Inclusion Committee Member Bios

Karla Power (Chairperson): I teach Music at Christina Gordon, but I am also a mother of 2 boys on the Autism Spectrum. I have always felt that our school does a great job of being Inclusive, but in 2019, I came up with the idea of an Inclusion Advisory Committee, where parents, teachers, educational assistants and administrators can come together to discuss how to make CG even better and more Inclusive! I am very proud of the projects we have worked on so far and pleased to give our vulnerable students and families a voice. Inclusion is my passion and I am happy to share my lens in order to benefit ALL of our students.

Jessica Kenney (Secretary): Greetings! I am the current Secretary of the Christina Gordon Inclusion Committee and a Mom to a 7-year-old autistic son. I joined the committee not only to be a voice for my non-verbal son, but to understand and support the staff who work with students with exceptional needs.  I feel very honored to be a part of and a contributor to, the accomplishments of this committee in our community.

Sandra Gomez: Hi everyone, I’m  happy to be part of the Inclusion Advisory Committee. I am a student EA and a parent of a 9 year old boy on the Autism Spectrum. Creating a fun and safe environment for every child has been a passion of mine ever since I became a mom. I joined this team because I want to help every child to feel happy, accepted and capable in society.

Andrea MacPherson: Hi! I am Andrea MacPherson and I have been a member of the Inclusion Advisory Committee for a few years now. I am passionate about this committee because as an Educational Assistant for 8 years I worked very closely with students that have exceptional needs. I am a firm believer in “you don’t know what you don’t know” so I passionately spread awareness through projects and events. I am now a grade 1 teacher at Christina Gordon and continuing to donate my time to this initiative. I truly believe that we can make the world a better place by working together.

Jenna Locke: Hi! My name is Jenna Locke. This is my first year on the inclusion advisory committee! I have been involved in the world of diversity and inclusion in the community for the last 6 years! I believe that you can never be too educated in all things inclusion so I wanted to still be involved after finishing my education degree in May! I am a first year teacher at Christina Gordon Public School and am so thankful to be surrounded by like minded people! 

Cara Payne: Hello there,I am Cara Payne, a learning assistance coach at Christina Gordon School. With a deep passion for inclusive practice and pedagogy, I have been an instrumental member of the Inclusion Advisory Council since its inception. I strongly believe in the power of education for both families and school staff to foster a collective understanding of inclusion. Through this understanding, we can dispel common misconceptions surrounding inclusive practice and pedagogy. As an educator, I am committed to continual growth and learning. Currently, I am pursuing my Doctor of Education degree at the University of Calgary, specializing in inclusive teaching practices in Alberta. 

My personal connection to the Inclusion Advisory Council and inclusive education is profound. As the mother of a 16-year-old girl with complex medical needs, I have witnessed firsthand the benefits of inclusive education. It is through my advocacy for my own daughter that I have experienced the transformative impact of inclusive practices.I am dedicated to championing inclusive education for all and sharing my passion with others. Together, we can create a more inclusive and nurturing society that values the natural diversity of our beautiful community.