Adult Literacy
Authored six widely-adopted adult literacy textbooks - work recognized with a BC Campus Award for Excellence in Open Education.
Hi, I'm Shantel.
I'm an adult educator and curriculum designer based in Vancouver, BC. I build low-barrier pathways that help adults return to education with confidence - especially those who've been historically excluded or underserved by traditional systems.
What Matters to Me
Expanding Access
Secured more than $320,000 in grant funding to create community-based literacy programs for adults in the Lower Mainland.
Health Equity
Played a lead role in founding Canada's first wellness clinic by and for trans people, helping to establish the informed consent model of care that became recognized best practice.
Inclusion
Created a queer, trans, and Two-Spirit focused upgrading class, offering a safer pathway into education for 2SLGBTQ+ learners.
Systems Change
Spearheaded the grassroots Trans Day of Advocacy, which directly contributed to the creation of BC's first province-wide transgender health program, Trans Care BC.
Student Success
Led program changes that doubled student completion rates for fundamental level math and English.
Food Security & Connection
Co-founded Vancouver's Trans Community Kitchen in partnership with Saige Community Food Bank, fostering food security and community connection.
Mental Health
Founded and facilitated the Coast Mental Health Rabble Rousers program, empowering young adults in recovery to become advocates for change in the mental health system.
Human Rights
Secured a grant from the Law Foundation of BC to create a legal guide empowering trans people to advocate for themselves in health care, employment, parenting, education, public spaces, and the justice system.