About Us

Martin Melkoumian, OCT, M.A.

Vice Principal, Student Counselor

Faculty of Education: Brock University

Teachables: History, French

It has been a pleasure to be a part of so many students’ growth and success at TIA. Helping our students develop a passion for learning continues to be my goal, as it is truly thrilling to witness their development into mature, confident, young adults. As a teacher and counselor, I hope to provide all our students with the tools needed to achieve their aspirations, to ensure that no one is left behind, and to provide a learning experience that is tailored to each one’s individual needs.

Laura Gavrila, OCT

Student Counselor, Teacher

Faculty of Education: OISE / University of Toronto

Teachables: English, Politics

Additional Qualifications: ESL, Special Education

Since 2011, I have worked at TIA and have had the opportunity to teach a variety of ESL and English subjects, including college, university common subjects. One of the most enjoyable things in my teaching is working with international students. This is because improving students' English is one of the most rewarding aspects of English language teaching.

Bilal Haj-Bakri, OCT, B.Ed., M.A.

Student Counsellor, Teacher

Faculty of Education: (OISE), University of Toronto

Teachables: ESL, English, Social Sciences

After joining TIA, I taught English, Careers and Civics, and Nutrition. Being a teacher is a gratifying experience because teachers witness the fruits of their labour in the growth of their students. As a guidance counsellor, I am able to help students plan for the rest of their lives. I am passionate about integrating interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving in the classroom. The future of education is in the cultivation of critical thinkers and global citizens. Through culturally-relevant pedagogy and differentiated learning, we can create leaders for future generations.

Vera Yu, OCT, MSc

Teacher

Faculty of Education: University of Ottawa

Teachables: Online, Mathematics, Science

I have been with TIA for since 2015 as a mathematics and science teacher. I am a proud graduate from University of Waterloo with a Master of Mathematics for Teachers and a Bachelor of Mathematics degree. I have also trained and hold a certification in adult education and online teaching facilitator. I have taught in an aboriginal community in northern Ontario for two years and in northern China for three years prior teaching at TIA. I always have a lot of interesting stories to share!

Jennifer Xuan , OCT, NYSTED, M.Ed., CHRP

Teacher

Faculty of Education: University of Waterloo

Teachables: Business, English, (general)

I am proud to be the Business and Science teacher at TIA. I hold a degree in Economics, which allows me to teach a variety of subjects. My experience thus far has been very rewarding for both myself and the learners I have encountered. It is truly inspiring to watch the students at TIA grow academically and reach their greatest potential as members of society!

Merhan Jamshidian,

Teacher

Faculty of Education:

Teachables: Physics, Advance Functions, Calculus & Vectors, Data Management

I graduated in applied mathematics. I have been teaching for 30 years, my favourite topics are math (all subjects) and physics. I like to help my students to look for new ways to find a better strategy to solve problems and improve in analyzing problems.ه

Michael Daniel Stolarski, OCT, B.Ed., BSc. TESOL/TESOL-advanced English

Teacher

Faculty of Education: OISE / Brock University

Teachables: Online, English, Biology, Chemistry, Science (General)

I am a proud science teacher and role model here at TIA, and look forward to continuing my journey in education at TIA. I hold degrees in both education and science with a focus on biology, enjoy teaching lower-level mathematics, and have acquired TESOL/TESOL-advanced English teaching certifications. In addition, I have a few years of experience teaching online courses as well. I am very passionate about all aspects of science and connecting these topics to the real world. It has been a pleasure thus far watching TIA students grow and achieve their goals!

Rachel Nguyen,

Teacher/ Student Counselor

Faculty of Education: Concordia University

Teachables: ESL, English Literacy Course, Vietnamese

Miriam Anton, OCT, B.Ed., Special Ed.

Teacher

Faculty of Education: OISE / York University

Teachables: ESL, Social Sciences

Additional Qualifications: ESL, Social Sciences, Politics, History, Food & Nutrition.

I am a passionate educator. I hold degrees in both science and education, with a focus in History and minor in Chemistry. I also enjoy History and Politics, helping students with problem-solving and teaching ESL. I am very passionate about all aspects of science and connecting these topics to the real world. Other passions of mine include; sports and music. I look forward to connecting your passions to history and p[olitics, it has been a pleasure of mine thus far watching my students grow and achieve their goals!