Social and emotional support
Health & Wellbeing
Supporting the whole student
YMCA Academy teachers and staff go above and beyond every day to support the wellbeing of our students and their families. Through continual collaboration, the Academy team builds personalized strategies to help students meet their socio-emotional and academic needs, which help break down barriers that otherwise might impact their academic and personal growth.
Mental health counselling
Our Student Life Counsellor provides drop-in and scheduled sessions.
Crisis intervention
Our Student Success team is “on-call” to support your child.
Individual counselling
On-site psychotherapy sessions with a certified and trained therapist are available by appointment.
Social skills development
Our Guidance Counsellor and Student Life Counsellor provide both individual and group sessions to help students develop social skills and coping mechanisms.
EXPERTS WHO CARE
Meet our student success team
Each member of our team brings unique expertise and experience that enable us to support our students holistically. We understand that each student learns differently, has individual needs, and may require specialized forms of support. Our proactive approach focuses on identifying and addressing areas of concern early on to ensure timely and effective intervention.
Tim Seabrook B.A. B.Ed.
Tim, originally from Toronto, comes to the YMCA Academy having worked for the TDSB in the role of Vice- Principal at Rosedale Heights School of the Arts, Central Toronto Academy and Monarch Park Collegiate. Tim has a variety of experiences in different educational settings. As CL of Essential Skills and ACL of Experiential Learning, he taught Drama and English at Winston Churchill Institute, and at Etobicoke Collegiate Institute in the TDSB. He was Head of Theatre at the International School of Brussels (Belgium) and Head of English at Neuchatel Junior College (Switzerland). He has worked with the Waterloo District School Board at Galt Collegiate Institute (Drama/English) and began his career with the Trillium Lakes District School Board at Lindsay Collegiate and Vocational Institute (Drama/English). Tim’s connection with the YMCA began many years ago as a member of the Toronto Central YMCA. In his spare time, he enjoys fitness pursuits such as running, weight training, golf, and tennis. He is an avid traveller and a long-suffering Toronto Maple Leafs fan.
Zareh Demirdji B.Ed, B.P.E.
Zareh began his career in education at the Academy in 2009 as a science and phys. ed. teacher. Over the next 12 years, he taught a variety of other courses such as entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary studies, and philosophy. For a brief time, he took on the role of curriculum leader, collaborating with teachers to support curriculum design and assessment practices. In 2021 he transitioned to the role of Guidance Supervisor where he helped students with academic and pathways planning, post-secondary transitioning, and behavioral support. Since 2024, Zareh has stepped into the role of Assistant head of school where he continues to work towards supporting both students and staff.
Luka Ilic B.A., B.Ed.
Luka is the Special Education Advisor at the YMCA Academy, where he works as part of the Student Success Team to support students in their academic, social-emotional, and personal growth. He believes that transparency, collaboration, and a strengths-based approach help students build confidence, develop self-advocacy skills, and prepare for whatever path they choose beyond high school. He completed his Bachelor of Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto and has completed numerous Additional Qualification courses, including Special Education Specialist, Teaching Students with Communication Needs, and Use and Knowledge of Assistive Technology. Outside of school, Luka enjoys leading an active and healthy lifestyle, following sports, watching shows and movies, keeping up with current events, and spending quality time with his wife and their two young children.
Felicia Epstein B.A., B.Ed.
Felicia has been teaching for over 10 years and has been an integral part of the YMCA Academy community since 2021, bringing her unique perspective as both a dedicated teacher and a proud parent of a graduate. She offers a unique perspective on education, combining professional experience with firsthand understanding of a student’s journey allowing her to connect deeply with both the parents and her students, offering a well-rounded approach to learning that emphasizes understanding, empathy, and support (and light at the end of the tunnel ;)).
Beyond the classroom, Felicia is a passionate baker known for creating delicious treats that bring joy to those around her. She’s also a canoeing enthusiast, finding peace and adventure on the water. A true animal lover, Felicia is committed to the well-being of all creatures, big and small (and that includes bugs and spiders).
Rachel Atkins B.A., M.A., M.Ed
Rachel comes to the Academy from Rosedale Day School where her transition to psychotherapy was shaped by a deep commitment to supporting young people and families. With an undergraduate background in psychology and sociology from Queen’s University, she went on to complete a Bachelor of Education with a specialization in teaching exceptional learners, followed by a Master of Education in Developmental Psychology from OISE at the University of Toronto.
In 2025, she graduated with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, which allowed her to bring together the experience in education and mental health as a practicing psychotherapist.
Her years of experience working with children on the autism spectrum, alongside her teaching roles in both public and independent school settings—including work as a Learning Strategist supporting early learners—gave her invaluable skills in patience, creativity, and meeting each child exactly where they are.
Jessica Pink MSW, RSW
Jessica Pink is a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families. Her professional background spans school social work, camp-based mental health leadership, educational settings, and community wellness initiatives. She most recently served as Interim Guidance Counsellor at Robbins Hebrew Academy, where she provided short-term counselling and collaborated closely with educators and families to support students navigating anxiety, emotional regulation challenges, peer relationships, and learning-related stressors within a whole-child framework. Jessica has also served as Social Worker and Camper Care Lead at Camp Kadimah and Camp Massad, delivering on-site mental health support, crisis intervention, and consistent family communication. Her work is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and a deep respect for the unique strengths each individual brings. Outside of her professional role, Jess can often be found creating new recipes, exploring local and international grocers and markets, and tasting her way through Toronto.