MEET OUR TEAM

Our diverse and skilled team is dedicated to providing a high quality of student support and care.

Mr. Rob Hutchins
Co-District Principal
Rob has led the International Student Education program since 2019. He is passionate about building relationships and has over 35 years of experience in education and leadership.
With a background in counseling and leadership he cares deeply about the well-being of all of our students. Rob works tirelessly to ensure that all International Students experience the highest levels of academic and personal achievement while experiencing the very best of our Canadian and Vancouver Island culture.

Mr. Larry Mattin
CO-District Principal
New to the International team in 2025, Larry has led multiple district and school programs. With over 19 years of educational administration experience, Larry has extensive knowledge and experience leading teams, engaging with students and growing successful and innovative programs.
Larry is dedicated to providing exceptional inclusive learning opportunities for children and youth of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds. He is committed to ensuring that all learners feel connected and valued as they are immersed into our schools and Canadian culture.

Ms. Sunny Hall
Homestay Manager
Dover Bay
Sunny has over 25 years of experience working with youth. Sunny’s expertise of assisting students has been developed through a variety of positions including Youth Care Worker, Indigenous Worker, Behaviour Specialist, and Academic Assistant. She works with International Students and Homestay Families from Dover Bay Secondary.
Sunny is passionate about supporting International Students as they adjust to Canadian life, and supporting Homestay Families with adjusting to a hosting a new family member.

Ms. Avegale Morgan
Homestay Coordinator
Ladysmith, Wellington
Avegale joined the ISE team in 2021 and has been a Homestay parent since 2010. She works with International Students and Homestay Families from Cedar Secondary, Ladysmith Secondary, and Wellington Secondary.
Avegale was born in the Philippines and comes from a multi-cultural family. She loves to travel, is fluent in English, and understands Tagalog.
Avegale is passionate about providing safe, positive, and memorable experiences for International Students and their Homestay Families that will last a lifetime!

Mr. Denny Probizanski
Homestay Coordinator
Cedar, John Barsby, NDSS
Denny has extensive experience working with youth and families in various professional capacities. He has recently moved back to Nanaimo Ladysmith with his family after 15 years working internationally with English Language Learners. He works with International Students and Homestay Families from John Barsby Secondary and Nanaimo District Secondary.
Denny loves building relationships and he is enthusiastic about supporting positive opportunities for International Students and their Homestay Families.

Ms. Paulina Vegt
Homestay Coordinator
Dover Bay

Ms. Devon Slater
Administrative Assistant II
Devon is responsible for administrative coordination and front-line communication and support. She works closely with our students, parents, agents, and homestays with applications, invoices, and the financial aspects of studying internationally. Devon also helps with general enquiries, forms, and administrative support.

Ms. Louise Liao
Administrative Assistant I
Louise is responsible for front-line communication and support. She helps our students and agents with general enquiries, forms, and administrative support. Louise works closely with students, agents, and homestays to keep documents and information up-to-date. Louise also assists our international students with the organization and registration of activities and trips.

Mr. Jim Ning
Mandarin Support Worker
Jim provides liaison services between SD68 school staff and Chinese families. He works closely with ISE team, school staff, Chinese students and their natural parents or guardians to ensure all involved are supported. Jim is fluent in English and Mandarin, and knowledgeable in the cultures of both Canada and China.