BCSA’s activities are implemented and supported by a dedicated BCSA Manager, a Literacy Outreach Facilitator, a School Lunch Caterer, and a volunteer board of directors.
BCSA Manager – Jomy Thomas
Jomy Thomas is an educator and lifelong learner with a passion for language, leadership, and cross-cultural connection. A firm believer in the transformative power of education, he has a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo. He also has experience teaching and learning in diverse cultures an has been part of a student exchange program to Kazakhstan and had the opportunity to teach and facilitate activities for students from many different backgrounds and cultures in India. Before moving to Bamfield, Jomy taught English at both high school and university levels, where he loved helping students discover the power of stories and communication.
At VIU, Jomy played an active role in campus life as a Student Senator, Students’ Union Director, and Vice-Chair of the Student Leadership Circle, always striving to make learning more inclusive and community-focused. He was also a Research Assistant at VIU and worked on developing a series of workshops for senior faculty members on inclusive educational practices. Outside of school, he enjoys exploring forests and beaches, fishing, writing, and sharing good conversations over a cup of tea.
You can reach out to him at managerbcsa@gmail.com
BCSA Literacy Outreach Facilitator ~ Taylor Ford-Sahibzada
Taylor Ford-Sahibzada has a soft spot for all things wild and wonderful – from tiny tidepool critters to towering rainforest trees. Originally from Calgary, she’s been living, working, and adventuring in Bamfield for the past three years. You might recognize her from her time at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, behind the counter at the Bamfield Mercantile and Marine, or lending a hand at local community events.
Now, as the Literacy Outreach Facilitator, Taylor leads the School’s Out after-school programs, designing and running engaging activities filled with art, science, nature, and sports. She’s also a driving force behind some of the BCSA community classes and events – dreaming them up, planning them out, and making them happen alongside the BCSA team. With a degree in zoology and years of experience as a Marine Science Educator, she’s always looking for creative ways to spark curiosity and community connection through everything she does.
You can often find her mushroom foraging in the forest (with two cats following close behind), holding a weird but fascinating critter, or ripping around in a boat with a big smile on her face. Taylor is endlessly curious, always creative, and deeply excited to keep growing roots in the Bamfield and Anacla community.
Have an idea or want to connect? Shoot Taylor a message at bcsalitfacilitator@gmail.com.
School Lunch Caterer & Librarian ~ Renee Gaudet
Renee Gaudet is a fun-loving Librarian who has been calling Bamfield home for several years. She first discovered this wonderful town by interning in the library at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre years ago. Now she lives on the West side and loves her kayak commute to the Bamfield Community School, where she has worked for nearly 3 years. In any season, you can usually find her enjoying the beach with a book in her hand.
As the BCSA School Lunch Caterer, Renee is committed to creating delicious and healthy lunches to keep the students fueled up and ready to learn. While organizing the library and getting people excited about reading is a huge passion of hers, she also loves flexing her creativity and dreaming up engaging experiences for the community.
Reach out to her at bcsaassistant@gmail.com with any questions or cool lunch ideas! Or, if you are interested in starting a library account, email bcsacommunitylibrary@gmail.com to get started.
Bamfield Community School Society 2023-2024 Board of Directors
Julie Bradley (Vice Chair)
Lisa Bye
Aneri Garg
Christine Gruman (Chair)
Keith Johnston
n̓aasiismisʔaksup Stella Peters
Jasmin Schuster (Treasurer)