Staff Biographies

Amanda Dervaitis
(Centre Director)
Amanda has been working with the Oxford program for 10 years. After graduating with a B.Ed. from McGill University, she began teaching at a public school, and teaching part-time at the Oxford Learning Centre in the Beaches area of Toronto. She instantly fell in love with the program and in 2004, she opened up the centre in her neighborhood of High Park. Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband Matt, and her 2 sons.

Julia Puodziukas
(Education Coordinator)
Grew up in the west end of Toronto and Mississauga. She attained a B.Sc from McMaster University and a M.Ed. from Canisius College. In her spare time, she teaches a Lithuanian dance group, enjoys the outdoors, and everyday science.

Erin Lambie
(Education Coordinator)
Graduated with a B.Sc in Biochemistry from The University of Ottawa, and moved to Toronto to pursue her dream of being a teacher. She loves to teach her favorite subject, which is science. Erin looks forward to working with students that enjoy learning and challenging themselves.

Donna Pazulla
(Little Readers Teacher)
Grew up in the west end of Toronto where she received a B.A. from The University of Toronto and an ECE Degree from Humber College. After 19 years of teaching 3-6 year olds, she never ceases to be amazed at what she learns from them. In her spare time, Donna enjoys reading, walking her dog Charley, and spending time with her family.

Karolina Siauciulis
(Teacher)
Has been working with Oxford for 3 years. She enjoys working with children and helping them learn. Karolina looks forward to meeting every student because she thinks everyone is unique in their own way!

Brandon Ellenberger
(Teacher)
grew up in a small town near Windsor Ontario. After a four year Human Kinetics program at the University of Windsor, he completed his Bachelor of Education at York University in 2008/09. Brandon enjoys being a spectator at, or participating in a vast variety of sport and leisure activities such as baseball and hockey. His passion for being involved in the process of growth and development led him to teaching, while each meaningful interaction has kept this desire strong. He looks forward to getting to know each child he meets and believes that teachers and students learn from and teach each other.

Julie Deaville
(Teacher)
Julie was raised in Montreal and educated at Concordia University BSc., and St. Francis Xavier U., N.S. (BEd.). She enjoys teaching English and French at all grade levels, both classroom and individually. It is a great joy for her to observe, and assist in the development of children and young adults. To experience the delight of young people as they appreciate learning is a great thrill for her. Apart from teaching she is a dressmaker and amateur painter.

Julia Solyom-Newman
(Teacher)
Julia Solyom-Newman is a recently retired teacher from the Toronto District School Board. She received her B.A. and B.Ed. degrees from York University, and her M.Ed. from O.I.S.E at the University of Toronto. During her 30 years as a teacher, Julia had the opportunity to work with ESL and Special Needs children, as well as in regular classrooms. She cares deeply for children and continues to enjoy the challenge of motivating and helping them learn. In her spare time,Julia loves spending time with her family and friends. As well, she enjoys gardening, Pilates, movies, reading and life-long learning.

A graduate from York University with a BA in English and Professional Writing, Dan Smiley enjoys having fun with his students while helping them learn. His degree along with his math and science background allow him to teach a variety of subjects. He loves writing and all things comedic--funny movies, books, plays, and people--so if you have a good joke, he's all ears.

Cathy Lambropoulos
(Teacher)
Cathy was born in Walkerton, Ontario, but spent most of her life in Toronto. Although her main profession lies in the travel industry, her love has always been in teaching. She looks forward to waking up every Saturday morning and rushing to the centre to see all her shiny-faced little friends. Cathy takes pleasure in watching them discover and learn!

Group Photo
Here is the entire team at Oxford Learning High Park!