Our Team

“My daughter has made huge gains in all areas, learning, literacy, behavior, social, and I owe that to the support and teaching from the teachers, aides and support staff” -Quest School Parent

Teachers

CQS teachers provide leadership in our classrooms and to our staff and students. They are responsible for your child’s learning, development, and the implementation of their Individual Program Plan. Teachers liaise with instructional assistants on your child’s assessments, program recommendations, clinic attendance (A.C.H.), equipment needs, and more. 

All Teachers employed by CQS have a valid Professional Teacher’s Certificate issued by the Government of Alberta.

Kim McLean, Principal 

With over 40 years of experience in special education, Kim McLean, M.Ed, has dedicated her career to helping students with diverse learning needs. She has held leadership roles as a teacher, administrator, and Principal at renowned institutions like Calgary Academy and Foothills Academy, both specializing in students with learning disabilities. Kim holds degrees from Brock University and Lesley University and is currently the Principal at Calgary Quest School. In addition to her role at Quest, she serves as a teacher evaluator for AISCA and is a sessional instructor at the University of Calgary. Passionate about advancing education, Kim also volunteers as the Chair of the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada’s Research Committee and sits on its Board of Directors.

Kim is a sought-after speaker and frequently presents workshops and webinars for parents, educators, and professionals across North America. Her areas of expertise include brain-based learning, literacy development, classroom management, social-emotional learning, and executive functioning skills.

Chandra Habermann, Vice Principal Elementary 

Chandra Habermann is the Vice Principal of Elementary at Calgary Quest School, where she brings over 10 years of experience as a special education teacher before stepping into her current leadership role. She holds a Master of Education with a specialization in Educational Leadership and a graduate certificate in Educating Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In addition, she has completed the School Leadership Quality Standard with Alberta Education.

Chandra is passionate about fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment, drawing from her years of classroom experience to guide teachers through professional growth using a blend of evidence-based practices and innovative strategies. As both an educator and a parent of a child with exceptional needs, Chandra brings empathy and a deep personal connection to the students and families at Quest.

Chandra is dedicated to supporting students in their therapeutic and educational journeys, celebrating their unique growth and achievements.

Allie Gauthier, Vice Principal High School 

As Vice Principal of High School at Calgary Quest School, Allie Gauthier brings over a decade of dedicated experience in special education. Having spent more than ten years in the classroom, Allie has a deep understanding of the unique needs of students with complex challenges. Her passion for creating engaging, supportive learning environments led her to transition into an administrative role in 2021, where she continues to champion student growth and success.

Allie holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary. She further strengthened her leadership skills by completing the School Leadership Quality Standard program at the University of Calgary in 2022. As Vice Principal, Allie uses her extensive teaching background to guide program development, teacher mentorship, and student support strategies, working closely with families to ensure each student thrives.

A key achievement in Allie’s leadership journey has been her instrumental role in developing Calgary Quest’s Sunalta Campus. She successfully led the high school’s transition to the new campus, where the focus is on community involvement, life skills development, and fostering independence for students. Allie remains committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential in a caring and inclusive environment.

Rahel Mulugheta, Program Director 

Rahel Mulugheta is the Program Director at Calgary Quest Resources, a division of Calgary Quest Children's Society, where she oversees the Centre for Opportunity Adult Transitional Day Program, Before and After Care, and Quest Summer Camps. Since joining Quest in December 2021, Rahel has quickly become a key leader, building on her previous experience as a Program Coordinator and Assistant Program Manager.

With over ten years of experience in the disability sector, Rahel has held various roles, from frontline case management to leadership positions in both government and community organizations. Her passion for supporting individuals with disabilities stems from her personal experience growing up with a sibling with Autism, which fuels her dedication to promoting independence, inclusion, and a high quality of life for the individuals she serves.

Rahel holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Regina and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Saskatchewan. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends, always finding joy in building meaningful connections.

Professional Development and Training at Quest

At Calgary Quest School, all staff actively participate in professional development activities tailored to their roles, ensuring they stay current with best practices in education and student support. Through continuous training, our team enhances their skills and knowledge to better serve our students.

Training Programs for Staff:

• UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Initiative): Teachers received training directly from the University of Florida and ongoing professional development through the Calgary Regional Consortium on the science of reading.

• First Aid and CPR: Ensuring health and safety across our school.

• NVCI (Nonviolent Crisis Intervention): Training focused on crisis prevention and intervention strategies.

• Luna Training: Recognizing, reporting, and responding to abuse in schools.

• Brain Story Certification: This certification deepens understanding of brain development and its impact on well-being.

Professional Development Highlights:

• AISCA Teachers’ Convention: Annual attendance to stay updated on innovative teaching practices.

• Council for Inclusive Education Conference: Selected staff will attend in May 2024.

• High School Resiliency PD Day: High school teachers and Instructional Assistants attended Camp Connect for a day focused on building resiliency and supporting student mental health.

• Early Childhood Learning Support (ECLS) PD: Ongoing training in social, play, communication skills, and core language development.

• Burnout and Stress Management Training: Staff receive training from a therapist on managing stress and preventing burnout.

• First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) Issues and Learning Day: Annual dedicated day for cultural learning, including participation in the Kairos Blanket Exercise and Métis crafts history. This year’s theme is forthcoming.

• Centre for Sexuality Training: Providing professional development to support students' health and sexual wellness.

Our commitment to professional development empowers our staff to create a supportive, inclusive, and dynamic learning environment for all students.