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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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Sandy Gravina
Law Clerk Diploma (Toronto)

LDVA Executive Administrator whose major duties include Admissions, Bursar and Human Resources.

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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.

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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Cinzia Marcuz
Istituto Magistrale (Italy), B.A. (Ryerson University), E.C.E. (Ryerson University), Montessori Assistant Certificate (MTC)

Scuola Materna Assistant with over 20 years teaching experience at LDVA including Italian, ESL, and Camp Specialist.

CASA MONTESSORI

Shahla Rizwan
B.A. (University of Karachi, Pakistan), M.A. (University of Karachi, Pakistan), Early Childhood Diploma (Toronto Montessori Institute)

Casa Montessori Directress at LDVA with 12 years of Montessori teaching experience in the GTA and 10 years of teaching experience in Pakistan. LDVA’s Casa Montessori Directress. Shahla has over 22 years of teaching experience including 12 years of teaching Casa Montessori in and 10 years of traditional teaching experience in Pakistan.
Jada D’Aversa
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.

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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Jeff De Jesus
B.A. (York University), B. Ed. (York University), Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT)

Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies teacher for the Junior grades. LDVA’s Religion teacher and Lower Elementary Phys. Ed. teacher. Extra-Curricular activities include Drama and Sports.
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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

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

LDVA’s principle Italian teacher with 3 years of specialized education in Italy and 5 years of preschool/Montessori education in the GTA. Monia works with the Italian Government to help increase the authenticated number of hours of Italian studies at LDVA. She is in charge of after school Italian Clubs for primary grades and the first Italian Drama Class for Grade 4.
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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.
Christa Golding
B.F.A. Honours Music (York University), Music Therapy/Psychology (Wilfrid Laurier University), Music/Conducting Certificate (Capilano University, B.C.)

LDVA’s Music teacher. Christa has over 15 years of teaching experience throughout various schools and non-profit organizations.