Written by: Claire Cotie
There are lots of wonderful staff members in the KCI community, and many of whom work behind the scenes ensuring things run smoothly around the school. They work to support students and make our school community safe and enjoyable for everyone! The Edge interviewed some of these staff members for information about their roles and what they enjoy most about working at KCI.
Office Staff
Ms. Schmidt
How long have you worked at KCI?
I've been working at KCI since November of 2022, so 3.5 years now. I worked in Elementary before that, at MacGregor Senior Public School.
What is your role at KCI?
I am the Assistant Office Supervisor. My role includes coverage, which means putting together packages for the supply teachers that come to KCI when our teachers are away. I also deal with finances: paying invoices and collecting money for field trips, and helping Department Heads spend the money that is allotted to them for classroom supplies. And right now I'm heavily involved in planning Commencement: selling the grad packages, arranging the program and getting it printed, and eventually printing all the diplomas and certificates.
What is your favourite part of working at KCI?
My favourite part of working at KCI is being part of an amazing team in the office. We support each other when things get busy, and we love to have fun. The office is usually the first stop for any guest to KCI, and it's important to be warm and welcoming with our visitors. That's definitely the vibe they get when they enter the office and step up to our front desk team.
Ms. Krywko
How long have you worked at KCI?
I have been working at KCI [for] 3 years.
What is your role at KCI?
I am an attendance secretary, so that means anything to do with student attendance, I deal with that, day to day attendance, signing out for field trips, sports, school events, etc..
What is your favourite part of working at KCI?
My favourite part about working at KCI is my amazing office coworkers, and building relationships with students.
The KCI office staff also includes Ms. Poulin, Ms. Verin, and Ms. Graves.
Child and Youth Workers (CYWs)
Ms. Bannister
How long have you worked at KCI?
I have been at KCI for 9 years.
What is your role at KCI?
I am a Child and Youth Worker (CYW) at KCI. I provide social and emotional support to students generally with the last names A-F, however there are some exceptions.
What is your favourite part of working at KCI?
My favourite part of working at KCI is the staff and students. We have the absolute best students and staff here. I love that everyone takes care of each other and the school spirit is amazing.
Mr. McPhee
How long have you worked at KCI?
This is my 4th year at KCI.
What is your role at KCI?
I am a Child and Youth Worker. As a CYW our job is to connect with students about
mental health struggles, anxiety, addictions, struggles at home, peer group meditations, and overall help navigating situations. Our goal is to help students work through everyday struggles and challenges and to connect them with outside sources when needed.
What is your favourite part of working at KCI?
My favorite part of working at KCI first is working with the amazing staff and students but it's also the energy. KCI is one of the most energized places I've ever worked. There is always something going on that gets everyone involved and excited for the day. The students and staff are always so involved in whatever is going on here. [For] example: school spirit days or one of the many themed days that we have here. The days can be unpredictable, and I really enjoy that.
Ms. Gibbons is also a member of the CYW staff at KCI.
Social Worker
Ms. McNeilly
How long have you worked at KCI?
I have been working at KCI for 6 years; before that I worked at other schools within the WRDSB.
What is your role at KCI?
My role is Social Worker at KCI. In that role I support students who are struggling to cope with the stresses of life, including issues such as: anxiety, depression, family issues, school avoidance, substance use concerns, eating disorders, grief, etc. I also support students who are self-harming or having thoughts of suicide.
What is your favourite part of working at KCI?
My favourite part of working at KCI is the diversity of the student population and the many caring staff members.
Educational Assistants (EAs)
Ms. Constable
How long have you worked at KCI?
I have been working at KCI for 7 years.
What is your role at KCI?
My role at KCI is Educational Assistant with the Hearing Services program. I support students in our program with their learning and emotional well-being. Being with them in their classes also allows me to work with and support many other students with their learning at KCI. I have also been coaching KCI's swim team for 3 years!
What is your favourite part of working at KCI?
My favourite part of working at KCI is the community created by the students and staff. I am lucky to work with fantastic students and colleagues. I find KCI has a very warm, kind and supportive environment which is a joy to come to every day.
Ms. Gawel (ACE)
How long have you worked at KCI?
I have worked at KCI for 11 or 12 years.
What is your role at KCI?
I started in the Phoenix program which supported students on the Autism Spectrum who were enrolled in mainstream credit bearing courses. I helped them with academics, as well as social skills and emotional regulation. After only a year working in the Phoenix program, I moved into the ACE program (at that time known as Life Skills). This was where most of my past experience was. (I had worked at both Huron Heights and Jacob Hespeler in this program prior to coming to KCI). While working in ACE I help the students with academics, social skills and emotional regulation, work skills, community awareness, and basic living skills like laundry and sometimes cooking. I support students at work placements in the community that we do twice a week, in-class contract work and recycling collection. This helps the students with appropriate workplace skills and bus training. I also help with various clerical jobs in the classroom such as paperwork for work placements, and helping the teacher with various classroom duties. We accompany students on field trips, or even just while travelling around the school to ensure safety. Sometimes I help students with toileting or personal hygiene needs. Most of all, I do my best to help my students feel safe and happy coming to school.
What is your favourite part of working at KCI?
What I love the most about KCI is that it is a high spirited school, and the staff truly care about the success and well being of our students.
Ms. Sargla
How long have you worked at KCI?
19 years at KCI.
What is your role at KCI?
I’m an EA. Supporting the students with their education!
What is your favourite part of working at KCI?
Meeting so many students and watching them grow into young adults! And being called “school mom”!
Mr. Adams and Ms. Cordova are two other EAs that support the KCI community!
In-school technician
Max Grise
How long have you worked at KCI?
I’ve been at KCI since November 2022. Shortly after starting, I moved into a one-year temporary role as a Support Specialist based out of the WRDSB Education Centre. That was an itinerant role where I provided IT support to all elementary and high schools across Cambridge. I returned home to KCI in January 2024 and have been here as the In-School Technician ever since.
What is your role at KCI?
My formal title is "In-School Technician." My job entails hardware management, network troubleshooting, and account support. If you’re having issues with a Chromebook or any other technology on-site that enhances student or staff engagement, I’m always happy to help! My days are filled with a wide variety of tasks ranging from direct user support and device management to complex equipment repair and cloud development.
What is your favourite part of working at KCI?
Being an In School Tech is a diverse and unique role, and I thrive in the fast-paced and varied environment that exists in your average Ontario High School. The most rewarding aspect of the job is being able to help people accomplish their goals - big or small - with the myriad of tech we find at our disposal in 2026. Whether I'm rolling out new grade 9 Chromebooks during the summer, categorizing and sorting eWaste for reprocessing, swapping out broken laptop components, or helping staff and students access and utilize Learning Management Systems and AI, there is always a new opportunity to ensure technology is a bridge to learning, rather than a barrier.
Hall Monitors
Heather Groothuis
How long have you worked at KCI?
This is my 3rd year working at KCI, I've been doing this job for nearly 10 years now.
What is your role at KCI?
My role at KCI is to make connections with students and work to assist students or redirect to help as needed. Monitors will take time to chat with students in the hallways and help them make good choices.
What is your favourite part of working at KCI?
My favourite part of working at KCI is the overall feeling of friendliness and belonging. It's heartwarming to see many different types of people with different views and interests being openly accepted without hesitation.
Special Education (ACE & Resource) Teachers
Mr. Parsons
How long have you worked at KCI?
I started in January of 2016. So roughly 10 years.
What is your role at KCI?
I am an ACE (Alternative Continuum of Education) Teacher. ACE is a Special Education program intended for students with an intellectual disability who require an alternative to the Ontario Curriculum. The program's goal is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to achieve optimal independence for successful integration into their community.
What is your favourite part of working at KCI?
ACE students! I am lucky to have a unique long-term relationship with my ACE students. They arrive in the ACE program at 14 years of age and can stay until they are 21 years of age. In those 7 years it is inspiring to be a part of their growth and development from child to adult.
Mr. Stroeder
How long have you worked at KCI?
I have been working at KCI for 6 years now, I started in my role here in 2020.
What is your role at KCI?
I am the ISP program lead teacher in the Resource area. My role at the school is all about helping students navigate their days a little more successfully. While a big part of my job involves academic support—like helping students stay on top of their coursework and pass their classes—I’m also here for everything else that high school brings. I help students navigate their academics, build their timetable, manage their time, build better habits and I am a safe space for students to talk, relax, and get what they need. I always say my students get whatever they need in ISP.
What is your favourite part of working at KCI?
My favourite part about working at KCI is the students and connection I get to build with them. I get to be a part of their success and see them grow and mature into young adults. I love hearing about the students who graduated and where they are now—working, going to post-secondary school, being successful and this is what it is all about for me.
Mr. Hallas and Ms. Letwin join these staff members in the ACE and Resource departments at KCI.
Overall, KCI is very lucky to have so many incredible staff members that support the school community! Thank you to the unsung heroes of KCI!