Mr. Brian Burke
Mr. Burke has been teaching for over 25 years including the last five year at Pattison High school. He was born and raised in Toronto but has spent over ten years teaching abroad including South Korea and Japan. For the last 18 years he has been living and working in Vancouver.
His experience includes teacher training as well as IELTS. He is now teaching social studies and economics. He believes that knowledge and an appreciation of the past is helpful to properly understand the present.
In his free time he likes cycling around the parks and trails in the city or reading in the sun on one of the great beaches in Vancouver.
Ms. Erin Pettinger
Ms. Pettinger moved back to Canada and started working at Pattison High School in 2019. She enjoys teaching academic readiness, career education, physical & health education and working with students from around the world.
Ms. Pettinger had lived in Jeju, South Korea for 15 years. She worked for the Public Office of Education teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to middle and high school students as well as teacher training programs. Prior to teaching in Jeju she also taught EFL in Japan.
She completed a Bachelor’s degree at the University of Lethbridge and a Master’s degree specializing in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from the University of Southern Queensland.
In her free time she enjoys hiking, biking, snowshoeing, swimming and playing volleyball.
Ms. Lydia Austrom
Ms. Carpio Donnalyn
Ms. Carpio was born and raised in the Philippines, but her teaching journey has taken her to diverse corners of the world, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), before finally settling in Vancouver. With 11 years of teaching experience spanning Grades 9-12, she specializes in Biology and Science subjects, following the California Common Core Standards and Advanced Placement (AP) Biology. Ms. Carpio’s pedagogical voyage began in the Philippines, where she dedicated five years to nurturing young minds in her homeland. Seeking continuous growth, she ventured to the UAE, where she honed her teaching skills over another five years in a multicultural setting. This experience has equipped her with the unique ability to connect with students from various backgrounds, creating a globally inclusive classroom environment.
Education-wise, Ms. Carpio graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education, majoring in Biology, and is currently on the path to completing her Master’s of Science in Teaching, with a continued emphasis on Biology.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Carpio finds joy in creative pursuits like baking, cooking, and handicrafts. She is genuinely thrilled to be a part of this educational community at Pattison High School, eagerly looking forward to guiding and supporting students as they strive to reach their academic aspirations.
Mr. Basil Williams
With a background spanning physics, mathematics, and computer science, Basil Williams brings a thoughtful and intentional approach to his teaching at Pattison High School. His journey in education spans over 15 years, including experience as an educational assistant, private tutor, and classroom teacher.
Basil is passionate about helping students discover and strengthen their problem-solving abilities—both academically and in everyday life. Whether guiding students through abstract mathematical concepts or hands-on physics experiments, he strives to make learning approachable, practical, and meaningful.
Outside the classroom, Basil enjoys collecting vinyl records, playing chess, and riding his motorcycle. He’s also an avid Gunpla (Gundam plastic model) builder—a hobby that reflects his attention to detail and love for design, making things, and creative expression.
His approachable demeanor, diverse experience, and passion for math and science—both as a learner and educator—make him a distinctive part of the Pattison High School community.
Mx. Vee Chorabik
Mx. Vee Chorabik graduated in 2021 with a Masters of Fine Art from Emily Carr University of Art + Design. They are a transdisciplinary artist, writer, and educator. They make paintings, collage, stained glass, short animations, and interactive installation art. Their work has been exhibited in galleries across North America, and they are currently a featured artist at the Slice of Life Gallery. They’ve been tutoring students in English (reading, writing, and comprehension) since 2009 and have a passion for creativity, exploration, and experimentation. They are currently teaching Art and ELL at Pattison High School and are looking forward to nurturing growth in a new generation of students through empathy and individual care. In their free time they enjoy learning the art of sword fighting, reading about medieval history, and going on walks in nature.
Mr. Greg O’Keefe
With over a decade of teaching experience, Greg brings both international and local expertise to his classroom practice. He began his teaching career in Ulsan, South Korea, where he taught English as a Second Language, before returning to Vancouver to work with high school students in English 9–12, Social Studies, and academic writing. Through individualized tutoring, he has helped diverse learners develop confidence, clarity, and critical thinking skills.
Born in Athens, Greece, Greg’s global perspective on education is shaped by his experiences living in London, Sydney, Hong Kong, and Seoul. He holds a BA in English Literature and a BA in Political Science from Simon Fraser University.
Greg believes classrooms should be training grounds for thinking—spaces where students learn to ask thoughtful questions, explore complex ideas, and develop intellectual independence. Whether guiding students through literature or unpacking world events, his teaching emphasizes inquiry, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue.
Outside the classroom, Greg enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, and is often found reading books on history, biography, and the fast-evolving world of artificial intelligence.