Faculty and Staff
Susan Choy
Instructional Assistant
Driven by a profound passion for working with children with special needs, especially those on the autism spectrum, Sue joined Third Academy in January 2018. She found immediate alignment with the school’s mission. As articulated by the founder Dr. Mattu: "Third Academy gives hope… hope for kids, families, and our collective futures." Sue's approach centers on building genuine connections with students, fostering trust, and collaboratively finding creative solutions to challenges.
After three years of dedicated service, Sue identified a crucial need for a program tailored to students who were not pursuing a traditional diploma but remained eager to learn and develop essential life skills. This vision culminated in the creation of the Life Skills Program in 2021. The program has significantly impacted students' lives, offering practical work experience through a partnership with Vecova, where students engage with various Calgary businesses over a three-month period, building confidence and valuable skills.
The Life Skills Program also provides enriching educational experiences, including a hands-on Foods Class in a commercial kitchen, where students bake for the school store and prepare shared meals. Students also manage the school store during lunch recess and oversee the bottle recycling program. Monthly field trips extend learning beyond the classroom, encompassing activities such as shopping for class supplies, visiting the recycling depot, hiking in Kananaskis, and exploring Calgary’s urban trails. A particularly meaningful excursion is the visit to Calgary’s Central Library, where many students experience the excitement of obtaining their first library card.
Sue's life extends beyond her professional dedication. She enjoys hiking with her sisters-in-law and their dogs, exploring the natural beauty of the outdoors. An avid traveler, she delights in discovering local hidden gems. As an empty nester, she has transformed a spare room into a personal yoga and meditation sanctuary, reflecting her commitment to self-care and mindfulness.
After three years of dedicated service, Sue identified a crucial need for a program tailored to students who were not pursuing a traditional diploma but remained eager to learn and develop essential life skills. This vision culminated in the creation of the Life Skills Program in 2021. The program has significantly impacted students' lives, offering practical work experience through a partnership with Vecova, where students engage with various Calgary businesses over a three-month period, building confidence and valuable skills.
The Life Skills Program also provides enriching educational experiences, including a hands-on Foods Class in a commercial kitchen, where students bake for the school store and prepare shared meals. Students also manage the school store during lunch recess and oversee the bottle recycling program. Monthly field trips extend learning beyond the classroom, encompassing activities such as shopping for class supplies, visiting the recycling depot, hiking in Kananaskis, and exploring Calgary’s urban trails. A particularly meaningful excursion is the visit to Calgary’s Central Library, where many students experience the excitement of obtaining their first library card.
Sue's life extends beyond her professional dedication. She enjoys hiking with her sisters-in-law and their dogs, exploring the natural beauty of the outdoors. An avid traveler, she delights in discovering local hidden gems. As an empty nester, she has transformed a spare room into a personal yoga and meditation sanctuary, reflecting her commitment to self-care and mindfulness.