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School Staff

FOUNDERS

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Sal Ritacca
B.Sc. (University of Toronto), B.Ed. (University of Toronto), Primary, Junior, Intermediate, Senior and Principal Qualifications.

Co-Founder and Principal of LDVA from 1992 – 2008. Experienced educator with over 45 years of experience at the TDSB and LDVA. Sal is dedicated to fostering the growth and future of Leonardo Da Vinci Academy. His commitment to its founding principles is irrevocable.

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Dom Tassielli
B.A. (York University), B.Ed. (University of Toronto), Junior, Intermediate, Senior and Principal Qualifications.

Co-Founder and first Headmaster of LDVA. Over 45 years of educational experience with the TDSB and LDVA. Devoted to the long term success of Leonardo Da Vinci Academy.

ADMINISTRATION

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Susan Lee
B.A., B.Sc. (University of Massachusetts), Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT)

Academic Head and Grade 4 Core teacher with over 25 years of teaching experience in elementary education in Massachusetts and at LDVA.
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Giulia O’Neil
B.A. (University of Toronto), B.Ed. (Queen’s University), AMI Montessori Diploma – Casa dei Bambini (FME, Toronto), Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT)

LDVA’s CCMA liaison, marketing director and social media manager. 10 years of educational experience including 6 years as LDVA’s Casa Montessori Directress.

Roya Ghauss
B.A. (York University); Office Manager (Spirit of Math Schools) and Computer Technology Background

LDVA’s Office Manager and Admissions Director

SCUOLA MATERNA

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Marcella Ricciuti
Scuola Magistrale, Liceo Beata Vergine del Carmine (Italy); Montessori Teacher Training (NAMC)

Scuola Materna Directress with over 25 years teaching experience in Italy and LDVA.

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Monia Gagliese

B.A. ILUM (Milano), E.C.E. (Seneca College)

Scuola Materna teacher and Casa Montessori Italian teacher. Monia has 3 years of specialized education in Italy and 6 years of preschool/Montessori education in the GTA. Monia works with the Italian Government to help increase the number of hours of Italian language studies at LDVA and help achieve the Parità status with Italy. She also runs the Italian Clubs for primary grades and Italian Drama Class for Grade 4.

Jada D’Aversa – On Medical Leave

B.F.A (OCAD), Early Childhood Diploma (Toronto Montessori Institute)

LDVA’s Casa Montessori teaching assistant. Jada has Montessori and ECE training from the Toronto Montessori Institute. She has several years of experience as a teaching assistant in Montessori classrooms. Jada also works with the after-hours students.

CASA MONTESSORI

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Mariam Ahmed

Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Diploma MACTE accredited; Bachelors Degree (York University); Early Childhood Education (Centennial College); Toddler and Childcare Experience

LDVA’s Casa Montessori Directress

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Nicolette Orsi
Early Childhood Diploma 

LDVA’s Casa Montessori teaching assistant. 

LOWER ELEMENTARY MONTESSORI

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Beverley Lobo
AMI Montessori Diploma – Casa dei Bambini (MTTC, Pakistan), International Montessori Teaching Diploma – Lower Elementary Montessori (NAMC), Lower Elementary Montessori Diploma (CMTEI)

Lower Elementary Montessori Directress (Grades 1 – 3) at LDVA for over 15 years.

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Suzann Tassielli
B.A. (University of Toronto), Casa Assistant Training (TMTTI), Lower Elementary Montessori (TMTTI)

Lower Elementary Assistant with over 20 years teaching experience in Montessori and traditional education.

UPPER ELEMENTARY

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Trent Jewell
B.Sc. (McMaster University), B.Ed. (Brock University), Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT)

Senior grades core teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience at LDVA. Areas if expertise include Language Arts, Math, Science, Art & Drama, Social Studies and Physical Education. Extra-Curricular activities include Intramural Sports, Drama, Chess Club, and more.

SPECIALIST TEACHERS

Sarah Scagnol 

 B.A. Italian and French (York University); Graduate of Italian Literature and Linguistics Courses (University of Bologna); CELTA Certificate (Teaching English as a foreign language – in Verona, Italy); Teacher of Italian Language and Culture to grades 4-7 For York Catholic District School Board

LDVA’s Italian Teacher

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Manjola Golgota
B.A. (University of Languages, Tirana, Albania)

Core French teacher for Grades 1 to 8 at LDVA for over 16 years. Manjola’s talent for teaching employs innovative and exciting methods to foster her love and passion for the French language.
Joshua Clemenger

Masters Degree (University of Toronto); Opera Singer and Musical Theater Performer; Royal Conservatory oof Music Accreditation (Grade 8); Graduate Faculty of Music at University of Western Ontario; Music Techer for Children at the Faculty of LYTE; Summer Camp Manager and Teacher at the Columbus Centre

LDVA’s Music Teacher