GMS Staff

Tom brought over thirty years of experience as a teacher, educational leader and administrator at St. Paul’s High School to the wonderful challenge of leading the establishment of Gonzaga Middle School as the first Nativity model school in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Tom taught Chemistry, Biology, Science and several Religion courses at St. Paul’s. He also served as Science Department Head, Pastoral Team Chairperson, Vice-Principal and then Principal for the last 11 years of his time there.

During his sabbatical year Tom took on the role of Project Director for the Winnipeg Nativity School Feasibility Study which culminated in the decision by the Working Committee to launch Gonzaga Middle School. He also served as Principal at GMS for the first two years after GMS opened.

In the past, Tom has directed the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola, has served as Vice-President and then President of the Catholic Foundation of Manitoba for several years and has also coached volleyball and soccer at the school and club level. Tom continues to enjoy bringing his passion for educating young people to his work for GMS.

Student and Graduate Support Director

Mr. Doug Hemmerling, B.Comm., B.Ed., Post. Bac.

Doug comes to GMS with almost 20 years experience as an educator first at a high school in Toronto’s inner city and then as a teacher, guidance counsellor, student support and other program leader and administrator at K through 12 schools in Winnipeg.  He brings a capacity for innovation helping to develop programs in a variety of schools supporting school attendance, academic programming, student school transitions and concern for the environment and climate science. He also brings extensive experience in supporting students’ socio-emotional development and mental health wellness. He also has experience working with adults, First Nations, business and community organizations in Northern Manitoba. Finally, he has experience coaching several community and school sports and looks forward to bringing all his skills and experience to help foster the development of GMS students and graduates.

Grade 6 Lead Teacher, Grade 6 through 8 Social Studies

Mrs. Laurie-Anne Regula, B.Ed.

Laurie-Anne brings over thirty years of teaching experience to GMS. She has a deep passion for developing students’ literacy skills and is known as an instructional leader and innovator. Laurie-Anne is a strong advocate for assessing and meeting student needs. She is a leader in integrating technology into teaching and learning. She comes to GMS from St. Alphonsus Catholic School where she taught for over 15 years. Having grown up in The Pas, she is proud of her Metis heritage and after graduating from the University of Manitoba she returned to northern Manitoba and taught for several years at George Knott School in Wasagamack First Nation and also at schools in The Pas and Thompson. She has been an active member of the Reading Council of Greater Winnipeg including serving on the executive for many years. Laurie-Anne is looking forward to new challenges and opportunities to teach and serve children and the community as a teacher at GMS.

Grade 7 Lead Teacher, Grade 6 through 8 Physical Education Teacher

Ms. Sarah Carter, B.A., B.Ed. 

Sarah brings enthusiasm and experience as a Grade 8 teacher and the Physical Education teacher at GMS. She graduated from the Lakehead University with a Bachelor of Education, after previously completing a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Studies at Brock University. After graduating, she taught English for two years in the United Kingdom before coming back to Canada and working for over a year as an on-ice hockey instructor at the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy.  She then worked at St. Charles School for many years, teaching English, French and Physical Education. Sarah grew up in Dryden, Ontario which helped to give her insight, experience, and love of Indigenous culture. She continues to learn about and embrace her Indigenous heritage through her Métis-Cree maternal family background. Sports have been a constant in her life having the opportunity to play, coach and referee a variety of sports. She also competed for Canada winning gold and silver medals at the World Muaythai (Thai boxing) championships.  She is looking forward to contributing to the GMS team while building strong relationships and inspiring students to do their best.

Grade 8 Lead Teacher, Grade 6 thourgh 8 Science Teacher, Grade 6 through 8 Music, English and Math Support.

Mrs. Pamela Sarfo Akrofi, B.Sc., B.Ed.

Pamela brings energy and enthusiasm to GMS as the Grade 7 and 8 Science teacher, will collaborate with our Music specialist in Grades 6 to 8 and will also support English and Math instruction in Grades 6 through 8. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science (in Physics) from the Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, she moved to Canada and completed a Bachelor of Education at the University of Brandon. After teaching for a year in Ecole Morden Middle School, she looks forward to bringing high learning expectations to GMS while meeting the diverse needs of our learners. She brings a passion for music, singing and technology to GMS.   She also brings significant experience tutoring middle years and high school students to GMS. She is looking forward to contributing a diverse perspective to the GMS team as we inspire our students to strive toward excellence in their education and develop towards their full potential.

Teacher (Literacy, Mathematics and Grade 6-8 French and Arts Support)

Mr. James Ryan, B.Ed.

James comes to GMS with one year of teaching experience after completing his Bachelor of Education at the University of Manitoba. He also has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Winnipeg. Prior to becoming a teacher James worked in a variety of settings as an Educational Assistant, as a community liaison, and youth leader. He is passionate about teaching through building a strong supportive classroom and encouraging students’ strengths and learning by helping them discover and develop their interests. He also looks forward to contributing to the diverse enrichment program GMS offers its students. 

Intervention Specialist Teacher 

Ms. Karla Grobb, B. Ed., Post Bac. 

Karla brings over 25 years of teaching experience in Lord Selkirk School Division. Over that time, she has taught a variety of grade levels and subjects, developed extensive literacy and numeracy instructional support skills, and been a leader in supporting and counselling students. She also brings experience in helping to develop and implement behavioural and learning plans and providing socio-emotional support and guidance to students individually and in groups. Karla has also coached a variety of sports at school and in the community. She looks forward to enhancing the academic and socio-emotional growth and development of students and collaborating with GMS teachers and the rest of the GMS team in advancing our mission of changing lives and fulfilling potential through our extensive wrap-around school model.  

Student Support and Community Outreach Worker

Ms. Kaylie Gardiner, B.SW., RSW

Kaylie brings caring, passion and enthusiasm to GMS as our Student Support and Community Outreach worker. After studying Family Social Sciences she went on and then graduated with Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba. She has experience supporting children and families in her time at Youth in Care Voices, as volunteer coordinator at Ma Ma Wi Chi Itata Centre and most recently at the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre. She looks forward to working closely with our Student and Graduate Support team in supporting students in their time at GMS and graduates through high school and post-secondary studies.  She also looks forward to collaborating with parents and families and building connections in the broader community to further support students’ growth, education and resiliency.  

Office Manager/Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Danica Kyrzyk, C.I.M., C.Mgr.

As a certified professional in Management and Administration and Human Resources, Danica provides a diverse set of skills and brings years of experience in the human capital management, non-profit and indigenous culture and education sector.  As a former graduate of St. Mary’s Academy, and within a Metis family, Danica hopes to share her experiences, compassionate heart and humour with students and their families. She has the ability to build strong and trusted relationships through her commitment to high ethical and professional standards and willingness to take responsibility and be accountable in all that she does, both personally and professionally.  Through positive leadership, she looks forward to working with the GMS family, students, parents and the community.

Advancement Manager

Mr. John Yunyk, BBA

John comes to GMS with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Winnipeg and a diverse set of communication and marketing skills. He also brings years of experience in fundraising, event planning, and building relationships with stakeholders of various organizations. He has worked as Director of Programming and Special Events at the Centro Caboto Centre, the Director of Admissions and as a member of the Advancement team at St. Paul’s High School and as Marketing Manager at Powerland.  He has also volunteered in various roles for organizations such as the Italian Canadian League of Manitoba, the Holy Names House of Peace, and Villa Cabrini. He looks forward to helping find financial support for GMS and working with the GMS team, families and the community in support of GMS’ mission to change lives through education.

Nutrition Support Worker

Ms. Katherine McLaren

Katherine comes to Gonzaga Middle School with extensive experience as a chef and cook at diverse Winnipeg restaurant kitchens. She brings her knowledge of food preparation, kitchen management and sanitation, food sourcing and menu preparation to the well established nutrition program at GMS. She will maintain the nutrition and healthy eating practices at GMS and adherence to Manitoba school nutrition guidelines while using her creativity and experience to improve the nutrition program at GMS.  She works part-time at GMS preparing daily nutritious meals and snacks for the students and will be part of the Gonzaga team supporting student’s health and learning each day.