Board Members

Cathy Shi holds a Doctorate in English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher Education from Canada. Her research focuses on ESL teacher education, the barriers and coping strategies faced by skilled immigrants in Canada regarding career development, English education for immigrants, and global citizenship education for children. With 35 years of experience teaching ESL, Cathy has dedicated her career to helping others navigate language and cultural challenges.
Since retiring in 2020, Cathy has been reflecting on her life experiences in a cross-cultural context and sharing her insights through writing. In 2021, she joined the Edmonton Chinese Writing Club and soon appointed first as vice-president and then president. As a passionate literature lover and a limelight leader, Cathy has found fulfillment in her dream volunteer role.

Wencui Zhang, Vice President of the Edmonton Chinese Writing Club, holding a PhD in Biodiversity and Ecosystems. Prior to immigrating to Canada, served as a sociology professor at a Chinese university and conducted over a decade of research on rural social development at a provincial social science academy. Currently focused on nutrition and health management as a licensed public nutritionist and a senior associate for USANA Cellular Nutrition Company. Passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing life through photography and writing. Maintains a personal public WeChat account, "伊人意趣".

Xi Gui, Secretary-General of the Board, plays a crucial role in the ECWC. She handles various responsibilities including financial management, website maintenance, and coordinating with partner media to showcase members' publications in the writing column. This combination of tasks ensures smooth operations and visibility for members' work.

I’m a proud mom of two amazing daughters and a Registered Nurse, passionate about making a positive impact in our community! Alongside my work, I love volunteering at my kids' school and staying active in Edmonton’s Chinese community. I serve on the board of the Edmonton Chinese Writing Club and lead a youth writing club for kids aged 10-12, where I get to share my love for creativity and storytelling with young writers. My daughters and I also enjoy being part of the Edmonton Beijing Opera Club, and we sing with the Red Maple Choir. In my free time, I love rollerblading, sewing, feeding birds, and connecting with nature. If I could have one wish come true, it would be for every person to feel seen, accepted, and celebrated for who they are.

Researcher at the Thinking Training Research Center, Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University, and visiting scholar at the University of Alberta in the fields of Elementary Education and Computer Science. Creator of the VETAE Thinking Tool Training System. Xiaodong Wen has dedicated himself to thinking training for all ages, from early childhood through to seniors.
He served as a judge in the first “Youth Creative Writing Contest,” co-organized by the Edmonton Chinese Writing Club and *Time Weekly* in 2023, and has consistently contributed to thinking training activities. His published works include *VETAE Cognitive Development Training Manual—Universal Thinking Training Handbook*, *Thinking Training Activities for Young Children*, and an upcoming textbook series *Thinking Training for Elementary Students*. Additionally, he has published short stories, such as “Crazy of Harvesting” an excerpt from *Thinking Horizon*, Book 1 (forthcoming).
Note: VETAE is an acronym for Values, Emotion, Thinking, Action, and Evaluation.