Paula Mannington

Associate Director of Language Services, Learning & Development

Paula is the Associate Director of Language Services, Learning & Development. Since 2014, she has overseen and led programming initiatives in Archway’s Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC), Access2English (A2E), LINC Childcare, Language Assessment, and Community Service Projects.

Paula began her career in the Human Services field and spent many years nurturing the potential of children, youth, adults, and seniors with diverse abilities in a variety of settings across Canada and overseas.

She moved with her husband and young family to Abbotsford in the early 2000s and soon found welcoming community drop-in programs at Archway’s Family Centre to attend with her children. The excitement of meeting other parents and having a friendly place for her kids to play inspired Paula to join Archway as a volunteer with newcomers in 2003 and then as staff in a teaching assistant role in 2005.

Over time, Paula taught settlement language and English for the Workplace classes across all levels as well as English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses at local and international UFV campuses. In addition, Paula worked with an Archway team to develop and coordinate an alternative program over a 5-year period to help address some unique language learning and settlement needs of marginalized newcomers and their families. This initiative propelled her to complete graduate studies with a thesis focused on teaching and learning in the margins of adult education.

Paula has a Master’s Degree in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University and a BA with a specialization in psychology from Concordia University. She also completed her diploma in Rehabilitation Services from Mount Royal University and a TESL certificate from UFV. She has served in several regional, BC-wide, and national committees and boards focused on language, literacy, and settlement issues.

Paula is enthusiastic about community-based education and enjoys working with staff, volunteers, and the broader community to develop and implement responsive and inclusive programming. Outside of work, Paula values spending time with family and friends and being out in the world, seeking new experiences and knowledge. She carries a spirit of curiosity and a heart full of gratitude for the rich tapestry of life.