Niovi Patsicakis moved to Surrey from Quebec in 1991 thus speaks both French and Greek. She resides with her husband and has a daughter. She has taught in Surrey for over 25 years as a classroom and Learning Support teacher, is now a Teacher on Call.
She holds Bachelor and Master of Education degrees from McGill University in the field of remedial reading and special education. She has been a strong advocate for public education and particularly for students with special needs since 2002.
This teaching background is important at the board level not only as a passion for children but also for insightful, progressive leadership especially in establishing and prioritizing programs.
During her teaching career, Niovi was the President of the Association of Surrey Specialist Educators. She also served as a union representative, and sat on various committees such as Labour and Status of Women. In 2012, she was on the Surrey Teachers Bargaining Committee. During her long advocacy, she has presented briefs to government and school board, written many letters to Members of the Legislature and in Surrey newspapers.
Niovi believes in serving her community. She was affiliated with the Learning Disabilities Fraser South, as a trainer and supervisor of volunteers for the Real Reading and Math Program. In the past five years, she has run the Surrey Gifted/Gifted LD Parents Network and as member of CHADD- Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder would like to see more supports in our schools for those students and all others with special learning needs. She administers the BC Citizens for a Fully Funded Public Education group on Facebook.
Niovi is on the Board of the Surrey Hospice Society, Surrey Global Peace Alliance and the Canadian Peace Initiative. Niovi is a strong social justice advocate and has a long political involvement supporting progressive leaders in the community. In the 2017 election, Niovi ran as a candidate for member of the legislature for Surrey White Rock.