Celebrating Influential Women Across the District
March 7, 2025
The Langley School District is proud to have a strong team of influential women who work hard behind the scenes to help our students reach their full potential. For International Women’s Day this year, we wanted to highlight some amazing individuals who make a difference for our students, staff and families.
To read about influential women highlighted by the District in the past year, click here for 2024.
Michelle Allen
Principal, Simonds Elementary/U-Connect
What is your role at the Langley School District?
I am the principal at Simonds Elementary and also U-Connect K-12 (Blended Learning).
What has your career journey been so far?
During university, I started working with kids at a summer camp in Ontario, and that really led me towards going into a teaching program. Most of my teaching career was at Brookswood Secondary, where I was also one of many alumni teaching there. I started my career in administration in the Maple Ridge School District, where I also worked as a district vice-principal of Career Education. I moved back to Langley after five years to be a vice-principal at ACSS, and now as principal at Simonds/U-Connect. It’s amazing to be “home!”
What is a time that you felt you really made a difference?
When I was teaching, I had the opportunity to build the computer science program and inspire lots of female students to engage in the gamer and coding space. I know that for many students, it was important to see a female represented in the world of computer science. As an administrator, I know that the work I do every day with students helps support their well-being and success. My most proud moments are always at graduation, to see families and students celebrating together.
What advice do you have for young women looking ahead to their careers?
It can be hard sometimes to enter a space where you don’t feel comfortable, or if in the past maybe that space was dominated by others. Every time that someone takes a chance to be a leader and pushes forward when things are difficult, it paves the way for others in the future. Be courageous to achieve your dreams, because it will ultimately support those who come next. Know that it might take time, and resilience is always a positive quality to hold onto!
Katie Bhandari
Manager, Schools Accounting & Financial Control
What is your role at the Langley School District?
I provide guidance and support to school admin teams on financial matters. I also oversee the Office Services department, which includes the Newcomers Welcome Centre and facility rentals. I’m fortunate to work alongside a dedicated finance team that is passionate about supporting the district in reaching its goals.
What has your career journey been so far?
I gained experience in different accounting roles before joining the Langley School District in 2014 as an accounts payable technician. I then spent seven rewarding years as administrative assistant at Langley Secondary, during which I earned my accounting degree and began working toward my CPA designation. Three years ago, I joined the finance department as schools accountant and was recently promoted to Manager, Schools Accounting & Financial Control.
What is a time that you felt you really made a difference?
During my years working in a school, I quickly recognized the positive impact I could make by supporting educators with financial and administrative tasks, allowing them to focus on the district’s educational goals and students’ success. This experience taught me the importance of the connection between the educational and business sides of the district. Every day, I bring this perspective to my work—ensuring clear communication of the needs of schools, streamlining processes, and providing the best possible service for our students, staff, and communities.
What advice do you have for young women looking ahead to their careers?
Everyone’s career path is unique, so take the time to enjoy each step of your own journey. Make space for self-reflection and discover what you’re truly passionate about. Believe in yourself, set goals, and embrace challenges along the way. It’s never too late to return to school or try something new.
Carla Clapton
Principal, Langley Fundamental Middle and Secondary School
What is your role at the Langley School District?
I am proud to have the role of principal at Langley Fundamental Middle and Secondary School. It is an incredible community of students, staff, and parents/guardians working together to foster a positive and thriving learning environment.
What has your career journey been so far?
I am proud to share that my own K-12 educational journey took place within the Langley School District. In addition, I have been an educator in Langley for more than twenty years teaching at both middle and secondary levels. I have acted as vice-principal at LFMSS and Aldergrove Community Secondary and I have also had the role of principal at Noel Booth Elementary prior to my current role at LFMSS.
What is a time that you felt you really made a difference?
There was one time in particular when I returned to a school where I had been an administrator and I recognized a student whom I worked with closely for several years. This student turned to face me, hesitated, and then said, “You know, Ms. Clapton. I kind of miss you.” This statement will forever stick with me as our student-admin relationship went through some challenging times. This interaction exemplifies what continues to motivate me to keep striving to create caring and compassionate relationships with students.
What advice do you have for young women looking ahead to their careers?
Be true to yourself. Being a leader in education or any other profession will challenge you professionally and personally. One of the quotes that guides me is “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.” And most importantly, try to infuse some good fun and humour whenever possible. Everyone benefits from a good laugh or even an opportunity to smile.
Lynn Fairley
Principal, James Hill Elementary
What is your role at the Langley School District?
I am the current principal of James Hill Elementary. In this role I work with a strong staff to ensure inclusive, supportive, academic, and social emotional education for all our Langley students.
What has your career journey been so far?
I started my career as a teacher teaching both primary and intermediate grades in another district and then came to Langley as a vice-principal at Parkside Centennial Elementary. After three and a half great years, I had the honour of moving as principal to James Hill Elementary where I have worked for the last five years. In addition, I have worked the Summer Session program for six years as a principal and I am on several district committees.
What is a time that you felt you really made a difference?
There have been many opportunities to make a difference in the district, especially working with such a great team of leaders, and all our wonderful students. One memory involves a student that really struggled to be at school. This student became not only a very successful and important part of our school community, but won the hearts of all our staff and students demonstrating not only the importance of an inclusive community, but also the impact that every child can have in their environment when successfully supported.
What advice do you have for young women looking ahead to their careers?
Be and believe in yourself and the choices you make. Stay true to your beliefs in doing the right thing, even when it feels like what you are doing doesn’t make a difference, because you might not know when it is. Empower those around you as a leader builds capacity in others, leading from behind the scenes. Above all, support others with a caring heart.
Vanessa Jaggi
Principal, Topham Elementary
What is your role at the Langley School District?
I am honoured to be the principal of Topham Elementary. I am very lucky to work alongside an amazing team that works tirelessly each day to support all students and families.
What has your career journey been so far?
I began my career as a Grade 3 teacher at Gordon Greenwood in 1998. In 2005 I was assigned as the vice-principal of Willoughby Elementary. In 2008, I was assigned as principal of Lochiel U-Connect and then moved to the Langley Meadows Community School in 2013. After a year off to be a mama, I was placed at Topham Elementary in 2020. It has been a great joy to be part of all these school communities over my career.
What is a time that you felt you really made a difference?
I hope that I am making a difference each day. Working hard as a team to create a school community where all people are included, celebrated and valued for who they are is always a guiding principle for my daily work and I hope this care is felt and makes a difference or inspires people to do great things.
What advice do you have for young women looking ahead to their careers?
Believe that you are strong and capable! Set goals and take steps to achieve them. Understand that there will be difficult experiences but be patient and know that there are also many fantastic experiences! Empower and support others around you, continue to learn and ask hard questions but most importantly move through each day with kindness and gratitude.
Diana Wilk
Principal, Parkside Centennial Elementary
What is your role at the Langley School District?
I am the principal at Parkside Centennial Elementary. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work alongside a dedicated team who care deeply about making a difference in the lives of our students.
What has your career journey been so far?
I started teaching in 1991 in a complex resource class at Simonds Elementary. I also worked as a primary teacher, resource teacher and spent 13 years in Learning Support Services at the Board Office. I was a vice-principal at Alice Brown Elementary, and then a principal at Glenwood, Douglas Park and now Parkside.
What is a time that you felt you really made a difference?
Covid uncovered so many hidden needs within the Douglas Park Community. During that time, our team found creative ways to support our families. We established many supports, like a food bank in the gym, food delivery and a grab-and-go daily lunch program. It was amazing to see families walking to the school each day to pick up lunch and have an opportunity to connect with our staff (at a distance) each day. Not only did this meet food insecurity needs, it also provided ways for our community to stay connected during a time when connection was so desperately needed.
What advice do you have for young women looking ahead to their careers?
Know your values and stay true to them – have patience, humility and forgiveness for yourself and others. Your values can guide you when things are tough, and remind you to celebrate when things go well. Don’t ever feel like you are alone in your journey – you’ll never get there without support and strong connections.