Our Teachers
Our teachers are experienced, dedicated, and passionate educators. They are determined to help each student reach their academic potential while building a life-long love of learning. The teachers work together to ensure continuity throughout the curriculum from Junior Kindergarten through Grade Eight.
At Pythagoras Academy the teachers and management staff work in partnership with both parents and students to create a school environment that is comfortable and welcoming for everyone. We strive to create strong relationships and open dialogue with parents, as we believe that they are crucial to a child’s progress and success.
Additionally, teachers provide a solid foundation for enhancing students’ learning through well-developed, inspiring educational programs tailored to each child’s interests, skills, and needs. Teachers work to encourage students to develop friendships and positive attitudes while promoting independence. On a daily basis, teachers look forward to both learning from their students, and to being inspired by them in return.
What you can expect from Pythagoras Academy Teachers:
- Hard work, discipline, and an extraordinary work ethic
- Passion for teaching, profound knowledge of one’s teaching subjects, and extensive professional experience
- Fine Arts instructors that are masters in their own field
- Nurturing and warm individuals who seek to truly connect with one another and with their students, and who care profoundly not only for their students’ academic success, but also for their overall well-being
Senior Administration Team
Michael Bouchard Head of School
Mr. Bouchard holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Victoria. Mr. Bouchard teaching experience ranges from three year olds through to the university level. He has over twenty years of teaching experience in the public and independent school systems. As a principal, he has a decade of experience leading innovative schools in concept-based and arts-infused learning. He believes that all students have great potential for academic, social, and creative learning. Mr. Bouchard attributes his success to the collaborative partnerships he builds with teachers, parents and students. When learning communities come together to support students, Mr. Bouchard believes, the sky is the limit.
Una Miljevic Vice Principal
Ms. Miljevic attended Simon Fraser University, in Burnaby, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. As a young girl, she always dreamt of becoming a teacher and through her teaching hopes to inspire, discover and create alongside her students. Ms. Miljevic strives to help her students become critical and creative thinkers, have a resilient and courageous mindset, and to instill curiosity and wonder in her classroom. In her free time, Ms. Miljevic enjoys attending yoga and fitness classes and going for walks along the White Rock pier.
Yen Hao Chao Controller
Yen Chao was born in a medical-professional family where his father is a doctor and his mother is an anesthetist. Yen Chao pursues his professional as a CPA, CGA because he is excellent in mathematics and numbers. He has managed the school-related financial performances and documents for more than 7 years. He has strong senses in numbers and financial analysis. He has also developed passions in corporation tax and personal income tax consultation. His hobby is to browse and analyze the real estate market and self develop his renovation skills. His leadership in finance has guided his staff members to reach high levels of professionalism. His life is full of laughter and humour. He has a new born boy at home with his wife. He enjoys talking with parents and staff. His calm personality and open-mindedness make the financial office at Pythagoras one of the best.
Elementary Teachers
Lois Powell Teacher
Mrs. Powell brings over 25 years of classroom experience, leadership and the love of children and teaching. Originally from Winnipeg, she has lived and taught in international schools in Cyprus, China and Malaysia, and has also taught in independent schools in BC throughout her teaching career. With an extensive background in literacy, she also works within the school library and coaches the staff on assessment and instructional strategies. Mrs. Powell models effective leadership and provides challenging and engaging learning opportunities for her students.
Dawn Cleveland Teacher
Ms. Cleveland has recently returned to British Columbia from Saskatchewan. She is a passionate teacher who excels at creating a learning environment that is risk-free as well as emotionally safe for all students. Ms. Cleveland is a kind and caring person which allows her to quickly build positive relationships with her students. She is a team player and is more than willing to help-out wherever needed. With her 20 years of teaching experience, we know she will be an asset to our school.
Yanina Vihovska Teacher / IT Specialist
Mrs.Vihovska was born in the Ukraine and moved to Canada in 2002. She graduated from the University of Alberta with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 2009. Mrs.Vihovska is an award-winning elementary educator, who enjoys sharing her passion for educational technology with teachers and students. Before moving to Vancouver in March 2019 from Edmonton, AB, she taught for over 8 years in the Edmonton Catholic School District. Mrs. Vihovska was a homeroom teacher and a Technology Coach, who coached students and supported staff in using educational technology. She developed digital resources, presented and taught at multiple conferences and Professional Development days in Canada and overseas.
Mrs. Vihovska is a proud mother of two, who spends her free time exploring all the wonderful playgrounds and parks in Vancouver and surrounding areas. Finally, she is always in search of a perfect latte.
Cornelius Williams Teacher / Physical Education Specialist
Mr. Williams is originally from Ontario. He obtained his Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology at Lakehead University. He then completed his Bachelor of Education with a specialization in Health & Physical Education at Nipissing University. After that, Mr. Williams went to South Korea and taught ESL for three years before moving back to Canada. For the last six years, he has taught Health & P.E. in Saskatchewan for grades K-12. During his time in Saskatchewan, he coached several sports like basketball, soccer, and track.
Mr. Williams is a sports and fitness enthusiast. In his spare time, he loves to work out and spend time with his family. Mr. Williams is excited to be a part of the Pythagoras Academy team!
Arpan Dhaliwal Art Specialist
Arpan Dhaliwal graduated from the University of Calgary last year where she received her Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Fine Arts. She is thrilled to provide a well rounded Art education to the students of Pythagoras and is excited to meet everyone very soon! In her spare time she enjoys watching dramas, reading fantasy books, spending time with her dogs and indulging in a few too many oreo ice cream sandwiches.
Polly Tang Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Tang completed both her Bachelor of Arts degree and her Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia. After completing her studies, she ventured off to explore and teach in Japan, Hong Kong and Korea. It was a wonderful experience, as she was able to teach children of all ages and she is enthusiastic about learning new cultures and new languages.
Ms. Tang has recently moved back to Canada and is excited to be part of the teaching team at Pythagoras Academy!
Administration
Yen Hao Chao Controller
Yen Chao was born in a medical-professional family where his father is a doctor and his mother is an anesthetist. Yen Chao pursues his professional as a CPA, CGA because he is excellent in mathematics and numbers. He has managed the school-related financial performances and documents for more than 7 years. He has strong senses in numbers and financial analysis. He has also developed passions in corporation tax and personal income tax consultation. His hobby is to browse and analyze the real estate market and self develop his renovation skills. His leadership in finance has guided his staff members to reach high levels of professionalism. His life is full of laughter and humour. He has a new born boy at home with his wife. He enjoys talking with parents and staff. His calm personality and open-mindedness make the financial office at Pythagoras one of the best.
Crystal Zhang Administration Manager
Crystal was born in Mainland China and moved to Canada in 2009. She attended Simon Fraser University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She also holds another degree in foreign studies. Crystal has worked in a Prosthodontist specialist clinic for a couple years in Vancouver. She loves psychology, education, and helping people. With her solid training in psychology, she is able to connect with people and listen to their needs. Crystal also builds a positive and solid connection with the people she works with. She is charismatic, patient, and has shown her excellent communication and organizational skills at Pythagoras Academy. She brings a sense of excitement and happiness to the work environment. Crystal enjoys taking on new challenges, learning new things, and is very excited to grow with Pythagoras Academy! In her free time, Crystal enjoys singing karaoke, having good food with friends, and spending time with her family.