VSBT

Position:

Web Application Program Instructor

After spending nearly ten years working with an Internet Service provider on Salt Spring Island, Gord decided to join our team in Victoria. He has many years of hands on troubleshooting experience with computers and complex networking arrangements. Having worked as a private in-home computer consultant, Gord has also honed his ability to listen and explain our clients' needs simply and directly.

Programming for Gord started early with BASIC, Hypercard and Pascal in the mid-eighties. Since then worked with Delphi, Assembly, JavaScript, PHP, Visual Basic, and many other programs. Working with PHP and databases is his most recent focus, developing online web applications for niche markets. Reading technical and programming manuals doesn't put him to sleep, as it would any sane individual.

Gord enjoys extracurricular activities like trail riding on dirt bikes, motorcycle riding, hiking and woodworking. He also enjoys computer gaming and radio controlled model cars.

Position:

Instructor, Graphic Design, Original Artwork

Myke is a talented artist in his own right, and a useful hands-on instructor of Quarkxpress, Dreamweaver, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign. In his private life, Myke enjoys digital illustration and is the creator and illustrator of a series of graphic novels. He has been an illustrator for over ten years and leaps at the opportunity to show off his ability and style. Myke began teaching in the spring of 2006 and finds it a rewarding experience. " I enjoy helping people understand programs like Illustrator and Photoshop because most often they have something in mind that they would like to produce but lack the fore-knowledge to make that happen. Seeing someone beam with understanding or hearing them making sounds of excitement as they see their idea become a reality is quite a feeling." Myke's approach to teaching is "teach people what they want to learn" and that is exactly what he does. Whether you want to understand photo manipulation, building HTML websites or illustrating your child's picture, Myke can give you the knowledge and understanding to make your vision come to life.

Position:

Adobe Certified Instructor

Chris is a master of Flash and is a Adobe Certified Instructor for the past 5 years in both Dreamweaver and Flash. He also teaches Fireworks and Freehand. Chris has taught at UVIC, Royal Roads and has worked for clients such as IBM and Electronic Arts.

Chris teaches our Web Design Certification Program.

Position:

Desktop Publishing and Typography

• Desktop Publishing
• InDesign
• Illustrator
• PhotoShop
• Quark Express
• Corel Draw

Position:

The Principal of our School

• Dreamweaver
• Computer Basics
• XHTML / CSS
• Web Site Fundamentals
• Project Management

Position:

Desktop Publisher

From a young kid I knew I would be a Graphic Designer, I remember my kindergarten teacher scolding me, for drawing advertisements instead of animals. After graduating with honors from the University of Manitoba, I ran sales teams that allowed me to travel throughout Canada, the Us and Europe. Eventually landing in BC I worked for newspapers, design firms and print shops until I landed the Dream job at North Studio and VSBT. Being able to teach, design, and still have the flexibility to run my Photography business is amazing. It is very satisfying when I can deliver a design that is not only visually stunning but also helps the business grow. The "ah ha" moment when a student really gets it or they learn a new way of doing things that saves them tons of time. My husband is a little worried about my love-affair with photography, InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator but I do pull my self away once in a while to help with our house renovations, to play fetch with our cat ...

Position:

SEO

• Search Engine Optimization
• Internet Marketing
• Dreamweaver
• Computer Basics
• XHTML / CSS
• Web Site Fundamentals

Position:

Microsoft Office Specialist

Leaoni holds her Masters in Microsoft Office Suite applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook. She has over 10 years experience Training and/or Instructing and is currently completing the Provincial Instructor Diploma Program (Adult Education).

Leaoni’s entrepreneurial and business background has taught her to effectively listen to and communicate with the client / student to meet their needs. Her patients and ability to express in laymen’s terms how an application program works and why, builds confidence and creates a relaxed, stress free, fun learning experience.

Cathie Walker has been working online since early 1995. Named "Queen of the Internet" by the New York Times, Cathie's strengths lie in understanding the user experience and in creating viral marketing, site stickiness, and online community. Cathie teaches Writing for the Web and other techniques to help you connect with your audience and make an impact online.

Dan teaches the full range of Microsoft applications: Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, Access, Project.

He is infinitely patient with novice users, can take the fustration out of using Microsoft products; and is particularly adept at showing time saving tips and techniques to the more experienced user.

Dan has over 8,000 hours of computer teaching experience and has taught an incredible range of students at various private and public education institutes in Victoria since 1994. Hundreds of his past students now out in the workplace.

Dan recently returned from 3 years in Tokyo where, as a Senior Instructor, he taught Microsoft applications, in English, to multinational professionals and executives at some of the world's most prominent corporations.

When not teaching, Dan is currently pursuing an interest in documentary film making and is having a ball with digital video editing.