The Rapid Response Northern School Team was created by the Ministry of Indigenous Education and Well-Being Division in partnership with Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), Grand Council Treaty #3, and the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board to support schools in First Nations communities, specifically in the NAN and Treaty #3 areas. It is fully funded by the Ministry of Indigenous Education.
~ Collaborative, Supportive, Compassionate ~
Team Lead - Administrator
Junior/Intermediate/Senior Teacher
Email: sheri.hopkins@kpdsb.ca
Sheri started teaching in the science and mathematics departments at Beaver Brae Secondary School and spent 12 years there as a Special Education Resource Teacher. She has been a part of the KPDSB’s central special education team and has served as a trainer for ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), Restorative Practices, and BMS (Behaviour Management Systems). More recently, Sheri became certified as a Leader for Self-Reg Schools. Sheri has been a member of the Rapid Response Northern School Team since its inception.
Shannon began her teaching career with KPDSB in 2005 as a teacher and literacy coach at Hudson Public School, teaching all grades from JK-8. Shannon moved to Thunder Bay in 2011 and began teaching with Lakehead Public Schools, having now been a principal for the last 13 years, as well as a teacher for the Oshki-Wenjack Education Institute. Shannon joined the RRNST in 2024. She is passionate about meeting the needs of every learner, relationship building, outdoor learning, mental health, and wellness. She is a trained leader for Self-Reg Schools, Behaviour Management Systems, and a yoga and meditation teacher. When she’s not at a school, you can find her in a kayak, swimming, doing yoga, teaching meditation, or spending time with her 2 great kids.
Kelly taught English, Indigenous studies, and equity and social justice at Beaver Brae Secondary School in Kenora for more than 15 years. During that time, she worked collaboratively to develop new courses and resources in these subject areas. She enjoys exploring innovative teaching and assessment strategies, as well as mentoring other teachers in their own practice. She is a Behaviour Management Systems (BMS) trainer and completed her certification in the Self-Reg Foundations Program through the Mehrit Centre. Kelly joined the Rapid Response Northern School Team in the fall of 2023.
Team Member - First Nations Graduation Coach/Student Support
Email: marilyn.sewell@kpdsb.ca
Marilyn Sewell is an Anishinaabe'kwe from Iskatewizaagegan No. 39 Independent First Nation in the Treaty #3 territory and is of the Mooz clan. Marilyn has been with the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board since 2023 and is currently the RRNST Graduation Coach. Marilyn has worked with various educational organizations throughout her 30-year career and is devoted to supporting Anishinaabe students and their families. Her education includes Early Childhood Education as well as a counselling certificate from the Native Counselors Training Program (NCTP). She has recently received her certification in Behaviour Management Systems (BMS) and is now certified to train. Marilyn is a proud mother of 2 sons. Her greatest passion is cooking with her family, creating delicious meals! Fall is her favorite season where you can mostly find her outdoors on the trails.
Team Member - Champion of Mental Health Promotion and Education
Email: molly.burr@kpdsb.ca
Molly started her journey in the mental health field in 2022 when she began working in Treaty 3 communities as a child and youth mental health case manager. During those four years, she loved working and learning alongside communities to increase her mental health portfolio and her skills supporting schools and teachers in their own mental health learning. Molly’s love of supporting youth and families was nurtured through her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Studies from the University of Guelph and her diploma in Early Childhood Education. Molly is extremely passionate about mental health education and she is excited to expand her learning with the RRNST and their work with NAN communities. Molly is a pet mom of two dogs and four cats who get most of her attention outside of her work.
"We are not a TEAM because we work together. WE ARE a team
because WE respect, trust, and care for each other."
~Vala Afshar~