Faculty and Staff
Donnie Leung
Instructional Assistant
Donnie Leung brings a unique perspective and a "soul-filling" mission to his role as an Instructional Assistant at Third Academy. Born in Hong Kong and raised in Calgary since the age of two, Donnie spent much of his professional life in the world of commercial insurance. However, his path shifted a few years ago when he witnessed the profound impact of small learning pods during school closures. This experience sparked a deep desire to transition into a field where he could empower children and make a tangible, positive impact. Following a referral from a staff member at LYNX, Donnie officially joined the Third Schools family in January 2026, eager to trade corporate metrics for the meaningful work of student advocacy.
With an educational background in Creative Writing from Vancouver Island University, Donnie approaches his work with a narrative-driven empathy. He is deeply aligned with Third Academy’s philosophy of "Healing the Heart and Educating the Mind," firmly believing that a foundation of love and safety must be established before academic learning can truly take root. To Donnie, supporting students with diverse learning needs means focusing on the whole child—addressing their emotional and physical well-being to remove barriers to success. He views every child as capable of thriving when provided with an individualized approach and an environment that prioritizes confidence and self-worth.
Outside of the classroom, Donnie is an avid runner who hits the pavement at least three times a week to stay centered and calibrated. He is also a passionate fan of football, a sport he bravely took up for the first time in his mid-thirties in a senior men’s league—an experience he cites as one of his greatest periods of personal growth. When he isn't running or on the field, he enjoys exploring the local culinary scene and seeking out new food experiences. Above all, Donnie is a dedicated father to his two sons, Dante and Dorian. He views his role in their lives as a conductor, helping them champion their own unique ways of experiencing and receiving the world.
With an educational background in Creative Writing from Vancouver Island University, Donnie approaches his work with a narrative-driven empathy. He is deeply aligned with Third Academy’s philosophy of "Healing the Heart and Educating the Mind," firmly believing that a foundation of love and safety must be established before academic learning can truly take root. To Donnie, supporting students with diverse learning needs means focusing on the whole child—addressing their emotional and physical well-being to remove barriers to success. He views every child as capable of thriving when provided with an individualized approach and an environment that prioritizes confidence and self-worth.
Outside of the classroom, Donnie is an avid runner who hits the pavement at least three times a week to stay centered and calibrated. He is also a passionate fan of football, a sport he bravely took up for the first time in his mid-thirties in a senior men’s league—an experience he cites as one of his greatest periods of personal growth. When he isn't running or on the field, he enjoys exploring the local culinary scene and seeking out new food experiences. Above all, Donnie is a dedicated father to his two sons, Dante and Dorian. He views his role in their lives as a conductor, helping them champion their own unique ways of experiencing and receiving the world.