Contacts

Sheri always puts students first and has been working in the International Education program for the Gulf Island School District since the program began in 1999. As Managing Director, she is responsible for the program administration, student enrolment, reporting, programming, and advisement.

She also works closely with all members of the team, including the homestay manager, the international counsellor and the international coordinator. Sheri is a Certified Executive Coach and has earned a Masters of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration of International Communication and Business from Royal Roads University.

Welcome to the Gulf Islands School District International Student Program! My name is Dan Sparanese, and I have been an educator in this wonderful district for 25 years. Currently, I serve as a District Principal. I am thrilled to be part of this exceptional program and can confidently say that our district provides a world-class education in a community that genuinely cares about student success.

We have an amazing team and a network of dedicated homestay families committed to making this an experience of a lifetime. Our supportive and enriching environment ensures that every student can thrive and achieve their fullest potential.

Nia Williams is a counsellor working with The Gulf Islands International Program.  She received a Bachelor in Education from University of Victoria and a Masters in Leadership and Counselling from San Diego State University.  Nia loves the West Coast lifestyle and particularly enjoys the wilderness with her family.

She has worked with School District 64 for over fifteen years, and greatly appreciates working in such a vibrant, welcoming learning community.  Nia values the curricular and social growth that develops in International students, as they experience new adventures and create new friendships while studying abroad in Canada.

Chelsa has been with the Gulf Islands School District since 2011. She has worked as both an Elementary and Secondary School Administrative Assistant and spent two years at the School Board Office. As the ISP Assistant, Chelsa helps with communication between the school and students, agents and homestay families. Chelsa assists the ISP team by maintaining documentation,

student files and helps to organize trips and activities for our students.

Chelsa is the proud mother of two GISS Graduates. She enjoys cooking, music, time with her family, being outside and hiking with her lovely yellow Labrador Retriever. Chelsa is thrilled to be a part of the International Student Program.

Sue joined the Gulf Islands International Student Program (GIISP) as Homestay Coordinator in 2024.

She comes with a decade’s experience as a homestay host and a passion for making the international experience the best it can be.

With a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia, Sue has worked as a writer, researcher and editor in both the UK and Canada. In her spare time, Sue enjoys exploring the island’s hiking trails and kayaking on nearby lakes. She is also an active volunteer in the community, and is excited about her new role with the Gulf Islands International Program.