Family

My Parents Dianne and Jackson Lafferty


My family is a big part of who I am and how I see the world. I come from a large family and have four siblings, and I’m the second youngest. Growing up like that meant there was always a lot going on, but it also taught me a lot about patience, flexibility, and how important it is to support each other. Being one of the younger ones, I learned a lot just by watching my older siblings, and that has shaped how I build relationships and connect with others now.

I also have three nephews, with a niece on the way, which has made family time even more meaningful. Being an aunt is something I really value.

One of my nephews has Sotos syndrome, which is a condition that can affect growth, learning, and development. Being close to him has helped me better understand the importance of patience, adaptability, and meeting children where they are at. It has shaped how I think about inclusion and has strengthened my commitment to creating learning environments where all children feel supported and valued.
Spending time together is something my family really values. Every year around Christmas, we usually travel somewhere warm together, which gives us time to slow down and just be with each other. As we’ve all gotten older and busier, those moments have become even more important.


My family is also connected to different places and communities. My Oma and Opa on my mom’s side live in Ontario, and my grandpa and late grandma on my dad’s side are from Behchokǫ̀, NT. These connections have shaped how I understand the importance of community, culture, and where we come from.
Everything I’ve learned from my family, about connection, care, and support. It is something I carry into my teaching. I want to create a classroom where students feel that same sense of belonging and know they are supported.