Fernando Oliveira is a teacher, instructional designer and technology junkie. After graduating from teacher’s college in 2001, Fernando worked as a high school teacher in remote First Nations communities in Northwestern Ontario. Fernando has also spent over a decade working with high schools, colleges and universities to develop online learning environments and programs that suit the needs of their respective learning communities.

Fernando is a passionate advocate for Open Source software and online technologies that allow educators and learners to utilize the power of the Internet in ways that are meaningful, productive and fun. Fernando has a Masters of Education degree with a focus on curriculum and online learning.

Master of Education, OISE, University of Toronto
Bachelor of Education, OISE, University of Toronto
Bachelor of Arts (History/Political Science), Woodsworth, University of Toronto

Pam Turnbull is an expert educator with an extensive background in curriculum development, instructional strategies, teacher professional development, guidance counselling, and social, emotional and academic learning. Working with the internationally acclaimed York Region District School Board in Ontario, Canada, Pam served in many capacities including Teacher, School Counsellor, Guidance Department Head, District Level Consultant and District Secondary Program Coordinator. Her provincial work includes Director and Instructor with the Ontario School Counsellors’ Association, writer for the Ontario Ministry of Education and University Adjunct Professor. Pam has worked globally with adult educators delivering professional development programs for teachers in Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China and Kuwait. Pam has a Masters of Education degree with a focus on curriculum.

Master of Education, OISE, University of Toronto
Bachelor of Education, OISE, University of Toronto
Bachelor of Arts (English/Political Science), University College, University of Toronto

Lakshmi Priya is an education management professional with more than a decade of experience in Leadership & Mentoring, Curriculum Design & Digital Content Development. She began her professional journey as software engineer after graduating from Pondicherry University in India. She launched her career in education as a teaching research associate at the Madras Institute of Technology in India, and then continuing on as a full time Research Associate at an Educational Research Center.  Lakshmi has since held various educational positions from teacher to school Principal. She has designed and implemented English, Computer Science, French and Value Education programs for school children from grades 1 to 12.

Lakshmi is an avid reader, and enjoys employing her creativity through writing and professional web design.  She is passionate about learning, and education, and holds a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering, Bachelors in Education and Masters in English.

Master of Arts (English), Jhansi University, India
Bachelor of Education, Kerala University, India
Bachelor of Technology (Mechanical Eng), Pondicherry University, India

Paul Tufts recently completed a two-year term working as an Education Advisor for a private education service provider in Malaysia. As a member of the advisory team, he helped to lead the implementation of the Malaysian government’s blueprint for school transformation in their public schools.
Prior to his international experience, Paul worked for 31 years with a large school board in Ontario. His roles included teacher, vice-principal and principal in the secondary panel, as well as Superintendent of Education in his final six years with the board.
At the provincial level, Paul has taught the qualification programs for both principals and supervisory officers.

Master of Education – Western University
Bachelor of Education – Western University
Bachelor of Arts – Western University

David May has taught both at universities and high schools in China and Taiwan as an ESL/EFL teacher. He has prior experience as the Political and Economic Analyst for Export Development Canada and currently continues to work as a Research and Communications Specialist with extensive knowledge and experience in the Asia Pacific market.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with wide-ranging certification in International Relations, Politics and Globalization.  With his broad experiences in the media, communications and education sectors and a strong academic foundation, David brings many talents to his work with Rosedale Academy.

Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA), Cambridge University – International House Hanoi, Vietnam
Journalism Diploma, Algonquin College, Algonquin College
Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy), Dalhousie University

Dana Pickford is an experienced K-12 teacher who holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree focused in Educational/Instructional Technology from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.

Dana has a demonstrated history of success across a variety of professional roles, from information technology, to customer service, and teaching. She continues to showcase her professional success with Rosedale Academy as an online instructor of both English and ESL courses, and as a teacher with the Greater Essex District School Board in Ontario.

Master of Education, University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Education, University of Windsor
Bachelor of Arts Honours (English and Psychology), University of Windsor

Jessica Quinto is a graduate from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. She earned a degree in Science where she studied Applied and Industrial Mathematics as well as Physics. She later earned a degree in Education so she could become a teacher that inspires her students to love math and science as much as she does. Since graduating, she began working with Rosedale in 2016 where she found a love for teaching online.

Jessica has a huge passion for technology and the online world. She spends the majority of her day on her computer teaching live English to students who live in China. She teaches, develops, and edits a number of online courses for students around the world at Rosedale Academy as well as others. Jessica has grown a passion to teach international students all sorts of subjects.

Bachelor of Education (Mathematics and Physics), University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science (Applied and Industrial Mathematics), University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Victoria Miles has experience as both a curriculum developer and designer where she has created ESL and English courses to be delivered in an online environment. Her courses incorporate online learning apps that promote interactive learning for students.

Victoria has taught internationally in Uganda, as well as various independent schools in Ontario, with ESL and English as her areas of expertise. Already holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Sociology from Saint Mary’s University, she is currently adding to her portfolio by completing the Bachelor of Education program at Simon Fraser University located in Vancouver, B.C. where she is specializing in Secondary School teaching and Curriculum Theory.

Bachelor of Education / Professional Development Program, Simon Fraser University
TESOL / TEFL Master Course, Learn TEFL Online
Bachelor of Arts (English/Sociology), Saint Mary’s University

Katrina Baran is an instructional designer and English language education specialist with more than 15 years of experience in teaching English, teacher training and course, curriculum and assessment design and implementation.  She has taught, presented and/or delivered teacher training in countries as diverse as South Korea, Mongolia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Canada, the US and the UK.

Her research interests include integrating mobile technology into the language learning classroom and maintaining humanistic teaching approaches in online and blended learning.  Katrina completed an MSEd in Learning Design and Technology in summer 2018.

Master of Science in Education (Learning Design and Technology), Purdue University
Master of Arts (Teaching English as a Second Language), SIT
DELTA Modules 1 & 3 (Merit), Cambridge ESOL
Bachelor of Arts (Linguistics), Carleton University
Certificate of Teaching English as a Second Language, Carleton University

Zachary Stefani started working with Rosedale Academy in 2018. Prior to that, he worked for two years in Beijing, China as an EFL instructor at Disney English as well as a private tutor. While with Disney English, he was responsible for creating lesson plans and curriculum, as well as executing them.

Zachary has developed his craft as an EFL trainer and course developer through professional experience and a number of accredited courses. He has numerous TEFL certifications and also has his PASS B level in the Cambridge CELTA program.

Zachary graduated from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, where he a Dean’s list member. In his undergrad, he studied numerous topics including linguistics, formal logic and argumentation theory. Zachary is a member of good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers certified as a primary/ junior level teacher and has completed an additional qualification to teach intermediate History. With a strong passion for education and language acquisition, Zachary has dedicated his time to creating top tier EFL lessons.

Bachelor of Education, University of Ontario Institute of Technology
PASS B CELTA Certification
Advanced TEFL and TEFL in China
              Teaching with Limited Resources
              Teaching Young Students
              Teaching Large Classes
Honours Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy; York University

David Boughton has been helping English language learners for the last 15 years. He began his career teaching English in Mexico, and he later taught in Toronto, working with students from all over the world. He went on to become Director of Studies, where he created curriculum and managed ESL programs and summer camps. He was also Principal of an Ontario high school, helping international students study in Canada.

In the last few years, David has been designing e-learning and online content. He has created courses and content for learners all around the world.

He completed his Master of Education in second language education at the university of Toronto, with a focus in online education and tasked-based language learning.

Master of Education, OISE, University of Toronto
Bachelor of Arts, University of Guelph
TESL Canada

Tyler Pollard is currently an instructional designer who has a wide range of professional experience both in the ESL classroom and in curriculum development.

Tyler started his teaching career in Korea, where he soon became very passionate about Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) as well as how to successfully integrate technology into his teaching practice.  As a lifetime learner, Tyler has continued to upgrade his credentials and has held several positions in higher education, most recently as an eLearning Specialist and International Student Support Officer at Algoma University where he continues to enjoy helping foreign students as they transition to academic study in Canada. He has a Level 3 TESL Canada Certification and is a qualified IELTS Speaking Examiner as well as CAEL Administrator for Northern Ontario.

Tyler’s recent interests focus on outcomes-based-education, accessibility in eLearning, and Quality Matters. His teaching philosophy is centered on Growth Mindset, Positive Psychology, and Resilience Theory.  Tyler is an avid cross country skier who also enjoys woodworking and spending time with his wife and two kids in the beautiful countryside of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

Master of Education (Digital Technologies), University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Master of Linguistics – Aston University
Bachelor of Education – Lakehead University
Bachelor of Arts – Lakehead University

Rachel Firth studied for a year in Switzerland, where her passion for language learning began. Through both her own French and Italian language learning experiences and through her volunteer work with an after school ESL program, she became familiar with the language learning processes for all age and experience levels, and is using that experience in assisting the development of Rosedale ESL curriculum.

Rachel is currently a student at the University of Guelph studying Mechanical Engineering. She is specializing in wind and solar energy and manufacturing systems, and is an active member of the Gryphon Racing Formula SAE Team, Outdoors Club, and Orientation Week Big Buddies.

Bachelor of Engineering, University of Guelph (anticipated)

Bethany Villanueva is currently a student majoring in English at York University. With a passion for accessible education and literacy, she is proud to be working with Rosedale Academy as an ESL course editor, and is using her knowledge and experience to ensure quality in each ESL level.  Bethany is also an avid reader and has a great interest in creative writing, poetry, and blogging.

Bachelor of Arts – York University (anticipated)

Jessica Tonkin is currently completing her Ontario College Diploma for Recreation Therapy at Canadore College. She has previously completed and received her Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University.

Jessica has extensive knowledge working with online learning systems, and has developed after school programs and activities for non-profit organizations. She brings these skills, and her experience with lesson plan development to help the Rosedale ESL team review and edit their courses.

Bachelor of Education – Nippissing University
Bachelor of Arts – Wilfrid Laurier University

Arrani Selvarajah is a passionate K-12 teacher who completed her Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in Distance Education/Equity from York University. She actively strives to ensure inclusive opportunities for students to excel outside the boundaries of traditional classrooms.

She has been working with Rosedale Academy since 2018 as a course developer, curriculum designer and online teacher for both English and ESL courses. Her research on assessment in online education has been an asset in her various roles as she continues to re-envision learning. She fundamentally believes that every student has the ability to reach their highest potential when given the support and resources needed to excel.

Master of Education, York University
Bachelor of Education, York University
Bachelor of Arts Honours (English and History), York University