Principal, Operator

MASHA KAZAKEVICH
M.L.A., B.Sc., B.H.Sc.

Masha’s interest in nature was first cultivated in her Grandmothers’ dacha in Belorussia, where she learned to love food and appreciate the work of growing it.  Her Grandmother showed her the joy of hunting for wild mushrooms and berries, and using medicinal plants.  Masha hopes to share an appreciation for nature and compassion for all living things with younger generations, just like her Grandmother did for her.

Masha has a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture at the University of Guelph.  Her thesis work focused on connecting city children to their food by looking at successful agricultural business models in an urbanizing environment.  Her academic background also includes degrees in biological and health sciences from the University of Toronto and McMaster University.

Masha's professional experience includes practising as a registered midwife in Toronto and Nunavut, where she sought to help families and children have the healthiest start in life. She later started an ecological landscape company and tree service with her husband. Masha enjoyed designing children’s gardens along with her young clients and their parents, and was proud to bring beauty, nature, and mystery into their daily play. When her son came along in 2010, launching a school that integrated nature, culture and community seemed like a natural extension of her experience.

Chef

ANDREA CARDIFF
Red Seal Chef, Certified Holistic Nutritionist

Andrea began her culinary journey at the age of 14 working in local restaurants as a short order cook and washing dishes . After high school, Andrea found fulltime work with a Red Seal Chef and began an apprenticeship at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. At Fanshawe, in her second-year, Andrea was honoured with the Apprentice of the Year Culinary Award.

With a passion for both food and travel, Andrea spent the next few years working in restaurants to save for travel. Andrea then attended the Italian program at George Brown College in Toronto and spent 3 months in Italy working in a 1 Michelin Star Restaurant. From this experience she gained a tremendous respect for quality ingredients.

A few years later, Andrea attended the Wandee Culinary Art School in Bangkok, Thailand for a one-month full time course specializing in Royal Traditional Thai Cuisine.

Throughout the years, Andrea has developed a variety of culinary skills. She has always had an interest in natural health and obtained a certificate from the Institute of Holistic Nutrition in Toronto.

Andrea combines her passion for cooking with nutritional knowledge She sources quality ingredients from local, organic farmers and prepares a variety of healthy meals for the children.  With an emphasis on local and seasonal foods, while still embracing the flavours from around the world, she finds great joy and satisfaction when the children enjoy the new flavours they are being introduced to.

Kindergarten Teacher

SHELBY PARKES
BA, B.Ed, OCT

Shelby’s journey into discovering her passion for childhood development and environmental sustainability began at Fanshawe College where she graduated with her diploma in Early Childhood Education in 2016. Shelby has always had a natural passion for educating and connecting with youth and was eager to learn more to allow them to reach their fullest potential and be an integral part of each child’s development.

Shelby went on the work in various teaching positions where she applied what she learned to create a safe, inclusive and engaging environment that allowed each child to express themselves creatively through play-based, child-directed learning.

Shelby soon realized that she wanted to expand her knowledge on nature and the environment, something she was also passionate about. Shelby had always taken an interest in caring for the environment and waste reduction, using any chance she got to educate others about the importance of interacting with nature and being respectful of your surroundings. 

After working as a Supply ECE and a children’s dance instructor, Shelby went on to complete her degree in Environment and Sustainable Development at the University of Guelph in 2020. During her university career, Shelby learned about environmental conservation, sustainability, and the importance of connecting with the world around us. 

Shelby originally joined North 44 as part of the Preschool program back in 2021 where she remained for a year and a half. She adored her time working directly with staff and children in an outdoor, nature-based setting where she combined her two passions of educating children and nature-based learning. Empowering children to learn through collaboration as an educator and guiding their learning through curiosity and child-led play is something she truly feels passionate about. 

Shelby decided to pursue a Master’s Degree in Education and obtain her Teaching Certificate, during which she has gained an influx of knowledge on the Ontario curriculum, various teaching methods, and lesson-plan building with differentiation for varying academic levels. She also prioritizes the incorporation of student’s interests and input into her teaching and implements social and emotional skill development into every learning opportunity.

Shelby is thrilled to be back at North 44 Academy and feels very fortunate to be able to connect with children in a diverse network of outdoor settings where endless learning opportunities are prevalent. She is excited to implement her professional knowledge, while also continuing to learn and grow as a high-quality educator.

Preschool 2 Teacher

VICTORIA WRIGHT
BASc., ECE

Victoria studied Child, Youth, and Family studies at the University of Guelph and through this program also received her Early Childhood Educator certification. She has always enjoyed working with children and her education has provided her with a deeper understanding of how children learn and develop.

She wants to use what she’s studied to foster curiosity and creativity in children and help them further their development.  

During her university career, Victoria completed a co-op placement at the Sheldon Centre for Outdoor Education. This experience gave her a deeper understanding of how outdoor education can benefit all children. She witnessed children taking new and safe risks, gaining confidence in their abilities, along with developing a deeper understanding of the importance of the environment and agriculture in our everyday lives. Victoria has always enjoyed being in nature and going on hikes, and this experience instilled a desire in Victoria to engage the children she teaches with their outdoor environment. 

Victoria began working at North 44 in the summer of 2018 and participated in the opening of the Preschool 2 classroom. She increased her knowledge of outdoor education and encouraged safe risk taking and exploration of outdoor environments.

In 2021, Victoria made the decision to pursue a career as a postpartum doula, a role that allowed her to follow her personal passion for assisting new parents in adjusting to life with a new baby and gaining confidence in their abilities as parents.

However, she is extremely pleased to announce her return to North 44 in 2024, reconnecting with the place where her professional journey started. She is truly grateful to be back!

Program Supervisor, Preschool 2 Teacher

JESSICA HOUSE
B.A., R.E.C.E.

From a young age, Jess displayed a compassionate and empathetic nature. She has always had a desire to assist and support those in need and chooses to concentrate on individuals' strengths and the positive aspects of each situation she encounters. This optimistic mindset, coupled with an unwavering curiosity, has consistently drawn her to the great outdoors, where she can appreciate the beauty of nature - whether she is out for a hike, walking her dog or out exploring on her kayak.

Jess embarked on her academic journey at the University of Waterloo, enrolling in the Honours Social Development Studies program with a specialization in social work and individual well-being. Shortly after commencing her apprenticeship with the Get Ready for School™ program at Strong Start® Charitable Organization, she discovered her passion for working with children. Through these experiences, Jess developed a focus on forming meaningful connections with each child while providing them with opportunities to thrive in developmentally appropriate, play-based environments.

In 2018, Jess received a warm welcome into the North 44° Academy community and helped participate in the opening of the preschool 2 classroom. She quickly connected with the environment and subsequently made the decision to pursue Early Childhood Education at Cambrian College through their alternate delivery program (ECAD). The ECAD program caters to individuals already employed in the childcare field, allowing Jess to complete her studies on a full-time basis while continuing her full-time work at North 44° Academy. This program proved to be tremendously enriching, and Jess obtained her registered ECE status in 2021.

Jess brings a deep passion for outdoor education and a wealth of experience working with young children, and she is enthusiastic about bringing her knowledge and skills into the Preschool 2 classroom. She is dedicated to establishing a nurturing and stimulating learning environment that cultivates a love for learning and exploration.

Jess is looking forward to stepping into the role of supervisor in September 2023, while remaining in program with the Preschool 2 group for most of the day. She also values the opportunity to connect with the families of North 44° Academy throughout the year, so please feel welcome to visit and introduce yourself!

Preschool 1 Teacher

JESSICA ROOSEN
Early Childhood Educator

Jessica is an Early Childhood Educator as well as an enthusiastic outdoors person with years of experience connecting children with nature in a child-directed and play-based environment. She moved back to Ontario from Powell River, British Columbia, where she was working in a licensed, high quality early learning centre, bringing her love and wonder of nature into the classroom.

Previous to this, Jessica had the honor of working with a not-for-profit First Nations organization, delivering nature based, culturally significant programs. Jessica also has experience working with youth of all ages as an outdoor educator with The Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre in Midland Ontario, where she developed and delivered programs such as healthy ecosystems, animal habitats and adaptations, rocks and minerals, all in accordance with the board of education science curriculum.

Jessica joined the North 44° Academy team in June, 2014 and feels so fortunate to be able to enjoy the endless learning possibilities offered by the 600-acre property we have access to here. Jessica particularly loves watching as the trees change seasonally, producing delicious fruit that we can all enjoy together in the late summer and early fall. She also loves tracking animals in the snow and cooking food over the fire throughout the winter months. Jessica looks forward to building relationships and facilitating exploration and a sense of wonder about the world around us.

See you outside!

Support Teacher, Elementary

Danielle (Dani) Rissin-Rosenfeld

MEd

Dani is an Educator, Plant enthusiast, Western Clinical Herbalist, and
Earthworker. She has a background working with neurodivergent children and a Master's in Environmental Education. Dani is passionate about
teaching. She addresses her work with compassion, dedication, and care.
She believes in learner-centered education and creating learning
environments where everyone can thrive.

Music Teacher

TYLER SHAW
B.A., M.E.S., B.Ed., O.C.T.

Tyler's teaching career began while he was still in high school, when he would sometimes be pulled out of class to fill in for the music teacher.  After years of teaching music privately, Tyler earned his B.Ed at Lakehead University in 2004, following a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Masters of Environmental Studies at the University of Waterloo. 

After seeing first hand how difficult it can be to provide for young learners' needs within the current public school system, Tyler is thrilled to be helping out with the experiential, learner-centered curriculum offered by the team at North 44° Academy.

Junior Teacher

CONALL REA
B.A., B.Ed., O.C.T.

Conall grew up on a 100 acre property between Fergus and Orangeville. He is a 1st generation Irish-Canadian who spent much of his childhood exploring woods, working with animals, reading in long grasses, and playing soccer. As the son of an immigrant family, he also pulls on an entrepreneurial spirit and has been involved in a variety of different industries. 

He completed his undergraduate degree in International Business and Economic Development at the University of Guelph. Then proceeded to teach for 2 years at an IB school in the Czech Republic (Kindergarten then Physical Education). After this he returned to Canada and worked in executive sales in Toronto, then was a Justice of the Peace in Alberta for the provincial criminal court, then worked a trade desk for digital ad space in Guelph, before returning to teaching again and completing his Bachelor of Education at Western. Following his Bachelor of Education, he worked at an IB/CIS school in Kuwait for 3 years. Also, he grew up working in restaurants and renovating buildings with his family. Finally, he was involved at the Sylvan Learning Center through high school and university; administratively and as a teacher. 

He loves nature and has hiked all over the world; explored oceans and mountains alike. He has played soccer semi-professionally in Europe and believes in physical literacy as a critical component of good health. Finally, he believes technology is a great tool for creation, but will be the first to advocate for a run outside before time in front of a screen.

Preschool 2 Teacher & Break Support

Madeline Burgess
B.A., M.A. Student

Madeline has recently graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. Although Madeline is very passionate about psychology and mental health, her other passions reside in nature.

In high school, one of Madeline's fondest educational memories was a program called CELP (Community Environmental Leadership Program). She recognized the importance of creating a strong relationship between the environment and the community. CELP also provided the chance for Madeline to teach kids ages 9-10 about the biology of nature in a fun and interactive outdoor setting, just like North 44°!

Currently, Madeline is working on her Master's degree in counselling psychology. 

Some of Madeline's favourite past times include relaxing in her hammock with a book, hiking, camping, foraging for mushrooms, and crocheting.

Madeline is very excited to join the North 44° team (since 2022) and have the opportunity to work alongside your children as they learn and grow!

Red Seal Chef

SARAH PARIZEAU

From Blind River, ON, Sarah spent most weekends of her childhood foraging, fishing and hunting with friends and family. She has loved cooking from a very young age and has been exposed to where food comes from and cooking, and baking from scratch using ingredients grown gathered by hand and hunted and shared throughout the community. 

She first began cooking professionally while attending Selkirk College (Kootenay School of the Arts in Nelson, B.C. While attaining her diploma in Ceramic Art. During this time Sarah worked in several kitchens doing everything from dishwashing to line cooking to prepping to baking. 

She returned back to Guelph where she accepted a job at The Bookshelf where she would spend the next five years cooking, prepping, creating nutritious menu items, baking and yes, even serving and bartending. There was an emphasis on quality ingredients locally sourced when possible, and even utilized the growing season with a modest rooftop garden.

Sarah spent the next five years at the University of Guelph completing her cooking Apprenticeship where she had the opportunity to work alongside many Chefs with a diversity of experiences, specialties and backgrounds. During this time Sarah attended George Brown College (culinary program) where she graduated with honours, and went on to complete her red seal examination earning her a Red Seal Endorsement. 

Primary Teacher

DANIELLE LAW
B.A., B.Ed., O.C.T.

Danielle grew up in Guelph, where her love for the outdoors began through time spent with family and friends exploring, hiking, camping, and gardening. Her combined love for science and working with children led to a Bachelor of Arts and Science from the University of Guelph, with shared majors in biology and developmental psychology. Ready for a post-graduate adventure, and with a strong love for travel, Danielle set off to South Korea to teach English to kindergarten children in a private primary school. Her passion for teaching and adoration for working with young children then led to a Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa.

Prior to joining North 44, Danielle taught for the Upper Grand District School Board for ten years, where she worked with many diverse groups of young students in a variety of classrooms and settings. She has a strong passion for teaching, getting to know her students closely, and guiding them in their learning and development. As a Primary and Junior teacher, the bulk of her teaching experience has been in kindergarten and primary classrooms, where her practices and philosophy have been rooted in child-led, inquiry-based, and play-based learning. Danielle was lucky to work at a number of rural schools, in which the outdoors was a natural extension of the classroom, allowing for daily exploration and creativity. She loves to explore the beautiful natural spaces at North 44 Academy with her students!

Danielle lives in Guelph with her husband and their sweet black cat, Bagheera. She loves to travel, read books, cook delicious meals with family and friends, go for long nature walks, and to spend time in her shady backyard, surrounded by her plants and friendly neighbourhood critters.

French Teacher

MIREILLE MARTINEZ
B.A.Sc., R.E.C.E.

Mireille was born and raised in Mexico City, lived in Belgium for a year and spent her childhood summers in Germany, France and Algeria. Mireille is multilingual, speaking English, Spanish and French fluently.

Mireille has lived in Guelph for 33 years. She studied Applied Social and Human Sciences at the University of Guelph and stayed to live in this beautiful city upon graduation.

Aside from having a degree in Child Development, Mireille completed most of Gordon Neufeld's courses in Child Development, enjoys researching and studying neuro science in her spare time, completed EFT training and is a Brain Gym practitioner.

Since graduating from the University, Mireille has worked with children and youth as a tutor, a French teacher, a French Teacher assistant, a preschool teacher, an after school teacher, an infant care giver, and an Early Childhood Program facilitator. She has always loved being around children and youth; feeling very attuned to children's needs and finds fulfillment by making their day as happy and fun as possible. 

Support Teacher

MIKI TAMBLYN
B.Sc., Wildlife Biology and Conservation

Miki has always felt a deep connection to the natural world as well as an affinity for nurturing the creatures around her. These loves have remained her compass throughout her life and career as a wildlife biologist, outdoor school teacher, artist and nature interpreter.

As a biologist Miki has worked as a wildlife rehabilitator and raptor caretaker with wonderful organizations such as Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre in Napanee, The Raptors Centre in Duncan B.C., and Wild Ontario here in Guelph. Miki describes working so closely with non-human animals as a transformative practice in patience, effective communication, positive reinforcement and trust building that has shaped her mentorship style.

Miki believes that kindness and curiosity are the best teachers and has been fortunate to learn alongside and mentor school aged children through many roles. She has worked as a science summer camp counselor with Science North in Thunder Bay, as a nature interpreter with the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre on Vancouver Island, and as an outdoor school mentor with The Pine Project in Toronto. Whether the day calls for shelter building, song singing, or making mud pies, Miki is always ready to share in a learning opportunity!

Alongside her teaching pursuits Miki is a print maker, wild crafter and member of the Guelph rainbow community. She believes in educational experiences that bolster any learner’s sense of self-love and community connection. She feels very grateful to be a part of North 44° Academy as an educational assistant and can’t wait to keep growing alongside this magical place!

Preschool 1 Teacher

LAURA GORDON
E.C.E. Student

Laura is a highly experienced individual with a strong background in working with children of all ages in various settings. She also possesses extensive knowledge in outdoor education and has successfully facilitated nature-based learning activities, guided nature walks, and cared for amphibians and reptiles in captivity at The Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre in Midland, Ontario.

Laura's deep passion for nature and the outdoors was cultivated during her childhood spent in Muskoka, on the Canadian Shield. This upbringing led to her developing a profound love for activities such as hiking, camping, swimming, bird-watching, and gardening, which remain integral parts of her daily life.

Laura firmly believes in the significance of early childhood development for every child's growth. She is excited to be a part of the North 44° Academy team (since 2016) as they share her dedication to fostering each child's learning, exploration, and overall development within a nurturing and secure environment.

Laura is always open to engaging with both new and familiar faces, so please do not hesitate to reach out and say hello!

Support Teacher

LISA SILVERSTEIN
R.E.C.E., Certified Yoga & Meditation Instructor

Lisa is a R.E.C.E. and Certified Yoga & Meditation Instructor. She believes strongly that our mental, physical, and emotional well-being is intimately linked with our environment, beginning with the natural world.

Lisa worked for many years at the Child Care and learning Centre at the University of Guelph before shifting to yoga as a full-time endeavor. After many years co-directing Living Yoga & Health, a studio in downtown Guelph where she taught children and adults of all ages and abilities, she has been excited to return to her roots in the world of children’s education and development.

Engaging with the outer world and the elements helps children to understand and respect their own natures and to honour differences without judgement.  Lisa brings her love of movement and stillness, being outside, and playfulness to support the amazing teachers at North 44 Academy. When not at the outdoor preschool or on her mat, she can be found walking in the woods with her dog Bonnie.

Support Teacher

JULIA HAWKEN
R.E.C.E., M.S.Ed., O.C.T.

Julia is a registered Early Childhood Educator and was an ECE for Upper Grand District School Board for many years. She then pursued her Masters of Science in Education from Medialle College and is now an Elementary Teacher. Julia is an outdoor enthusiast along with her 10-year-old daughter and her Aussie. Julia was a supply teacher last summer for the Outdoor Preschool and fell in love with the program. This summer, you may see her there as she happily supply’s for the regular teachers.

Support Teacher

EMMI BOYLE
University Student

Working with children has been a passion of Emmi’s from a very young age. Her playful and empathetic nature has led her to opportunities where she could build connections with youth of all spectrums and served to deepen her enthusiasm for teaching.

Emmi is currently studying Studio Art and Biology at the University of Guelph where she can focus on examining the complex relationship between Western society and the natural environment. Her studies have broadened her understanding of the connection between children and nature, and allowed her to utilize different perspectives of learning to enhance her teaching skills.

Emmi’s professional journey developed through years of babysitting and working as a live-in nannying for friends, family and mutual friend’s. From this experience, she gained the skills to exhibit her compassion for children in more professional spaces. Some of these include camp counsellor positions, teaching opportunities, and other jobs involving children. In her most recent job as a camp counsellor, Emmi organized and taught hikes and classes surrounding a number of nature-based activities such as the caring and raising of monarch butterflies, organic gardening, astronomy, sustainability, and wilderness survival.

School Farmer

ROB STEPHENS
CER (Ecosystem Restoration), ISA Arborist

Rob has a lifelong passion working with nature, ecology and agriculture.

Rob has spent over two decades working in applied and consulting aboriculture, ecological design and landscape installation.

Founding the school enabled him to channel his experience for the benefit of future generations, including his two young sons.

He is currently managing the school vegetable garden using innovative intensive organic cultivation techniques to bring the freshest food to the school.

Support Teacher

NICHOLE BOROWIK
B.Ed., O.C.T., Waldorf Early Childhood Education

Nichole has always had passion for sparking creativity and imagination while connecting with nature. Her fondest childhood memories involve hours spent in the branches of her neighbourhood “climbing trees” or as a teenager wandering the woods behind her family's home that backed onto the Bruce Trail. These childhood experiences immersed in nature have inspired Nichole to share outdoor-based learning as a tutor, childcare provider, mother, and teacher.

While pursuing her undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph, Nichole tutored and nannied for many families, always incorporating plenty of time at the parks, trails, and riversides.

Nichole received her Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University in 2008 and began teaching at Trillium Waldorf School in Guelph, where she taught a variety of subjects including: crafts, baking, gardening, movement, and storytelling, as well as running the after-school program and assisting in the early childhood classrooms. Nichole has also completed a certification in Waldorf Early Childhood Education.

In 2011 Nichole created a nature-based home daycare “The Curiosity Nest” which allowed her to continue teaching while being home with her own children for nine years. Her program focused on providing children with ample time and space to play freely with open-ended toys & natural materials, frolic outdoors for hours, & appreciate the changing seasons.  Nichole believes children should have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the world around them by being invited to help with gardening, food preparation, cleaning, tidying, and caring for themselves and other living things.

Guitar Instructor

DON MOORE, PhD

Don has over forty years of experience in music, beginning his studies with guitar at the age of five. He started teaching guitar at the age of sixteen, and has played professionally for over thirty years. He also studied the trumpet, which he played in the Eastern Ontario Concert Orchestra as a youngster, and studied Opera and vocal technique with Cleone Duncan and Henrietta Ash.

As a singer, Don has performed professionally in vocal ensembles, professional musical theatre, and with many different music groups in a range of styles. As a guitarist, Don has played and toured with numerous rock, jazz, and celtic groups, including the Mary Knickle Band. He has done studio recording work, played guitar in pit bands for professional theatre, done music arranging, and has played in a number of the major music festivals in Canada, including the Mariposa Festival, Summerfolk, the First Night Festival in Toronto, the Pearl Theatre in Nova Scotia, and on numerous television shows.

Don loves to teach guitar, and brings a wealth of professional performing experience to back up his instruction. His approach is to make guitar lessons fun, for example, by being open to teaching a student a simple arrangement of their favorite pop tune on the guitar that they can sing along to, while simultaneously instructing them in proper playing technique, music theory, and music reading skills in a number of different styles. In this way, the student gets to play something they love, while at the same time learning the necessary skills and techniques to eventually be able to teach themselves their favorite song, and play it correctly.