Joanne has been coaching groups and private lessons at the Vancouver Chess School since 2014. She has taught over 150 students at VCS, directed weekly tournaments, and has organized our summer and Christmas events. As a competitive chess player since age 8, she was the 2011 U14 Girls Canadian Champion and had the opportunity to represent Canada at 2 World Championships. In her time as a UBC student, she played for the BC Juniors in the Vancouver Rapid League and was an active member of the UBC Chess Club for many years. 

Joanne is now a structural engineer working in London, UK, where she also teaches chess privately in her spare time. She continues to support VCS in an administrative capacity and is excited to see the accomplishments of all VCS students in the future. Outside of chess, Joanne enjoys yoga, hiking and travelling.