To create committed multi-disciplinary community working together to provide a supportive learning environment for cross-disability students and their families to deliver the best outcomes in their social, emotional, and educational journey.
We maximize student potential through excellence in individualized programming. Our values are the guiding principles that form the foundation of our community, programming and services.
Building an environment where student and staff safety is a concern shared by everyone.
Treating others, ourselves, and our environment with high regard and value.
Creating an environment that recognizes and values the unique differences across our community by supporting everyone to do their best.
Providing a caring and compassionate environment for staff, students, and their families.
Enriching our practices to nurture, protect, and guide our resources – human, financial, and environmental – into the future.
Calgary Quest School (CQS) was established in 1980 by a group of caring parents of students with challenges. These parents formed a non-profit society and wrote a philosophy for Quest School that continues to this day. In 1995, Calgary Quest School approached the Alberta Government to become a Designated Special Education Private School (DSEPS). Once this designation was granted, Calgary Quest School took its place as a fully sanctioned school designated to bring dignity and respect for education of students with significant challenges.
Learn more about Calgary Quest School, our programs, services and rooms for children of any ability level.
Our staff are comprised of teachers, instructional assistants, and administrative professionals who work as a team to foster the mission, vision, and values of our school. Our community of caring and dedicated professionals will take the time to get to know your child and their needs. They will work closely with you - as it is understood that you are your child’s first teacher and guiding influence - to develop an individualized education plan customized to respect your child’s ability and reach their potential.
CQS teachers provide leadership in our classrooms and to our staff and students. They are responsible for your child’s learning, development, and the implementation of their Individual Program Plan. Teachers liaise with instructional assistants on your child’s assessments, program recommendations, clinic attendance (A.C.H.), equipment needs, and more.
All Teachers employed by CQS have a valid Professional Teacher’s Certificate issued by the Government of Alberta.
Instructional assistants are the “hands on” program of CQS and play a critical role in your child’s education. Each assistant is only responsible for a small number of students in order to ensure your child is provided consistent, responsive, and individualized care.
This small and dynamic team keeps Calgary Quest School moving forward. The Administration team includes the Executive Director, Principal, Business Manager, and Executive Assistant . This team works collaboratively to support the entire administration of the School, and delivers service which is responsive to the needs of the parents, staff and students.
The Board is a volunteer-based, policy determination board which focuses on policy developments to advance the mission and strategy of Calgary Quest School.
Calgary Quest School is governed by a Board of Directors (the “Board”). The Board is a volunteer-based, policy determination board which focuses on policy developments to advance the mission and strategy of Calgary Quest School. As such, the Board plays a central role in the governance of the business and affairs of Calgary Quest School.
Enhancing our ability to better meet the needs of our unique student population and their families by providing a safe learning environment that carefully considers and compliments their individual medical, physical, emotional, behaviour, and learning needs.
Maintaining a safe and health-focused environment to meet the medical needs of our student population.
Identifying funding opportunities that support CQS education & programming.
Fostering a wholesome environment that remains sustainability for years to come.
Promoting quality individual & classroom programming by incorporating various programs of study, curriculums, & programs that facilitate learning in academics, life skills, inclusion & belonging, physical and sexual health, workplace readiness, self-regulation, and/or health focused medical needs.
Maximizing community partnerships to better meet the needs of our student population and their families through the use of research, knowledge, & resources.
Supporting the development and ongoing well-being of a diverse staff population through effective recruitment and hiring, relevant professional development, a safe and positive working environment, and appreciation of their work.
Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from McMaster University, and is a Chartered Professional Accountant. Thomas is currently the Director, Finance, Special Projects at Calfrac Well Services Ltd. where he has worked since 2007 in various senior finance positions in both Canada and the United States. Prior to this, Thomas spent a number of years working in the audit and assurance group of PwC, a major accounting firm. Thomas has a daughter attending CQS.
Pamela holds a Bachelor of Arts (Sociology, Psychology), a Bachelor of Social Work, and is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources. Pamela started her career as a child protection social worker, and over the last 20 years has held Human Resource positions in Absence & Disability Management, Total Rewards, and Communication & Risk Management. Pamela has a son attending CQS.
Scott has a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Alberta, and is a Chartered Accountant. He brings with him years of experience as a Chief Financial Officer and as a Partner with PwC. Scott is currently Chief Financial Officer of UFA Co-operative. His charitable Board experience includes; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Calgary Chapter; Children’s Link Society; FSHD Society (Muscular Dystrophy). Scott has a son who attends CQS.
Sue Crawford holds degrees in science and nursing, and completed her Master of Nursing degree at the University of Calgary. She is the Nurse Clinician with the Neurodevelopment team at the Child Development Centre, a capstone position she is excited to fill thanks to her 9 years of experience working with high risk children and youth. With Between Friends, she is the Camp Director for Camp Fun’zAmust in partnership with Easter Seals. Sue teaches Pediatric Nursing and Health Education at Bow Valley College, and is also the co-founder and CEO of Enable, a social enterprise that matches individuals with disabilities to support workers.
Ellen holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Laws, and a Master of Public Administration. Ellen has 19 years of extensive litigation experience and splits her practice between employment and general litigation matters. She has a strong interest in reproductive technology and fertility. Ellen became a partner at Carbert Waite LLP in 2019. She enjoys spending time in the mountains and keeping active with her family by participating in a variety of activities including skiing and biking.
Wendy has a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Calgary. Her professional background is as a teacher for over 20 years, splitting time between teaching on a Metis Settlement in Northern Alberta, and teaching for various schools in the Calgary Public School system. She has taught grades 1-3 and grades 5-6. Her teaching experience includes teaching students with both Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. She has a daughter who attended CQS for over a decade.
Barbara began her career as an elementary school teacher. After a decade she joined the Faculty of McMaster University DeGroote School of Business where she taught both graduate and undergraduate classes in organizational development, human resources, and strategy.
After a decade, she left the university and co-founded a start-up company, joined Price Waterhouse Coopers to build the Ontario provincial consulting practice and then the national practice. Alberta Health Services subsequently recruited her as the Senior Vice President of Strategy and Performance.
Currently Barbara serves on the Board for PFM Scheduling, and Therapalz. Barbara holds a BA (Sociology), BEd (Elementary), MBA (Human Resources & Labour Relations), CMC (Certified Management Consultant) and the ICD.D designation in Board governance (University of Calgary).
