School Staff
FOUNDERS
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 experience at the TDSB and LDVA. Dedicated to the growth and prosperity of Leonardo Da Vinci Academy.
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
Susan Lee
B.A., B.Sc. (University of Massachusetts), Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT)
Academic Head and Grade 4/5 Core teacher with over 25 years teaching experience in elementary education in Massachusetts and at LDVA.
Sandy Gravina Law Clerk Diploma (Toronto)
LDVA Executive Administrator whose major duties include Admissions, Bursar and Human Resources.
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.
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
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.
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
Deborah Basical
B.Ed. Holy Angels University (Philippines), E.C.E. Montessori Training (Toronto)
Casa Montessori Directress at LDVA with 13 years of Montessori teaching experience in the GTA and 6 years of teaching experience in the Philippines.
B.Ed. Holy Angels University (Philippines), E.C.E. Montessori Training (Toronto)
Casa Montessori Directress at LDVA with 13 years of Montessori teaching experience in the GTA and 6 years of teaching experience in the Philippines.
Kaysia Baker
E.C.E. (Humber College)
Licensing supervisor and preschool assistant with 6 years experience working in daycares and preschools.
E.C.E. (Humber College)
Licensing supervisor and preschool assistant with 6 years experience working in daycares and preschools.
LOWER ELEMENTARY MONTESSORI
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.
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
Jeff De Jesus
B.A. (York University), B. Ed. (York University), Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT)
Math teacher (Grade 5), Science teacher (Grade 4 & 5), Phys. Ed. teacher (Lower Elementary), and Religion teacher at LDVA.
B.A. (York University), B. Ed. (York University), Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT)
Math teacher (Grade 5), Science teacher (Grade 4 & 5), Phys. Ed. teacher (Lower Elementary), and Religion teacher at LDVA.
Trent Jewell
B.Sc. (McMaster University), B.Ed. (Brock University), Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT)
Grade 7/8 Core teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience at LDVA. Highlights include Intramural Sports, Drama, Chess Club, and other extra-curricular activities.
SPECIALIST TEACHERS
Monia Gagliese
B.A. ILUM (Milano), E.C.E. (Seneca College)
LDVA’s principal Italian teacher with 3 years of specialized education in Italy and 4 years of preschool/Montessori education in the GTA.
B.A. ILUM (Milano), E.C.E. (Seneca College)
LDVA’s principal Italian teacher with 3 years of specialized education in Italy and 4 years of preschool/Montessori education in the GTA.
Manjola Golgota
B.A. (University of Languages, Tirana, Albania)
Core French teacher at LDVA for over 15 years. Uses innovative techniques to foster a love of the French language.
Sydney Surajram
B.F.A. (York University), Master of Musicology (York University)
Accomplished Music specialist who oversees the Music program at LDVA. Preschool French teacher.