In addition to being highly educated, our staff are all selected for their nurturing and caring qualities, providing individual love and attention to each child. This is a very important aspect to have when educating young children. Caring is what makes the difference between a Good Teacher and a Great Teacher!
Kindergarten
;)
Hannah Lu
Hannah Lu has been working at Gradale Academy since Fall of 2019. This is currently her 4th year teaching Kindergarten. Hannah has her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies and her Bachelor of Education. After graduating from the two programs, Hannah went on to teach English in China for two years. There she received her Primary Years Programme -International Baccalaureate (PYP IB) certification and even picked up a new language! Having experience in both daycare and school settings, Hannah enjoys working with a variety of age groups. In her spare time, Hannah enjoys teaching swimming, hiking, walking her dog, and riding her motorcycle.
Grades 1 and 2
;)
Victoria Holz
Victoria Holz is a graduate from Ryerson and UOIT, and has both her RECE and OCT certifications. She’s worked at Evergreen Brickworks in The Children’s Garden since 2013 and has been volunteering with Girl Guides since 2010. She is passionate about hands on learning, by helping to develop and teach woodshop to kids between the ages of 6-18 at Camp Oochigeas. Camping is held very dear to Ms. Holz’ heart, as she will camp in all weather and all seasons. Being engaged in the outdoors, not matter what the elements, encourages her students to be resilient and intrinsically curious about their world.
Grades 3 and 4
;)
Cayden Groves
Cayden Groves has proudly been part of the team of educators at Gradale Academy since 2020. Cayden graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies. From there, she decided to continue her education completing a Social Service Worker program at Seneca College. Furthermore, Cayden attended the Ontario Institute of Toronto where she completed teacher’s college and master of teaching program. Prior to going to teacher’s college, Cayden worked as an educational assistant supporting students with autism spectrum disorder. She is passionate about working with children and youth, outdoor education, the arts, and diversity and inclusion.
Grade 5/6
;)
Sally
With a background in Outdoor Education and a life-long interest in plants and wildlife, Sally is thrilled to be teaching at Gradale Academy this school year. She is passionate about creating caring classrooms in which she encourages leadership, collaboration, teamwork, independence, and continuous learning.
"I believe one of the primary roles of a teacher or guide is to reflect our basic wisdom and joy back to us so we can see for ourselves that these beautiful qualities are apart of us. Seeing them for ourselves helps us to believe in them maybe for the first time in our lives." - Lama Rod Owens
Art
;)
Amberley May
Amberley has been working at Gradale Academy since January 2018, completing an internship with the school from September to December of 2017. She is a recent graduate from Humber College, with her Child and Youth Care diploma and degree, in addition to her Early Child Education diploma. She is passionate about art, and creating a positive space for children and youth to share their creativity.
“Every child is an artist; the problem is staying an artist when you grow up” – Pablo Picasso