Our Facilitators
Every adult that your child comes into contact with at Brookstone is a highly qualified caring individual that loves their job! While our teachers may take the role of traditional teacher at times, they are also learning coaches, facilitators and guides, or even partner’s in your child’s learning journey. While certified teachers take the lead with programming and evaluation, we also partner with Social Workers, Child and Youth Workers, OT's and other alternative therapists.
In addition, whenever possible we draw upon the expertise of local artists, scientists, mathematicians and authors to support the students’ interests and bring life to their learning. We are also happy to have the support of experienced educational assistants, early childhood educators and carefully chosen volunteers.
We ensure that all the adults at Brookstone have the training and experience required for them to excel in our unique environment and the right personality to offer the gentle guidance, innovative teaching and character building strategies that make up the Brookstone program. Every adult at Brookstone works as part of our team to create the most caring, supportive environment possible for our students.
What Our Teachers Love About Brookstone
"Teaching at Brookstone is a very fulfilling experience. Both students and teachers are encouraged to follow their passions to become the best version of themselves. Information is presented in a low stress, personalized manner that allows for a variety of different levels of entry. Each week contains a mixture of hands-ontasks (cooking, building, creating), and indirect and direct instruction periods. This matches my personal preference for learning, as well as modern education research on effective pedagogy." - J.L.
Shelly Long-Bokma
Bachelor of Education - OCT, Masters of Arts Degree in Education
Hobbies & Interests: Anything related to the expressive arts such as dancing, singing, drama and/or anything in which you are allowed to be exceedingly silly! My favourite food is anything that involves cheese and my favourite book is “The Gift of Adult ADD” by Lara Honos-Webb, Ph. D.
Marissa Crawford
Child & Youth Worker
Hobbies & Interests: When I’m not at Brookstone, you can usually find me camping, curled up with a good book, or rewatching One Tree Hill for the hundredth time. I love the Fall and all things Halloween! I’ve wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember, and working with kids just feels like home. What I love most about Brookstone is the energy our students bring—each child is so wonderfully different, and getting to cheer them on as they grow, learn, and light up with confidence is the best part of my day.
Dawson Taylor
Child & Youth Worker
Hobbies & Interests: I love going hiking and exploring nature, anything considered an adventure - that's my jam! I also love the creative arts especially photography. I was inspired to work with kids through meaningful summer camp experiences where I got to make a real impact on a child's well being. Broosktone allows youth to freely explore all the things that make them who they are in a safe, supportive, fun and loving environment that I am so grateful I get to be a part of!
Katie Cutting
Artist Educator
Hobbies & Interests: My love of visual arts began at a young age — I’ve always seen art as both educational and deeply healing. I graduated from OCAD University with a BFA in Material Art & Design, specializing in Textiles, and fell in love with weaving on my floor loom. During my studies, I interned with the Education Department at the Art Gallery of Ontario and later became an Education Officer, leading tours and studio programs for students from JK–Grade 12. After taking time to raise my family, I found my way to Brookstone Academy — a truly life-changing place for students and families alike!
Kailey Law
Bachelor of Education - OCT
Hobbies & Interests: I am the mom of a bright and curious four-year-old, which keeps me busy when I am not at Brookstone. You can often find us outside with our two dogs, splashing in puddles, smelling flowers, feeling moss, or searching for mushrooms. I also love creating, and use any free time to paint, sketch or make stained glass. My favourite foods are pizza and spaghetti and my favourite show is Bill Nye the Science Guy
Michelle Surgenor
RSSW, Registered Social Service Worker
Honours Bachelor of Art in Sociology
Masters of Art in Sociology student
Hobbies & Interests:
I love to read & learn! Whether it is escaping in a good book or learning more new things, my favourite place to be is between the pages of a book. My favourite food is complicated - I am a picky eater, so it consistently changes day-to-day or week-to-week - usually it's a nice steak dinner.