CAPTAINS & POETS - Key Persons
Adrianna is an experienced educator and administrator with a history of working in private and public sector schools, government, and journalism. Skilled in Kindergarten to Grade 12 education, adult education, technology and communications, Adrianna leverages her skills in curriculum development and program implementation to focus on learners living with exceptionalities including giftedness, Attention Deficit Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and other learning differences. As a strong professional with a Masters of Education in Leadership & Adult Education, Adrianna brings a passion for working with children and youth to her pursuit of mentoring conscious and inclusive leadership in educational spaces, where social and emotional well-being is integral to community, climate and cohesion. In her spare time she loves to spend time with family, engage in fitness, and play piano.
Job Titles:
- Neurodiversity Consultant, Trainer and Coach
Alex Leech is a Neurodiversity Consultant, Trainer and Coach who works with parents and educators to provide strategies and resources for neurodivergent kids living with ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, and other Brain-Based Differences. Her vast knowledge and experience stems from being a parent of two teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder, each living with multiple diagnoses, and being neurodivergent herself. This immersive lens enables Alex to deliver a wide range of support and resources helping parents and educators to understand "the why" behind behaviours and challenges, strengthening mindset and problem-solving tools needed in order to help guide children and teens to become resilient, independent and successful adults. She is a self-proclaimed "science geek", continuously deepening her understanding of the integral relationship between neuroscience, mental health, and how it applies to all aspects of life. Alex is the Neurodiversity & Special Needs Ambassador, as well as a Mentor Coach for the World Mindset Organisation and a partner with The Umbrella Alliance. In her spare time, Alex loves spending time outdoors with her family and friends and her two English Bull Terriers, Lucy & Max.
Job Titles:
- Principal of Venture Gained Consulting
Andy Rodford is the Principal of Venture Gained Consulting and works with schools, camps, businesses and leaders across North America to elevate their impact. As an experienced educator of 30 years he has led leadership and experiential workshops in the fields of education and organized camps focusing on programming, leadership development and strategic planning. Andy was formally the Deputy Head and Head of School at St. Michaels University School in Victoria, BC and, prior to that, was Head of School at Kempenfelt Bay School in Barrie, and held other senior leadership roles at Brentwood College School, Albert College and as the Director of Onondaga Camp, a large outdoor education centre and summer camp in Minden, Ontario. Andy has degrees in Biology, Geography, Education and a Masters in Educational Leadership and Management. Andy is passionate about arts and athletics, particularly rowing, having participated and coached at various levels, including the Varsity program at Trent University and University of Toronto. Andy's interests include wood carving, boating, outdoor adventures, and increasingly gardening, as he and his wife Liz tend a yard of year-round runaway perennials in Victoria, British Columbia.
Aubrey is a futurist, facilitator, coach, writer and systems-thinker in service to reimaging education and positive social and system transformations. Aubrey received her PhD in Alternative Futures/Indigenous Politics and is the founder of Our Beloved Future and the Our Beloved Futures Podcast, catalyzing a world where everyone can thrive. She was Network Weaver for Omidyar Fellows program from 2014-2021, facilitating and guiding teams to create scalable impact projects and innovative, collaborative efforts. She currently stewards the Rhizome Fellowship leveraging narrative change methods pioneered at Culture Hack Labs and is the Steward of Living Systems for Project Biome. As an advocate in her school community, she has taken a strong interest in meeting the needs of underserved children, helping to found a National Chapter of After School All Stars, a free after school program for middle school youth. Aubrey is the mother to two young world-changing souls and is passionate about inspiring young people to connect to what is possible individually and collectively.
Norah has spent almost twenty years as a Director and Superintendent in public education and is a highly respected leader with a proven track record of creative change management, strategic planning, organizational cultural restoration, and student success. She was the CEO of a provincial crown agency where she launched the organization's first Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. From there, she went on to be the Director of Education/CEO for Durham District School Board (DDSB), one of the largest school districts in Ontario. Her mandate was to address a toxic culture and, at the end of her term, Forbes Canada awarded the Board as one of the top ten employers in Canada while student achievement surpassed the province. Norah was elected to chair the Ontario Institute of Educational Leadership and as President of the Ontario Public Supervisory Officials Association. She has also completed the Human Rights Certification program at York University in support of her continued commitment to Indigenous and human rights. Nationally and internationally, Norah has consulted and presented on a variety of topics including equitable education, student well-being, change management, ethical and compassionate leadership, governance, and sound assessment practices. Norah lives in Ottawa with her husband David and tries to keep tabs on their three children who are now in their twenties. She continues to volunteer for children and youth non-profit organizations.
Job Titles:
- Life Coach With the Co - Active Training Institute
Charles Sue-Wah-Sing is a certified leadership and whole life coach with the Co-Active Training Institute (CTI). He is also a member of CTI's faculty and is responsible for delivering its core curriculum to future leaders and coaches. Charles holds accreditation with the International Coaches Federation and is also a certified Imago Professional Facilitator and Safe Conversations dialogue coach. He has worked with people in all stages of life and sectors including youth, teams, executives, entrepreneurs, creatives, entertainers, coaches, couples to attain fulfillment as a natural state of being. Charles is most passionate about guiding clients through the rites of passage that lead to greater fulfillment, creativity, connection, love, and productivity. He is also a speaker and facilitator having spoken on life purpose, reframing our life stories, growth in relationships, mental fitness, and diversity and inclusion. Fun facts: Charles is a drummer, DJ, golfer, BBQer, an avid reader, and coach of youth soccer and hockey.
Dr. Deeksha Sharma, two time TEDx speaker, is a human behaviour and emotion researcher. She has a Ph.D. in Emotional Intelligence. At present, she is working with Cornell University and developing a new EI model. She is the author of an upcoming book on emotional understanding and is coauthoring a book on mental and physical wellbeing. Her recent papers (2020) are in the Springer- Emotional Intelligence and Brain laterality at the workplace and in the Medlink Neurology- Transient Global Amnesia. She is the author of a chapter, "Emotions at Work," in the book Emotions in Cultural Context in the Springer Nature International and Cultural Psychology. Dr. Sharma is also part of the Cornell Multicultural Academic Counseling mentoring program; active member of WE Cornell, a women's entrepreneurial club and has curated many graduate students' wellbeing sessions.
Job Titles:
- Founder of Resonance Educational Consulting
Krista is the founder of Resonance Educational Consulting which focuses on enhancing an organization's ability to implement leading-edge SEL systems in a meaningful, engaging and sustainable way. Her 23-year career in the classroom includes being a high school social studies teacher, a curriculum coach and student leadership advocate. Krista is a gifted curriculum developer and teacher who holds a B.Sc. in Education, an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction and is soon to be earning her Ed.D. in educational leadership. She is a lifelong learner and her areas of expertise as a consultant, mentor, podcaster and professor focus on SEL, diversity and equity, instructional design and technology, climate and culture, research design and methods, curriculum design and evaluation, culturally responsive teaching, closing the achievement gap, whole child and whole brain learning, differentiated instruction and strength-based interventions. In 2012, Krista was one of 26 educators in the U.S. selected as an ASCD Emerging Leader and continues with ASCD in State and Emerging Leader Chapters as a facilitator. Since then, she has worked with educators in more than 28 states on creating scalable SEL systems and learning communities. Krista is a passionate advocate for positive change and leadership in her local community including her role as Vice President of the Board of Directors for Camp Rainbow.
Job Titles:
- Director of Continuing Education at the University of St. Michael 's College
Career educator and author, Dr. Michael Salvatori currently serves as Director of Continuing Education at the University of St. Michael's College in the University of Toronto . Michael earned a PhD in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning from OISE / University of Toronto and holds M.Ed. and B.Ed. degrees from the University of Western Ontario. Long a champion of second language education, he is fluent in French, Italian, English and German and is author and co-author of numerous textbooks and teacher resources. Michael previously served as the Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of the Ontario College of Teachers, Canada's largest self-regulatory body from 2009-2021. His extensive career included being an elementary and secondary school core French and French immersion teacher, a vice-principal, principal, an assistant professor at Glendon College of York University, jointly appointed to the Faculty of Education and the Department of French Studies and Vice President at Niagara University. He has also taught in international settings in France and Italy and frequently speaks at international conferences on topics related to professional regulation, board governance and second language acquisition. In his spare time, Michael enjoys travel, reading, cinema and cooking.
Jackie is an international educator, leader and mother of two, who is dedicated to finding the intersection of learning and well-being. She believes in the transformational power of connection to build confident and agentic life-long learners who follow their passions to create a better future. Jackie helps children connect with one another, with nature and with themselves to find purpose, uncover motivation and spark joy. With 18 years of experience in teaching across 3 continents, Jackie specializes in early years and primary education with a strong focus on social-emotional learning, experiential education and leadership development. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, baking and setting off on a wide variety of outdoor adventures with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Founder of Higherunlearning.Com
Jeff is the founder of higherunlearning.com, a comprehensive multi-media online space exploring conversations and ideas around healthy masculinity and how limiting ideas of gender impact us all in everyday life. Drawing on over ten years of advocacy, his presentations and workshops inspire accessible and transformative conversations. Jeff is a gifted storyteller and has spoken to tens of thousands of people across North America including delivering two TEDx talks on subjects related to the construction of gender, helpful versus harmful ideas of manhood, race and masculinity, empathy-building, and men helping end gender-based violence. Whether in the boardroom, on campus, or the locker room, Jeff prides himself in creating brave spaces for real discussion and in inspiring self-leadership in men and boys to create a positive impact on the world and to become models of possibility for others. He is also a facilitator with Captains & Poets where he brings a warm and engaging approach to self-exploration and discovery in young people.
Josh has a Master's in Education with a dual concentration in Education Policy and Social-Emotional learning (SEL). Over the course of his diverse career in education, he has served as a teacher, K-12 instructional leader, and consultant in both domestic and international settings. Josh is a certified mindfulness educator, TEDx speaker, and has had his writing on SEL featured in an international pedagogical publication. Across all contexts, he has found what he believes to be fundamental truths in his work - education is about relationships, finding and pursuing passions, and the simultaneous exploration of self and our connection to the world around us. Through this lens, Josh dedicates himself to creating inclusive, holistic learning environments and experiences that support individual and community agency and care.
Katrina MacGibbon holds a Masters of Education from OISE where she studied Human Development and Applied Psychology. Katrina has worked for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Bangladesh as a Consultant implementing inclusion and empowerment programs for youth. She also managed a number of democratic governance projects that focused on child advocacy in youth detention centres. Katrina has also worked with WE Charity, a notable Canada-based global charity organization, leading strategy and operations for international learning campaigns delivering tools for educators and students to engage in social justice and fundraising actions. She has also consulted and advised non-profit organizations on educational curriculum strategy, development and implementation. Katrina is most passionate about creating more supportive and inclusive spaces for young people to thrive to their fullest expression. Katrina moved to Australia in 2020 and enjoys yoga, meditation, time by the beach and being out in nature with her family.
Kristina has a B.A. in Psychology from Trent University and a B.Ed. from the University of Ottawa and is known as a passionate, dedicated and dynamic educator. With two decades of experience in the Canadian public school system as a teacher, school administrator and facilitator she is committed to creating engaged, productive, and psychologically safe learning environments and work cultures. Kristina is the founder of Common Ground Consulting operating in the corporate and education space with a focus on creating cultures of connection and caring using the foundational pillars of trust, empathy and play. As a leader in her field, Kristina leverages her natural warmth, compassion, and vulnerability to connect with and motivate student and adult audiences alike. She is a lifelong learner and believes wholeheartedly in the power of collaboration to address critical challenges around well-being and inclusion and to create positive transformation from students and educators themselves.
Vinita has a B.Sc and a Masters of Education and is currently a school administrator. In her 26 year career in Pubic Education, she has been a classroom, resource and special education elementary teacher with a high focus on early literacy. Vinita's focus goes beyond her role as a Principal to supporting the well-being of children and families through school-based programs and resources. She believes in ensuring students, educators and parents develop their capacity to create the conditions for student well-being and academic achievement. Vinita thrives on finding creative and resourceful ways to support families and to leverage the school as the centre of community and a place of connection. She actively engages with the community, including outreach projects in the early years to bridge early education programs, creating exemplary models for wide-spread adoption. In her personal life, Vinita is passionate about living a healthy lifestyle focused on fitness and wellbeing and loves spending time outdoors with friends and family.
Nicole has an Honours B.A. in Communications and Political Science from York University and is a facilitator, writer, advocate, and consultant specialized in organizational change and anti-oppression. She is committed to educational reform and community transformation and actively shares her voice, lived experience and leadership by participating on local advisory boards, parent councils, boards of directors and advocacy groups. Nicole is a seasoned professional and strategic leader who is highly skilled at taking a collaborative approach with all stakeholders. Her work centers around helping folks find the language, self-awareness and courage to embrace the intersections of their identity, proactively use their voice and question the boundaries of what is possible. In every piece she writes and each session she facilitates, Nicole aims to make it easier to engage in the awkward, bold and necessary conversations needed to identify, disrupt and challenge systems of oppression.
Nina is a facilitator, coach and meditation teacher whose practice focuses on emotional fitness, stress management and personal development. Nina has been practicing and studying meditation for 45 years with accreditation from the internationally recognized Centre for Mindfulness Studies in Toronto. As a co-founder of Heartache 2 Hope, Nina is a passionate advocate for education on suicide having designed and delivered mindful-based stress reduction and coping strategies programming for those dealing with suicide loss. She also leads Jon Kabat-Zinn's Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program. But most of all, she is a dedicated mother and community member invested in making a difference in people's lives.
Pam is seasoned educator and ECE and is a qualified multi-sport coach for youth with the Ontario Coaching Association. Pam uses somatic awareness and movement experiences with both children and adults to engage the body in the learning and development process to discover their strengths, achieve focus and build confidence to see their potential in everything they do. In recent years, she has integrated her knowledge and experience as a personal trainer, yoga and group fitness instructor, and certified life coach into her teaching framework. In her spare time she enjoys partaking in outdoor sports with friends, family and her dog.
Pat Barker is a recently retired K-12 educator who has taught and led teams of educators in three Canadian provinces with a specialization in Student Success, Inclusion and Indigenous Education. Over the course of her career, she has developed and co-led inclusion programs in the elementary and high school setting in Manitoba, was the Mental Health Teacher in a middle years school and helped open a new high school in Edmonton, and was the Curriculum Leader of 25 staff in the Special Education Department at the largest high school in Toronto. Pat is passionate about promoting Social Emotional Learning strategies in school, work, home and community settings as the gateway to fostering connection and amplifying learning and success.She is also a Certified Life Coach with ICF and a certified Hypnotherapist with the Canadian Hypnotherapist Association. In this new chapter of her career, Pat is dedicated to supporting children, caregivers, and educators to achieve their goals by expanding their mindset to one of connection, possibility and responsibility to create a world where everyone can thrive.
Rachna is a mental health practitioner and SEL Consultant (MOE Registered) with many years of experience in the mental health & wellness industry counselling and coaching a diverse demographic of clients globally. She uses an integrative approach of conventional and alternative modalities to design and facilitate engaging SEL and mindfulness programs. These programs are rooted in the science of wellbeing & positive psychology to promote social, emotional, and educational development, mental health, and wellbeing. Rachna's work is backed by her passion to help kids grow up to be happier adults by taking control of their own cognitive and emotional health. Rachna aspires to teach children how to love learning; focus and work hard; look after themselves and people around them; deal with life's difficulties; thrive and reach their full potential. Rachna is a firm believer in lifelong learning, and she fuels this passion by constantly looking for opportunities for her own personal and professional growth.
Sara is a certified teacher in Ontario and has worked in post-secondary education for over 20 years in a variety of roles including teaching, curriculum design, faculty mentorship, and administration. She is also the founder of The EQ Element, a specialized education consultancy focusing on equipping students with the self-awareness skills they need to thrive in all aspects of life. Sara is highly adept at making connections between curriculum and personal opportunities for growth while leveraging innovative technology to maximize educational outcomes. Her greatest satisfaction comes from helping young people recognize and harness their unique skills and abilities. In her spare time she loves to create through collaboration and writing projects.
Job Titles:
- Founder of the Lodge Project
Sarah is the founder of The Lodge Project, where she and a national team of facilitators work with healthcare organizations on creating emotional wellness programs for healthcare professionals. She came to this work by spending numerous years in Home Hospice Support for Children and supporting grieving parents, she also experienced the gaps in care for healthcare employees. This work has led to a deep understanding of the caregiver's heart and the importance of ensuring they have resources and tools available to improve the lives around them. Sarah prides herself on her ability to meet people where they are, her ability to connect in difficult situations and to help groups find a meaningful connection to self and to others.
Sheliza Jamal is a graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Education where she worked as the Diversity and Inclusion Programming Coordinator and served as a coach in the Equity and Inclusion Fellows Program. Sheliza has been with TDSB for over a decade designing curriculum and implementing training and development programs aimed at addressing inequitable outcomes for underserved communities and more recently working as an Inclusion Consultant and Coach . She is currently completing her Ph.D. at OISE, University of Toronto in the Department of Social Justice Education with a research focus on anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism in Teacher Education Programs. Sheliza is passionate about creating greater understanding about the impact of oppression and uses unique techniques to deepen dialogue, build relationships and bring people together to learn and lead with empathy. As the founder of Curated Leadership, she is focused on empowering leaders to build more inclusive communities. In her spare time she loves spending time in the great outdoors with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Founder and CEO of WALCAN Educational Consultants
Walter is the founder and CEO of WALCAN Educational Consultants. He has over forty years of experience in public, private, and international education. His experiences include Associate Director of the Ottawa- Carleton District School Board as well as Head of School at the Canadian International School in Kunshan, China and Head of School at the Canadian International School of Egypt. Walter has committed his career to serving students who have traditionally been under served in educational institutions. He is passionate about ensuring students have a sense of belonging and that they are able to express themselves without judgment. Walter strongly believes everyone's story needs to be heard and celebrated. He has a Master of Education in Educational Counselling as well additional training in Diversity and Inclusion Unconscious Bias Training; Cultural Proficiency; and is an accredited facilitator for Emotional Intelligence for Personal Leadership Growth.