After graduating with a Bachelors of Education from the University of Nebraska in 1996, Mrs. Ortega's first job was teaching high school English to grades 8-12 in British Columbia, her home province.  She spent four summers earning a Masters Degree in Educational Administration & Leadership from La Sierra University, graduating again in 2001.  

Upon starting her family, Shifra juggled being a stay-at-home/homeschooling mom and K-12 substitute teacher.  She has had the privilege of living in many communities over the years, absorbing and appreciating the majestic beauty of our Canadian landscapes along the way.  She sees how these experiences have helped enrich her approach to education and the individual.

As skills are honed, ideas buzz, creativity sparks and opinions and world views form, the TDSO classroom is a happening place!

Mrs. Ortega likes to take walks with her family, do puzzles while listening to Sherlock Holmes mysteries, sew, bake and read historical novels/biographies.