Our team

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 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.

Andras Nagy has had a lifelong interest in technology, beginning at an early age sitting on his father’s lap in front of an Atari computer. After attending the University of Toronto, he started his own web design company before joining the YMCA Academy in 2008. Since then, his role has grown alongside the school, and today he supports many of the systems, infrastructure, operations, and administrative processes that help keep the Academy running. His work includes managing the school’s IT infrastructure and core digital platforms, developing systems and workflows that improve efficiency across the school, leading major technology and operational projects, and helping guide the Academy’s website and digital presence. Outside of work, Andras enjoys travelling and spending time with his two dogs, although technology is never far away. At home, the focus simply shifts from work to hobby, with plenty of tinkering, building, and experimenting with new systems.

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 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).

Katie has been passionately teaching math and science at the YMCA Academy since 2014. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Guelph, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto and is a Special Education Specialist. Katie strongly values the caring and inclusive community at the Academy and creates innovative lessons to engage diverse learners, ensuring that all students feel supported. Katie enjoys travelling during school breaks and spends a lot of spare time trip planning.

Katie Freeland has been teaching at the YMCA Academy since 2015, and is grateful for the opportunity to learn from her students every day. She is driven by a belief in the value of each student’s unique perspective, set of strengths, and capacity for growth. She hopes that in helping students find joy in learning, even in the face of challenges, she can help instill a lasting spirit of curiosity, creativity, and genuine care for the world and all who share it. Katie primarily teaches English and literacy as well courses in law, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit studies, and the occasional other subject. She also co-leads the Jack Chapter, runs Mock Trial, facilitates Creative Writing Club, and usually succeeds in not breaking anything when playing basketball with students. A fan of poetry, justice education, and dressing for the weather, Katie might be spotted hanging out with her own teenager or riding around the city on her bike; she also likes to be moved by great music, well-placed words, beautiful ideas, and coffee. Hailing originally from Treaty 8 territory, she was not — despite what she may have once believed — raised by coyotes.

Jessamyn is a dynamic and engaging educator with diverse life experiences and interests, making her a great fit for our vibrant neurodiverse school. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Victoria and a Master of Teaching from OISE, where she specialized in ethical solidarity practices and Indigenous education. Jessamyn teaches humanities and social sciences and aims to support students in engaging with difficult conversations about real-world issues while emphasizing nuance and understanding of different perspectives. She prioritizes both rigor and kindness in her teaching and believes her role as an educator is to create space for students to be their best selves.

Alex did her undergraduate degree in Math at Queen’s University, and her B. Ed. at York University. At one of her placements during teachers’ college was at the Academy and she knew right away it was the kind of place she wanted to end up. She started teaching at the Academy after graduating in 2021. Since then, she has learned so much from her students and she strives to be a part of creating a school community that makes school feel safe, caring, and fun (yes, even math class). When she’s not at school, she enjoys doing active things outside with her kids.

Vikkie has taught for over a decade in Hong Kong, China and here in Toronto, Canada across all grade levels. During her teaching experience overseas, she was immersed in different cultures and diversity which allowed her to strengthen her teaching strategies and skills for all learners through student-led inquiry based education. After returning home to Toronto, she continued her specialization of diverse learning for Intermediate and Senior neurodivergent students within classrooms of Geography, English and Art. Vikkie believes that a school community should not only be a space of academic learning but a safe space where everyone feels connected to the community and has a sense of belonging. Outside of the classroom, she loves to travel, museum visits, and photography.

Stephen is very excited to be joining the YMCA Academy as a middle school academic teacher.
For the last 20 years, he has worked as a swimming instructor for both the City of Toronto and the
TDSB. He has taken a strong interest in neurodiversity and disability
advocacy, which he has strived to apply to his work in aquatics. His passion for working with children
of all ages as a swimming instructor eventually led him to pursue a career in education. After
completing his bachelor’s degree in philosophy at the University of Toronto, he attended the
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education’s Master of Teaching program and graduated in 2019
with a specialization in Junior/Intermediate History. During his time at OISE, he combined his
interest in philosophy of mind, psychology, and neurodiversity into a Masters research paper
examining the use of visual teaching strategies for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Over the last four years, he has worked as an intermediate and senior social studies teacher, a
grade 6/7 homeroom teacher, and most recently as a substitute teacher at Crescent School. In
addition to history and geography, he has a deep appreciation for literature, science,
mathematics, athletics, and the arts, and is always looking for ways to combine multiple
disciplines into engaging projects and activities. He is looking forward to contributing his knowledge and
experience at the YMCA Academy and learning from his students!

Katie is excited to start her third year here at YMCA Academy as the High School Visual Arts teacher. She completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) and Bachelor of Education at Queen’s University in Kingston, ON. While completing her BFAH, some of her favourite techniques she learned were Styrofoam and stone carving, body molding, stone lithography, canvas making, and wire sculpture. In Education, she specialized in the Intermediate/Senior division with a concentration in Special Education, and has taught in history and physics. She is passionate about making art accessible to all students and highlights the value of process, discipline, and communication when creating art. Outside of work, Katie enjoys watching movies (especially Marvel), playing golf and pickleball, hanging out with her friends’ pets, and trying out new restaurants. She also has a love for all puzzles – jigsaw, crossword, nonograms, and sudoku.

Natalie is delighted to be joining the YMCA Academy as Physical Education and Drama teacher having been the Athletics Director at the Linden School, Toronto for the past four years. After graduating, she taught for two years in Australia’s rural Northern Territory supporting senior students to complete their studies and be accepted into exclusive drama schools in Australia. She spent two years in London, where she taught in both elementary and secondary schools across multiple teaching areas. Natalie then returned to Australia for several years teaching a wide range of subjects in secondary schools.

In 2018 Natalie was a part of a team who developed a Talented Athletes program for secondary school students in Beenleigh, Queensland. Her program, Excellence in Netball, allowed students to train and compete weekly (as a selected subject) as well as learn specific nutrition for training and muscle development. Her Phys Ed classes will focus on ownership over your body, strength and confidence, potential and spiritual growth. Outside of the classroom Natalie enjoys spending time at the theatre, hiking in new locations and salsa dancing.

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.

Sherry is excited to join the YMCA as an Educational Assistant. Most recently, Sherry was an After Care Teacher at the Bishop Strachan School. She was also a Teacher Candidate and Educational Assistant at The YMCA Academy, Student Teacher with the English Montreal School Board, and Student Teacher Intern with Summerbridge Hong Kong. Sherry graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Education in Secondary English with a concentration in Ethics & Religious Culture.

Evelin holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in International Development Studies from York University and has more than 15 years of experience working with children, youth, families, and diverse communities. Throughout her career with the YMCA of Greater Toronto, she has held a variety of roles in youth programming, health and fitness, leadership, and school administration, all of which have strengthened her passion for supporting students and helping them thrive.

Evelin enjoys being part of a school community where meaningful relationships are built every day. Whether she is assisting families, supporting staff, or welcoming students, she strives to create a positive, inclusive, and caring environment where everyone feels they belong.

Outside of work, Evelin enjoys staying active by working out and spending quality time with her family. She believes that an active lifestyle contributes to both physical and mental well-being and values making health and wellness a part of her everyday life.

Naja Pereira holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Image Arts. During her time there, she was honoured with several awards including the Roger McTair and Norman Jewison Filmmaker Award. In 2020, she produced the short film Counterfeit which was selected by the Next Wave Program, premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Alongside her creative practice, Naja has worked in arts administration over the past 9 years, leading the development of institutional equity policies and community guidelines at youth arts organizations.

Naja believes that we all do our best work when we embrace radical kindness and reciprocal respect as core concepts of our daily practices. She has always enjoyed working alongside youth, feeling inspired by their honesty, creativity, and willingness to take risks. Naja’s ultimate goal is to make each space a student enters safer and braver.

In her spare time you can find her watching films, going on hikes, inventing new recipes, or searching for a great vintage find. Naja is excited to create, learn, and grow with the students of YMCA Academy as they collectively work towards enriching the future.

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.