As an Instructional Designer at Thompson Rivers University—Open Learning, Marie is dedicated to creating educational experiences that inspire and engage learners.  She looks for opportunities to highlight active learning and creativity in her course design, and uses innovative pedagogical approaches to best utilize online environments for learning and teaching.

Marie grew up in the Czech Republic, where she started teaching high school level English as a Second Language, Studio Drawing, and History of Architecture.  Her curiosity and sense of adventure took her to study, live, and work in the United States and Canada.  In 2006, Marie moved from face-to-face educational settings to work in distance education, which has been her passion ever since.

Marie’s educational background is in Learning and Technology (MA, Royal Roads University), and Art History and English Literature (BA honours, University of Victoria).