Community of Practice – Panel Discussion
Targeted Teaching: Leveraging Data for Differentiated Instruction
Speaker Biographies
Chris Piro, Director of Student Services, STAR Catholic School Division, AB
Chris has been with the Catholic School system in Leduc for over thirty-five years and has had the opportunity to work with a wide range of students with various strengths and challenges. Her teaching experience ranges from Kindergarten to Grade 6, with the majority of her career focusing on inclusive education and adapting or modifying curriculum to meet student needs. Chris had the opportunity to be a Vice-Principal of a K-6 school where her learning and understanding of our education system continued to evolve. Her current role as Director of Student Services has provided additional experiences and insights into high school students and various stakeholders’ perspectives. Ensuring all students reach their full potential continues to be Chris’s passion and mission.
Pam Garnham, Assistant Superintendent, Portage la Prairie School Division, MB
Pamela has 31 years of experience in education, having worked in grades K to 12 as a teacher, resource teacher guidance counsellor and school administrator. Throughout her career, she has focused on ensuring that our students are the central focus of education and that the instructional and developmental needs of students are met from inclusive regular classrooms, neighbourhood schools and across the division.
Heather Merasty, Superintendent, Athabasca Denesuline Education Authority, SK
Heather Merasty is a proud member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, located in Saskatchewan. She is a dedicated educational leader with over 23 years of experience in the field, dedicating her practice to the benefit of Indigenous peoples and their respective communities.
Currently, she serves as a Superintendent of Student Support Services with the Athabasca Denesuline Education Authority, and as Vice President of Yellow Sky & Associates Ltd. Before her current positions, she served as Senior Director of Education and Superintendent of Special Education with the Meadow Lake Tribal Council, and Special Education Consultant with Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division.
