Celebrating Influential Women in the Langley School District
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 (March 8) this year, we wanted to highlight some amazing individuals who make a difference for our students, staff, and families.
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Claire Burns
Principal at R.C. Garnett Demonstration School
What is your role at the Langley School District?
I am the Principal of R.C. Garnett Demonstration School where I have the gift of leading a vibrant community of learners, educators, and families. My role involves nurturing a positive school culture, supporting staff, and ensuring every student feels valued.
What has your career journey been so far?
My career began in 1999 as a Grade 1 teacher in the Langley School District, followed by teaching roles in England, and in several Langley elementary schools. After three years as an Instructional Services teacher, I moved into Administration, serving as Vice Principal and then Principal at Betty Gilbert Middle School. After five years at Betty Gilbert, I stepped into my current role as Principal at R.C. Garnett Demonstration School.
What is a time that you felt you really made a difference?
It's meaningful when, even years later, a teacher will mention that attending one of my literacy workshops influenced positive transformation in their practice. Knowing that the ideas we explored together continue to shape classrooms today reminds me of the lasting power of connection and collaboration as integral to learning.
What advice do you have for young women looking ahead to their careers?
Kindness is a powerful and authentic form of leadership, never a weakness. When paired with courage and confidence, it allows compassionate leaders to thrive and will carry you far.
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xʷtxʷtaqs Colleen Hannah
iskʷist, iʔ xatus Indigenous Education Director
What is your role at the Langley School District?
way̓ inca xʷtxʷtaqs iskʷist, iʔ xatus Indigenous Education. I am Colleen Hannah the Director of Indigenous Education, I am from the Okanagan Indian Band and also have Scottish ancestry. I am new to the District and have really enjoyed getting to know the school district and the great people who work here. I lead the District’s Aboriginal Education Program that works collaboratively with staff, families, and community partners to help all learners reach their full potential by increasing awareness of Aboriginal culture and history and by offering support for Aboriginal students.
What has your career journey been so far?
My career started nearly 30 years ago on Vancouver Island where I was a teacher. I taught all levels and provided learning support for Indigenous students. Since I moved into administration, I worked in Mission Public Schools for nearly 20 years with a variety of portfolios including a secondment to the Ministry of Education. The past 2 years, before landing in Langley, I was working with the wonderful people in the Sea to Sky corridor. I am currently pursuing my Doctor of Education and am finishing up my 2nd year.
What is a time that you felt you really made a difference?
I am new so don’t have a long list of items, but I feel that bringing in authentic teachings and ways of knowing and being from our land-based nations into our administration meetings have been impactful for our leaders to witness. In addition, to continuing to provide opportunities for our admin team to learn alongside our land-based nations. This has been inspiring for me to see the genuine presence of district leaders at these opportunities.
What advice do you have for young women looking ahead to their careers?
For our future matriarch leaders, reach for your dreams, learn from your failures and be proud of who you are and where you have come from. We need the world to continue to grow and nurture future matriarchs to be stronger and wiser than we ever will be. I have faith in the generations to come and have seen the potential of future matriarchs and it is exciting.
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Rhonda Krisko
Principal at Langley Meadows Community School
What is your role at the Langley School District?
I am the principal of Langley Meadows Community School, where I work alongside students, staff, and families to co‑create a learning community grounded in belonging, equity, and shared leadership. My role is to help remove barriers, amplify strengths, and foster a culture where all members can thrive.
What has your career journey been so far?
I began my career as a classroom teacher and discovered early on how much I loved helping students and educators grow. Over the years, I have taken on a variety of leadership roles that deepened my passion for inclusive education and school culture. Becoming a principal has allowed me to bring these experiences together to support an entire learning community.
What is a time that you felt you really made a difference?
I feel I make the biggest difference when I help create spaces where students and staff feel safe, supported, and empowered, especially during moments of change or challenge. Whether it is guiding a school through new learning initiatives or strengthening partnerships with families and the community, I’m proud of the impact of building trust and connection.
What advice do you have for young women looking ahead to their careers?
Believe in your strengths, even before you feel “ready,” and don’t be afraid to step into opportunities that challenge and inspire you. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and remind you of your potential. Most importantly, trust that your voice, your perspective, and your story matter!
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Christine Lambie
Principal at James Hill Elementary
What is your role at the Langley School District?
I am the principal of James Hill Elementary and have previously served as principal at Peterson Road Elementary and West Langley Elementary. Across my roles in the district, I’ve focused on leading learning, building strong relationships, and supporting the success and well‑being of all students.
What has your career journey been so far?
I began my career as a performing arts teacher, spending ten years in the Coquitlam School District as a concert band and choir director, as well as a middle school department head supporting school‑wide learning initiatives. I went on to serve for another decade as a vice-principal and principal in Coquitlam in elementary, middle, and secondary school communities before joining the Langley School District in 2019, where I have been an elementary principal for the past seven years. Throughout my journey, I’ve stayed focused on building strong learning communities and supporting the success of students, staff, and families.
What is a time that you felt you really made a difference?
I made a difference through my recent work with the school and district learning support staff and community partners at Peterson Road Elementary, where we collaborated to build an inclusive, supportive, and responsive school community for prioritized learners. Together, we strengthened programming and practices that helped ensure students experienced belonging and success. This experience truly highlighted the impact that a united team of caring adults can have on students’ lives.
What advice do you have for young women looking ahead to their careers?
Identify what you are passionate about, and work hard to show up as your authentic self each day. Recognize your own strengths and the value you bring and take every opportunity to celebrate the brilliance of the women around you. And as Margaret Wheatley encourages us, "Be brave enough to start a conversation that matters."
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Fiona Ren
Manager, Payroll and Benefits
What is your role at the Langley School District?
I am the Manager of Payroll and Benefits. I ensure all staff across the District are paid accurately and on time, while maintaining full compliance with legislation and provincial and federal policies. My work supports thousands of staff who contribute to students’ success every day.
What has your career journey been so far?
I began my career as an accountant with some payroll responsibilities, which sparked my interest in the field. After completing my payroll designation, I became a Payroll Supervisor. Six years later, I stepped into my current role as Payroll Manager.
What is a time that you felt you really made a difference?
During the pandemic, our payroll team shifted from a paper‑based, in‑office operation to working entirely from home while still ensuring every employee was paid correctly and on time. I led the transition to electronic processes, which significantly reduced paperwork and improved efficiency. This change strengthened our department’s resilience and service to the District.
What advice do you have for young women looking ahead to their careers?
Choose a career that genuinely interests you and believe in your abilities. Keep learning, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Opportunities grow when you do.