Our Board of Directors - Choice School
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Our Board of Directors

The Choice School for Gifted Children Society is a non-profit organization charged with the operation of Choice School for the Gifted and Exceptional. The Society is governed by a Board of Directors whose members are as follows:

Jaspreet Chohan, Chair

Jaspreet has over 20 years in Policing with a good portion working closely with local LMD School Boards, High Schools and Elementary Schools. He has spent time organizing team sports events, teaching Drug Awareness programs, and implementing supports and camps to assist youth at risk as a Youth Intervention Officer.

He was awarded a Civic Youth Award for his extensive community work utilizing his knowledge and expertise in the growing area of youth mental health and substance abuse in building bridges and connections between police and high-risk youth.

Jaspreet has 2 children who have called Choice School their home for several years and he looks forward to working closely with the other Choice School Board members and their vision of providing continued excellent support and gifted education to our students.

Gary McDermid, Vice-Chair

Gary has supported Choice School for several years, in a volunteer supervisory role for outdoor education camp experience, as a Finance Committee member and assisting with maintenance and upgrading of the school facilities as well as the school gardening program.  He has also served on various non-profit Boards.  Gary is a retired businessman with a career as an executive and manager in forestry and helicopter companies in BC.  He is the father of gifted twin sons and is a long time resident of Richmond with his wife Maureen, an education consultant, who previously served on the Choice Board for 8 years.

Hemming Hopkins, Secretary

Victor Zhou, Treasurer

As a dedicated Choice School parent, Victor has personally witnessed the profound, positive impact Choice has on his son’s life. Holding a CA, CPA accreditation, Victor has honed his financial expertise through roles at Ernst & Young LLP and BC Hydro, gaining international exposure in the United States, Canada, and Hong Kong.

Victor’s commitment to community service extends beyond his professional life. He served as the Treasurer of the BC Council for Families, contributing to the organization’s financial literacy initiatives and ensuring its long-term financial sustainability. Additionally, he’s made a significant impact as a high school basketball coach, imparting strong character values to young individuals.

As an active member of the Choice community, Victor looks forward to contributing his financial acumen and passion for community advocacy. His primary objective is to harness his financial expertise to champion gifted learners throughout their educational journey, ensuring their academic excellence, fostering their happiness, and unlocking their full potential.

Shora Niaboli-Tulumello, Director

In her journey navigating through the education system and researching various programs, Shora found Choice School. Here, she has a community that supports her children, their unique needs, personalities, and helps empower them.

Shora holds a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene as well as a Master in Health Studies. She is a community clinical instructor in the Dental Hygiene Degree Program at the University of British Columbia. She comes to the Board with experience from Committees for two non-profit organizations in oral health with mandates to promote research and advocacy. Shora hopes to lend her voice and experience to help the Board support the interests and needs of Choice School students and parents.

Cameron Tsoi-A-Sue, Director

Cameron joins our board with a wealth of experience in real estate and marketing.  In over a decade, he has worked in many aspects of the industry, from real estate sales, to investment analysis, to brokerage business development.  In addition to a robust background in real estate and marketing, Cameron has also volunteered with youth within many organizations, including the YMCA, and the Young Men’s Adventure Weekend.  He is excited to bring his knowledge and experience to the board, to help grow the school, both in terms of facilities and land projects, as well as marketing and promoting the great work that Choice does.

 

Carly Fredette, Director

Carly’s daughter joined Choice School in 2022. Carly’s interest in serving as a director on the board comes from wanting to give back to a school community that fosters acceptance, builds connection, and nurtures the academic and social emotional development of students with diverse and gifted learning profiles.

Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, as well as in depth continuing education in trauma-informed and equity-informed care, mental health, and yoga instruction.

Carly is an occupational therapist with previous professional experience in the educational system in New York City and in the greater Seattle area. She now works in adult mental health with a focus on stress management, burnout prevention/recovery, depression/anxiety management, return-to-work planning, and parenting support.

William Ren, Director

William’s son joined Choice School in 2022 and has thoroughly enjoyed the learning experience. He is a partner for an international leading consumer-focused private equity for over 15 years. William brings extensive experience as a past director of numerous organizations including Ullens Center for Contemporary Art Foundation and SUCCESS. William holds a Master degree in Social Studies from the University of Oxford and an EMBA degree from CKGSB.

Matt Lesyk, Director

Matt’s daughter is entering her second year at Choice School. Being at Choice has changed her life, and Matt works to ensure that the school’s supportive academic and social culture can thrive for years to come for current and incoming students.

His background spans 15 years of consulting, strategy, business development, and consultative sales across various industries. Most recently, Matt has been supporting strategic Microsoft customers with their digital journey. In his free time he enjoys being with family, travelling, snowboarding, and playing sports (hockey, baseball, and golf).

From Matt: By fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion at Choice, we create a community where children can bring their authentic selves to school each and everyday. If we can empower these kids to be the very best versions of themselves and achieve more, we can call that success. I believe that leading with empathy, being a learn-it-all, and having a growth mindset are essential building blocks for these kids to go change the world.

Quinn Provost, Director