OUR TEAM

The team behind your learning

Internationally certified teachers who are committed to taking your English to the next level.

NATIVE SPEAKER TEACHERS

Certified Native-Speaking Teachers

Kevin Cabrera

Kevin Cabrera

Certification: TESOL
B.A. – Sociology and Political Science

Hello! Have you ever been to Toronto, Ontario? I’d like to tell you about my hometown someday. I’ve been teaching English online and in person for over 8 years. For 5 years, I lived and taught in Japan, where I experienced the challenges of learning a new language and culture firsthand. I hope to help others who are going through the same experience. I look forward to fun and productive lessons with you.

Zoila Green

Zoila Green

Certification: TEAL
BEd. – Elementary Education and Education for Work

I am a passionate educator with experience in elementary and college-level education. I love helping my English students achieve their language goals. I strive for personal and professional growth by creating engaging lessons. My hobbies include educational research, writing, hiking, yoga, and trying vegan cuisine. I speak Spanish, English, and some Italian.

Yana Tchebotok

Yana Tchebotok

Certification: TEFL
B.Com. - Business Technology Management

I am a native English speaker from Canada. I also speak Russian fluently. Coming from a multilingual family, I have firsthand experience in learning and speaking another language. I understand the challenges and the feelings that come with language acquisition. In addition, I am proficient in Spanish and continue to improve my fluency. Living abroad has taught me the importance of speaking confidently and clearly. During lessons, I help my students understand language structures and break old speech patterns. I enjoy teaching pronunciation techniques and building your confidence to help you reach your English language goals!

Veronica Trunzo

Veronica Trunzo

Certifications: CELTA and TEFL
B.A. – History and Literature

I have been teaching ESL for 7 years; I have experience teaching Business English, IELTS preparation, and ESL at all levels, from beginner to advanced. I have taught at ESL schools in Cambodia, China, and Chile, and have been teaching online for 2 years.
I enjoy reading, traveling around the world, practicing yoga, hiking, and learning new languages!

Vera Igoshina

Vera Igoshina

Certification: CITY and GUILDS
BEd. - English and German

My dear future students! My name is Vera, and I’ve been an English teacher for 15 years. I’ve taught in various countries, such as China, Russia, and Peru, so I’m sure we’ll get along—I love meeting people from all over the world. Isn’t that what makes life such a wonderful journey?
I know that studying a foreign language can seem challenging at times, but I hope we can overcome all the difficulties together—and believe me, I always try to be there for my students! I believe my knowledge and experience allow me to explain complicated concepts in a simple way and make boring topics fun. I also hope to help you see all the beauty of the language and enjoy the learning process. I can’t wait to see you in class!

Tara Bells

Tara Bells

Certification: TEFL
B.A. – Political Science and Sociology

I grew up in Canada and now live in Mexico. With over 20 years of experience in youth programming, including 8 years teaching ESL, I recently made the switch to online teaching. I love to travel and have visited 36 countries. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, exploring new beaches, and reading. I look forward to meeting my new students!

Selena Clark

Selena Clark

Certification: TEFL
B.A. in French and Spanish

I was born and raised in Kelowna, B.C., Canada. I have been teaching many subjects for nearly a decade (swimming, Modern Greek, French, and Spanish). I earned my TEFL certificate in 2020 during the pandemic, and have been teaching English online to Hispanic Americans ever since. I have been working specifically with Canaway Academy since the beginning of 2021. I love learning about different languages and cultures, going to the beach, exploring nature, and listening to music from around the world. My teaching philosophy is to make my classes feel safe, comfortable, dynamic, engaging, and fun!

Roxanne Loncar

Roxanne Loncar

Certifications: CELTA and TEFL
B.A. – English Language and Literature

Hello! I'm Roxanne Loncar, a certified English teacher with a bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature. I'm fluent in Mandarin and am continuing to learn more. Passionate about creating a relaxing learning environment, I prioritize the student experience. Besides teaching, I enjoy art, hiking, and playing the ukulele. Let's explore the magical English language together!

Rachel Winn

Rachel Winn

Certification: TEFL
B.A. - Social Sciences

I've been teaching English learners for about 5 years now, and I could never imagine doing anything else! Working with students online is such a rewarding experience, and it has allowed me to travel and live in Japan and Europe with my wonderful husband and young son. I strive to create a safe and relaxed environment in my classroom where students can feel at ease and excited to learn. I look forward to meeting you all soon!

Nicole Muir

Nicole Muir

Certification: TESOL
B.Com. – Business Management

Having recently returned to Ontario, Canada, after 14 years in Asia, I am inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. I believe in children’s abilities, and I speak English, Spanish, and Mandarin. I am passionate about languages and cultures, and I love gardening, reading, cooking, and relaxing at the beach. I’m excited to meet my Canaway students!

Nadine Strudensky

Nadine Strudensky

Certification: TESL
BEd. - English

I grew up in Montreal, Quebec, in a trilingual household. Teaching English is my calling, driven by a passion for storytelling and language. With a B.Ed. from Concordia University, specializing in education, I’m excited to help my students develop a deeper love for English. Let’s embark on this language journey together!

Liam Green

Liam Green

Certification: OCT
B.A. - Social Studies and History

I expect my students to actively participate in class activities, including giving short presentations, participating in online scavenger hunts, watching and discussing videos, and playing educational games. I expect my students to ask questions and contribute to a respectful and inclusive online classroom. My message to future Canaway Private School students is that I believe learning should be fun, interesting, and relevant to your future. I do my best to ensure that students enjoy my classes, learn valuable information that will be useful in their lives, and deepen their understanding of the world.

Ashley Salas

Ashley Salas

Certificate: TEFL
B.A. - Spanish and Latin American Studies

Hello! My name is Ashley Salas. I have been teaching for over 7 years. I always wanted to be a teacher, and as I got older and discovered a love for languages, I knew that teaching English was what I wanted to do. I’m from Wisconsin, USA, but I currently live in Saltillo, Mexico. I love to read, paint, and spend time with my dog Milo. I can’t wait to meet you all in class!

Julia Mazhugo

Julia Mazhugo

Certifications: TESOL and TESL
B.A. in English

Hi everyone, My name is Julia Mazhugo and I’m a language enthusiast living in Ottawa, Canada. I’ve studied six languages so far and have mastered four of them. My passion has always been teaching languages. I’ve been teaching English for over 15 years now to students of all ages and backgrounds, both online and in the classroom. My motto is passion + patience = progress. I challenge my students to grow and learn, and I work hard to help them succeed because I love my job. My hobbies include visiting new places, going to museums, and learning about new cultures and traditions.

Jay Gomez

Jay Gomez

Certification: TESOL
B.A. - English Literature

I’ve been teaching English for 4 years and I absolutely love it. Not only have I learned more about my own language, but I’ve also gained a deep appreciation for those who take the plunge to learn this labyrinthine language from the ground up! I spent two years in Mexico, where I discovered the wonders of Mexican culture, Mexican weather, and above all else, Mexican food! I love horror movies, and my taste in music is all over the place—from metal to pop to fusion jazz. If it sounds good, I’ll listen! I’m always on the lookout for new music and movies, so if you have any recommendations, send them my way!

Jackline Ken

Jackline Ken

Certifications: TEFL and TEYL
B.A. – Communication Studies

Language, Food, and Culture are my motto. Having taught in South Korea, I enjoy teaching English. Working with a diverse group of students, I strive to make learning fun. As a native of Toronto, I love TV dramas, acting, and trying new cuisines. Learning is an adventure; let's embark on an English journey filled with laughter!

Ha Young Terra Yim

Ha Young Terra Yim

Certification: TESL
B.A. - English and Political Science

Hi there! I'm Terra. I love teaching English and believe that learning languages should be fun! I hope to see you in class!

Gina Edghil

Gina Edghil

Certifications: TESOL and TEFL
B.S. in Information Technology and Health Science and Promotion

Hi everyone, I’m Gina and I live in Ontario. I’m a native English speaker and I’ve been teaching ESL online for over 5 years. I really enjoy helping learners achieve their English language goals while having fun. I’m looking forward to working with you at Canaway.

Erica Armstrong

Erica Armstrong

Certification: TEFL
B.S. in Biology and Russian Studies

Nice to meet you! I'm from Chester, a small village in Canada. While in college, I tutored immigrants in English. I later taught in Moscow and online. After finishing my studies, I worked at a Canadian institute. I'm passionate about current events, art, and collecting old vinyl records. I'm excited to meet you in our classroom!

Cory Provost

Cory Provost

Certification: CELTA
B.A. - French

I now live in Ottawa, Ontario, where I teach English online to students from all over the world. I focus on working with upper-intermediate and advanced students, as well as Canaway graduates and those aspiring to achieve native-level fluency. It is crucial that students understand that they are improving and why they are doing so. With my guidance and feedback, students can develop this awareness, learn to take more responsibility for their education, and build their confidence by understanding how the language works and how to use it most effectively.

Cassandra Rose

Cassandra Rose

Certification: TESOL
B.A. - Multidisciplinary

Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you! I was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, and have lived and worked all over Canada in very remote locations. I have been teaching Outdoor Education, Leadership, and Environmental Science in English, French, American Sign Language, and ESL for nearly 30 years, until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the pandemic, my specialty was training teachers on how to incorporate NATURE into their classrooms. Since then, I have transitioned to teaching ESL online. I am passionate about the learning process, working with multiple intelligences, and experiential education. My goals are to learn something new every day and to share knowledge with others. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you!

Camille Dube

Camille Dube

Certification: OCT B. Ed. - English and Social Sciences

I am originally from a small town in rural Alberta, where I grew up on a farm and enjoyed the rural way of life. However, my passion has always been teaching, so I moved to “the big city” of Edmonton, Alberta, where I earned my Bachelor of Education degree with a major in Humanities and a minor in Spanish from the University of Alberta. Over the years, I have worked in various roles within the field of education, including as a tutor, an inclusion support coordinator at the postsecondary level for students with developmental disabilities, and as a full-time high school English and Spanish teacher.

Brian Gibb

Brian Gibb

Certifications: TEFL and IELTS Teacher Training

Hello. I hope to see you in one of my classes. Remember, mastering another language is like gaining a new soul. I speak five languages: English, French, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese

HISPANIC TEACHERS

Certified Bilingual Hispanic Teachers

Alejandro Angarita Araque

Alejandro Angarita Araque

Certification: TEFL
B.A. – Environmental Engineering

I’m deeply passionate about learning, and I enjoy traveling and playing sports. From a young age, the English language has allowed me to visit different places, meet amazing people, work in different environments, and gain access to information. When I’m not teaching, you’ll most likely find me riding a bike, practicing yoga, playing the guitar, or going on a hike. If you’re thinking about taking classes at Canaway Academy—whether you’re just starting out or already working on your skills—I’d be more than happy to be part of your learning journey.

Cristian Nieva

Cristian Nieva

Certification: TEFL

Hello, everyone! I’m Cristian Nieva from Buenos Aires, Argentina. With over 10 years of experience teaching English, I specialize in phonetics and phonology. I’m passionate about teaching and music, having graduated from a music academy. I’m excited to share my love for English with you!

Diego Pacheco

Diego Pacheco

Certification: TKT
B.A. in Languages and International Business

Hi there! I’ve been teaching English in my home country of Colombia for more than fifteen years at schools, universities, and language schools. This is my second year with this amazing Canaway family. I just love what I do. For me, one of the most satisfying things about teaching is seeing my students’ progress—it’s such a rewarding experience! So, whatever your goals are with the language, just have fun while you learn. We’re waiting for you!

Irais Loya

Irais Loya

Certification: TESOL

Hi there! I'm excited to help you navigate your learning journey. With my experience preparing students to study abroad and helping professionals improve their skills, I'm confident we'll make great progress together. I’ve taught students from many different countries, so I know how important it is to learn about different cultures while learning English. Since I started teaching online in 2015, I’ve found lots of great resources to make our classes engaging. I can’t wait to start this learning journey with you!

Jose Manzaneda

Jose Manzaneda

Certification: TEFL
B.A. – Biotechnological Engineering

Hello everyone, nice to meet you all. I have been an English teacher for 16 years and have had the opportunity to work with students from different backgrounds. I believe English is a tool that people from different cultures can use to connect with one another and have fun. Through English, I’ve met my best friends and some very interesting people from different countries. It also allows me to enjoy hobbies like reading, watching movies, listening to music, and playing video games. It has been a very rewarding experience. I hope English can help you enjoy some wonderful experiences just as I have.

Judith Llerena

Judith Llerena

Certification: TKT and ECPE

Hello! I’ve been teaching English as a Second Language for 15 years and have also worked as a methodology teacher for at least 5 years. My main goal is to ensure my students have a meaningful learning experience. I often expose them to real-life language use and encourage them to take the lead in class at all times. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and family. I love horseback riding and swimming at the beach. I hope to see you in class soon and have a great time together.

Karla Blanco

Karla Blanco

Certification: TEFL

I’m from Mexico, and I’ve been teaching English for over 6 years at various bilingual schools in my country and online. I love seeing how my students improve and feel more comfortable speaking. I enjoy meeting new people, traveling, and exercising. My passion is to make a positive impact on others’ lives! For me, “Life is about learning while having fun!” I look forward to helping you achieve your English goals! I can’t wait to meet you!

Pablo Aguirre

Pablo Aguirre

Certifications: TESOL and FCE

Hello! My name is Pablo Nicolás Aguirre, and I have been an English teacher at Canaway for over two years. I graduated with a degree in English education from ISFD 100° (ENSPA) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I have also passed the First Certificate Exam (FCE). Dear students, welcome to Canaway Academy! I look forward to meeting you in future lessons! With a master’s degree in English education from Ohio State University and a TESOL certification from Oxford Seminars, I have worked as a classroom teacher and a one-on-one tutor—both in person and online—with native speakers and English language learners of all ages, from 5 to 81. I have lived in Ohio, Oregon, California, Spain, and most recently, Toronto and Vancouver.