Calgary, Calgary, AB)
From the minute Jill began part-time work at HIS, back in 2004, she knew it was the school for her. Her own personal learning philosophy and her teacher-training in inquiry-based learning made our school a logical choice.
As someone who has always adored children, Jill considers teaching a privilege. Highlights include hearing their full-belly laughter, sharing their eagerness to learn, and reflecting on the many inspiring (and funny) moments that each day serves up.
Jill creates a respectful and caring environment in which children feel safe sharing ideas and expressing themselves.
Christy Elliot
she/her
Elementary Teacher
Upper Elementary Dept. Head
BScK (Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS), MSc (Oregon State University), BEd (Mount St. Vincent University, Halifax, NS)
Halifax Independent is such a second home to Christy that she has been known to pull out her house key to get in the front door of the school! Christy had a formative experience working at a therapeutic boarding school for children with special needs. It was there that she realized that teaching was her calling. Since 2008, Christy has been teaching elementary school at HIS. Christy also heads up the school’s running clubs. Christy is passionate about sharing the joys of outdoor experiences with her students and her family.
Meghan Nixon
she/her
Middle School Teacher
Middle School Dept. Head
BA (St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS), Graduate Diploma in Education (Monash University, Melbourne, AU)
Meghan grew up in Nova Scotia, and found her way to Halifax Independent after having studied and taught in Nova Scotia and abroad. Meghan’s desire to work with children developed in her teens, teaching swimming and later, as a volunteer tutor with St. Francis Xavier University’s “X-Project”. She completed her Graduate Diploma in Education in Melbourne, Australia, and spent the early part of her teaching career there, leading grades 2, 4, 5 and 6. Meghan has been teaching locally since returning to NS (2013). Meghan gladly accepted the invitation to join the teaching staff in the autumn of 2016.
Meghan relishes the experience of watching children recognize their personal strengths and strive toward achieving their potential in any area of life. Dedicated to discerning her students’ learning styles and current capabilities, Meghan sets high, realistic expectations for her students. At Halifax Independent, Meghan sees evidence of a true partnership between parents, students and teachers, sustaining a rich and supportive learning environment.
Faculty & Staff
Adam Johnson
he/him
Music Specialist
Upper Elementary, Middle School
BA (Hons) Piano Performance (Bishop’s University, Sherbrooke, QC)
MMus, Choral Conducting (University of Miami, Florida)
BMusEd (Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL)
Adam was alerted to an opening at Halifax Independent School by one of his professors from Memorial University, and he joined the HIS teaching staff in 2016.
In high school, Adam’s music teachers created a classroom atmosphere that encouraged him and his classmates to grow. Those teachers inspired his career choice, and their excellence continues to serve as a standard of excellence for Adam.
Adam is convinced that music-making is transformative and communicative for people of all abilities, at every age. He values the quality of attention given to Halifax Independent students and the school’s student-centred approach.
Adam is always energized and uplifted by bringing people together in song, and directs a range of community choral groups.
Carol Anne May
she/her
Pre-primary Teacher and
Director
ECE2 Early Childhood Education Diploma (Holland College, Charlottetown, PE)
After 18 years as a resource teacher in Bridgewater, Carol Anne took a leap, landed at HIS, and couldn’t be happier.
Born in Montreal and raised in PEI, Carol Anne is a certified Early Childhood Educator with a lifelong passion for nurturing children. Carol Anne believes that key building blocks of educational success are strong, positive social interactions, allowing children to play, connect, and gain confidence.
Our “whole child” approach—addressing the intellectual, emotional, physical and social needs of the child — is a wonderful fit.
Gillian Murphy
she/her
HR and Office Manager
MA Community Development. National University of Ireland, Galway
Diploma Human Resources Management McMaster University, Ontario
Gillian joined the staff, in July 2021, when the administration support team expanded. She was quickly indispensable, with a knack for refining processes and for spotting and filling gaps.
Straight away, she set about learning the names of the students so that she could greet them personally each day.
Gillian brings experience as a Community Development Coordinator and, later, as Operations Manager of a small business during a time of intense growth.
We appreciate Gillian’s friendly, professional manner, and she loves putting her organizational skills to use in a child-centred learning environment. Gillian thoroughly enjoys the inquisitive nature of young children and values the opportunity to hear their perspectives and see the world through their eyes.
Heather Donovan
she/her
Middle School Teacher
Science and French
BSc (Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS)
BEd (Memorial University, St. John’s, NL)
MEd (University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB)
A part-time job serving English language learners sparked Heather’s interest in a teaching career. Her professional experience includes service in remote areas of Canada, distance-learning with a dispersed student group, and instruction across most subject areas. Heather joined our teaching staff in 2017.
Heather loves to learn and finds both the process and the possibilities thrilling. She actively cultivates connections within the local STEM community. Heather values her involvement in this community of learners, and teaching remains her favourite way to contribute to the well-being of others.
Heather appreciates the collaborative approach and the sense of community within our classes.
Heather routinely recharges by hiking with her dog. She loves exploring new paths – and soaking up the beauty found in natural landscapes.
Holly MacFarlane
she/her
Pre-primary Teacher
ECE1 (St. Joseph’s College of Early Childhood Education/NSCECE, Halifax)
Before joining the HIS pre-primary staff in 2018, Holly was a stay-at-home parent with her own family home day care and after-school service. Our search for an addition to our pre-primary staff fit perfectly with the timing of Holly’s youngest child’s entry into formal schooling.
Holly appreciates the honest emotions and the pure joy that children express, and she loves witnessing their readiness to accept one another and their eagerness to learn.
Holly is a life-long learner who discovers opportunities for growth in every circumstance.
She loves creative, hands-on activities and embraces opportunities to know things, grow things, and try things. Holly prizes kindness and hospitality. She values the welcoming atmosphere of the school, the openness of the staff, and the strong sense of community.
Imogen Allen-Rice
she/her
Elementary Teacher
B.A. (Kings College University, Halifax)
B.Ed. (Mount St. Vincent University, Halifax)
Imogen knows the school from the inside out! She experienced Halifax Independent School from PP to Grade 9. She has first-hand knowledge of what inquiry-based, integrated studies feels like for students in every corner of the school!
Imogen recalls how helpful it was to feel known by her teachers and to have that knowledge obviously inform their teaching. They were some of her earliest mentors, and they dependably encouraged her to work hard and pursue success. These relationships were formative, and helped to shape her own approach to teaching and mentorship. She believes that an engaged student is more likely to take ownership over their learning and to do their best.
A lifelong learner, Imogen loves global travel and cultural experiences that are new to her.
Joey Creelman
he/him
Middle School Teacher
Social Studies and English
BA, English/History (Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB)
BEd (Acadia University, Wolfville, NS)
MEd Curriculum (University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB)
As a young student, Joey enjoyed everything about school: the teachers, the learning, and the socializing with peers. Teaching and playing “school” worked its way into his imaginary play. Positive school experiences enhanced by real-life learning and job-shadowing opportunities made education a natural career choice.
Joey’s professional experience includes teaching and leadership roles, and he has had the pleasure of serving independent schools, public schools, and international schools.
Inquiry, student ownership of learning, and growth in competencies alongside knowledge are at the core of Joey’s approach to teaching. He finds it especially satisfying when student learning leads to meaningful action, which could include a change in behaviour, pursuit of a solution, or advocacy.
Joey values communities that encourage all members to embrace lifelong learning, with learners right at the centre. In HIS, he sees a supportive, engaging, and challenging environment rich with possibilities for growth.
Laura Mikkelsen
she/her
Elementary Teacher
Lower Elementary Resource
BA (University of King’s College, Halifax, NS)
BEd (Mount St. Vincent University, Halifax, NS)
Laura values caring community and the joy of learning at every age.
Laura is a keen observer. She invests in understanding each student’s internal “tool-kit”, personal resources that help them overcome obstacles and learning challenges. Laura’s teaching practice has been shaped by her keen interest in the process of learning to read and write. With supplemental training in phonological automaticity, Laura supports students in embracing moments of struggle and building/refining strategies. Laura loves helping her students own their progress and grow in confidence.
Laura’s favourite moment at HIS happened on a Middles’ research trip to the Seaport Market. After interviewing farmers and sampling delicious local foods, the 6 and 7-year-old researchers happened upon an accordion player and launched their own spontaneous dance party.
A native Nova Scotian and lifelong adventurer, Laura brings rich life experiences to the school including training in art and design, triathlon, dancing of all sorts, and time as a deckhand on the Schooner Bluenose II .
Lee-Anne Benoit
she/her
Elementary Teacher
BA, BEd (Mount St. Vincent University, Halifax, NS)
Helping students achieve success fuels Lee-Anne’s love of teaching.
Early experiences led Lee-Anne to a career in education. They included delivering an extracurricular drama and art programme for kids and teens in and around Nairobi, Kenya; a three-year stint as an EAL teacher overseas; and, closer to home, providing literacy support to children who struggled with reading.
Lee-Anne’s travels for work, education, and adventure have been formative experiences. They are reflected in her eagerness to see things from another person’s perspective, or through the lens of another culture.
Lee-Anne enjoys developing new and exciting experiences that enable her students to construct their own knowledge of the world around them. Lee-Anne loves the way that HIS supports students in developing confidence, all the while being mindful of their differences and personal strengths.
Liam Knox
he/him, she/her
Elementary Teacher
BA, BEd (Saint Thomas University, Fredericton, NB)
Liam taught in New Brunswick before joining the HIS teaching staff in 2011.
Liam was inspired by the kindness and personal dedication of a Grade 3 teacher who faithfully delivered assignments and get-well cards to (little) Liam during an extended illness. Liam’s goal is to be that kind of teacher.
Liam was touched by the warm welcome offered by parents and teachers, alike. Liam is constantly astonished and rewarded by watching children overcome challenges in order to accomplish goals that have meaning for them. These are wonderful moments — and Liam experiences them, regularly, teaching and learning at Halifax Independent.
Lori MacDonald
she/her
Elementary Teacher
BA, BEd (Acadia University, Wolfville, NS)
Lori’s coast-to-coast-to coast teaching experience allowed her to climb mountains, sit in a bear cave, travel by dog sled and sleep in an igloo built by/with her students. After treasured years in Canada’s North and in British Columbia, Lori returned to her roots in Atlantic Canada and discovered Halifax Independent.
Lori has a natural reflex to integrate learning and create settings for hands-on investigations. She never hesitates to dig into a project with her students!
Lori prioritizes creating an environment where children can thrive emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. She was so taken by the school’s secure, caring, and academically stimulating atmosphere that her own child was soon enrolled at HIS.
Lori is an accomplished wood artisan and a member of the Nova Scotia Designer Craft Council.
May Armstrong
she/her
Accounts Manager
BFA (Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Halifax, NS)
Certificate in Accounting (Mount St. Vincent University, Halifax, NS)
CPA candidate
Born and raised in Kinngait, Nunavut, May’s interest in accountancy grew as she was exposed to the field through summer jobs. May discovered that she truly enjoyed that aspect of her work and set out to achieve formal accountancy certification. A life-long learner, May is steadily working towards her CPA.
May first encountered HIS as a parent and valued the rich experience that the school was offering to her two sons.
May loves rows and columns, and spreadsheets! In addition to her skill and knowledge, we value her warm smile, calm demeanor, and love of children.
May appreciates the interdependency and support reflected in the school community, the fact that the school draws so many wonderful people together, and the opportunity to contribute to an organization she values.
Miriam Franchetto
she/her
Physical Education Teacher
Athletics Director
BKin, BEd (Acadia University)
Athletics, extra-curricular activities, and outdoor experiences, which shaped Miriam’s childhood, now enrich her adult life and teaching practice. Miriam strives to create strong relationships with students and colleagues and appreciates the connection between a positive, encouraging environment and growth in students and colleagues.
Miriam’s volunteer experience allowed her to see these principles play out for every age and stage from preschool play to varsity sports, from the classroom to the coaching corner. Miriam was introduced to us as a substitute teacher, and joined the teaching staff in 2020.
Miriam considers it a privilege to be present when a child achieves what had seemed impossible to them. She loves sharing those moments of surprise, joy, and triumph.
Nelle Callanan
she/her
Music Specialist
BMus, BMusEd (Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL)
Diploma in Kodály Music Pedagogy, Kodály Institute, Hungary
Nelle comes to teaching and to music naturally. Her parents are educators and her family is musical! Nelle very ably filled a one-year vacancy in 2012, and was offered a teaching position when the Music department expanded in 2013.
Nelle enjoys children’s enthusiasm and passion for music, their fearless sense of wonder in the world, and their ability to overcome challenges in diverse and amazing ways.
Nelle is a fun co-conspirator in all areas of school life. She enjoys collaborating with students and colleagues from every department. Nelle is part of the artistic team of Choirs for Change, and has worked for NS Choral Federation’s choir camps. She strives to create accessible opportunities for anyone (everyone!) to enjoy the benefits of singing in community.
Sandy Seth
she/her
Elementary Teacher
BA (St. Mary’s University, Halifax, NS)
BEd (University of Calgary, Calgary, AB)
In 2010, Sandy flew all the way from Calgary for her HIS interview. She promptly fell in love with the school, and the feeling was mutual.
Sandy’s teaching practice reflects her love of children’s energy, honesty, and imagination. She is grateful for the value HIS places on collaboration, supported by a strong sense of community.
Sandy has a particular interest in children’s literature, and gladly shares news of her current favourites or a promising new author.
Working with children grounds Sandy in the enduring value of friendship, family, learning about ourselves, and learning about the world around us.
Sara Hildebrand
she/her
Visual Arts Specialist
BFA, MEd (Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA)
Originally from Washington State, Sara joined the HIS teaching staff in September 2017.
On her way toward majoring in Fine Arts, Sara volunteered with middle school children and discovered a passion for working with youth. Sara combined both pursuits in one career. She values the pure and fresh approach that children bring to art-making. Early art experiences expose students to materials, processes, and background information that are new to them. Sara loves seeing how the children’s excitement and creativity is evident in their artwork.
Sara’s teaching philosophy is student-centred, and she takes time to develop a solid relationship with each student. She has found that this investment of time and effort equips her to meet individual needs, and creates a learning environment that inspires hard work.
From her earliest days at HIS, Sara has been impressed by the supportive community that students, parents, and staff provide for one another.
Sara finds a deep joy in her family life. She loves playing, in sunshine and snow, with her husband and her two children.
Tania DesRoches
she/her
French Specialist
BA Hons (University of King’s College, Halifax, NS),
BEd (St. Mary’s University, Halifax, NS)
Tania comes from a family of teachers. She has taught French in Halifax and Fredericton, and English in Lithuania. Tania joined the staff in 2004, and enjoys the sense of community and collaboration at HIS.
Tania’s approach to teaching syncs well with the school’s philosophy, and she loves the opportunities for creativity that permeate the classrooms of HIS. Tania finds it rewarding to witness a student following and engaging in discussions and activities in French, using the language for real communication.
In recent years, Tania has been professionally excited by learning the Comprehensible Input approach to language teaching, because it helps build engagement and confidence.
Tania embraces growth and consistently sets new personal goals. She plays French horn with the Chebucto Symphony Orchestra (CSO) and chairs the CSO Board. Currently, Tania’s favourite creative outlet is working in stained glass.
Tina Moulton
she/her
Elementary Teacher
Upper Elementary Resource
BA (Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL)
BLS (Hons) Elementary Instruction (University of Maine at Presque Isle, Maine USA )
MEd (Mount St. Vincent University, Halifax, NS)
As a child growing up in Newfoundland, it was typical for Tina to come home and find other children (students of her parents) hanging out at her house. For her mother, a Grade 3 teacher, and her father, a guidance counsellor, teaching was more than a “9 to 5” job.
It was no surprise to anyone when Tina decided to become a teacher, and she soon gravitated toward Resource. Her first stint as a Resource teacher, in 2007, convinced her that helping and supporting children in literacy was her passion. She appreciates how, at HIS, students are encouraged to learn at their own pace and in the ways that best fit them.
Tina values the commitment of colleagues and parents who continually give, helping the school thrive.
Valerie Walker
she/her
Administrative Assistant
BA (Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS),
Technical Writing Certificate (Dalhousie University College of Continuing Education, Halifax, NS)
All three of Valerie’s children are HIS alumni and lifelong learners. Valerie joined the staff in 2001 after registering her eldest child. She spent several years as the sole admin person, and has been thrilled to watch the school grow in every way–and the admin team along with it. Over the years, her role has become slightly more specialized; she gets deep satisfaction from contributing to the school’s success through clear, gracious communication and messaging that captures this special school’s extraordinary strengths.
She appreciates how freely and comfortably students approach the front desk, and sees that as evidence of the school’s strong culture of welcome and mutual respect. When she is not at the front desk, Valerie enjoys thinking hard about big ideas, writing, cycling, and working with the honeybee colony that lives in her backyard.
Whitney Hunston
she/her
Elementary Teacher
(on leave)
BA (Cape Breton University, Sydney, NS),
BEd (University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE),
MEd (Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS)
Whitney discovered Halifax Independent School through a friend and knew that it would be a good fit.
Whitney loves active, engaged learning, whether as a teacher or a student! Her master’s degree centred on literacy education. Whitney learned how joyful learning should feel in Grade 4, through an extracurricular Science Club that was the highlight of her week. Whether as a professional or a volunteer, Whitney loves working with children.
Whitney appreciates this close community of teachers, students and parents and loves working in such a positive, respectful atmosphere.
Keen on fresh air and active living, Whitney takes every opportunity to enjoy team sports, hiking, and skiing.