Meet Rob Buchanan, the fun-loving and adventurous teacher at Awaken! Rob brings a unique perspective to Awaken, as he grew up in the small mountain town of New Denver, BC, where he developed a deep appreciation for the natural world.

As an educator, Rob is passionate about creating outdoor experiential learning opportunities for his students. In addition to his passion for teaching and the outdoors, Rob also brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Awaken Inquiry & Adventure Okanagan program. 

Rob holds a Bachelor's degree in Forestry from the University of British Columbia and completed his graduate studies at Simon Fraser University. Rob has completed his Master of Education in Place & Nature-Based Experiential Education at Simon Fraser University. His background in forestry gives him a strong understanding of the natural resources and environmental issues facing the Okanagan region. His studies and work experience have also provided him with an in-depth understanding of the various ecosystems and habitats found in the area. 

Meet Caitlin McMahon, the dynamic and compassionate teacher at Awaken! Caitlin is a very caring and empathetic person who loves to create meaningful and authentic connections with her students, colleagues, and the land. Growing up in the Okanagan Valley, Caitlin spent her time hiking, canoeing, camping, skiing, snowshoeing and exploring the local wilderness. Her connection to the natural world has only grown deeper over the years.

Caitlin is a passionate educator who brings a unique blend of nature-based education and experiential learning to her classes. She encourages her students to explore the natural world through land connection experiences such as foraging, sit spots, ethnobotany, and forest walks. She infuses her teaching with social-emotional learning, encouraging deep self-reflection and self-care within her students.

Caitlin completed her Bachelor of Education at Simon Fraser University, focusing on Mathematics and Kinesiology. Caitlin recently completed her Master of Education specializing in Place & Nature-Based Experiential Learning through Simon Fraser University. Caitlin continues to deepen her understanding of local Indigenous history and ways of being through Indigenous Education courses. She is dedicated to weaving authentic, holistic Indigenous education and perspectives into her teaching through collaboration with local Syilx Traditional Knowledge Keepers and land-based experiences.

Meet Makayla Smuin, the Resource Teacher for Awaken! Makayla is a kind and joyful educator who prioritizes connections with her students and colleagues. Makayla loves getting to know each student as an individual and finding ways to support them in their learning, meet their goals, and help them develop as kind and capable young adults. 

Makayla holds a Bachelor of Arts focused on anthropology and math (an odd pairing, I know!) and a Bachelor of Education from UBC Okanagan. More recently, she also completed her diploma in Inclusive Education from Queen's University. 

In her free time, Makayla may be found enjoying the nature trails around the Okanagan, dabbling in photography, taking a spin class, or playing board games with her husband. Through Awaken, Makayla is looking forward to opportunities to connect with nature, the Vernon community, and of course the students, families, and teaching team that make Awaken what it is!

Meet Sharon, our “new” Education Assistant at Awaken! Sharon worked within this amazing program of choice in 2019/20 and is so thrilled to be back! It truly feels like a homecoming. Sharon thrives on creating meaningful connections and relationships with students, their families, fellow staff and the land we all reside on.

Sharon grew up in Northern B.C. and spent much of her time outside; gardening, building tree forts with her siblings, picking berries, camping and just truly connecting to nature. She has carried this love of the outdoors into her life here in the Okanagan and for the past 20 years has been proud and humbled to call this beautiful land of the Syilx Peoples her home.

Sharon completed her Certified Education Assistant Program at Okanagan College and has continued her learning by taking courses in Indigenous knowledge, sign language, trauma-informed practice, autism spectrum condition and more. She is a life-long learner and is always looking for ways she can improve her skills to better support the students she is growing and learning alongside. Sharon is creative in many aspects and does her best to share her passion for writing, crafting, exploring, walking in nature, being in tune with one another and showing compassion for all living things!