The people behind TEAL Manitoba

Our executive is made up of EAL educators from across Manitoba who volunteer their time to build a stronger professional community for teachers of English language learners. They plan events, lead advocacy, and keep TEAL Manitoba running year-round. Consider joining the executive today!

Our executive represents a wide range of experience, school divisions, and grade levels — united by a commitment to supporting EAL learners and their teachers across Manitoba.

2025–26 Executive Members

MEET THE TEAM

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Marion Hutchings-Reimer

President

Marion teaches EAL in the Pembina Trails School Division, working with international and newcomer students from Grades K–6 and hosting a Newcomer Club. Her education includes degrees from the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg with majors in Psychology and Developmental Studies, as well as an After-Degree in Education.

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Luisa Igne

Treasurer

Born in the Philippines and immigrated to Canada in 1980, Luisa has taught EAL at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute since 1998. For over a decade she has led the EAL/LAL centre at DMCI, working with newcomer students with interrupted education on foundational English, Math, and Science.

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Samantha Ursel

VP & MTS PD Co-Chair

Samantha is an EAL classroom and support teacher at a Winnipeg high school with 25 years of experience across general learning support, ELA, and EAL roles. She has taught everywhere from Churchill, Manitoba to her own former high school, and brings deep appreciation for the perspectives multilingual learners bring to the classroom.

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Diana Turner

MTS PD Co-Chair

Bio coming soon

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Jayesh Maniar

Mini PD Chair

Jayesh retired after 46 years in education as a classroom teacher, school administrator, and EAL consultant at both the divisional and provincial level. His M.Ed. thesis focused on teacher expectations of EAL learners. He also serves as President of the Retired Teachers' Association of Manitoba and as a Director on the Board of LiteracyWorks.

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Lisa Goolcharan

Communications Chair

Bio coming soon

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Ian Lindal

Membership Chair

Ian began his teaching career with EAL learners at an international school in Thailand before joining Fort Richmond Collegiate. Over six years of teaching he has worked across E-courses in English, Science, Computers, History, and Geography.

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Ariel Fernando

Student Showcase Chair

Ariel has 20 years of experience as an educator, beginning as a high school English teacher in the Philippines before moving to Canada in 2014. He completed his B.Ed. and CTESL at the University of Winnipeg and currently teaches LAL/EAL in River East Transcona School Division. He is also Director for Production of the MUSICA Singers of Manitoba.

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Shelley Luo

SAGE Council Rep

Bio coming soon

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Iurii Galas

Member At Large

Bio coming soon

Shape the future of EAL education in Manitoba

GET INVOLVED

TEAL Manitoba's executive is made up of working educators who give their time to strengthen the EAL community. Joining the executive is a chance to have a real voice in professional development, connect with educators across the province, and grow your own leadership skills — all while supporting the teachers and learners who need it most.

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Have a voice on future PD

Help shape the professional development opportunities TEAL Manitoba offers — from Mini PD topics to conference themes and speakers.

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Connect with EAL educators

Build meaningful relationships with colleagues from different school divisions, grade levels, and educational settings across Manitoba.

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Hybrid meetings — join from anywhere

Executive meetings are held in a hybrid format, so you can participate whether you're in Winnipeg or elsewhere in Manitoba.

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Education honorariums

The President, MTS PD Co-Chairs, Treasurer, and Secretary receive honorariums to be used toward their own professional education and development.