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Adult Upgrading

Adult Basic Education

student sitting on staircase in the vernon cafeteria

Vernon Upgrading Instructors

Natasha Befus

Upgrading - Chair, Chemistry - Professor
Office: Portable 3 101
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-545-7291 ext. 2259
AACP instructor Natasha Befus

I did my BSc in Chemistry at La Sierra University in Southern California and then went on to do my MSc in Biochemistry at Lomas Linda University.  My research studied protein uptake in Caco2 cells, which are used as a model for intestinal epithelial barrier.  It specifically studied using HIV-1 Tat peptide to target and increase uptake in enterocytes.  Although I started my career doing research for a biotechnology firm (Invitrogen) in San Diego, California, my first desire was to become a teacher.  I came back to Vernon in 2006, and shortly thereafter returned to school to get my BEd in Math/Science Secondary Education.  I joined the college in 2009, teaching in the Adult Upgrading department.  It is rewarding to be able to share my love of chemistry with others, particularly students.  

Credentials:
MSc, Biochemistry, Loma Linda University
BEd, Secondary Education, University of British Columbia Okanagan
BSc, Science, La Sierra University

Simone Palmer

Adult Upgrading - Coordinator
Office: Main Building C317
Campus: Vernon
Phone: 250-545-7291 ext. 2221
Profile silhouette to show profiles with missing headshots

I began my educational career as a first year university student at the then brand new Salmon Arm campus. After many years in school and various jobs as a treeplanter, a technical writer, a museum interpreter, and a high school teacher, I landed my dream job: teaching English in the AACP program. When not in the classroom, I can found be found enjoying the great outdoors with my family.

Credentials:
PDP (Post Professional Diploma) in Secondary Education, University of Victoria
BA with Distinction, Women's Studies, University of Victoria

Chandra McCann

Adult Upgrading – Literacy Instructor
Office: Main Building C303
Campus: Vernon
Phone: 250-545-7291 ext. 2311
McCann, Chandra

I became a volunteer literacy tutor at the Vernon Campus of ÂÒÂ׺£½Ç in 2007. In 2008, I began working as the VLT Program Assistant, and as a support person for students with disabilities. I have been teaching Fundamental English and working as the VLT Program Instructor since 2013, and teaching Fundamental Math since 2018. 

Credentials:
B.Ed, French, University of Toronto
BA, French, University of Toronto
Learner-Centred Instructor Certificate, ÂÒÂ׺£½Ç

Patricia Schellenberg

Adult Upgrading
Office: Main Building D336
Campus: Vernon
Phone: 250-545-7291 ext. 2281
AACP instructor Patricia Schellenberg

Credentials:
B.Sc, Biochemistry, University of Victoria

Craig Smith

Adult Upgrading
Office: Main Building C325
Campus: Vernon
Phone: 250-545-7291 ext. 2225
AACP instructor Craig Smith

Christopher Torrie

Adult Upgrading
Office: Main Building D356
Campus: Vernon
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 2258
AACP instructor Chris Torrie

Born and (mostly) raised in Vernon. I am an ÂÒÂ׺£½Ç alumnus from the late 80's early 90's. I am very happy to have recently returned to the college as an instructor in the AACP teaching Math and Sciences. If not spending time with my family (4 girls, wife included) I am out running, mountain biking or taking in any of the many things offered throughout our area and community. I consider myself very lucky to live and work in such an amazing place.

Credentials:
MET, Education Technology,University of British Columbia
B.Ed, Education, University of British Columbia
B.Sc, Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University

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