Our Vision + Mission

We believe in the power of learning at any age. We believe that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential with the right support and resources.

Our mission is to provide world class learning programs that give students the knowledge tools and confidence for lifelong success.

Meet Our Team

BrainAcademi is incredibly fortunate to have attracted an exceptional roster of passionate teachers and tutors to our learning center. While each tutor provides their own unique and diverse set of experiences, they are united in their educational qualifications and dedication to teaching.

Janet Allan | Co-Founder

Janet grew up in an educators’ home, her parents were both teachers and her father was the assistant superintendent of schools in Vancouver. Janet holds a degree in English Literature from the University of Victoria. For the past 25 years, Janet has had a successful sales career in Technology, most recently at Microsoft. Janet lives in West Vancouver with her husband James and two boys, Teddy and Max. As the parent of a child with a language based learning difference, Janet is an advocate for her child in navigating his learning journey. Janet is passionate about enabling students and parents to understand that success can be achieved through a positive environment and the right educational support.

Geraldine Zinsli | Co-Founder

Geraldine is a successful entrepreneur with a 25 year career in Marketing and Business Development. A self-starter, Geraldine is motivated by building and bringing a vision to life. After experiencing first hand the difficult journey friends faced finding options for kids with learning differences, Geraldine was excited to launch BrainAcademi Learning Center in her community. She is passionate about creating an unique educational offering as well as building awareness and a positive dialogue around learning opportunities for students. Geraldine is a resident of the North Shore, where she lives with her husband Steve and two kids Emeline and Lukas.

Madeline Carrillo | Lead BrainAcademi Literacy Program + Arrowsmith Educator

BA Speech Sciences UBC, Business Degree UBC, Arrowsmith Educator, Lindamood Bell Instructor Madeline was born and raised in North Vancouver where she grew up with a passion for academics and sports. This led her to study Psychology at Capilano University and then Speech Sciences at University of British Columbia. where she was exposed to the complexities of language. Since graduating, Madeline has worked at the Family Centred Practices Group, in Applied Behaviour Analysis and at specialized Vancouver based Remedial Instruction Organization delivering their reading, comprehension, math and writing programs. Madeline has developed a strong love for working one on one with students, building strong personal relationships allowing for substantial growth. Madeline teaches the Arrowsmith Program and is the head of the Literacy Program at BrainAcademi.

Luciana Holmes | Lead BrainAcademi Arrowsmith Program

BA (Eng), Senior Arrowsmith Educator, Literacy Program and Orton Gillingham Instructor, Early Childhood Educator Luciana has a love for teaching that has spanned two decades and has seen her work in a variety of teaching capacities including most recently as an Eaton Arrowsmith Educator, Principal and Admissions/Education Officer (12 years). Luciana is trained Orton-Gillingham instructor as well as in our Literacy Program. Her learning and experience with Non-Violent Communication, Growth Mindset, and her current training in Mindful Education inform her teaching and daily classroom experience. Luciana comes to BrainAcademi to share her passion for the Arrowsmith Program and create opportunities for all students to experience the long-term and life-changing impact these programs can have. As a long time North Van resident, Luciana loves to swim, ski, hike, and is an enthusiastic early morning jogger. She enjoys serving her community as a member of the Lynn Valley Lions.

Lisa Jaakkola | BrainAcademi Educational Advisor/Consultant

Masters of Education (Dept. of Educational/Counselling Psychology and Special Education), Bachelor of Education + BC Professional Teaching Certificate – UBC Faculty of Education, B.PE. (UBC) Lisa’s passion and commitment to supporting kids and their families has spanned 25 years. She specializes in student and parent Consulting/Educational Support and is experienced as both a classroom and Learning Services Teacher. The focus of her career and expertise has been as a District School Counsellor in BC’s public school system. Lisa works collaboratively with teachers, administrators, parents, and students in planning support, implementing programs, and assessment of students struggling with various barriers to academic progress. She is able to teach, advise and consult with parents on IEP’s, Functional Behaviour Assessment, report cards, the Psycho-Educational Assessment, Ministry of Education Special Needs Identification, P ositive Behaviour Support Plans, and Social/Emotional Learning. Lisa lives in Deep Cove with her husband and 5 children.