Our Teachers

Conor is a techy at heart, enthralled by the ever-shifting state of new media and the current "digital culture." As an avid computer and technology enthusiast who has actively focused on web development, graphics design, programming, and computer hardware, Conor is constantly surrounded by the bleeding edge of new and groundbreaking technological innovations and gadgets. With this passion, he hopes to enlighten fresh minds to the vast world of technology and the increasingly prominent role it has in our society.

Peter was the software engineer and project manager responsible for the design and implementation of Nav Canada’s national Technical Document Management System, providing secured access to engineering documentation and directing the workflow processes that manage all flight traffic control and national radar systems. He also worked on EDMS projects and taught administration courses for Autodesk Design and ACS software for twelve years. Peter was the coach of the Lego League team that came in second place at the 2005 BC Championship.  He works well with youths, having been a Cub Scouts leader and Area Commissioner. His interests and talents stretch from being an RCMP auxiliary constable officer to being the conductor of the Ridge Meadows Symphony Orchestra. 

Chris has studied Computer Information Systems and Computer Programming at Simon Fraser University, Selkirk College, and the University of the Fraser Valley. In addition, he has over fourteen years of experience in business management and has owned successful businesses ranging from handyman services to a franchised pizza restaurant. Chris' primary role at Gateways is to develop the systems and procedures that will streamline operations and assist in the company's expansion. He also serves as a teacher of the technical programs. Chris is a hands-on person who loves to tinker with remote-controlled cars, robots, computers, and anything high-tech.He enjoys passing his knowledge on to others, especially his four children and grandson.

Robin has been collecting, playing, and working with Lego bricks for almost forty years. In the spring of 2004, Robin co-founded Brickville DesignWorks, a company created with the goal of using Lego bricks and products to produce events, exhibits, shows, custom creations, and educational opportunities for people of all ages. Robin is one of only thirteen LEGO® Certified Professionals in the world and the sole Canadian. He enjoys all aspects of building but especially likes developing medieval, pirate, and other historically themed creations. When Robin isn’t busy building, you may spot him flying above a local mountain on his paraglider, at home watching a favourite movie, or barbecuing steaks in the backyard with friends. He and his wife live, work, and play in Abbotsford. To book Robin for an event, please e-mail us.

I am educated in the field of Mechatronic Systems Engineering from Simon Fraser University and experienced working with electrical energy sources from past working experiences with Ballard Power Systems and Corvus Energy. Through my education, I have developed the ability to source materials, solve complex problems, and exercise sound judgment to ensure that the combined academic demands of projects, presentations, and course work are met to a high standard. As a result of my past volunteer and work experiences, I have gained experiences working with modeling software such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks for mechanical design, and possess knowledge in heat transfer, structural statics & dynamics, process management, and material science. In addition, I provide foundational skills working with microcontrollers and computer programming through software such as LabView, Freescale CodeWarrior, Microsoft Visual Studio, and Microsoft Office.

I enjoy working with kids, especially teaching robotics, of which I have developed a strong interest during my post secondary years in school. With the opportunity provided by Gateways Learning Centre, I am able to share my interest and knowledge to the future generation.

Deo is a kid at heart with his love of cartoons and animations. Tron was his favorite movie growing up. Ironically, he did not know that his love for the movie (he did not know then was computer animated) paved the path to his career 15 years later.He graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts specializing in Industrial Design. After working a couple of years working as a Graphic/Industrial Designer, he decided to go back to his love of animation and took a certificate course in 3D Computer Animation at DigiPen Institute of Technology when the school was still based in Vancouver, BC. After graduation, he moved to Edmonton, AB to work at a then young video game company called BioWare Corp. He worked as a 3D Animator on games like Baldur's Gate 2 and MDK2, and was the Lead Animator for both Neverwinter Nights and Jade Empire.

He decided to move back to Vancouver after leaving BioWare Corp. to help his wife with her business. He currently works as a Media Specialist at PulseLearning, creating learning and training softwares mostly for both the US and Canadian military.

Lesley loves meeting new students, visiting new places, and cooking food from other countries. Her love for international students and their families began many years ago and continues to inspire her life. She currently tutors one-on-one as well as facilitates adult conversation classes. Lesley loves to see her students relish in the joy of improved English and conversation skills. Her passion for the English language spans over twenty-five years and she thoroughly enjoys the opportunity to help others improve their competence, assurance, and proficiency. Lesley brings a high level of academic excellence to the classroom and is committed to understanding her students.

Leslie also helps out with any proofreading needs at Gateway.

Alayne brings to her teaching a wealth of experiences. She comes from a highly diverse, multi-cultural family with siblings and in-laws spread out among three continents. Raised in Montreal, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Drama and English at Mount Allison University, New Brunswick. Subsequently, Alayne toured for three years, covering a large swath of North America in a repertory theatre company.  During that time, she conducted workshops, all the while directing plays and performing. Alayne has spent most of the last decade in Abbotsford with her husband, teaching in various venues, working as a career facilitator, leading workshops, directing, heading drama camps, tutoring English and ESL, and working on her writing. Most recently, she has also enjoyed the privilege of raising two wonderful children.