Who We Are

Our Mission

To teach and promote English language and literacy skills needed by adults for daily life in Southeastern Manitoba.

We strive to provide relevant, student-centered, and life-enriching education through inclusive and quality literacy & numeracy instruction.

Amanda Rose Piché
Program Coordinator / Reading and Writing Instructor

(Tuesday, and Thursday mornings)
(Administrative office hours - Mondays and Fridays)

From a young age, teaching others has always been Amanda’s passion. She graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2013 with her Bachelor of Arts and Education degrees. Eager to try everything, she has taught in a variety of different environments, including high school, middle years, and adult education. Volunteering has always been a joy for Amanda as well, especially her time as a Black-Belt Karate instructor, organizing school theater productions, Canadian Citizenship tutoring, and more. In her spare time, she also enjoys arts and crafts, cooking, playing video games, travelling, reading, and of course spending time with her loved ones. She strongly believes in supportive student-centered teaching and community building. Her students often find her dramatically acting out her explanations, and making nerdy jokes.

Erma Kroeker
Reading and Writing Instructor

(Friday mornings)

Erma grew up on a farm in the Interlake with eight siblings. She enjoyed her little country school and for years dreamed of being a teacher. After university she began her dream career: teaching children. Erma loves seeing people develop their skills. She also loves learning and trying new things, so after a number of good years with children, Erma moved on to teaching adults. She began with teaching English as an additional language and then moved to teaching Reading and Writing. Her teaching career has taken her to Germany, Russia, Lithuania, and Ukraine. Yes, Erma loves travelling and getting to know people from different cultures, as well as picking up other languages. Other activities she enjoys are gardening, reading, going for walks, singing, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.

Nalini Ranganath
Math and Computer Instructor

(Monday evenings & Tuesday and Friday afternoons)

Nalini came to Steinbach more than fourteen years ago from New Jersey, shortly after moving from Bangalore, India. She strongly believes that knowledge and education can change one’s life for the better. She has encountered countless amazing and thought-provoking teachers in her school/university days who inspired her to be the teacher she is now. Nalini saw how a teacher can impact a student’s life and help them succeed in their goals. Being a teacher herself now, she wants to teach personalized lessons to help her students succeed. She is keen to learn and understand different cultures and languages, and she loves trying traditional foods from around the world. Nalini enjoys travelling, cooking, baking and loves watching movies on Netflix. 

Nour Degheili
Reading & Writing Instructor

(Monday & Tuesday evenings, with extra sessions by appointment)

Nour has always been passionate about curriculum, teaching, and technology - especially after earning her Master’s Degree. Throughout her career, she’s had the privilege of teaching in several countries, working with students from diverse nationalities, cultures, and educational backgrounds. Her experience spans a wide variety of learning environments and age groups. Nour has taught in elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as at the university level and in adult education. Helping students reach their full potential is something Nour takes great pride in! She truly believes in student-centered teaching, as it helps shape confident individuals who go on to strengthen their communities. In her spare time, Nour enjoys being in nature, traveling, and getting lost in a compelling book. 

Valerie Zacharias
Family Literacy Coordinator/Family Literacy Instructor

(Tuesday & Thursday mornings from October to December)

Val has been working with SEELS for many years. During that time, she has taught EAL in a wide variety of community programs, supporting hundreds of Manitoban newcomers with settling in and gaining confidence navigating life in a new country. Val exceeded expectations in her role as SEELS Program Director for many years, providing valuable mentorship for all current SEELS staff members. She celebrated her retirement in June 2021, and now sits on the SEELS Board of Directors.
Even in retirement, Val’s love for teaching carries on! She continues to run the “Family Literacy” classes for parents and children that take place in Kleefeld, MB. These sessions provide an excellent opportunity for families to connect while practicing English in deeply meaningful ways.