Staff
Professional Staff
Administration Staff
Owner
Katherine Pasternak
B.F.A., B.ed.
In 1996, I founded Autumn Hill Academy. My passion and interest in early childhood education began at the Faculty of Education at York University. Throughout the course of those years, while researching many different theories and teaching practices, I realized the importance of education for young children. My search led to two significant methods of education – the Montessori Method and the Reggio Emilia Project Approach. Both pedagogies are considered leaders in the field. My vision was to adopt successful, meaningful methods of early childhood education and surround myself with a team of educators and support staff who share my vision. I am proud to say that Autumn Hill continues to be a school that offers an advanced, enriched, well-balanced program for children ages 18 months to Grade 3. I invite you to visit Autumn Hill as we continue to "Promote Thinking and Excite the Imagination."
My name is Jessica Vincelli, and I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator (R.E.C.E.). From a young age, I have always loved being around children — working as a babysitter and later participating in an international co-op as a volunteer teacher in high school. My dream was always to become a teacher, so I began my education to become an ECE.
When a full-time administrative position became available at Autumn Hill in 2006, I took the opportunity and continued my schooling through an apprenticeship.
I am passionate about educating children and watching them reach their full potential. Being the Director allows me to support families in making important decisions about their child's future. At Autumn Hill Academy, we provide a unique, safe, and intellectually stimulating environment for children to thrive, and I strive to accommodate the needs of every family and child.
Hello, my name is AnnMarie Hickey. I have a diploma in Early Childhood Education and a Certificate in Montessori. In September 2000, I began my career at Autumn Hill Academy as a teaching assistant in a Senior Kindergarten class with Katherine Pasternak. I became a lead teacher in September 2001. I have taught Preschool to Senior Kindergarten. I believe that children thrive in a safe, loving and nurturing environment. As a teacher, I find it very rewarding to watch a child learn and grow. I am a dedicated, approachable teacher, and I look forward to working with you and your children. I feel very privileged to be a part of the wonderful team at Autumn Hill Academy.
Toddler Program
Ms. Melissa
ECE diploma in progress
Hello! My name is Melissa. I graduated as an Educational Assistant in 2022 and am currently continuing my education in the Early Childhood Education program at Seneca Polytechnic.
My interest in child development began in 2012 when I became a mother, inspiring me to continuously learn about the many different ways children learn and grow.
Before working in education, I earned a degree in Veterinary Medicine in Mexico and had the opportunity to work at one of the largest zoos in Latin America. I have also gained valuable experience working with children as a Girl Guides and Girl Scouts leader, where I enjoyed helping children build confidence, learn new skills, and become more independent.
I believe every child is unique and deserves to feel safe, valued, loved, and supported. I am excited to bring my passion, curiosity, patience, and love for learning into the classroom, and to build meaningful connections with children and their families.
Ms. Dominga
R.E.C.E.
Hello! My name is Dominga, and I'm excited to be joining the toddler classroom this year.
I completed my Early Childhood Education Diploma at Seneca College in 2025, and I've spent many years working with children across different age groups. Along the way, I've discovered that teaching younger learners is what I enjoy most — their curiosity and enthusiasm make every day feel new, and there's nothing quite like being part of their early growth and discovery.
As a mother to a six-year-old, I bring a personal understanding of early childhood development to my work, alongside my professional training. I'm passionate about creating a warm, supportive space where young children feel safe to learn, explore, and grow.
Toddler Teaching Assistants
Ms. Ranjna
Ms. Rahima
Preschool Program
Ms. Linda
R.E.C.E
Hello, my name is Linda Dakdouk. I have over 10 years of teaching experience working with children from preschool through kindergarten, and I graduated as a Registered Early Childhood Educator from Seneca College.
On a personal note, I am fluent in English, Arabic, and Spanish. I believe that for children to truly thrive, they need to feel safe, represented, loved, and encouraged every day.
This will be my fourth year at Autumn Hill Academy, and I look forward to bringing enthusiasm, energy, and positivity into the preschool classroom. I'm excited to continue building strong connections and meaningful relationships with the children, their families, and my fellow educators.
Ms. Jillian
R.E.C.E
Hello, my name is Ms. Jillian.
I obtained my Early Childhood Education Diploma from George Brown College in April 2012, and I have since completed my Early Childhood Administration certification through Seneca College. My career at Autumn Hill began in September 2012, and throughout my time here I have taught in both the Toddler and Preschool programs. I am always excited to embark on the learning journey with a new group of children.
I have always known that I wanted a career working with children. I believe every child deserves a loving, nurturing, and exciting environment where they feel safe to explore and expand their curious minds. I let children explore their interests and surroundings freely, recognizing that every child learns in their own way. My goal is always to provide the environment and support each child needs to reach their full potential.
Over my 14 years at Autumn Hill, I have given countless children and families this kind of nurturing environment, and I cannot wait to be part of your child's early learning journey.
Senior Preschool Teacher
Mrs. Samanica
R.E.C.E
Hello, my name is Lina Samanica. I graduated from Seneca College, where I obtained my Early Childhood Education Diploma in 2000 and have been working in childcare ever since. I have been a lead teacher for Autumn Hill Academy since 2014. I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, physically, and socially. It is my desire as an educator to help children meet their fullest potential in all of these areas.
Preschool Teaching Assistants
Ms. Stephanie
Ms. Sofie
Ms. Pardeep
Kindergarten Program
Junior Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Carmel
R.E.C.E
Hello! My name is Carmel Anne Trinidad. I graduated from the Early Childhood Education program at George Brown College in 2015. Since then, I have worked with children from toddlers up to kindergarten in various childcare settings. As an educator, I believe in supporting children's development by creating opportunities for them to learn and expand on their knowledge and skills. I believe that my role as an educator is to support children's individual strengths and needs for the reason that each child is unique and valuable. Being an early childhood educator for the past six years has provided me with invaluable skills and experience that I am excited to share with the children.
In my spare time, I love to exercise, cook, read books, explore what nature has to offer and spend time with my family.
Ms. Avantika
M.A.(English), B.Ed., OCT
Hi, my name is Avantika Thakur, and I am an internationally qualified teacher with over four years of experience working with children from diverse age groups and backgrounds. Since 2023, I have been part of the Autumn Hill community, first as a supply teacher and then as a Teaching Assistant in the Senior Kindergarten program. I am excited to join Autumn Hill Academy as a Kindergarten teacher this September. I hold a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in English and am certified by the Ontario College of Teachers, with a focus on the Junior-Intermediate division and English Language Learners.
I believe that every child is unique, and their imagination and creativity should be encouraged and celebrated. In my classroom, I strive to create a warm and welcoming environment where children feel safe to express themselves, explore their ideas, and take risks without fear. I value building trusting relationships and encouraging curiosity through hands-on learning and open-ended exploration. I also believe these early years are a crucial time to nurture children’s growth not only academically but also socially and emotionally, helping to shape them into kind, compassionate, and responsible individuals. It brings me great joy to watch children gain confidence as they discover their interests and strengths. I feel genuinely privileged to be part of the caring and dedicated team at Autumn Hill Academy.
Kindergarten Assistants
Ms. Fataneh
Ms. Gemmafer
Ms. Marcela
Josie Greco
Elementary Program
Senior Kindergarten/Grade One Teacher
Ms. Hannan
MEd
Hello! My name is Hannan Hassim, and I am beyond excited to join Autumn Hill Academy as part of a community that values each student's growth and individuality. With a Bachelor’s degree from York University and a Master’s in Education from the University of Sutherland, I bring both a solid foundation and an eagerness to grow alongside our students.
Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to work in various educational settings, from supporting children with autism to teaching in under-resourced communities in Africa. These experiences have deeply shaped my approach, reinforcing my commitment to inclusivity, empathy, and the belief that every child has a unique brilliance waiting to be discovered.
In my classroom, I strive to create a space where students feel seen, valued, and empowered to express themselves. I am committed to nurturing each child’s sense of wonder and curiosity while providing the support they need to achieve their most significant potential. Together, we will build a foundation for lifelong learning and growth. I can’t wait to partner with you and embark on this incredible journey with your child!
Grade Two & Three Teacher
Peyka Kalacheva
BEd
Hello, my name is Peyka Kalacheva, and I am a teacher at Autumn Hill Academy. I was highly influenced by many of my elementary teachers, and I knew from a very young age that I, too, would teach. I have been working with children since 1998, when I received my Teaching Diploma at Plovdiv University. In 2011, I graduated from York University with a Master of Arts for Teachers. I started working for Autumn Hill in 2012. My experience spans from Preschool to Grade 3. This has taught me not only the importance of academics but the importance of building relationships, teaching empathy, respect, and self-reflection, and nurturing the growth of the entire child. I strongly believe that all students have the ability to succeed in a safe, positive and structured environment, and I strive to engage my students through hands-on learning. It is my goal to encourage and facilitate each child to continue to view learning as enjoyable. I am thrilled to be a part of Autumn Hill Academy.
Elementary Assistants
Ms. Queenie
Betty Aquino
BEd BMa
Hello, my name is Betty Aquino, and I am the French Teacher. I have been proudly teaching at Autumn Hill Academy for over ten years. I received my educational Music and French degrees from the University of Western Ontario. I am very proud to be a part of the Autumn Hill family!
Rick Koglin
Instructor Rick Koglin is a fourth-degree black belt registered with Judo Ontario, Judo Canada, and the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, Japan. He has been practising judo for over thirty years and competed at the national level for seven years, with several Canadian titles to his credit. Koglin Sensei has been teaching for twenty years and is currently the head instructor at Yawara Dojo. He also heads a program at Autumn Hill Academy and for Native Child and Family Services. Previously, he has instructed for North York Parks and Recreation, the Yamanaka Budo Life Centre, the University of Toronto, the North York YMCA, the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, the Crescent Boys Academy and the Centre for Martial Arts – Richmond Hill. He has written and edited the Toraki Judo Times for five years and has been the editor of the Judo Ontario Newsletter for two years. Over the years, he has produced a promotional video ("Judo: A Sport to Flip Over"), written a "Standardized Judo Curriculum," and served on The Junior Development and Aboriginal Development Committees for Judo Ontario. Recently, Rick has become a certified yoga teacher. He enjoys bringing the knowledge of proper body alignment and meditation to his judo teaching.