Our Team

Staff and Faculty

Leadership

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Melissa Knight-Johnson

Melissa Knight-Johnson has been a Naval Warfare Officer in the Royal Canadian Navy for 19 years and a valued member of the Trafalgar Castle School community for more than 16 years. As the Head of School, Melissa leads with unwavering commitment and vast experience in education for girls, having held numerous leadership roles including Boarding Faculty, Director of Athletics and Deputy Head.

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Kate Hebdon

Kate began her independent school career as a teacher at Upper Canada College, before moving to Branksome Hall, where she held numerous positions including but not limited to Teacher, Advisor Coordinator, Social Science Department Head, Director of Academics for Grades 7-12 and Assistant Head, Student Experience for Grades 11-12. In addition to being Trafalgar’s Deputy Head of School, Kate is an OISE-UT mentor and works as an IB workshop leader in approaches to teaching and learning, and leading the learning.

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Laurie Kuchirka

Laurie’s extensive experience in education spans international countries like Turkey, Japan and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), teaching Kindergarten through Grade 12 and includes 13 years at Branksome Hall, where she instructed in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle Years Program (MYP) and Diploma Program (DP), as well as six years as the Service Learning Coordinator. Laurie began her career at Trafalgar Castle School as a Grade 6 teacher before serving three years in the role of Curriculum Coordinator and Head of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum, then moving into her current role as Dean of Academics.

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Shantel Clark

Prior to her role as Trafalgar’s Dean of Students, Shantel held many positions within the independent school system, including Vice Principal in the Grand Erie District School Board for 5 years and Department Head at Holy Trinity, teaching Grade 6-11 Science and Biology. She is also a member of the Ontario Principal’s Council, an Apple Distinguished Educator and a Google Certified Innovator. Using her School of Mental Health Ontario (SMHO) First Aid Certification, Shantel builds programming to support student mental health and well-being.

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Felicia Neil

E.D., Admissions and Enrolment Management

Felicia Neil is the Executive Director of Enrolment Management. She holds a Bachelor’s in Arts & Science from Trent University and has over nine years of experience in international enrolment management at Lakefield College School. Felicia previously held leadership roles at Kraft Foods/Mondelez Inc. and Coca-Cola Canada and has presented at the Enrollment Management Association Annual Conference in 2021, 2023, and 2024. At Lakefield, she contributed to the AI Taskforce, CAIS Standards Committee, and Support Staff Advisory Committee.

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Marguerita Dykstra

CPA and CA-certified, Marguerita’s extensive career in finance spans 34 years.

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Carmen Holland

Originally from Mexico, Carmen’s appreciation for diverse cultures and fostering a home away from home for boarding students is evident throughout her 20+ years at Trafalgar Castle School. As the Director of Boarding and the Exchange Program Coordinator, Carmen oversees all aspects of the Boarding Program, including curriculum, day-to-day operations and supervision of the Exchange Program.

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Andrew Price

Andrew has 25+ years of network administration and support services with Trafalgar Castle School, but his experience and skills with information technology are vast, with 14 years of combined experience in computer programming, software development, web application and web page design.

Faculty

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Amanda Boyle

Senior School History & Social Sciences

Ms. Amanda Boyle combines her passion for travelling to countries with historical sites with her Master of Studies in Ancient History from Oxford University, UK, and her Bachelor of Education (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Western University to teach Senior School History and Social Sciences. She also coaches Trafalgar’s Ethics Bowl team in debate-like competitions and serves as an Advisor to the Senior Student Council.

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Vivian Cheung

Drama and English

Ms. Vivian Cheung is a graduate of the joint Theatre & Drama Studies program at the University of Toronto and Sheridan College, earning an Honours Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma in Acting. Before transitioning to education (OISE-UT), she worked as a professional actor and has directed over 40 youth and teen productions. In addition to teaching Drama and English, she also directs productions at Trafalgar Castle School.

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Bailey Coyle

Senior School English and Social Science

Equipped with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Queen's University and a Bachelor of Education from Ontario Tech University, Ms. Bailey Coyle teaches Senior School English and Social Science. She has also previously taught AP Literature, Grade 12 Law, and Grade 12 Human Development. When not teaching, Ms. Coyle can be found coaching Senior Badminton, co-coaching U14 Volleyball, and serving as Co-Teacher Lead for Middle School Battle of the Books.

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Whitney Fraser

Grade 5 Teacher

With a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Brock University and a Bachelor of Education from Trent University, Ms. Whitney Fraser applies her passion for critical thinking, reading, math, and social-emotional well-being to teaching our Grade 5 students.

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Chrissy Ghobrial

Senior School French

Ms. Christine (Chrissy) Ghobrial teaches Senior School French. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto, as well as a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education in Developmental Psychology from OISE. An avid runner who has competed in multiple international marathons, Ms. Ghobrial coaches Trafalgar's Junior Cross-Country, Junior Swimming (Grades 4–8), and Junior Track and Field (Grades 5–8) teams. She also leads the school's Christian Student Alliance.

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Ameena Hak

Grade 4 Teacher

A Specialist in Special Education, Ms. Ameena Hak, combines her passion for promoting socio-emotional well-being, cultural and language exploration, and community connections with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and a Master of Teaching from OISE to teach Grade 4 at Trafalgar. When not teaching, Ms. Hak coaches the U12 Basketball team and is the Teacher Lead for the Muslim Student Association.

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Fiona Hopkins

Grades 4–10 Vocal Music

Mrs. Fiona Hopkins is an ECIS award-winning teacher for Grades 4–10 Vocal Music. Equipped with a BMus Honours from the University of Western Ontario and a BEd from OISE, Honours Music Specialist from Queen's University, Mrs. Hopkins directs Trafalgar’s Senior and Junior choirs, the Castle Singers and Castle Choral, achieving numerous year-after-year national awards. Outside of Trafalgar, she lives out her belief in the power of music as a soprano with The Canadian Staff Songsters, as the conductor of her church choir, and as a trombone player.

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Naomi Kanagalingam

Grade 10 Science, Grades 11 & 12 Biology, Grade 12 AP Biology

A teacher at Trafalgar for 20 years and a certified Apple Learning Coach, Ms. Naomi Kanagalingam has an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Education from Deakin University. In addition to teaching Grade 10 Science, Grades 11 and 12 Biology, and Grade 12 AP Biology, Ms. Kanagalingam is a Mentor for the Senior DancePac team, the Science Contest Club (Chemistry, Biology, and Physics), and the South Asian and Allies Student Group.

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Chad Lyew

Grade 12 Physics, Calculus & Vectors, AP Calculus, AP Computer Science A & AP Computer Science Principles

Mr. Chad Lyew teaches Grade 12 Physics, Calculus & Vectors, AP Calculus, AP Computer Science A (Grade 12), and AP Computer Science Principles (Grade 11). With a degree in Electrical Engineering, he also heads Trafalgar’s Vex Robotics and MATE Robotics teams.

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Angela Marentette

Physical Education, Health & Fitness

Ms. Angela Marentette combines her passion for physical fitness and outdoor recreation with her Bachelor of Kinesiology, Honours from Western University and Bachelor of Education from Deakin University to teach Physical Education, Health, and Fitness at Trafalgar. In addition to teaching, Ms. Marentette also coaches Trafalgar’s Cross-Country Running and Track and Field teams.

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Karen May

Athletic Director, Grade 9 and 11 Geography, Grade 10 PhysEd, Grade 11 and 12 Leadership

Ms. Karen May is Trafalgar’s Athletics Director, teaching Grades 9 and 10 Geography, Grade 10 Physical Education, and Grades 11 and 12 Leadership. In addition to her Master’s in Environmental Studies from York University, Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University, and Bachelor of Arts Honours in Geography from Ottawa University, she is currently completing her Doctorate Degree at Western University. When not teaching, Ms. May coaches the Senior Field Hockey, Junior Volleyball, and Senior Softball teams and leads the Aquatic Dragons, Winter Wellness, and ASL Take Time clubs.

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Jessica Millard

Grades 9–11 Math & Civics

With a B.ScH in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Education, M.S. (Statistics/Actuarial Science), Ms. Jessica Millard teaches Grades 9–11 Math and Civics. In addition to teaching, Ms. Millard also leads Trafalgar’s G.S.A., a student affinity group that builds community, and Trafalgar’s orientation program, Flight of the Dragons.

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Tanya Mohamed-Coyle

Grades 7–9 English and Intro to Anthropology, Psychology and Sociology

With a Specialist in English, Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Ms. Tanya Mohamed-Coyle teaches Grades 7–9 English and HSP3U1 Intro to Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology. When not teaching, she serves as a Mentor for the Black Student Union, the Global Ideas Initiative, and Trafalgar’s Activity and Spirit Council (TASC).

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Lesley Phillips

Grades 10–12 English, AP Language and Composition, Grade 11 Gender Studies

With an Honours Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor’s and Master’s of Education, CELTA Certification, and Post-Grad Certification in Public Relations, Ms. Lesley Phillips teaches Grades 10–12 English, AP Language and Composition at Trafalgar, and Grade 11 Gender Studies through ELCC as an independent contractor. In addition to authoring and co-authoring select chapters of educational books, Ms. Phillips mentors the School’s Yearbook Committee and serves as Technical Director for school productions.

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Jessica Reinink

Senior Mathematics

With an Honours Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in Mathematics, a Bachelor of Education, Honours Specialist in Mathematics, AP Statistics (Experienced), and IB Mathematical Studies, Ms. Jessica Reinink teaches Grades 9–12 Mathematics. She also leads Trafalgar’s Math and Cooking Clubs, in addition to providing extra lunch-hour Senior Math assistance.

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Melody Rekker

Educational Assistant

Ms. Melody Rekker has a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Counselling Foundations and supports students academically across all grades at Trafalgar.

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Erin Robinson

Grades 4–8 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7 Math

With a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science and a Bachelor of Education, Ms. Erin Robinson has been a teacher at Trafalgar for 25 years, teaching Grades 4–8 Health and Physical Education and Grade 7 Math. An avid athlete outside of the School, Ms. Robinson coaches a number of sports teams at Trafalgar, including Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball, and Softball.

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Janet Robson

Grades 4–8 French

With a Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Western, Ms. Janet Robson also has a DELF – Attestation d'habilitation d'examinateur – correcteur and teaches Grades 4–8 French. In addition to teaching, Ms. Robson has taken on several coaching and leadership roles at the School, serving as Production Coordinator for Trafalgar’s theatrical productions and leading activities for Trafalgar’s boarding students, including knitting and gardening.

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Penny Senior

Grades 7–10 Technology and Robotics, Experiential Learning Coordinator

When not teaching Grades 7–10 Technology and Robotics and acting as Trafalgar’s Experiential Learning Coordinator, Ms. Penny Senior is an award-winning Coach for Trafalgar’s Lego Spike Robotics, University Vex Robotics, and Ontario MATE Robotics teams and organizes the School’s speaker series, Trafalgar Talks. Ms. Senior has a Bachelor of Arts, Honours, from Trent University, a Master of Teaching from Griffith University, Australia, Mathematics Primary, Junior & Intermediate, Specialist Integration of Information and Computer Technology in Instruction, Part 1, Apple Teacher, Teaching Math and Coding.

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Julian Smerdon

Music/Band and ESL Teacher

Equipped with a Bachelor of Music, Master of Music in Clarinet Performance, and Bachelor of Education, along with personal experience as a Clarinet player with the Rouge River Winds Band, Mr. Julian Smerdon is an award-winning Music/Band and ESL teacher at Trafalgar. Mr. Smerdon also leads the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, String Ensemble, and Small Ensemble to numerous year-after-year national awards.

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Rob Spessot

Grades 9, 11, 12; Grade 9 Science, 11 Chemistry and Physics, 12 Chemistry and Physics

With a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Master of Science in Molecular Biology, Mr. Rob Spessot teaches Grade 9 Science and Grades 11 and 12 Chemistry and Physics. In addition to teaching, Mr. Spessot also mentors the MATE ROV Robotics team.

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Emily Tracey

Grades 7–8 STEM (Science and Math)

As Trafalgar’s Grades 7 and 8 Science and Math teacher, Ms. Emily Tracey holds a Bachelor of Arts, Special Honours, and a Master of Education from Queen’s University, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Mathematics Specialist in Primary/Junior and Intermediate Divisions, and certification from the CIS Ontario x Future Design School GenAI Microcredential program. With a passion for running and dragon boating, Ms. Tracey also coaches the U14 Track and Field team and is Co-Lead for the Battle of the Books Club.

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Anab Warsame

Grade 4 Teacher – ELA/Social Sciences

Recognized for her leadership and e-learning integration, Ms. Anab Warsame is passionate about integrating creativity and technology into the classroom to support students’ learning. In addition to her role as Grade 4 Education Learning Assistant, Ms. Warsame previously taught Grade 5 at Trafalgar, leads the Junior School Battle of the Books, and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Education, furthering her Bachelor of Education.

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Tracia Watson

Grade 6

Ms. Watson brings her wealth of experience as a TDSB elementary school teacher, instructional leader with the TDSB HPE department, curriculum writer for the Ontario Ministry of Education, and assistant professor, teaching stream, at the University of Toronto — as well as a BPHE, BEd, Honours Specialist AQ, HPE, and Mathematics AQ, Part 1 — to teach Grade 6 at Trafalgar. In addition to teaching, Ms. Watson also coaches the U12 soccer team, an inter-school team for students in Grades 4–6, and leads the Junior School “Get Creative!” Club, which involves a variety of activities like making bracelets, drawing, sculpting, and more.

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Samantha Wainman

9–12 Visual Arts, AP Studio Art, Grade 11–12 Photography & Design Thinking, Advisor Program Coordinator

Samantha Wainman holds an Honours Studio Art degree from the University of Guelph and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Western Ontario, with qualifications in Visual Arts and Guidance. She mentors the Art Team, Digital Creation Club, and Senior Art with Heart, coordinates the Festival of Banners, and serves as Art Director for the annual School Production. Samantha owns Sam Wainman Studios, coached for Cohort21, and actively supports the Durham arts community.

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Marnie Woodley

Social Science and Geography Teacher, Learning Support Teacher

With over 20 years of teaching at Trafalgar Castle School, a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo, and a Master of Teaching from Griffith University in Australia, Ms. Woodley brings a wide range of expertise, including Special Education, Reading, and Writing, along with her English as a Second Language Specialist certification.

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Kathy Yang

Grades 9–12 Business, Career, Mandarin, and Entrepreneurship Courses

Kathy Yang, M.Ed. (Brock University), teaches Grades 9–12 business, career, and Mandarin courses at Trafalgar Castle School, including Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset, Career Studies, International Business Fundamentals, Mandarin, and Discovering the Workplace/Designing Your Future. She coaches the Senior Volleyball Team, K-pop Club, and badminton, fostering skills, teamwork, creativity, and sportsmanship. Kathy has 10 years of service at Trafalgar and played volleyball for seven years, competing in U12, U14, and U16 national competitions in China.

Admissions, Alumnae & Advancement

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Felicia Neil

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Anna Kielar

Admissions Officer

Anna graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and has served as an Admissions Officer at Trafalgar Castle School since 2022. With over 20 years of experience in the private education sector, she has guided teams, managed programs, and supported countless families in making meaningful academic choices. Anna is dedicated to helping students and their families navigate the admissions process with care and professionalism, ensuring they feel supported as they begin the exciting journey of selecting the right school.

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Sarah Harries-Taylor

Admissions Coordinator

Sarah Harries-Taylor is the Admissions Coordinator at Trafalgar Castle School. She has a background in hospitality, marketing, and communications, with previous roles in Marketing & Communications and Alumnae Relations. Sarah also holds a diploma in Human Resources and is dedicated to providing a welcoming and supportive admissions experience for families.

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Amanda Roffey

Advancement Officer

Amanda Roffey has 25 years of experience in Marketing, Communications, and Event Planning. She holds an Honours Business Administration – Marketing degree and is completing a Post-Secondary Certificate in Fundraising Management. Amanda is certified in accessibility best practices and Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT. She also organizes Giving Tuesday activities and the Leaving Class Gift initiative in collaboration with the Grade 12 Leadership Class.

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Sarah Ball

Alumnae and Advancement Coordinator

Sarah Ball holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours in History. As Alumnae and Advancement Coordinator at Trafalgar Castle School, she supports alumni relations and advancement initiatives, working closely with the Parents Guild to strengthen connections within the school community and foster engagement with former students.

Marketing and Communications

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Melissa Nowakowski

Marketing and Communications Officer

For more than 22 years, Melissa has brought her creativity, strategic thinking, artistic vision, and writing skills to marketing and communications roles across a wide range of industries, from publishing, business, and the arts to technology, education, hospitality, and more. At Trafalgar, Melissa drives all strategic marketing of the School and spearheads its internal and external communications strategies, in addition to producing and managing content for the School’s social media channels.

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Regina Calderon

Marketing & Communications Administrator

Regina holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing from Ontario Tech University and a Marketing Diploma from Durham College. She has experience as a Marketing Specialist, managing digital campaigns, email marketing, website content, promotional materials, and event coordination. She is also fluent in Spanish.

Administration

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Christine Anderson

Human Resources Manager

Christine Anderson, CHRL, is the Human Resources Manager at Trafalgar Castle School, a role she began in September 2022. She holds a diploma in Information Management/Office Systems Administration from Humber College and her CHRL designation from HRPA. With over 20 years’ HR experience across professional services, retail, manufacturing, and not-for-profit, Christine has been active in HRPA Durham since 1995 and volunteered with the Heart & Stroke Foundation. She also served as Director and HR Committee Chair at the Ajax Pickering Board of Trade (2017–2018).

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Nana Barber

EA to the Head of School

Nana Barber holds a BA (Honours) and has extensive experience in finance and administrative support. She has worked in Accounts Receivable and Payable and served as Executive Assistant to the Principal at Branksome Hall, providing high-level administrative and operational support. Her expertise in financial management, office administration, and executive coordination makes her a key contributor to Trafalgar Castle School’s smooth operation.

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Marguerita Dykstra

CPA and CA-certified, Marguerita’s extensive career in finance spans 34 years.

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Tricia O.

Accounting Coordinator

Tricia O. holds an Advanced Accounting Diploma and brings extensive experience in finance, having worked as a Financial Operations Analyst, Financial Operations Assistant, P2P Specialist, General Accountant, and Tax Advisor before joining Trafalgar Castle School. In her role as Accounting Coordinator, she applies her expertise to support the school’s financial operations. Tricia enjoys reading and baking in her free time.

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Frank H.

Facilities Manager

Frank H. is the Facilities Manager at Trafalgar Castle School. Before joining Trafalgar, he was the owner/operator of Dyna-Coat Contracting and a Maintenance Manager at various hotels and retirement homes. With a “School of Hard Knocks” education, Frank has been recognized as Employee of the Year at two previous employers. Outside of work, he enjoys cultivating bonsai trees, a hobby that reflects his attention to detail and care—qualities he brings to maintaining the school’s facilities.

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Emily (Shiying) Huang

Front Office/Attendance Administrator

Shiying (Emily) Huang is the Front Office/Attendance Administrator, starting June 2, 2025. She holds a Bachelor’s in Translation from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies and has provided interpreter support since 2022. Previously, she worked as an Enrolment Consultant at ISA Science City International School and as an Education Management Assistant at ISA International Education Group. Emily is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese.

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Villia Jong

Guidance Administrator

Villia Jong is the Guidance Administrator. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management and brings extensive experience in administration and human resources. From 2023 to 2025, Villia worked in supply clerical roles focusing on the guidance department with DDSB. She previously served as Senior HR Advisor at the American School of Doha from 2015 to 2022, and held various roles at Fairmont and Raffles Dubai from 2003 to 2010.

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Dan Woodley

IT Analyst

Dan Woodley holds a degree in Economics and a diploma in Computer Science. Before joining Trafalgar Castle School, he worked as a Technical Operator and IPTV Administrator, gaining extensive experience in technology systems, troubleshooting, and network management. At Trafalgar, Dan applies his expertise to support students, faculty, and staff, ensuring the smooth operation of the school’s IT infrastructure and digital resources.

Health and Wellness

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Kate Hebdon

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Shantel Clark

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Karen May

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Michelle Colomvakos

School Nurse

Michelle Colomvakos is the School Nurse at Trafalgar Castle School. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) and has extensive experience in health and wellness. Michelle is a Jr. Dance PAC Coach and a recipient of the Ontario Camps Association Volunteer Recognition Award. She has served as a First Aid and CPR instructor, Camp Nurse, and Health Committee Chair, demonstrating her commitment to student health and safety.

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Sandra Amaral

Food Services and Housekeeping Director

Sandra Amaral is the Food Services and Housekeeping Director at Trafalgar Castle School. She previously served as Catering Manager at UTSC and brings over 30 years of experience in food and hospitality management. Sandra holds a background in Hotel Management and Hospitality from George Brown College and has extensive expertise in catering, foodservice operations, and hospitality leadership.

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Chef Pira

School Chef

Chef Pira is the School Chef at Trafalgar Castle School. He holds a Red Seal certification. In addition to overseeing the school’s food services, Chef Pira leads the Cooking Club, where he shares his expertise, inspires students, and fosters a love of cooking and healthy eating.

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Alison Uys

International Counsellor

Alison Uys is the International Counsellor and University Consultant at Trafalgar Castle School. She previously served as Director of Guidance and University Counselling at Branksome School and Toronto French School. Alison holds a BA in English and History, a BEd from the University of Cape Town South Africa, and completed her Guidance AQ at Queen’s University. She has extensive experience with the IB Bacc program, having served as DP, MYP, and CAS Coordinator, bringing valuable expertise to Trafalgar’s academic and guidance programs.

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