Our Staff
Our Staff
Ignite Centre for eLearning is committed to ensuring that each staff member employed by the school and each student is provided with a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging and a positive sense of self. We value all members of our learning community and believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. We value and respect diversity, and treat others with kindness, caring and acceptance. To learn more about our values here at Ignite, click here.
Our staff bring years of successful experience in online learning and home education and look forward to sharing their expertise with our learning community.
DR. DAYLENE LAUMAN
CO-HEAD OF SCHOOL/PRINCIPAL
In addition to 25+ years as an educator and school leader, Daylene served in the role of Online Learning Advisor with Alberta Education, working with school and system leaders across the province. She was the lead author for the ministry’s Online Learning Guide for Students and Families and Online Learning Guide for School and School Authority Leaders. Daylene’s Doctoral thesis is titled “Closing the Digital Gap Between Parents and Their Adolescent Children” and she has completed her Superintendent Leadership Certification. Daylene has a demonstrated history of successful, student-centred, results-oriented school leadership, and currently serves on the Leadership Team for the National Standards for Quality Online Learning, as well as the Canadian eLearning Board of Directors.
ALISON HANCOX, MET
CO-HEAD OF SCHOOL/PRINCIPAL
Alison Hancox is the founding principal at Ignite Centre for eLearning. Alison has demonstrated online teaching, home education and leadership experience with Edmonton Public Schools and Palliser Regional Schools
Alison completed a Masters of Education Technology at the University of Queensland focused on researching best leadership practices for building leadership capacity in schools. Alison is also recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence, Alberta Teaching Excellence award and the National Outstanding Principals Award. Alison has completed the Superintendent Leadership certification and is an instructor of graduate students at the University of Alberta, in addition to co-instructing the Leadership Quality Standard certification at the University of Calgary.
STEPHANIE KRAMMER
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AND HS CTS/OPTIONS TEACHER
Stephanie is an energetic, highly skilled online teacher who was recently a recipient of the 2020 Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence. Stephanie is thrilled to join the leadership team at Ignite where she will continue to apply her passion in ensuring that students feel a sense of belonging to our learning community and supporting teachers in that work. Stephanie has completed the Leadership Quality Standard certification.
NEELA BELL
JUNIOR HIGH TEACHER
Neela has been an online teacher and consultant for many years, and has a passion for exploring ways to build engaging, personalized online courses that support a diversity of learners. She has taught in a variety schools divisions around Alberta, including Wild Rose, Sturgeon and Edmonton Public Schools.
KOURTNEY SKIPWORTH
ADMIN ASSISTANT/
EDUCATION ASSISTANT
Kourtney comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience from within the online school environment. Helping to create and build a flexible but solid foundation within the realm of online educational services, Kourtney believes in the value and success of educational diversity and is dedicated to supporting our staff, students, and families to reach their educational goals.
AMARAH ISHAQUE
HS MATH TEACHER
Amarah is an experienced educator with years of online, local and international teaching experience. She has taught and designed courses using different provincial curriculums and is certified for the International Baccalaureate Diploma program. She loves to help students visualize and connect with Math and Science. She completed a Masters of Education from the University of Windsor and is focused on finding various ways to make learning more engaging and fun using technology. Amarah received the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in 2023.
SANDRA CHAULK
HS HUMANITIES TEACHER
Sandra is a passionate educator who brings a diverse background of education and experience across the multiple disciplines of physical education, music, business, ESL and the humanities. She has taught both online and in the classroom, at various levels, for many years. You can find her reading, creating healthy plant-based recipes, leading yoga classes, kayaking, or hiking when she is not teaching. Sandra maintains a holistic approach to teaching always focused on student mental health and wellness, helping students achieve their educational goals and dreams.
MARILYN MCKNIGHT
ELEMENTARY TEACHER
Marilyn is an experienced teacher who loves the challenge of creating innovative programs and fostering a sense of community in an online environment. She was recognized in 2009 with the Prime Minister’s Excellence in Teaching award and since then, has become a certified Google Educator and certified TESL. Marilyn is very excited to be a part of building an engaging elementary program at Ignite.
MELISSA DUGGAN
CHILD & YOUTH CARE PRACTITIONER
We are thrilled to re-welcome Melissa as our Child & Youth Care Practitioner! Melissa recently graduated from Lethbridge College with Distinction where she won 4 scholarships, including the CYCAA student scholarship (Child and Youth Care Association of Alberta).
JENNY YUEN
ELEMENTARY/HS TEACHER
Jenny is a dedicated educator and community advocate. Following her graduation with a degree in Biological Sciences, she pursued an After Degree in Education. Throughout her teaching career, spanning diverse grade levels, Jenny has honed her skills in online learning, educational technology, and innovative teaching methodologies. In addition to her classroom teaching, Jenny also offers online piano lessons, bringing her love for music into her educational practice. Jenny is passionate about building an interactive and authentic learning program at Ignite.
SELINA TOYAD
HS SCIENCE TEACHER
Selina is an innovative, supportive, and inclusive educator, who has diverse experience in teaching high school sciences with online and in-person classrooms. She enjoys connecting and getting to know her students, and finding ways to connect them to their learning in a meaningful way. Selina was recognized with the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in 2025.
MASON STEWART
JUNIOR HIGH TEACHER
Mason Stewart is a seasoned educator with 13+ years of teaching experience across Winnipeg, Cairo, and Calgary. With a specialization in Math and Science, Mason thrives in diverse educational settings. As a proud Métis, he uniquely incorporates his cultural heritage into his teaching philosophy. Going beyond academics, Mason prioritizes emotional intelligence, fostering genuine student relationships. His balanced approach makes him a teacher who empowers students and provides a comprehensive learning experience.
JORDAN TINDALL
HIGH SCHOOL HUMANITIES
Jordan is a dedicated teacher with extensive experience in the humanities, specializing in English, Social Studies, and options courses. She has taught both secondary and post-secondary students in diverse settings, including online and in-person classrooms. Jordan is passionate about creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment that promotes mental health and values every student. Outside the classroom, she enjoys camping, reading, and spending time at the dog park. Jordan is eager to continue with Ignite this year, dedicated to building a supportive learning environment and connecting with her students.
KEVIN WTTEWAALL
SENIOR TECH. CONSULTANT
Partners in Mental Health and Wellness:
The Just Imagine Happiness Team
The skilled, caring, and compassionate team at Just Imagine Happiness are an integral part of supporting the mental health and wellness of our students, families, and staff at Ignite Centre for eLearning. Sandra Brenneis, Tracy Winter, and Andrea Morrison have a shared vision, belief, and understanding that happiness is attainable for everyone! Ignite is pleased to be able to offer specialized supports through Just Imagine Happiness for those students, families, and staff in need. Learn more about them here.
