Lisa Pedersen-Skene is a passionate educational leader and play advocate with over 30 years of experience in early learning and elementary education.  Her career includes 15 years as a Kindergarten teacher, 6 years as an Elementary school Principal/Vice Principal and 4 years as District Principal of Early Learning in School District 71, Comox Valley.

Lisa’s professional journey was shaped by her time in kindergarten, where her practice shifted from a traditional, industrial model of schooling to a play-focused, child-centred approach.  Through this transition, she not only saw the powerful impact of play on student engagement, well-being, and academic learning, but also recognized how play creates space for all children to participate meaningfully, honouring diverse strengths, interests, and developmental pathways.  When she later moved to teaching a Grade ? class, she carried this belief forward by intentionally incorporating time for students to play each morning, continuing to see the positive impact on engagement, relationships, and learning.  In the process she rediscovered a deep sense of joy in teaching as learning became more active, authentic, and grounded in children’s curiosity. 

In her district role, Lisa collaborated with educators and leaders to advance the Pedagogy of Play through facilitating professional learning workshops, leading Primary Inquiry Groups, creating a Community of Practice and co-developing with educators a District Play Document.  She has also served as a facilitator for Strengthening Early Years to Kindergarten Transitions and co-facilitator for the Changing Results for Young Children both BC Ministry of Education initiatives.  Lisa also co-authored Let’s Play: Collective Action Can Transform Early Learning for the BC School Superintendents Association Magazine.

Lisa also founded Pathways Learning Community in SD71, a K-3 play and place-based program grounded in developmentally appropriate practice.  She believes play is foundational to both the Core and Curricular Competencies on the BC Curriculum, supporting children’s growth as thinkers, communicators, and learners through meaningful engaging learning experiences.