Adult Upgrading

Adult Basic Education

student sitting on staircase in the vernon cafeteria

Vernon Upgrading Instructors

Natasha Befus

Upgrading - Chair
Office: Main Building D324
Campus: Vernon
Phone: 250-545-7291 ext. 2259
AACP instructor Natasha Befus

I joined Okanagan College at the Salmon Arm campus is 2009 as a part-time instructor teaching Math courses. In 2011, I become a full-time instructor and in 2013, I transferred to the Vernon campus, where I taught Math, Physics and Biology courses. Currently, I'm working as Chair of the AACP department and teach Chemistry and Math.

Credentials:
M.Sc, Biochemistry, Loma Linda University
B.Ed, Secondary Education, University of British Columbia Okanagan
B.Sc, Science, La Sierra University

Simone Palmer

Adult Upgrading - Coordinator
Office: Main Building C317
Campus: Vernon
Phone: 250-545-7291 ext. 2221
Profile silhouette to show profiles with missing headshots

I began my educational career as a first year university student at the then brand new Salmon Arm campus. After many years in school and various jobs as a treeplanter, a technical writer, a museum interpreter, and a high school teacher, I landed my dream job: teaching English in the AACP program. When not in the classroom, I can found be found enjoying the great outdoors with my family.

Credentials:
PDP (Post Professional Diploma) in Secondary Education, University of Victoria
BA with Distinction, Women's Studies, University of Victoria

Chandra McCann

Adult Upgrading – Literacy Instructor
Office: Main Building C303
Campus: Vernon
Phone: 250-545-7291 ext. 2311
McCann, Chandra

I became a volunteer literacy tutor at the Vernon Campus of Okanagan College in 2007. In 2008, I began working as the VLT Program Assistant, and as a support person for students with disabilities. I have been teaching Fundamental English and working as the VLT Program Instructor since 2013, and teaching Fundamental Math since 2018. 

Credentials:
B.Ed, French, University of Toronto
BA, French, University of Toronto
Learner-Centred Instructor Certificate, Okanagan College

Patricia Schellenberg

Adult Upgrading
Office: Main Building D336
Campus: Vernon
Phone: 250-545-7291 ext. 2281
AACP instructor Patricia Schellenberg

Credentials:
B.Sc, Biochemistry, University of Victoria

Craig Smith

Adult Upgrading
Office: Main Building C325
Campus: Vernon
Phone: 250-545-7291 ext. 2225
AACP instructor Craig Smith

Christopher Torrie

Adult Upgrading
Office: Main Building D356
Campus: Vernon
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 2258
AACP instructor Chris Torrie

Born and (mostly) raised in Vernon. I am an Okanagan College alumnus from the late 80's early 90's. I am very happy to have recently returned to the college as an instructor in the AACP teaching Math and Sciences. If not spending time with my family (4 girls, wife included) I am out running, mountain biking or taking in any of the many things offered throughout our area and community. I consider myself very lucky to live and work in such an amazing place.

Credentials:
MET, Education Technology,University of British Columbia
B.Ed, Education, University of British Columbia
B.Sc, Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University

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