The NOIIE Team

Judy Halbert & Linda Kaser

Co-directors

Dr. Judy Halbert and Dr. Linda Kaser are the co-directors of the Networks of Inquiry and Indigenous Education (NOIIE) and lead the Transformative Educational Leadership Program at UBC (TELP). Judy and Linda have served as teachers, principals, district leaders and seconded directors at the Ministry of Education. They are deeply committed to achieving equity and quality for all learners—and to networking for innovation and improvement across systems. In 2019, along with Debbie Leighton Stephens, they were awarded the Cmolik Prize for the enhancement of public education in British Columbia and in 2024 they received the UBC Alumni Builders’ Award for their efforts to create a socially just society. They are the co-authors of Leading Through Spirals of Inquiry (2022), The Spiral Playbook (2017), Spirals of Inquiry for Equity and Quality (2013), and Leadership Mindsets: Innovation and Learning in the Transformation of Schools (2009).

Cathy van der Mark

Director of Programs

Cathy, a retired educator with 33 years of experience teaching and leading in BC school districts, joined the NOIIE Team to continue supporting those who dedicate themselves to helping learners thrive.

Emma Burger

Communications Manager

Emma brings curiosity, creativity, and connection to her work as NOIIE’s communications manager. Whether she’s managing the website, crafting a newsletter, or supporting an event, she helps keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Education and Science, and currently teaches on Vancouver Island. Alongside teaching, she’s gained hands-on experience working with non-profits, especially in areas like website management and communications. Passionate about inquiry, inclusive education, and the power of connection—with people and nature—Emma blends her technical skills and educator’s mindset to support meaningful growth in BC schools and beyond.

Angela Stott

Angela Stott

Network Team Lead

Angela is part of the district leadership team in Gold Trail School District, located on the traditional territories of the Nlaka’pamux, St’át’imc, and Secwépemc Peoples. She is committed to creating space for and amplifying the voices of educators at every stage of their careers, creating opportunities for them to share their stories and learning with colleagues across districts, throughout the country, and around the world. Her work with NOIIE is grounded in the belief that teachers need opportunities to learn together, remain perpetually curious, and be in community. She is passionate about fostering connections and creating opportunities for educators to learn with and from one another. Angela is the District Principal of Curriculum and Instruction in School District 74. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Victoria and is a graduate of the University of British Columbia’s Transformative Educational Leadership Program. She currently serves as a Field Expert with UBC’s Office of Professional Learning.

Tashi Kirincic

Network Team Lead

Tashi is a teacher-leader in the Delta School District, located on the traditional territory of the Tsawwassen and Musqueam People. She is passionate about cultivating and sustaining spaces where teachers can connect, get curious about teaching and learning, and work together to create powerful and inclusive learning environments. Tashi is the Coordinator of Inclusive Literacy Practices for Secondary Schools in Delta. She received her Masters of Language and Literacy Education from the University of British Columbia and is a graduate of UBC’s Transformative Education Leadership Program.

Lori Burger

Network Team Lead
Lori is from the Nisga’a Nation, from the community of Gitlaxt’aamiks in the Nass valley. She is Giskaast (Killerwhale), from the house of Wisin xbiltkw, and Cree from Treaty 6 territory in Saskatchewan on her mother’s side, as well as settler heritages on her father’s side. Lori is committed to uplifting Indigenous voices and Indigenous representation in education and beyond. She is actively involved in evaluating Indigenous literatures and resources for use in the K-12 public school system and has worked with the Association of Book Publishers of BC Indigenous Books for Schools and the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) on authenticating First Peoples resources. Lori has been involved in Indigenous education for over twenty years in roles spanning from Support Worker to Teacher, to Vice Principal and District Administration. Lori is currently the District Principal of Enhanced Programs and Services in her home territory of SD92 Nisga’a. Her personal and professional focus has been and continues to be, equity and educational empowerment for Indigenous learners and Indigenous education for all.

Jana Fox

Network Team Lead

Jana is an Indigenous educator, lifelong learner, and the Assistant Superintendent in School District 54, Bulkley Valley located on the beautiful, unceded territory of the Witsuwit’en Peoples in northern British Columbia. Jana also works alongside brilliant educators in the Network of Inquiry and Indigenous Education, supporting school and district Indigenous Education Impact Initiative teams across the province as they engage in the Spiral of Inquiry to improve outcomes for Indigenous learners. Creative, insightful educators and Indigenous knowledge holders, including her Blackfoot and Navajo ancestors, inspire Jana’s passion for learning and being a good relative. Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to fostering inclusive, equitable, and high-quality learning environments that nurture the growth and well-being of all students. Guided by a desire to be a story weaver, Jana gathers and shares stories that support meaningful action to help shape positive transformations in the education system and Indigenous communities.