Meet the Board

President: Mark Friesen

Mark Friesen is an Assistant Professor at the University of the Fraser Valley where he teaches ABE English.  His research interests are in adult place-conscious learning and Indigenization, as well as generative AI and its impact on teaching and learning.  Mark has been a board member of ABEABC since 2022.

Vice-President: Puja Gupta

Puja Gupta is an educator, academic leader, and passionate advocate for inclusive learning. Originally from a small city in India, she moved to Canada in 2008 and now lives on the traditional lands of the Lkwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. Her journey at Camosun College began as an instructional assistant and has since grown into a fulfilling career spanning roles as an instructor, department chair, and currently, Acting Associate Dean for the School of Access.

With over two decades of experience in mathematics, sciences, and computer studies, Puja is dedicated to transformative learning and student success. She has been instrumental in curriculum development, strategic planning, and advancing Open Educational Resources (OER). Beyond the classroom, she mentors new instructors, leads community education initiatives, and actively contributes to Indigenization efforts in adult education.

Puja’s work is deeply rooted in advocacy, ensuring equitable access to education for all learners, including women, immigrants, and Indigenous students. Whether developing gamified learning experiences or fostering collaboration in academic spaces, she remains committed to making education engaging, accessible, and impactful.

Secretary: Stephanie Forgacs

A qualified TESOL instructor, Stephanie began working in the field of English language teaching in 2019 after a 25-year career in fund development in higher education and healthcare.

Passionate about language and literacy development, Stephanie works one on one with both adults and children in English language learning, and remedial reading. She has been a member of the ABEABC since 2019 and is the Metro Vancouver Regional representative and Groundwork Magazine Co-Chair.

Treasurer: Shauna Svekla

Shauna is currently a Coordinator for Adult Basic Education Programs, in the Upgrading and University Preparation department at UFV. She currently sits as the ABEABC Treasurer and Membership Coordinator and has been involved with the board in the past as a Government Liaison and conference presenter. In addition to Adult Basic Education, her career has included positions across the non profit and education sectors in Immigrant employment programs, Private Education and Human Resources.   In all roles, she has advocated for the consideration and support of talent that can be offered by people with barriered backgrounds and feels strongly about the importance of community collaboration in assisting people with barriered backgrounds to reach their goals. In her spare time, she can be found taking steps towards self understanding and growth, enjoying time with her daughter, spending time in nature and playing in the garden.

Past President: Izabela Mazur

Izabela is the past President of the Adult Basic Education Association of British Columbia (ABEABC).  Other past roles on the Board include four years serving as Treasurer of the association and one year as the Cariboo/Okanagan Representative.

Promoted to Associate Teaching Professor at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in 2022. Dedicated and enthusiastic educator with over 20 years of teaching experience in Adult Basic Education (ABE).

Passionate advocate for use of Open Educational Resources (OER) to make education more accessible and affordable to students. An author of Introductory Algebra and a co-author of Advanced Business Technical Math; two open textbooks in the BCcampus collection.

Board Members

Regional Representatives