Dear TLA Online Community,
I’m pleased to announce and excited to share with you some changes to the leadership structure at TLA Online.
Steve Borley has been appointed as the new Principal of TLA Online as of August 1, 2026. Mr. Borley has been a teacher with TLA Online since 2003, and Vice Principal of the Kindergarten to Grade 9 program from 2012 until the end of the past school year.
Mr. Borley is a highly respected leader in our school. He is an exceptional problem solver in addition to being an innovative and creative thinker, particularly when it comes to education. He happens to have all kinds of interests outside of school as well, which I believe gives him a unique and valuable perspective on the role and purpose of education in society. For example, he is an avid outdoor enthusiast, and just represented Team Canada in a sea kayak fishing competition in Central America this summer.
In his words, “I am passionate about the online school movement because of the individualized service we can give to the education of each student, which better serves the family structure our society is built upon. I am committed to safeguarding the rights of parents and of TLA Online to educate children in a meaningful and personal way.”
Mary-Anne VanderHorst is now a Senior Vice-Principal of Online Learning, extending her leadership and oversight from 10-12 to all of the school’s online courses, currently from grades 7-12. Many thanks to Mrs. VanderHorst for her continuing and tireless efforts, and for agreeing to expand the scope of her leadership this year.
Morven Eakin continues as the Director of Inclusive Education. Mrs. Eakin took on this role last year and has brought a wealth of experience, a valuable sense of discernment, a keen desire to strive toward student success, and a positive outlook when faced with challenging situations. We are continually grateful that she leads the IE department.
Megan Mackenzie steps into the role of Vice Principal of Inclusive Education this year. Ms. Mackenzie works closely with Mrs. Eakin to lead, direct, and support our Inclusive Education department. Megan has many skills outside of school administration, particularly in the Fine Arts as a writer and director for screen and film, and former teacher of our TLA Drama class.
Libby Voth is now our K-9 Blended Vice-Principal. She continues to teach her grade 8-9 Blended class in Cloverdale, she now provides leadership and support to all of our K-9 Blended programs. Mrs. Voth has demonstrated much wisdom and discernment in her work with the Blended program, and her efforts will be invaluable in this new position for the school.
Melissa Friesen is our new K-9 Home Vice-Principal, the position that Steve Borley formerly held. She has returned to TLA Online after a few years away at another Christian Independent school. Mrs. Friesen brings a joyful spirit and energetic demeanour to her work, and we believe that the oversight of our K-9 Home program is in excellent hands under her leadership.
The aforementioned six individuals form TLA Online’s leadership team, along with me – the outgoing principal of TLA Online. I’m not exactly “outgoing” though…I’ve been hired by the Traditional Learning Society (the non-profit board that oversees the school) to take on an executive board position as the Head of Schools for TLA Online and the TLA brick and mortar school in Coquitlam. I will still be working closely to provide guidance and support to the TLA Online leadership team, and particularly with Mr. Borley in order to support him in the principal role he is taking over from me.
This is a lot of change, but these are necessary changes in order to help manage the significant growth in student numbers we have been blessed with over the past decade. What you’ll find the whole leadership team has in common is a strong belief in online learning and home education, and we all respect and seek to honour the role of the family in the education of each child. We are also a fun and creative bunch, each in our way, with vibrant lives and personalities that extend beyond the “walls” of the school. All are committed Christians who demonstrate their love of Christ in the passion they bring to serving students, families, and staff every day. The leadership team, and by extension our whole team of educators, are dedicated to nurturing and strengthening each child to discover and embrace the role they have been created to fulfill.
Many thanks to you for choosing TLA Online to serve and work alongside you in the education of your child. Wishing you all the best for the 2026-27 school year.
God bless,
Gabe Linder
Head of Schools
Traditional Learning Society
