About

My Story

I have a son who struggled while public school assessment backlogs delayed necessary interventions at his neighbourhood school.  Fortunately, he then received the support/intervention he needed and now teaches at his former “essential” school.

[ Although he ‘crashed and burned’ academically in grade 2 (2002) and graduated in 2010 and returned as a qualified teacher in 2019 – frankly I am not convinced that his public school  experience would have been much different in 2022 – and that is why I sought election once again in 2022. ]

As a result, I am passionate about ensuring all learners, especially those with unique special needs, as we now officially say, ‘disabilities or diverse abilities’, English language learners (ELL), indigenous and adult students and children and youth in Ministry care (collectively referred to as priority students) are acknowledged and accommodated within our local neighbourhood public schools. 

The public school system must continue to embrace a social, rather than medical, approach to create an inclusive neighbourhood classroom for ALL students by providing the additional supports needed for success.  When this is not possible, due to a child-need lens, we must look to the work of Garry Hornby, who advocates for “Inclusive Special Education” to ensure accommodations focus on the learner and do not rely solely on the District barriers. We must “Do the Best We Can,” not the existing “We are doing the best we can, with the limited resources we have” defeatist approach.

My life experience and passion for this topic led me to return to UBC in 2019 and take a course with my son.  This decision led to my (finally) being admitted to UBC Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies to pursue a Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Administration and Leadership (EDAL).  Our thesis, entitled “Silent Qs: Elementary School Teachers’ Perspectives on Inclusive Education in Metro Vancouver” [with heartfelt thanks to Pamela and William], was defended in April 2025.  I graduated in November 2025.  As a lifelong learner, I intend to return to UBC to complete my Diploma in Special Education. As the Vancouver model of Special Education, although some now criticize it for not fully reflecting the spirit of Inclusion, does, I would suggest, offers a route for learners for whom a ‘total inclusion model’ does not adequately address unique needs.  Let’s continue this discussion.

Beyond my previous elected civic positions, I’ve had a long and distinguished career as a Chartered Professional Accountant (FCPA) specializing in charitable gift planning.  I have been heavily involved as a community volunteer with various Community Centre Associations in Champlain Heights, Killarney, Kitsilano and Mount Pleasant, and I have continued to serve as a Special Constable with the Vancouver Police Department since 1973. 

I live in Kitsilano with my wife, a retired nurse who spent her entire career in the DTES (downtown eastside).  We have two sons, one an engineer and one a teacher.  I am an avid walker and Vancouver historian, with a longstanding commitment to the communities that make our city home.

Experience

Civic Experience

• 2022 – Currently Elected Vancouver School Board
• 2014 – 2015 Elected Vancouver School Board (selected Chair 2014 – 2015)
• 1999 – 2002 Elected Vancouver Park Board (selected Vice-Chair 1990)
• 1986 – 1990 Elected Vancouver Park Board

Education

• 2025 Masters of Education (MEd), UBC, in Inclusive Education
• 1980 C.P.A – CPABC
• 1978 Bachelor of Commerce, UBC, in Accounting

Community Recognitions

• 1994 Awarded FCPA by Chartered Professional Accountants of BC (CPABC)
• 2008 Awarded Friend by Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP)
• 2012 Awarded Diamond Jubilee Medal by Vancouver East MP Libby Davies
• 2019 Awarded 40 year Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal + Bar on behalf of Governor General of Canada
• 2025 Awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal by Senator Mobina S. B. Jaffer