Celebrating Influential Women in the Langley School District
March 8, 2024
The Langley School District is proud to have a strong team of influential women who work hard behind the scenes to help our students reach their full potential. For International Women’s Day this year, we wanted to highlight some amazing individuals who make a difference for our students, staff and families.
To read about influential women highlighted by the District in the past year, click here for 2023.
Erin Geisinger
Senior Manager, HR & Labour Relations
What is your role at the Langley School District?
I am the Senior Manager, Human Resources & Labour Relations for the Langley School District. Our team works closely with both District staff and labour union representatives to prevent and resolve disputes, contribute to fair and effective collective bargaining, provide support and advice to ensure district compliance with labour laws, and provide guidance to effective and positive employment relations. We also support staffing needs throughout the district by overseeing district recruitment activities, onboarding and training. I’m very grateful to be working with an incredible team who all focus on supporting the needs of the district and staff who directly support and inspire our learners every day.
What has your career journey been so far?
I began my career in several specialized positions within human resources. I soon realized that I had the strongest appreciation for the dynamic nature of a broader generalist scope and a focus on Labour Relations and HR leadership. I worked in this capacity for a number of years with large multi-union employers in both the private and public sectors. In 2018, I made a decision to look for an opportunity that would connect me closer to my community and was excited for the opportunity to join the Langley School District.
What is a time that you felt you really made a difference?
In my role I’m able to promote and support innovation in processes and technology, receive, embrace and incorporate different perspectives, and implement various initiatives and activities. The learners in Langley are at the heart of what all of us do, and while HR doesn’t have direct contact with our learners, we have the privilege of supporting those who do. Our team works hard every day to encourage, support and foster workplaces that employees feel proud to be a part of, and our goal is that by supporting the system and the people within it, the learners will ultimately receive the best support possible.
What advice do you have for young women looking ahead to their careers?
Have confidence, integrity and humility, and go after what you want to achieve. Accept that there will always be challenges but commit to learn and continue to grow. Find the opportunity to become part of a network or support system, large or small, working together to empower each other through shared knowledge and experiences, and celebrate each other. Love what you do, and when you accomplish something, be proud!
Phillis Giovani
Principal at Donna Gabriel Robins Elementary
What is your role at the Langley School District?
I am currently the principal of Donna Gabriel Robins Elementary. My role is to support students and their families, my staff, and the school community.
What has your career journey been so far?
I began my career in the District in 1988. I taught Grade 7 at Douglas Park and Willoughby Elementary schools before I became vice-principal at Langley Meadows Community School in 2007. In 2010, I was assigned as the Principal of Fort Langley Elementary and then returned to Willoughby as principal in 2015. I had the pleasure of being a Pro-D rep for the Langley Principal’s Vice-Principal’s Association for two years during this time. Early in 2021, I was given the honour of organizing and opening Donna Gabriel Robins Elementary alongside an amazing team of educators at the school and District levels.
What is a time that you felt you really made a difference?
My hope is that I have made a difference in all the schools I have taught and worked in. I have loved supporting and caring for students and their families, my colleagues, and the members of my staffs. Living and raising my family in Langley has given me the opportunity to stay in touch with and “run into” many of the students I taught early in my career. It is so amazing to see how well they have done and to hear, “You were one of my most favourite teachers.” That means the world to me.
What advice do you have for young women looking ahead to their careers?
Be confident and tell yourself you can do anything you put your mind to! Set high goals and work hard to achieve them. Take time when you are faced with a problem and seek out experts and others who can help you. You were never meant to do things alone. Also remember that there is no greater gift than helping and always being kind to others.
Stephanie Labby
Principal, Peter Ewart Middle School
What is your role at the Langley School District?
I am proud to be the principal of Peter Ewart Middle School. I am honoured to work alongside of an amazing staff that fosters a sense of care and belonging in our community.
What has your career journey been so far?
I first began my teaching career in Langley in 2001 teaching the primary grades. After four years of teaching primary students, I made the move to Grades 6 and 7 where I thrived for another 7 years. In 2012, I was availed the opportunity to help open Lynn Fripps Elementary as Vice-Principal. My journey in administration continued on at Yorkson Creek Middle School as both Vice-Principal and then Principal before joining Peter Ewart Middle School this school year.
What is a time that you felt you really made a difference?
The work that we do each day creates impact in any community that I have had the privilege to be part of. Creating a sense of connection and belonging for all in our school community creates such a positive impact in lives of all who we come in contact with. Making a difference through building relationships through connection and the building of trust where all feel that they add value to the community is crucial and impactful making differences in the lives of our students, staff, and community members.
What advice do you have for young women looking ahead to their careers?
Know that the footprint that you have created and will create is a reflection of your resilience and courage. Take risks and embrace the opportunities that the future has in store for you. Through connection, common goals and knowing your why, you will be empowered to do wonderful things. Know words are powerful, they have meaning, they create a sense of trust, belonging and value. Remember, you are amazing, talented, and full of potential. Our world is better because of you.
Kendra Simonetto
District Principal, Instructional Services and Inclusive Education
What is your role at the Langley School District?
I am the District Principal of Instructional Services and Inclusive Education. In this role I am responsible for K-8 inclusive instruction & assessment, curriculum implementation and reporting. I also oversee K-12 Career Education curriculum and all District Trades & Dual Credit Programs.
What has your career journey been so far?
After graduating from SFU, I started my career in the Langley School District as a K-12 TTOC and enjoyed several job-share partnerships before getting my first full-time position as a Grade 5/ukulele teacher. After teaching for 14 years, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to become the vice-principal at Nicomekl Elementary, and then Langley Fundamental Elementary while completing my Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Following that, I was appointed as principal of James Hill Elementary and then James Kennedy Elementary. In August 2022, I took on my current role as District Principal.
What is a time that you felt you really made a difference?
For me, I feel like the most important work I get to do is to hopefully make a positive impact on the life of a child. A recent memory is a student I taught in Grade 5 searched for me and showed up at my school with his parents (and his childhood ukulele) just to thank me for teaching him years ago. Nineteen years later he is a doctor in Washington state! We don’t always get to know the impact we have on students and, if we do, it can often be revealed years later. It is pretty incredible to think that each day in education presents an opportunity to make a difference for the current and future success of a student.
What advice do you have for young women looking ahead to their careers?
Be bravely authentic. Ensure you keep yourself on the list of all those you care for. Find and create joy in the work you get to do. Foster your strengths while always seeking new ways to learn and grow. Support and empower those around you so they can shine brighter. And last, but certainly not least, leap out of your comfort zone.