Teachers
We are a passionate bunch! We have dedicated ourselves to building and sustaining a school that encompasses the best learning environment for each child enrolled, working closely with their families, engaging in our community, and collaborating together as a team. Let us introduce ourselves!
Adele MacLean B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed.
Owner & Teacher
Over the past 20 years (10 of which with VVA), Adele’s experiences as a teacher and director in children’s day camps, have all led her to strive to help students overcome challenges and work with families to help support their growing child. She is an advocate for an educational model that supports individuality, strength, compassion, curiosity and collaboration. Adele is passionate about helping children discover joy in their learning, feeling proud of their accomplishments, and recognizing that absolutely anything is possible when you put your mind to it. Adele strives to give students their own voice and recognize the power they can have over their own growth. Attending MSVU for many years, she has a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and History, a Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Literacy Education. Adele is a founding member, and current operating owner, of Via Vita Academy.
Adele spends her personal time hiking, cooking, gardening, biking, kayaking, reading, playing games and watching movies. Most of all though, she enjoys those delightful quiet moments with her family, Willow, her 2 year old Akita-mix, daughter and husband in either their backyard in Middle Sackville, or by ocean, in Hubbards, where she grew up.
Everyday at VVA Adele the hum of voices in the classrooms and laughter on the playground reminds her of the school she dreamed up, one that nurtures kindness, curiosity, creativity, mentorship, teamwork and growth. Everyday, she is grateful to work alongside like-minded professionals and families that are keen to join her in carrying on that dream!
Ryan Cox B.A., B.Ed.,
Academic Director & Teacher
Across his eight years of teaching at Via Vita, Ryan has worked to provide the kind of learning environments where students can build an intrinsic motivation to challenge themselves—places where their wonder can take root and bloom. Exercising an ever-evolving variety of methods to inspire his fellow learners along a shared path of inquiry, Ryan aims to guide his given group of students toward destinations that may, wonder-willing, foster their growth. Ryan’s own paths have inspired him to become very curious about a variety of creative arts. In his time as a teacher, Ryan has collected approaches for better appreciating, exploring, and taking notice of the wonderful world of human endeavours we commonly call Social Studies and Science. He is tirelessly keen to work his wonders and interests into the time he has with his students, with the aim that they might then be inspired to explore their own wonders and interests with him.
Ryan was raised in Windsor Junction, and has resided in Halifax’s North End for twenty years. He has a Great Pyrenees named Louis. Sometimes when they go trail running together, Louis will accidentally trip Ryan and send him stumbling to the forest floor. But Ryan just gets back up and the two of them keep running through the woods.
Zoe Scott B.A., B.Ed.,
Teacher
Zoe is passionate about emphasizing community, critical thinking, and creativity into the classroom. Through her years of learning how art can truly be an amazing vessel for learning, she aims to provide her students with opportunities to explore and develop their own interests through the curriculum. She has been working with children and youth for close to 15 years, working both as a Yoga Instructor and Music/Creative Movement Instructor for local organizations. She has been a teacher with VVA for 8 years already! She attended Saint Mary’s and Mount Saint Vincent University. As a classroom teacher, Zoe finds she is gravitated towards helping her students feel at ease with their learning, building their confidence, finding a connection, and ensuring they are comfortable to learn more. In this way, her calm and positive demeanor lends itself well to helping students overcome a variety of obstacles and challenges in their lives. She works closely with students, getting to know them and building a community atmosphere.
Zoe has always called Lower Sackville home, now with her husband, son and cat, Robbie. Her hobbies include reading, singing, acting, and songwriting. Zoe has a strong passion for holistic education, and is excited by the way in which Via Vita Academy educates all aspects of the child, as well as the “community” atmosphere that Via Via presents for both its staff and students.
Tori Portman B.A., B.Ed.
Administrative Support & Teacher
Throughout her 7 years at Via Vita, Tori has strived to create an environment for students that values transparency, emotional vulnerability, and more than anything, laughter. Her teaching philosophy focuses on educating through individual differences, and creating a safe and encouraging classroom space. She has worked with students of all ages for the past 17 years, by teaching theatre school, working in summer camps, and her diverse classroom experiences. Tori holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, and a Bachelor of Education with a focus in English Language Arts from Bishop’s University in Quebec. Her hobbies include board games, swimming, baking, and celebrating her passion of music through the piano.
Tori is originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, but has lived in Lennoxville, Quebec, and Stony Plain, Alberta! She now lives in Lower Sackville with her husband, son, and tuxedo cat, Monty. Tori is happy to be part of a school that shares her values, and embraces the relationships it builds with its staff, parents, and students.
Devin Boudreau B.Sc.
Teacher
In his 17 years of teaching experience as a Martial Artist, Fitness Coach and Math, Physics and Chemistry Educator, Devin has taught students from age 4 right up to 70. He values respect, knowledge and getting to know each of his students so that he can be a mentor and support in their lives. He believes in getting to know their interests and learning style to better help them understand and engage in their learning. Devin believes everyone's greatest weapon is their imagination. He encourages creative thinking throughout his teachings and highly supports innovation and effort. Devin studied Physics at St.Mary’s University, Marine Engineering with the Coast Guard, and the Martial Art of Taekwon-do for the past 20 years, obtaining his 4th Degree black belt and a World Championship Title. He has been working with VVA for close to 6 years as a teacher, student support and day camp leader/supervisor. His hobbies include Dungeons & Dragons, Magic the Gathering, rock climbing, parkour, squash, reading, writing, and so much more.
Devin currently resides in Halifax and is happy to be doing what he loves as part of Via Vita's school community and staff.
Daynisha (Day) Paynter B.A.A (CYS)., B.Ed.
Teacher
Day enjoys being creative with her students and sparking their imaginations to grow as they grow. She’s passionate about inspiring young minds to explore their capabilities and encouraging their sense of wonder. Day believes in role modelling lifelong learning, while growing mindfully, creatively, and staying connected with one’s own genuine spirit. A lover of photography, dance, art, music, travel, and language, Day has no intentions of slowing down her education just yet! She is a proud Mount Saint Vincent University alumnae, holding a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Child & Youth Studies, minoring in Family Studies and a Bachelor of Education, as well as additional training and certification in French language learning. She has been with VVA for 6 years, as a teacher, camp leader, and student teacher! In her free time, she likes to paint, play the ukelele, teach dance, operate her own photography business and hike around Nova Scotia.
Day is originally from St. David’s, Bermuda. She moved to Nova Scotia in 2015 and fell in love with the city! She is eager to get the creative juices flowing in the classroom!
Karyn Blackburn B.A., TESL
Teacher
First a parent, and now a teacher at VVA, Karyn is happy to be a part of the VVA community and teaching team. Karyn has over 25 years of experience working and growing with children and their families in various roles, including a trained and experienced ESL teacher for the past 10 years and a childcare facility owner and teacher. Her eclectic background as manager within the food service industry, backpacking across the globe, studying her Bachelor of Arts in English and Criminology at Saint Mary’s, to even being a certified tour guide make Karyn a unique and valuable asset to our team. She has been with VVA as a teacher for four years. Karyn’s diverse experiences lend easily to her philosophy of “learn through love and laughter”. She believes in keeping things ever changing and fun, and mentoring her students through the many opportunities to learn, often called “mistakes”. Karyn loves crafts, geography, camping and adventures!
Originally from Newfoundland, raised in Quebec and then Nova Scotia, she has resided in Lower Sackville for many years, now with her family, 3 dogs, and a bearded dragon. Karyn is our first staff member to have a VVA Alumni in her family!
Gwenyth Ettinger-O’Leary B.A.A. (CYS), B.Ed.
Teacher
From a very young age, Gwen always knew that she had a deep love for working with children. Whether it was babysitting, helping younger students throughout schools, or lending a hand in my community, Gwen has always felt drawn to the energy, curiosity, and potential of young minds. Her experiences through working with youth, leading on the court, and her growing desire to make a lasting impact led her down the path of Education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Youth Studies with a minor in Psychology from Mount Saint Vincent University, and a Bachelor of Education. Gwen has over 6 years working professionally with children as an educator, 3 of which at VVA as not only a teacher, but a camp director and student teacher. She believes in creating a classroom culture where students feel encouraged to take on challenges, step outside their comfort zones, and take risks in their learning. Gwen achieves this while also encouraging her students to grow in their confidence, independence, and capability. When she is not in the classroom teaching, you can find her hiking or exploring the beautiful Nova Scotian landscape, playing basketball, watching movies, travelling or working out; all the things that keep her grounded and energized.
Originally from Elmsdale, Nova Scotia, Gwen always finds joy in returning home to both her family and friends in Elmsdale, and her beloved cat, Allie, and partner Cameron in Halifax, who all hold a special place in her heart. Gwen is excited to start her education journey with such a wonderful group of co-workers and the community of families at VVA!
Yuxue Zhao B.Ed., M.A.
Teacher
Yuxue is dedicated to creating a warm, student-centered classroom where learners feel supported, confident, and inspired. She values cross-curricular connections and strives to make learning meaningful, creative, and inclusive. Her approach focuses on recognizing each student’s unique strengths, learning styles, and cultural backgrounds. She has 4 years of teaching experience in both public and private school settings in China and Canada, going on her second year with VVA. Yuxue holds a Bachelor of Education and a Master’s degree in International English Teaching, along with a CELTA certificate from Cambridge University. Her professional interests include differentiated instruction, curriculum design, and integrating technology and the arts across subject areas. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and painting.
Originally from China, Yuxue now lives in Halifax with her family and feels grateful to be part of the caring and collaborative community at Via Vita Academy.
Owner & Teacher
Over the past 20 years (10 of which with VVA), Adele’s experiences as a teacher and director in children’s day camps, have all led her to strive to help students overcome challenges and work with families to help support their growing child. She is an advocate for an educational model that supports individuality, strength, compassion, curiosity and collaboration. Adele is passionate about helping children discover joy in their learning, feeling proud of their accomplishments, and recognizing that absolutely anything is possible when you put your mind to it. Adele strives to give students their own voice and recognize the power they can have over their own growth. Attending MSVU for many years, she has a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and History, a Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Literacy Education. Adele is a founding member, and current operating owner, of Via Vita Academy.
Adele spends her personal time hiking, cooking, gardening, biking, kayaking, reading, playing games and watching movies. Most of all though, she enjoys those delightful quiet moments with her family, Willow, her 2 year old Akita-mix, daughter and husband in either their backyard in Middle Sackville, or by ocean, in Hubbards, where she grew up.
Everyday at VVA Adele the hum of voices in the classrooms and laughter on the playground reminds her of the school she dreamed up, one that nurtures kindness, curiosity, creativity, mentorship, teamwork and growth. Everyday, she is grateful to work alongside like-minded professionals and families that are keen to join her in carrying on that dream!
Ryan Cox B.A., B.Ed.,
Academic Director & Teacher
Across his eight years of teaching at Via Vita, Ryan has worked to provide the kind of learning environments where students can build an intrinsic motivation to challenge themselves—places where their wonder can take root and bloom. Exercising an ever-evolving variety of methods to inspire his fellow learners along a shared path of inquiry, Ryan aims to guide his given group of students toward destinations that may, wonder-willing, foster their growth. Ryan’s own paths have inspired him to become very curious about a variety of creative arts. In his time as a teacher, Ryan has collected approaches for better appreciating, exploring, and taking notice of the wonderful world of human endeavours we commonly call Social Studies and Science. He is tirelessly keen to work his wonders and interests into the time he has with his students, with the aim that they might then be inspired to explore their own wonders and interests with him.
Ryan was raised in Windsor Junction, and has resided in Halifax’s North End for twenty years. He has a Great Pyrenees named Louis. Sometimes when they go trail running together, Louis will accidentally trip Ryan and send him stumbling to the forest floor. But Ryan just gets back up and the two of them keep running through the woods.
Zoe Scott B.A., B.Ed.,
Teacher
Zoe is passionate about emphasizing community, critical thinking, and creativity into the classroom. Through her years of learning how art can truly be an amazing vessel for learning, she aims to provide her students with opportunities to explore and develop their own interests through the curriculum. She has been working with children and youth for close to 15 years, working both as a Yoga Instructor and Music/Creative Movement Instructor for local organizations. She has been a teacher with VVA for 8 years already! She attended Saint Mary’s and Mount Saint Vincent University. As a classroom teacher, Zoe finds she is gravitated towards helping her students feel at ease with their learning, building their confidence, finding a connection, and ensuring they are comfortable to learn more. In this way, her calm and positive demeanor lends itself well to helping students overcome a variety of obstacles and challenges in their lives. She works closely with students, getting to know them and building a community atmosphere.
Zoe has always called Lower Sackville home, now with her husband, son and cat, Robbie. Her hobbies include reading, singing, acting, and songwriting. Zoe has a strong passion for holistic education, and is excited by the way in which Via Vita Academy educates all aspects of the child, as well as the “community” atmosphere that Via Via presents for both its staff and students.
Tori Portman B.A., B.Ed.
Administrative Support & Teacher
Throughout her 7 years at Via Vita, Tori has strived to create an environment for students that values transparency, emotional vulnerability, and more than anything, laughter. Her teaching philosophy focuses on educating through individual differences, and creating a safe and encouraging classroom space. She has worked with students of all ages for the past 17 years, by teaching theatre school, working in summer camps, and her diverse classroom experiences. Tori holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, and a Bachelor of Education with a focus in English Language Arts from Bishop’s University in Quebec. Her hobbies include board games, swimming, baking, and celebrating her passion of music through the piano.
Tori is originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, but has lived in Lennoxville, Quebec, and Stony Plain, Alberta! She now lives in Lower Sackville with her husband, son, and tuxedo cat, Monty. Tori is happy to be part of a school that shares her values, and embraces the relationships it builds with its staff, parents, and students.
Devin Boudreau B.Sc.
Teacher
In his 17 years of teaching experience as a Martial Artist, Fitness Coach and Math, Physics and Chemistry Educator, Devin has taught students from age 4 right up to 70. He values respect, knowledge and getting to know each of his students so that he can be a mentor and support in their lives. He believes in getting to know their interests and learning style to better help them understand and engage in their learning. Devin believes everyone's greatest weapon is their imagination. He encourages creative thinking throughout his teachings and highly supports innovation and effort. Devin studied Physics at St.Mary’s University, Marine Engineering with the Coast Guard, and the Martial Art of Taekwon-do for the past 20 years, obtaining his 4th Degree black belt and a World Championship Title. He has been working with VVA for close to 6 years as a teacher, student support and day camp leader/supervisor. His hobbies include Dungeons & Dragons, Magic the Gathering, rock climbing, parkour, squash, reading, writing, and so much more.
Devin currently resides in Halifax and is happy to be doing what he loves as part of Via Vita's school community and staff.
Daynisha (Day) Paynter B.A.A (CYS)., B.Ed.
Teacher
Day enjoys being creative with her students and sparking their imaginations to grow as they grow. She’s passionate about inspiring young minds to explore their capabilities and encouraging their sense of wonder. Day believes in role modelling lifelong learning, while growing mindfully, creatively, and staying connected with one’s own genuine spirit. A lover of photography, dance, art, music, travel, and language, Day has no intentions of slowing down her education just yet! She is a proud Mount Saint Vincent University alumnae, holding a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Child & Youth Studies, minoring in Family Studies and a Bachelor of Education, as well as additional training and certification in French language learning. She has been with VVA for 6 years, as a teacher, camp leader, and student teacher! In her free time, she likes to paint, play the ukelele, teach dance, operate her own photography business and hike around Nova Scotia.
Day is originally from St. David’s, Bermuda. She moved to Nova Scotia in 2015 and fell in love with the city! She is eager to get the creative juices flowing in the classroom!
Karyn Blackburn B.A., TESL
Teacher
First a parent, and now a teacher at VVA, Karyn is happy to be a part of the VVA community and teaching team. Karyn has over 25 years of experience working and growing with children and their families in various roles, including a trained and experienced ESL teacher for the past 10 years and a childcare facility owner and teacher. Her eclectic background as manager within the food service industry, backpacking across the globe, studying her Bachelor of Arts in English and Criminology at Saint Mary’s, to even being a certified tour guide make Karyn a unique and valuable asset to our team. She has been with VVA as a teacher for four years. Karyn’s diverse experiences lend easily to her philosophy of “learn through love and laughter”. She believes in keeping things ever changing and fun, and mentoring her students through the many opportunities to learn, often called “mistakes”. Karyn loves crafts, geography, camping and adventures!
Originally from Newfoundland, raised in Quebec and then Nova Scotia, she has resided in Lower Sackville for many years, now with her family, 3 dogs, and a bearded dragon. Karyn is our first staff member to have a VVA Alumni in her family!
Gwenyth Ettinger-O’Leary B.A.A. (CYS), B.Ed.
Teacher
From a very young age, Gwen always knew that she had a deep love for working with children. Whether it was babysitting, helping younger students throughout schools, or lending a hand in my community, Gwen has always felt drawn to the energy, curiosity, and potential of young minds. Her experiences through working with youth, leading on the court, and her growing desire to make a lasting impact led her down the path of Education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Youth Studies with a minor in Psychology from Mount Saint Vincent University, and a Bachelor of Education. Gwen has over 6 years working professionally with children as an educator, 3 of which at VVA as not only a teacher, but a camp director and student teacher. She believes in creating a classroom culture where students feel encouraged to take on challenges, step outside their comfort zones, and take risks in their learning. Gwen achieves this while also encouraging her students to grow in their confidence, independence, and capability. When she is not in the classroom teaching, you can find her hiking or exploring the beautiful Nova Scotian landscape, playing basketball, watching movies, travelling or working out; all the things that keep her grounded and energized.
Originally from Elmsdale, Nova Scotia, Gwen always finds joy in returning home to both her family and friends in Elmsdale, and her beloved cat, Allie, and partner Cameron in Halifax, who all hold a special place in her heart. Gwen is excited to start her education journey with such a wonderful group of co-workers and the community of families at VVA!
Yuxue Zhao B.Ed., M.A.
Teacher
Yuxue is dedicated to creating a warm, student-centered classroom where learners feel supported, confident, and inspired. She values cross-curricular connections and strives to make learning meaningful, creative, and inclusive. Her approach focuses on recognizing each student’s unique strengths, learning styles, and cultural backgrounds. She has 4 years of teaching experience in both public and private school settings in China and Canada, going on her second year with VVA. Yuxue holds a Bachelor of Education and a Master’s degree in International English Teaching, along with a CELTA certificate from Cambridge University. Her professional interests include differentiated instruction, curriculum design, and integrating technology and the arts across subject areas. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and painting.
Originally from China, Yuxue now lives in Halifax with her family and feels grateful to be part of the caring and collaborative community at Via Vita Academy.
Looking to work with our school?
We seek out teachers who are passionate about education and open to continual learning, both from a professional development standpoint and from the rewards and lessons we receive from working with children and their families. We invest in our teachers, hoping to grow and build a long lasting school together. If you think you could work well with our team and offer a dynamic perspective valuable to our students, please look at our job openings by clicking here.
We seek out teachers who are passionate about education and open to continual learning, both from a professional development standpoint and from the rewards and lessons we receive from working with children and their families. We invest in our teachers, hoping to grow and build a long lasting school together. If you think you could work well with our team and offer a dynamic perspective valuable to our students, please look at our job openings by clicking here.