About Us
As a result of globalization and educational research, the “image of a child” has changed from that of an empty vessel or thirsty sponge to that of a “competent and unique individual” bringing their own strengths and learning competencies to the table. This in turn has brought about a shift from theories of learning that support the top-down transfer of select information to theories that support the co-construction of knowledge in the classroom and beyond. We believe literature is the best conduit with which to construct such knowledge.
​This shift is reflected in the philosophical base of all programs offered at the Lyceum.
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At the Lyceum we choose to concentrate on the perceptual dimension of learning in an effort to challenge binary thinking and encourage exploration of “possibilities.” Nurturing a lens through which to view personal, local, and global interactions helps children develop guiding principles when approaching problematic situations inherent in a diverse society.

The Lyceum Explained
The context of the painting, with its classical architecture, high ceiling, open windows and bright light reflect the balance, proportion and clarity of a well-ordered environment. These characteristics are also symbols for the transparency of effective pedagogy: at the Lyceum this is mirrored in the glass offices, library windows, high ceilings and abundant natural light that signify the importance of light in illuminating possibility.


Meet the Team

Christianne Hayward
Founder & Director
Christianne has been educating children and adults for over 35 years. She established her unique parent and youth bookclubs in 1996, and now facilitates 17 bookclubs, 4 writers’ workshops and literature and art classes for young children at the Lyceum. She also teaches at post-secondary institutions, works as a teacher consultant, spent more than three decades facilitating parent groups in the ANCHOR Program at the Vancouver Child Study Centre, and is mother of two sons.
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Her Ph.D studies in education (UBC, 2000) focused on using select children’s literature to develop socially relevant curriculum in early childhood settings through to high school. Christianne’s M.Ed studies (Bristol, 1982) centered around the use of literary theming in nursery schools and its effect on children’s attitudes toward reading. Christianne completed her B.Ed (U of A, 1978) in Special Education and received her Diploma in Early Childhood Education in the same year. Her first year of study at the U of A was dedicated to Fine Arts which fueled a life-long love of the arts.

Kellie Quinn
Administrative Manager & Co-Educator
After moving to Vancouver from Ireland in 2019, Kellie fell completely in love with beautiful British Columbia, and quickly decided to make it her home away from home.
Kellie graduated with a BA in English, Media and Cultural Studies from Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology in 2015, and is a passionate artist and creative writer. In her spare time she enjoys drawing, reading and has recently become fascinated with the art of needle felting.
Before joining the Lyceum team, she worked as a program assistant for a non-profit organization which helped women in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Here she gained a compassion that we have come to value at the Lyceum very much.
Kellie’s favourite thing about working at the Lyceum is having the opportunity to connect with so many wonderful families, and to contribute to a strong community which celebrates creativity, individuality and socially conscientious behavior.

Diana A
2024/25 Summer Student
Diana is completing her BA (Hons) in English literature at the University of British Columbia. She volunteered at the Lyceum for several years before joining the team in 2022, when she first had the privilege of working closely with many young writers as editor in chief and designer for Zine Fair.
Prior to her work at the Lyceum, Diana spent her time teaching dance and music to children and teens in Vancouver. A lifelong lover of the performing arts, Diana also participates in local musicals and operas whenever she has the chance.
In her spare time, Diana loves sewing, photography, learning new arias, designing jewellery, and reading and writing about fairy tales, Gothic literature, and eco-fiction. She is passionate about the ways in which literature can shape and shift our understanding of nature, identity, and society. She is always excited when her interests in pedagogy, writing, and ideas intersect at the Lyceum.

Shigeko May Nagashima
Marketing Coordinator & ECE
Shigeko moved from Japan to Canada in 1990, embracing her new home and building a life filled with creativity and purpose. In Japan, she worked in the production department at the head office of a major motor company. While she enjoyed the structure and challenges of the corporate world, Shigeko decided to follow her lifelong dream of becoming an artist. She earned a Fine Arts degree from Emily Carr University and spent over 20 years dedicated to her artistic practice.
In recent years, Shigeko discovered her passion for teaching young children, inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy—a teaching approach that deeply integrates art and creativity. Drawing on her artistic expertise and her natural ability to connect with children, Shigeko brings a unique perspective to her teaching. She has an extraordinary gift for recognizing when to step back and let children explore independently and when to offer a gentle nudge or thought-provoking question to guide their learning.
Shigeko’s curiosity about the natural world and her thoughtful approach to big questions make her a natural fit for the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Her authenticity, creativity, and dedication shine through in every aspect of her work, fostering meaningful connections and inspiring young minds to embrace their own curiosity and creativity.

Caitlin Ferguson
Copywriter and program consultant
Having moved to Vancouver from the U.K. almost 8 years ago, Caitlin is now a fully fledged Canadian.
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She graduated with an MA (Hons) in English Literature from The University of Dundee in 2015 after taking a some time to travel the world in between. Caitlin spent the year after her degree volunteering for Victim and Witness Support Scotland, a non-profit aiming to provide specialized services for victims and witnesses of violent and non-violent crimes; as well as a two month stint in India as a human rights intern. She worked at the Lyceum as program manager and systems coordinator for 6 years and knew that there was no way she could leave it behind.
The people closest to her know of her insatiable curiosity, desire to collect new skills, and love of donuts.

Dorothy Lutkiewicz
Bookkeeper
Dorothy is our inimitable bookkeeper. She came to us with great humbleness saying she wanted to sharpen her skills in the workforce and in just 2 years has managed to make herself indispensable.
Dorothy is also mom to three amazing teenaged children, who always challenge her as they teach her how to be a better person. She loves the outdoors, travelling, and sleeping in on the weekends. You can find her biking in Pacific Spirit Park, chaperoning a field trip or running errands in the busy neigbourhood of Kerrisdale. She’s always ready to jump in with a helping hand and to learn something new.