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. At a young age, I have always loved being around children, working as a babysitter and participating in an international Co-op as a volunteer teacher in High School. My dream was always to be a teacher, and I began my education to become an ECE. When a full-time job became available at Autumn Hill, in 2006, as the administrator, I continued my schooling as an apprenticeship.
I am passionate about educating children and seeing them reach their full potential. Being the Director enables me to assist families in making important decisions regarding their child's future. At Autumn Hill Academy, we provide a unique, safe and intellectually stimulating environment for children to thrive. I strive to accommodate all family and children's needs.
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. Shenea
R.E.C.E.
I am thrilled to take on the role of Lead Toddler Teacher at Autumn Hill Academy. I began at Autumn Hill in 2023, last year I was the lead Preschool teacher. As a registered Early Childhood Educator, I am eager to bring my knowledge, skills, and passion to the Toddler room. As a dedicated and compassionate educator, I have always dreamed of inspiring young minds and shaping our children's future. My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child is a unique and special individual deserving of guidance, patience, and love. I firmly believe that each child learns and grows at their own pace, and our educators are responsible for providing tailored accommodations to meet their diverse needs. My goal is to create a safe, loving, and encouraging environment that fosters a sense of belonging and curiosity in our young learners. I strive to provide a nurturing space where children feel valued, respected, and empowered to explore, discover, and thrive. I am committed to delivering high-quality education that prepares children for academic success and instills a love for learning, a sense of wonder, and a strong foundation for lifelong growth.
Toddler Teaching Assistants
Ms. Saidi
Ms. Jennifer
Ms. Leila
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 to kindergarten. I graduated as a Registered Early Childhood Educator from Seneca College. On a personal note, I am fluent in English, Arabic, and Spanish. I know that for children to thrive, they need to feel safe, represented, loved, and encouraged.
I look forward to bringing enthusiasm, love, energy, and positivity to the toddler classroom. This will be my second year at Autumn Hill Academy, and I am excited to build connections and develop relationships among the children, their parents, and myself.
Ms. Nahal
R.E.C.E
Hello, my name is Nahal Ahmadi (PhD – RECE). I graduated from the Early Childhood Education program at Seneca College in August 2018. I have worked with different age groups of children in various Early Learning Centers for several years. I believe that a child’s sense of well-being and their sense of belonging is of the utmost importance. As an educator, I further believe that each child develops at their own rate; socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively, and that the educator’s role is to facilitate their learning by providing an environment that supports this. In my classroom, I will give a warm, stimulating, learning environment that encourages children to explore and thrive as they learn about themselves and the world around them. I look forward to meeting each and every one of them.
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. Rahima
Kindergarten Program
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.
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 preschool 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.
Senior Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Wong
R.E.C.E
Hello, my name is Lillian Wong, and I graduated with my Early Childhood Education Diploma from Centennial College. I have been working at Autumn Hill Academy since 1997. I started as a teaching assistant with Katherine Pasternak and have taken on many teaching positions since that time. I have taught Preschool to Grade One. What I enjoy most about teaching is seeing students learn, grow and flourish as they become their own individuals. All children have so much to learn and offer at such a young age, and it is amazing to be a part of their learning experiences at Autumn Hill Academy.
Kindergarten Assistants
Ms. Fataneh
Ms. Melissa
Ms. Marcela
Josie Greco
Elementary Program
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.