Faculty & Staff

With a staff-to-student ratio of 9:1 and an average class size of 17, our staff is always ready to help. Our teachers like it so much that most have been here for a dozen years or more!

Book a Tour

Book Your Tour Date

Faculty Staff

Lisa Fitz-Hardy

Grades 1 & 2 English & Math

Lisa Fitz-Hardy

Grades 1 & 2 English & Math

Ms. Lisa is excited to be joining Westboro International Academy in August of 2025. She brings over 20 years of elementary teaching experience in international schools across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa as a Kindergarten to Grade 3 teacher. Throughout her career, Ms.Lisa has served as both a team leader and a member of a school math committee. She is dedicated to fostering a love of learning and curiosity in her students by creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment where every child feels valued and has a strong sense of belonging. Ms.Lisa is passionate about creating meaningful and engaging learning experiences that connect to real-world situations. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys hiking in nature with her husband, travelling to new places, and escaping in a good book.

Caitlin Cadeau

Physical Education Specialist

Caitlin Cadeau

Physical Education Specialist

Caitlin Cadeau started working at Westboro International Academy in 2009 and is now the Athletic Director and Health and Physical Education teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Honours degree from Carleton University, followed by a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Ottawa. She also obtained her Primary and Junior Physical Education certification. Ms. Caitlin’s has enjoyed playing competitive sports such as hockey, soccer, and softball, while indulging in various recreational sports such as snowboarding, kayaking, and water skiing. Ms. Caitlin is passionate about health and fitness and she wants to instil the importance of physical activity in her students, while inspiring them to discover their own sport passions. When not in a gym, hockey rink, or on a field, Ms. Caitlin enjoys travelling and learning about different parts of the world, as well as hiking with her dog.

Tahlia De Corso

Music Specialist

Tahlia De Corso

Music Specialist

A pianist, conductor and music educator, Tahlia joined the AWA team in 2023. Hailing from Australia, Tahlia completed her Bachelor of Music and Honours Degree as well as an Education Diploma at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide, South Australia. She then completed her Master’s Degree in Classical Piano Performance in the Netherlands before settling in Brussels, Belgium. Tahlia moved to Ottawa in 2022 and is currently the conductor of the OCC Viva choir. She also holds the position of Musical Director of BSP ‘Big Soul Project’ – a community gospel choir in Ottawa as well as serving as accompanist for the Cantiamo Women’s Choir. Tahlia has been involved in music education for over 10 years in Australia, Belgium, and Canada.

Brenda Dunlop

Grades 3 & 4 English and Math

Brenda Dunlop

Grades 3 & 4 English and Math

Ms. Brenda has been teaching at Westboro International Academy since 2003. She graduated from the Concurrent Education Program at Queen’s University, where she also earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and a Bachelor of Education with certification at the primary/junior levels. Prior to coming to Westboro International Academy, she gained experience teaching for nine years at international schools in Cartagena, Colombia and Kuwait. Brenda has been head of the science committee responsible for reviewing related curriculum, faculty representative of the elementary student council and headed up the Leadership League. She takes great pride in running the annual Halloween extravaganza and coordinating the events for Reading Week. When not working, Mrs. Brenda continues to enjoy travelling and cultural outings.

Martine Gagnon

Grades 5 & 6 French and Social Studies

Martine Gagnon

Grades 5 & 6 French and Social Studies

Mme Gagnon is very proud to have joined the Westboro International Academy teaching team in September 2024. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa, and a Master of Education from McGill University.Mme Gagnon’s professional experience includes 16 years as a homeroom teacher in an IB school. Her teaching approach focuses on developing curiosity and critical thinking, acquiring knowledge and skills, engagement, and excellence.In her spare time, Mme Gagnon’s main interests are dance and sports. She also enjoys reading a variety of literary genres, writing, poetry, listening to music and cultural travel. She is most happy when sharing time with family and friends while enjoying a nice meal.

Maëva Gainche

Junior Kindergarten Teacher

Maëva Gainche

Junior Kindergarten Teacher

Maëva joined the Westboro International Academy team in September 2024. Originally from France, she has a degree in education from the University of Paris and is also certified in workshops for young children and in the Montessori method for children aged 3 to 6. In addition, she teaches French enrichment courses for elementary and secondary students. Maëva is passionate about education and is deeply committed to creating a dynamic and inclusive learning environment for all her students. Maëva came to Canada in 2023 with her husband and three children aged 7, 13 and 14 to discover the country but also to enrich her professional and personal life. She particularly loves the nature and the wide-open spaces that Canada has to offer.

Claire Gavaggio-Righini

Grades 3 & 4 French and Social Studies

Claire Gavaggio-Righini was born in France and has been passionate about teaching since childhood. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English literature and civilization and education...

Claire Gavaggio-Righini

Grades 3 & 4 French and Social Studies

Claire Gavaggio-Righini was born in France and has been passionate about teaching since childhood. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English literature and civilization and education, she spent a year in the United States as a French teaching assistant at the Lycée International de Boston. Afterwards, she decided to focus on teaching French as a Second Language and continued her studies in France, where she obtained her master’s degree in teaching French. Finally, she taught at the International School of Geneva as an FLE teacher for 6 years, then, since 2018, as a 2nd year teacher. With her husband and her 3 children aged 4 to 9, Claire is keen to discover Canada. Claire and her family particularly enjoy nature, sports and discovering new places. In the classroom, she’s a fan of active pedagogy and philosophy for children. She is looking forward to joining the team at Westboro International Academy to enrich her teaching practices.

Nathalie Poirier

Resource Teacher

Nathalie Poirier has been teaching at Westboro International Academy since 2001. She graduated from the University of Ottawa with a B.A in Linguistics, a B.Ed for the primary and junior divisions, and with a specialist in second languages...

Nathalie Poirier

Resource Teacher

Nathalie has been teaching at Westboro International Academy since 2001. She graduated from the University of Ottawa with a B.A in Linguistics, a B.Ed for the primary and junior divisions, and with a specialist in second languages. She is fascinated by second language learning in children. After 24 years teaching as a homeroom teacher, Mme Nathalie stepped into the role as French Resource teacher in Fall of 2025. When Mme Nathalie is not at school, she enjoys swimming, biking, reading and spending time with her family.

Shanyne McLaughlin

Science Specialist

Shanyne McLaughlin

Science Specialist

Shanyne McLaughlin joined Westboro International Academy in 2014 and is the science specialist for all grades. She earned a Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology from Laurentian University and a Bachelor of Education from Trent University. Before teaching with Westboro International Academy, Ms. McLaughlin worked at two different private schools in Ottawa in grades four to grade eight. She is passionate about mathematics and science, especially nature, and is currently a volunteer with the Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists’ Young Naturalist program. In her time away from work, Shanyne enjoys scrapbooking, reading, and hiking.

Emilie Meredith

Art Specialist

Emilie Meredith

Art Specialist

Emilie obtained her Bachelor of Fine Art, specializing in painting from Emily Carr University of Art and Design in 2016. Her passion for art and pedagogy most recently brought her to complete her Special Education Assistant Diploma, which allowed her to gain knowledge and experience working with children who have learning or behavioral challenges or developmental modalities such as ADHD and Autism. With over 8 years of experience teaching and instructing art to children, her goal is to provide an engaging artistic environment that will leave them feeling inspired and energized to foster a lifelong connection to art in some way, shape or form.

Patrick Ewane

Grades 7 & 8 French and Social Studies

Patrick Ewane

Grades 7 & 8 French and Social Studies

Patrick Rodrigue Ewane joined the team in August 2025. Passionate about student success, he brings with him over thirteen years of experience in secondary school education, eleven of them in Cameroon and two in Quebec, and specializes in French, history and geography. Originally from Cameroon in Central Africa, he is married with three children. He holds a bachelor's degree in geography, as well as a second-grade diploma in general secondary education, obtained from the Université de Yaoundé I in 2011. A member of the Ontario College of Teachers, he is actively pursuing his professional development through additional qualification courses. His teaching approach is based on commitment, cultural openness, innovation and caring support. He firmly believes that every student can succeed when they feel understood, motivated and supported. This is why he pays particular attention to pedagogical differentiation, the use of technology in the classroom and the creation of an inclusive, respectful and stimulating learning environment.

Laurence Polly

Senior Kindergarten Teacher

Laurence Polly

Senior Kindergarten Teacher

Laurence Polly joined the Westboro International Academy in 2020. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in geography from La Sorbonne University in Paris and a school teacher diploma from the University of Teaching Institute in France. Laurence taught for five years as a teacher and principal of a small school. Then, she taught in a bilingual school in the United States for 13 years where she enriched her experience with young French-speaking and non-French speaking children as an elementary, kindergarten teacher and kindergarten coordinator. She is passionate about the arts and children’s literature. Laurence enjoys learning, painting, meditating, swimming, and travelling. She is also the proud mother of a daughter.

Kevin Burley

Grade 5 & 6 English and Math

Kevin Burley

Grade 5 & 6 English and Math

Mr. Burley joins the AWA faculty after spending several years teaching abroad. He began his teaching journey in Japan where he spent 7 years teaching English and fully immersing himself in the local culture. Following his time in Japan, his love of teaching inspired him to pursue his teaching career further, during which he moved to China to embark on another adventure, teaching Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4, cultivating inquiry and curiosity in early childhood education during my first three years. Following that, he spent the next five years teaching the UK National Curriculum to upper elementary age students. Mr. Burley’s approach to education is centered on fostering curiosity and providing hands-on, engaging learning experiences that connect classroom lessons to the broader world. In his free time, he regularly engages in drawing, digital illustration, and creative writing, which are often integrated into his lessons to enrich student learning. He also keeps active through running and fitness to help keep balanced and focused.

Eiger Tolledo

Grade 7 & 8 English and Math

Eiger Tolledo

Grade 7 & 8 English and Math

Eiger Tolledo graduated with an honours Bachelor of Science specializing in Mathematics and a minor in Psychology from the University of Toronto. He then went on to complete his Bachelor of Education at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. He is a travelled teacher, starting in England and returning to Canada in 2019. He has taught grades 4 to 12, with the majority of his experience focusing on Math and English in the middle years (grades 7 to 9). Eiger participates in several communities in his spare time, joining Dungeon & Dragon games online and running charity marathons. He participates in the Monster Dash marathon each Halloween in Toronto, raising money for World Wildlife Fund Canada.

Kathryn Udesen

Grades 1 & 2 French and Social Studies

Kathryn Udesen

Grades 1 & 2 French and Social Studies

Kathryn has 25 years of experience in various settings at the elementary and high school levels in both public and private school boards. She has completed her Master of Education degree in second language instruction at the University of Ottawa, and earned her Bachelor of Education degree from Université Laval, Québec. Kathryn is the proud mother of two children. She enjoys reading, calligraphy and yoga in her spare time.

Meg Barbeau

Music Specialist

Meg Barbeau

Music Specialist

Ms. Meg is eager to formally join the Westboro faculty in September of 2025. She holds an Ontario Advanced Diploma for Musical Theatre Performance from St. Lawrence College and has travelled around the world as a Youth Activities Counsellor aboard Disney Cruise Lines. Back in Canada now, Ms. Meg is thrilled to aid in fostering a passion for music with her students at Westboro International Academy. When she is not teaching at Westboro International Academy, you can find her teaching vocal lessons with Rockstar Music, or Musical Theatre with the Ottawa School of Theatre. She has also co-founded “Yet Another Theatre Collective” (YATC), and hopes to further develop an educational avenue for art and theatre in the Ottawa area.

Maxence Baudry

Director of Teaching and Learning

Maxence Baudry

Director of Teaching and Learning

At Westboro International Academy since 2022, first as a teacher and now as our Director of Teaching and Learning, Mr. Baudry is known for his skillful synthesis of traditional educational values and modern pedagogical strategies, creating a dynamic learning environment. His rich educational background in France, Australia, the U.S. and Canada, as well as his role as Assistant Director of the French Cousteau School in Vancouver, have provided him with the leadership qualities and strategic vision necessary to excel in this position at Westboro International Academy. In his spare time, Mr. Baudry enjoys spending time with his family, exploring new places in nature with an utmost respect for the planet, and practicing endurance sports.

Timothy Peters

Head of School

Mr. Peters joined the Westboro International Academy team as Head of School in the summer of 2025. A proud Kingstonian, Mr. Peters completed his Teaching and History Degree from Queen's University...

Timothy Peters

Head of School

Mr. Peters joined the Westboro International Academy team as Head of School in the summer of 2025. A proud Kingstonian, Mr. Peters completed his Teaching and History Degree from Queen's University. He then travelled to Switzerland where he taught and ski instructed at the JFK International School. Upon his return to Canada, Mr. Peters taught at Selwyn House School in Montreal and completed a Graduate Diploma in Counselling at McGill University. Next stop was as Assistant Head of School at St. George's School of Montreal and then Head of School at The Priory School in Montreal. In 2020 he returned to Switzerland with his family as his wife took on a European Director role in the Pharma Industry and he fulfilled a long held dream of teaching Grade 7 and 8 History while running the Ski Team. He is thrilled to be returning to Ontario and to a small, welcoming school which embraces his life-long belief that happy children learn best.

Chantale Bessette

Director of Admissions

Chantale Bessette

Director of Admissions

Chantale joined the Westboro International Academy team in 2020. Since then, she strives to provide personalized and friendly service to every family and student that comes through our doors and believes that when it comes to relationship building, it’s never a one-size fits all approach. A people person at her core, Chantale feels most in her element working collaboratively within a team in fast paced environments and in outward facing roles. She brings with her 10 years experience working in the non-profit sector, 5 of which were spent in a management role at a high-profile national non-profit where she worked on several award-winning campaigns. Prior to that, she spent 2 years working in a management role for student housing at a local university.

Lina Agouzoul

Front Office Administrator

Lina Agouzoul

Front Office Administrator

Lina joins us at Westboro in August of 2025 after completing her bachelor in Sociology as well as a master's degree in Feminist and Gender Studies at the University of Ottawa. Benefiting from her experience within both the academic & non-profit sectors, as well as an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Lina hopes to make her predecessor proud by continuing to support the entirety of our school community.. When she's not working, she enjoys painting, reading and exploring antique stores.

Alessia Solano

Before and After School Program Coordinator

Alessia Solano

Before and After School Program Coordinator

Alessia joined the Before and After Care team at Westboro International Academy in 2022, while completing her Bachelor’s degree in Developmental Psychology, which she has now successfully finished. Her time at AWA helped solidify her passion for working with children and inspired her to pursue a future career in education. She is now taking the next steps by getting her Bachelors of Education. Alongside her position at Westboro International Academy, Alessia has held multiple roles in outdoor education programming, coaching, and camps, and has also planned and hosted Fall Orientation for a local university. She has also run a summer camp in her neighbourhood community, further strengthening her experience in youth engagement and program planning. In her free time, she enjoys reading, running, puzzles, and staying active through sports.

Faculty & Staff

With a staff-to-student ratio of 9:1 and an average class size of 17, our staff is always ready to help. Our teachers like it so much that most have been here for a dozen years or more!

Book Your Tour Date

Lisa Fitz-Hardy

Caitlin Cadeau

Tahlia De Corso

Brenda Dunlop

Martine Gagnon

Maëva Gainche

Claire Gavaggio-Righini

Nathalie Poirier

Shanyne McLaughlin

Emilie Meredith

Patrick Ewane

Laurence Polly

Kevin Burley

Eiger Tolledo

Kathryn Udesen

Meg Barbeau

Maxence Baudry

Timothy Peters

Chantale Bessette

Lina Agouzoul

Alessia Solano

Related Topics

Educational Approach

Head of School's Message

HOURS

PHONE

ADDRESS

Quick Links