Our Team
CultureWorks believes that an educational program is only as good as the instructors who lead it, so we select highly qualified teachers who exceed government standards for English instruction. Each instructor holds at least one university degree, and has lived and worked abroad. Their experience and training make them wonderful mentors.
The people at the heart of CultureWorks are what set it apart from every other school. We are friendly, professional and hardworking, yet we still know how to have fun! The CultureWorks team values honesty and respect, and is completely committed to your success.
Flip photos below to read more about our team
Meet our team
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Derek Martin
PrincipalMaster of Arts in Curriculum & Teaching - Second Language Education, University of Toronto; Bachelor of Education, York University; Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, University of Toronto; TESL Ontario Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 1998
- International teaching experience: Canada and Japan
- Favourite subject in school: Cultural Anthropology
- Favourite season: Spring
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Janine DeForge
Vice PrincipalBachelor of Education, Western University; Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Western University; Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts, University of Guelph; CELTA Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2005
- International teaching experience: Canada, Portugal and South Korea
- Favourite subject in school: Art
- Favourite season: Spring
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Stan Rath
Coordinator of InstructionBachelor of Science in Biology, Western University; Certificate in Second Language Teaching
- With CultureWorks since: 1999
- International teaching experience: Canada, India, Mexico and the Bahamas
- Favourite subject in school: Physics
- Favourite season: Fall
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Matthew Devlin
PrincipalBachelor of Education, Trent University; Bachelor of Communication Studies, Athabasca University; TESOL Canada Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2010
- International teaching experience: Canada and China
- Favourite subject in school: English
- Favourite season: Summer
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Arleta Music
Vice PrincipalMaster of Arts, University of Toronto; Bachelor of Education, University of Toronto; Bachelor of Arts, University of Toronto; Diploma in Gerontology, University of Toronto; TESL Canada Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2011
- International teaching experience: Canada, Oman and Turkey
- Favourite subject in school: English
- Favourite season: Fall
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Brandy Allen
TeacherBachelor of Education, Brock University; Bachelor of Arts in French, Brock University; Honours Diploma in Travel & Tourism, Niagara College; TESOL Certificate; TESL Ontario Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2007
- International teaching experience: Canada, France and Mexico
- Favourite subject in school: French and Psychology
- Favourite season: Summer
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Emerald Austerberry
Student Services CoordinatorStudent Affairs & Services Certificate, Seneca College; Bachelor of Journalism, Ryerson University
- With CultureWorks since: 2011
- Countries visited: Austria, Belgium, Dominican Republic, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Monaco, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, USA, Vatican City, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa
- Favourite subject in school: French
- Favourite season: Fall
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Maddalena Barone
TeacherBachelor of Arts in Italian Studies & English, York University; Master of Arts in Comparative Literature, University of Toronto; CELTA, Language Studies Canada; TESL Certificate, Seneca College
- With CultureWorks since: 2013
- International teaching experience: Canada and Scotland
- Favourite subject in school: Literature, Italian language, French language, and History
- Favourite season: Fall
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Tina Bax
Founder & PresidentBachelor of Education, Western University; Bachelor of Arts, Western University
- With CultureWorks since: Founded in 1998
- International teaching experience: Canada and South Korea
- Favourite subject in school: English
- Favourite season: Summer
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Mike Bax
Creative DirectorDiploma in Graphic Design & Advertising, Conestoga College; Diploma in Animation, Sheridan College
- With CultureWorks since: 1998
- Countries visited: Belgium, Colombia, China, England, France, Indonesia, Jamaica, Mexico, Netherlands, Scotland and South Korea
- Favourite subject in school: Photography
- Favourite season: Summer
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Mary Benson
TeacherBachelor of Arts, University of Toronto; Certificate in Integrative Energy Healing, Langara College; ACE Certificate in TESL; Certificate in TESOL
- With CultureWorks since: 2010
- International teaching experience: Canada
- Favourite subject in school: Gym
- Favourite season: Spring
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Jenny Blake
Teacher & Student Success CoordinatorBachelor of Arts in Stage Management & Theatre Production, Queen Margaret University, Scotland; CELTA Certificate; TESL Canada Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2009
- International teaching experience: Canada, England, Poland and Scotland
- Favourite subject in school: English
- Favourite season: Spring
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Sylvia Blatnicky
TeacherHonours Bachelor of Arts in French Linguistics & Literature, Western University; TESL Ontario Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2011
- International teaching experience: Canada and Vietnam
- Favourite subject in school: English and French
- Favourite season: Summer
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Jacalyn Britton
RegistrarBachelor of Health Sciences, Western University (2013)
- With CultureWorks since: 2011
- Countries visited: Mexico, South Korea and USA
- Favourite subject in school: Health Sciences
- Favourite season: Summer
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Rozita Bryant
TeacherBachelor of Arts in Hospitality & Tourism, Ryerson University; TESL Ontario Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2012
- International teaching experience: Canada and Greece
- Favourite subject in school: History
- Favourite season: Summer
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Arlinda Cela
TeacherBachelor of Education, Western University; Honours Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics & Literature, University of Toronto; TESL Ontario Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2011
- International teaching experience: Canada and Albania
- Favourite subject in school: Astronomy, Classical Studies and English
- Favourite season: Fall
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Michael Darling
TeacherDoctor of Philosophy in English, York University; Master of Arts in English, McGill University; Bachelor of Arts in English, McGill University; TESL Ontario Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2005
- International teaching experience: Six Canadian universities - Concordia, Guelph, Laurier, McGill, Western and York
- Favourite subject in school: English
- Favourite season: Spring
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Patrick Darvasi
TeacherBachelor of Education, University of Toronto; Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, McGill University; TESL Canada Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2013
- International teaching experience: Canada, Chile and South Korea
- Favourite subject in school: 20th Century Literature
- Favourite season: Summer
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Fulvia DiCola
TeacherBachelor of Education, University of Ottawa; Honours Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages, University of Toronto; IELTS Examiner Certification; TESL Ontario Certificate; Ontario Teachers College Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2013
- International teaching experience: Canada, Italy and Spain
- Favourite subject in school: English and French
- Favourite season: Summer
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Danielle Dilkes
Information & Educational Technology SpecialistMaster of Science in Social Anthropology, University of Edinburgh, UK; Honours Bachelor of Computing in Software Design, Queen’s University; ACE Certificate in Language Teaching & Technology; CELTA Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2011
- International teaching experience: Canada, Spain and South Korea
- Favourite subject in school: History
- Favourite season: Fall
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Holly Doty
Housing CoordinatorBachelor of Arts in English, Western University; Diploma in Event Management, Georgian College
- With CultureWorks since: 2011
- Countries visited: Amsterdam, Antigua, Bermuda, Caribbean, Cuba, France, Germany, Jamaica, Mexico, Norway and USA
- Favourite subject in school: Writing & Critical Thinking
- Favourite season: Fall
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Melissa Douglas
TeacherBachelor of Human Kinetics, University of Windsor; TESL Ontario Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2011
- International teaching experience: Canada and South Korea
- Favourite subject in school: Physical Education
- Favourite season: Summer
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Lynsey Duncan
TeacherHonours Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics, Brock University; TESL Ontario Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2011
- International teaching experience: Canada and Taiwan
- Favourite subject in school: Geography
- Favourite season: Summer
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Sonia Edwards
TeacherBachelor of Education, University of Windsor; Honours Bachelor of Arts in Spanish & French, Western University; TESL Canada Certificate; English as a Second Language Certificate Part 1
- With CultureWorks since: 2005
- International teaching experience: Canada and South Korea
- Favourite subject in school: Spanish
- Favourite season: Summer
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Paul Findlay
TeacherBachelor of Education, University of Newcastle, Australia; Bachelor of Arts in Geography, Western University; TESL Ontario Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2007
- International teaching experience: Canada, Australia and Japan
- Favourite subject in school: Biogeography
- Favourite season: Summer
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Amanda Furnis
RegistrarBachelor of Arts in Business, York University; Work Experience: Apple One Employment, Recruitment Specialist; GE Healthcare Canada/BDMCI, Administration Assistant, Operations, and Human Resources; Leader ADA Medical, Business Development, Accounts Specialist
- With CultureWorks since: 2009
- Countries visited: United States, Italy, England, Switzerland, Austria, Greece, France, Vatican City, Germany, Spain, Croatia, Amsterdam, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Antiqua
- Favourite subject in school: Gym
- Favourite season: Fall
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Jeff Goddard
TeacherBachelor of Science in Biology, Western University; Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language; TESL Ontario Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2010
- International teaching experience: Canada and South Korea
- Favourite subject in school: Science and History
- Favourite season: Spring
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Cathy Goodwin
Finance & AdministrationBachelor of Business Administration in Economics, Laurier University
- With CultureWorks since: 2010
- Countries visited: Dominican Republic, Mexico and USA
- Favourite subject in school: Math and Accounting
- Favourite season: Spring
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Brad Gribben
TeacherGraduate Diploma of Education, University of Newcastle, Australia; Bachelor of Arts in English Language & Literature, Brock University; TESL Canada Certificate; TESL Ontario Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2009
- International teaching experience: Canada, Australia and South Korea
- Favourite subject in school: English Literature
- Favourite season: Summer
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Desi Ivanova
TeacherMaster of Secondary Education, Niagara University, USA; Bachelor of Arts in Child & Youth Studies, Brock University; TESL Canada Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2009
- International teaching experience: Canada and USA
- Favourite subject in school: English, Psychology and Sociology
- Favourite season: Summer
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Shi Jingjing (Shirley)
China Program OfficerBachelor of Arts in International Business, University of International Business & Economics, China
- With CultureWorks since: 2010
- Countries visited: Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand and South Korea
- Favourite subject in school: Math
- Favourite season: Summer
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Liz Johnson
Senior Director, Academic & Student AffairsMaster of Professional Studies in TESOL, Manhattanville College, USA; Bachelor of Education, Manhattanville College, USA; Associate of Applied Science Degree in Jewelry Design, Fashion Institute of Technology, USA; Honours Bachelor of Arts in Geography & Sociology, Queen's University; TESL Ontario Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2004
- International teaching experience: Canada, Japan, South Korea and USA
- Favourite subject in school: Geography
- Favourite season: Fall
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Terry Karpathakis
TeacherMaster of Arts in Spanish, University of Ottawa; Honours Bachelor of Arts in French & Spanish, University of Stirling, UK; TESOL Canada Standardisation 2
- With CultureWorks since: 2013
- International teaching experience: Canada, France and Spain
- Favourite subject in school: Geography and Sports
- Favourite season: Spring
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Annika Kim
TeacherBachelor of Arts, University of Toronto; TESL Ontario Certificate, Canadian Language Benchmarks, TESOL Diploma
- With CultureWorks since: 2013
- International teaching experience: South Korea
- Favourite subject in school: Drama
- Favourite season: Summer
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Zana Kraljevic
TeacherBachelor of Arts in English Language & Literature, University of Zagreb, Croatia; TESL Canada Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2013
- International teaching experience: Canada, Bosnia and Croatia
- Favourite subject in school: English and History
- Favourite season: Spring
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Deb Leeming
Educational Representative Relations ManagerExtensive study in Intercultural Communication
- With CultureWorks since: 2005
- Countries visited: Cambodia, China, Dominican Republic, England, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Spain, South Korea, Thailand, USA, Vietnam, Wales and Yugoslavia
- Favourite subject in school: Anthropology
- Favourite season: Fall
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Joanna Lewis
TeacherMaster of Arts in Spanish Translation, University of Ottawa; Bachelor of Education, Western University; Honours Bachelor of Arts in French & Spanish, Western University; TESL Ontario Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2008
- International teaching experience: Canada and Spain
- Favourite subject in school: French and Spanish
- Favourite season: Fall
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Liz Macedo
Student Services CoordinatorExtensive customer service experience
- With CultureWorks since: 2008
- Countries visited: Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico and Portugal
- Favourite subject in school: Drama
- Favourite season: Fall
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Camella Mackinnon
Finance & AdministrationBachelor of Arts in Psychology & Sociology, Western University
- With CultureWorks since: 2010
- Countries visited: Austria, Belgium, Caribbean, France, Germany, Malta, Mexico, Portugal, Spain and USA
- Favourite subject in school: Criminology
- Favourite season: Fall
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Michal Malecka
Manager, Educational RepresentativesManager, Educational Representatives
Bachelor of Digital Media, SAE Institute, UK and Australia- With CultureWorks since: 2013
- Countries visited: Australia, Austria, Czech Republic, Canada, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey, USA
- Favourite subject in school: English
- Favourite season: Winter
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Matthew McGravey
TeacherB.A. History, University of Toronto; TESL, Ontario Certificate, University of Toronto
- With CultureWorks since: 2013
- International teaching experience: Canada
- Favourite subject in school: History, of course.
- Favourite season: Spring
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Meredith McGregor
TeacherMaster of Arts in Hispanic Studies, Western University; Bachelor of Arts in Art, Western University; TESL Ontario Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2010
- International teaching experience: Canada, Japan and Mexico
- Favourite subject in school: Spanish
- Favourite season: Spring
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Joel Melton
Teacher & First Class AdministratorBachelor of Education, University of Windsor; Honours Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics/Japanese Studies, University of Toronto; TESL Ontario Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2006
- International teaching experience: Canada and Japan
- Favourite subject in school: Art and Language Arts
- Favourite season: Fall
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Jason Mercier
TeacherBachelor of Education, University of Ontario Institute of Technology; Bachelor of Arts in English & History, Trent University; TESL Canada Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2012
- International teaching experience: Canada and South Korea
- Favourite subject in school: History, English and Drama
- Favourite season: Winter
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Jon Merifield
TeacherBachelor of Education & Teacher Certification, University of Victoria; TESL Materials Selection & Development; English as a Second Language 1 Additional Qualification Course; TESOL Canada Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2009
- International teaching experience: Canada and South Korea
- Favourite subject in school: History and Visual Arts
- Favourite season: Fall
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Teaguen Onn
TeacherBachelor of Education, Western University; Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, University of Waterloo; TESL Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2011
- International teaching experience: Canada and South Korea
- Favourite subject in school: History and Philosophy
- Favourite season: Spring
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Kelly Patterson
Student Services CoordinatorBusiness Administration Certificate, Durham College
- With CultureWorks since: 2010
- Countries visited: Mexico
- Favourite subject in school: English
- Favourite season: Summer
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Karen Preston
TeacherBachelor of Education, University of Calgary; Bachelor of Science in Archaeology, University of Calgary; TESL Canada Professional Certificate; English and a Second Language Certificate Part 1
- With CultureWorks since: 2009
- International teaching experience: Canada, Spain and South Korea
- Favourite subject in school: Human Osteology
- Favourite season: Fall
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Ron Shutler
TeacherMaster of Arts in Applied Linguistics & Discourse Studies, Carleton University; Bachelor of Computer Science, Concordia University; Diplome d'Etudes Collegial, Pure & Applied Science, John Abbott College; TESL Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2013
- International teaching experience: Canada and China
- Favourite subject in school: Computer Studies
- Favourite season: Winter
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Deborah Street
TeacherBachelor of Education in Adult Education Candidate, Brock University; Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology & Hispanic Studies, Trent University; TESL Ontario Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2012
- International teaching experience: Canada and Mexico
- Favourite subject in school: Art and History
- Favourite season: Fall
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Suzie
TeacherBA, Trent University; TESL Ontario Certificate, Centennial College; TESL Canada Certificate, Centennial College
- With CultureWorks since: 2013
- International teaching experience: Canada
- Favourite subject in school: English, Latin and Biology
- Favourite season: Winter
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Man Tran
TeacherMaster of Education in Second Language Education, University of Toronto; Honours Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies & English, Laurier University; TESOL Certificate; TESL Diploma
- With CultureWorks since: 2010
- International teaching experience: Canada and Japan
- Favourite subject in school: Holistic Curriculum
- Favourite season: Fall
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Vicky Trantza
TeacherGraduate Diploma in Education, La Trobe University, Australia; Bachelor of Arts in English & Psychology, Trent University; Ontario College of Teachers Certification; TESOL Diploma; TESL Canada Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2011
- International teaching experience: Canada, Australia and Greece
- Favourite subject in school: Art, Drama, Music and Psychology
- Favourite season: Summer
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Olivia Trzcianowski
TeacherBachelor of Education, Western University; Honours Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature & Civilizations and Spanish, Western University; TESL Ontario Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2007
- International teaching experience: Canada, Mexico and Spain
- Favourite subject in school: Literature
- Favourite season: Spring
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Trevor van Peppen
Director - OttawaMaster of Education, Temple University, Japan; Bachelor of Music Education, McGill University; Bachelor of Theology, Eastern Pentecostal Bible College; TESL Ontario Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2008
- International teaching experience: Canada and Japan
- Favourite subject in school: Music
- Favourite season: Summer
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Ramona Walmsley
TeacherBachelor of Education, Carlow College, USA; Honours Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Western University; Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Dalhousie University; TESL Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 1998
- International teaching experience: Canada and USA
- Favourite subject in school: English Literature
- Favourite season: Summer
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Harrison Wheeler
Social Media and Online Learning Content CoordinatorMasters Candidate in Education and Digital Technology, University of Ontario Institute of Technology; Bachelors of Education, McGill University; TESL Ontario Certificate; ESL Teacher: domestically and abroad; CultureWorks Vice Principal, Oshawa
- With CultureWorks since: 2009
- Favourite subject in school: Music and English
- Countries visited: China, India, Japan, Pakistan, Thailand, US...and Nunavut! (It's like a different planet!)
- Favourite season: Fall
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Lauren Williams
RegistrarBachelor of Education, University of Windsor; Bachelor of Arts in English Language & Literature, Western University
- With CultureWorks since: 2010
- Countries visited: Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico and USA
- Favourite subject in school: Psychology
- Favourite season: Summer
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Elaine Wilson
Program CoordinatorBachelor of Education, University of Toronto; Bachelor of Arts in French & Economics, Western University; ESL Certification
- With CultureWorks since: 2002
- International teaching experience: Canada and China
- Favourite subject in school: Gym
- Favourite season: Fall
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Suzanne Wilson
TeacherBachelor of Education, D’Youville College, USA; Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Western University; TESL Canada Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2008
- International teaching experience: Canada and Japan
- Favourite subject in school: Reading and Writing
- Favourite season: Fall
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Sue Winter
TeacherMaster of Arts in Linguistics, University of Ottawa; Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics, Carleton University; TESL Certificate
- With CultureWorks since: 2013
- International teaching experience: Canada, China and Serbia
- Favourite subject in school: Cognitive Psychology
- Favourite season: Winter
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Andrea Zheng
Student Services CoordinatorBachelor of Arts in Sociology / Anthropology, Carleton University; TESL Ontario Certificate; TESL Canada Certificate; Canadian Language Benchmarks 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012; Teaching experience: nine years, Programs taught: International ESL, EFL (China), English for Academic Purposes (China and Canada), Second Language Equivalency Training (Government of Canada) Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) (Citizenship and Immigration Canada)
- With CultureWorks Since: 2008 - 2009, returned 2012
- Countries Visited: Australia, China, England Japan, Korea
- Favourite Subject in School: History
- Favourite Canadian Season: Fall