Faculty

Mrs. Shannon Rattray (Principal)
After graduating from the University of Waterloo with a BA in Psychology, I continued my studies at D’Youville College in Buffalo, NY where I received my Certificate of Education. Over the last 20 years, I have taught both elementary and secondary students, obtained my Specialist in Special Education, and participated in writing English curriculum for the Ministry of Education. As an educator, I am thrilled to be able to witness and experience our children’s love of learning every day. Schools are learning institutions, but successful schools set high expectations for their faculty members and their students. Identifying and realizing that there are various methods of learning is the key to every child’s success, and a well structured school will continually assess and address the needs of their students and their families. My job as a Principal is to create a cohesive learning environment that focuses on improving student learning and getting our students to set and attain goals with the help and support of their teachers and families. This will be my eight year as Principal at Kanata Academy, and I am very excited about getting to know all of our new families and having another successful school year. I have four children who all attend Kanata Academy, and I am very fortunate to have my children at work with me each day. When we are not at school, we enjoy playing outdoors and traveling together as a family.

Tracey Cochrane (Grade 6)
My name is Tracey Cochrane and this year will mark my 25th year of teaching at Kanata Academy. I am currently the vice principal and Grade 6 teacher. This school has been my home away from home for almost my entire career, and I am thankful to continue to be part of its incredible history. I grew up in the village of Brooklyn, Nova Scotia, attended Acadia University, and went on to teach at many of the small elementary schools in the communities around my home. I have had excellent mentors whose “old school” methods have shaped how I teach today. As an educator with a fundamental belief in people living up to their fullest potential, I expect the very best from my students. I enjoy the challenge of showing them what they can accomplish with hard work and perseverance. Leadership, positive attitude, manners, and empathy are a part of our everyday life in the classroom and in the school. I believe that an important part of my job is to help my students grow into respected members of our society and to recognize the good in others. I love what I do and I am excited for the year ahead.

Mrs. Brenda Prud'Homme (Junior Kindergarten Teacher)
I have been a proud member of the Kanata Academy staff since 2008. My journey to teaching began with a Bachelor of Social Work with honours from Carleton University. In 2006, I went on to receive a Bachelor of Education at the University of Wollongong in NSW, Australia. Living abroad for a year was one of the most exciting experiences of my life. When I arrived home, I was fortunate enough to receive a full time job teaching here at Kanata Academy. I have taught pre-school as well as junior and senior kindergarten. Teaching kindergarten is a strong passion of mine, something that I have wanted to do my whole life. I feel that being able to live out my dream each day is reflected in my teaching style and dedication to each of my students. Outside of school, I play competitive softball and hockey. I enjoy scrap booking and being outdoors doing both summer and winter activities such as swimming and skiing.

Stephanie Valentine (Grade 5 Teacher)
I am excited to start another year here at Kanata Academy as the grade 5 teacher. Following graduation from Ottawa University, I received a Graduate Diploma of Education in Australia in 2011. After completing my degree, I combined my two passions of teaching and travel. I spent time teaching in four different countries and exploring many more. These opportunities and experiences have helped shape my teaching and personal philosophies. I believe it is important to create an inclusive learning community based on an excitement for learning, compassion for others, and the ability to think creatively in our ever-changing society. I enjoy working at Kanata Academy because of the emphasis on not only academics, but also on kindness and community. When I’m not in the classroom, I love to play a variety of sports and enjoy spending time with my dogs, Indy and Cooper.

Kristine Read (Junior Kindergarten Teacher)
I am beyond words excited to be working at Kanata Academy! My journey at KA started in December 2016 as a Preschool Teacher, evolving to the Preschool Supervisor and Jr. Kindergarten Teacher! I am a proud mother of two wonderful children who have had a hand in guiding me towards my passion for teaching children. I am an active member in my childrens’ school, through volunteering and PTA and I can often be seen shuttling my children to their sports and social outings. I believe in advocating for a child’s right to learn, to be accepted, and make sure that their education and care is at the utmost highest level. I look forward to bringing my heart and mind into the JK classroom where I vow to always treat your children as I would treat my own, providing them with quality care, teaching and respect. “I hope to be the kind of teacher I would want for my own children. I hope to be the kind of colleague with whom I would like to collaborate. I hope to be the kind of learner I was when I was five.”

Mrs. Stacey Edgerton (Office Administrator)
I joined Kanata Academy in September 2013 as Office Administrator after being a stay at home mom to Joshua and Naomi. During that time, my husband Greg and I had the pleasure of living in Australia for 3 years. Since 2013 I have had the privilege of being the face of Kanata Academy. I’ve gotten to know the students and their families and have been able to support our amazing staff. I am looking forward to another great year!

Emily Shaw (Guitarist Teacher)
Emily is a classical guitarist, teacher, and luthier currently based in Ottawa, Ontario. She studied guitar with her father, Mike Shaw until university, at which point she moved to London, Ontario to study with Wilma van Berkel at the University of Western Ontario. Emily completed a master's degree (MMus) in guitar performance under the tutelage of Patrick Roux at the University of Ottawa in 2016. Emily spends a good deal of her time working with students in her home studio where she teaches classical and acoustic guitar, and piano. As a luthier, Emily has built a variety of guitar-type instruments including classical guitars, steel-string acoustic guitars, period instruments, and a ukulele. In performance, Emily strives to engage her audience with expressive interpretations of music from across the centuries. She has a weakness for emotionally charged, lush harmonies and amusing character pieces. When not practising, teaching, or building guitars, Emily enjoys biking, sailing, cooking, and gardening.

Jessica MacDonald-Gelhay
I am excited to start another year at Kanata Academy in the preschool classroom. While I am originally from Montreal, I moved to Ottawa and graduated from Algonquin College as a registered early childhood educator. As the preschool French teacher, I look forward to incorporating French into our daily curriculum while also providing an immersive program for the children. I believe in creating a nurturing and educational environment where every child can succeed. I ensure that all children who enter the preschool room are treated with respect, patience and knows how important each one of them are. The bonds we form create the heart of the class and allows for every child to flourish and blossom into their own being. When I am not at school, I can be found enjoying a variety of outdoor activities including horseback riding, hiking and camping. My other passion is volunteering at the Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa-Carleton where I work with children and adults with physical, developmental, and learning disabilities.

Dr. Douglas Britz, Ph.D- Grade 9-12 Teacher
I received my bachelor’s degree in physics and chemistry and went on to receive my PhD in physics in 2016 from the University of Johannesburg. I lectured at the university for 2 years in various undergraduate and post-graduate physics courses and during this time I discovered my love for teaching. My years of working as a teaching assistant (2007-2015) built a solid foundation that enables me to explain the work to the students in a variety of ways. This is important as it ensures that they understand the concepts involved, which enables the students to achieve what they are truly capable of. I started at Kanata Academy (KA) in April 2019 and was immediately embraced by the amazing and supportive colleagues at KA and it instantly felt like home. I try to bring out the best in my students as that is what I expect from myself and I can only hope my students learn as much from me as I learn from them. When I am not teaching at KA I am either at the Dojo, in the kitchen or sitting on the couch reading a good book.

Sala Lavoie- SK
I am very excited to be teaching SK at Kanata Academy this year. I attended the University of Guelph and graduated with a B.A.Sc. (Hons) with a Child Psychology and Sociology major. During my 5 years at Guelph I met and married my husband Derek. We decided to have children early in our marriage and that I would take time away from my education in order to stay at home to raise them. In 2008 I returned to school to pursue my Masters in Education. After graduation, I spent 9 years teaching at Braemar House School in Brantford (Grades 2, 5, & 7). Over that time, I completed Intermediate Math, and Special Education qualifications as well as earning P/J/I standing. I believe that the choice for private education offers students, parents, and teachers an opportunity to reach for higher personal and educational gains in a supportive environment. Having recently moved to the Valley I feel blessed to have found another home away from home. The time I have spent supplying at KA has me thrilled to be a part of this enthusiastic, committed teaching team, and looking forward to partnering with you and your child!

Josh Rupert- Grades 9-12
I've worked at Kanata Academy since 2012 as a grades 7-12 teacher and have been focused on our high school program for the last 5 years, specializing in Math, History, Computer Science, and Phys. Ed., as well as guidance counselling and program planning. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree (History major, Math minor) in 2010, I obtained my Bachelor of Education in 2011 specializing in secondary education, both from the University of Ottawa. Since graduating, I have obtained additional qualifications in junior education and teaching English language learners. In my spare time, I enjoy playing a variety of sports, fixing computers and other devices, and carpentry. I am very excited to meet our high school students this September and do everything I can to help them grow and be successful.

Mr. Hay ( Grade 4-8 Music Teacher)
I am thrilled to embark on my third year as a member of the Kanata Academy team, and it continues to be an absolute delight working alongside the exceptional staff and students. My journey into education and music began with the completion of an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Ottawa in 2010, followed by the acquisition of my Bachelor of Education in 2011. During this time, I also founded The Spark Music Academy, a dynamic studio dedicated to music instruction, performance coaching, and recording. Over the past decade, The Spark Music Academy has provided me with the privilege of guiding students of all ages and skill levels on their musical journeys, helping them reach their aspirations, and uncovering the sheer joy of playing, composing, and performing music. It's been an incredible experience to witness their growth and passion flourish. As I return to the classroom at Kanata Academy, I eagerly anticipate fostering a dynamic and creative learning environment where students are empowered to not only work diligently but also cultivate new skills and, most importantly, express themselves through the wonderful world of music.

Jenna Woodward (Grade 7/8 Teacher)
I’m excited to be returning to Kanata Academy for the 2024-2025 school year! In 2015, I graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Sports Administration from Laurentian University. I continued my education at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY, where I received my Master of Education degree, specializing in Physical Education. When I’m not in the classroom, I love reading books, being outdoors, and staying active. I’m looking forward to another exceptional year at KA!

Tamara Haider (French Teacher)
I’m very excited to enter my fourth year at Kanata Academy as the core French Teacher for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5! I graduated from the American University of Beirut in 2020 in Elementary Education, and I completed my Master of Education in Leadership, Curriculum, Evaluation and Policy Studies at uOttawa in 2021. Before embarking on my journey at Kanata Academy, I tutored young students in many subjects and did volunteer work with students in reading and writing. My ultimate goal is to ensure that my students have an exceptional learning experience through an inclusive and fun environment, and I hope to continue to do so in this journey. Some of my interests include traveling, playing sports, staying active and even reading a nice book on a calm weekend. I am looking forward to working with the staff and the students again this year!

Chloe Tylbor (Grade 4 Teacher)
I am so excited for my second year at Kanata Academy, this time as the grade 4 teacher! I grew up in Montreal, Québec where I became bilingual in French and English. I moved to Ottawa around 6 years ago, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology from Carleton University in 2020. During COVID I did some reflecting and decided to return to my first love, teaching! After working as a tutor, I completed my Bachelor of Education at Queen’s University. Through my degree I studied educational technology and I am very excited to integrate the newest technology into my classroom. I believe in promoting inclusion, kindness, and most importantly, acceptance among my students. Each child is different, so I love catering their learning to their unique interests and tastes! I try to create an environment of curiosity and creativity every day. When not teaching, I enjoy playing with my dog and cat, reading, camping, and crafting!

Mr. Fillipoff (Grade 9-12 Teacher)
I am excited to be returning to Kanata Academy as the high school humanities teacher. I graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with a joint major in History and Religious Studies, before going onto Queens University to complete my Bachelor of Education. I am excited to share my love of learning with the students and help them prepare for real world challenges. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy playing various sports and reading. I am looking forward to another great year here at KA!

Stephanie Merriman
My name is Stephanie Merriman and I am thrilled to be starting my 6th year at Kanata Academy. My journey began at Kanata Academy in the preschool program. I am delighted to be returning as the Grade One and Two teacher. I graduated from Acadia University with a bachelor of arts in 2004. I then graduated from the University of Maine Fort Kent with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. I have taught overseas, the US and Canada working with children of all ages in many different capacities. Teaching is my absolute passion. I believe in creating a safe, engaging, and enriching environment where children are valued and given space to be themselves. I look forward to bringing my heart and passion into the classroom as we grow and learn together. When I'm not in the classroom I can be found swimming, reading, playing board games, or taking in a movie with my 2 cats.

Janice Kochuk (Grade 8 Teacher)
One of my philosophies of education that I find myself coming back to year after year, is that it’s okay not to have everything figured out, just know in time you’ll get there. As I enter my third year here at KA, I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to share my energy, creativity and optimism with our Grade 8 students. Keeping each student excited and engaged about learning is an essential part of my plan this year. As an educator, I have always encouraged my students to take risks in their learning and develop positive character traits so that they may become good citizens at school, at home, and in their community. I am the proud mom of 3 ridiculously amazing redheads who are all charting their own paths and finding ways to make the world a better place. I have a real passion for reading, baking, and traveling, and strive to fill my life with adventures and stories to share.

Catherine Young
I am so excited to be returning for my second year to the Kanata Academy Preschool Team for the 2022-2023 school year.In 2001, I Graduated from St. Lawrence College in Early Childhood Education. Since then I have had the pleasure of working with children of all ages and capabilities. I am the proud mother of 2 teenage girls and aside from being their personal Uber driver, I volunteer in my community association and as a hockey Manager for my daughter's hockey team. Go Rangers! I believe in creating an open, loving and educational classroom where children feel free to be their authentic selves.

Carmen Davies
My name is Carmen Davies, and I am thrilled to be the Senior Kindergarten teacher at Kanata Academy this year. With over 16 years of experience working in Special Education, I am passionate about creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for all students. I feel honored to have the opportunity to work with students, supporting their growth and development. During my time here at Kanata Academy, spanning over 11 years, I have witnessed the incredible growth and potential of our students. It has been a privilege to be part of such a dedicated and caring community, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue contributing to the growth and success of your child. My teaching philosophy centers around creating secure, positive, captivating, and enriching settings where children are cherished and given the freedom to express themselves. As we embark on this shared journey of growth and learning, I eagerly anticipate infusing my dedication and fervor into the classroom. Outside of teaching, you can find me engaging in sports, reading, crocheting, or cherishing moments with my family.

Ms. Anni Jones
It is a great pleasure to be returning to the Kanata Academy team as a high school humanities teacher. I have always been a lover of the arts and social sciences. I studied Theatre, History and English at uOttawa graduating in 2016, before going on to Queen’s for my Bachelor of Education from which I graduated in 2017. In my third year at uOttawa, I had the opportunity to study in the United Kingdom at the University of Birmingham. In addition to my studies, I was able to experience history firsthand in a country hundreds of years older than Canada. This was when I truly realized how much history surrounds us and how much we can learn from humanity’s past. I have experience working in theatre and film and television. In my spare time, I enjoy board games, yoga and snuggles with my 2 cats and my dog.

Kayla Sidler (Grade 3 Teacher)
I am very excited to be returning for another year as the grade 3 teacher at Kanata Academy. I grew up in a small town outside of Ottawa and attended Algonquin College where I completed my Early Childhood Education Diploma. From there I was accepted into the International Bridge Program at Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia. While living overseas I did a lot of travelling and completed my Bachelors Degree in Primary Education. Over the past 12 years I have lived in Vancouver, British Columbia where I had the amazing opportunity to teach at a very large private IB school on Cypress Mountain. I am a mom to two beautiful children and in my free time I enjoy travelling to new places, concerts, paddle boarding and spending quality time with my family. I am looking forward to a new school year and all of the new experiences to come!

Evelyne Turrin (Grades 9-12 Science and Math)
I am excited to start the new school year in Kanata Academy teaching high school science and math. I obtained my BSc in Honours Pharmacology from McGill University in 2018 and my MSc in Molecular Biology from the University of Montreal in 2020, with my thesis focus in embryology and fertility. Quickly realizing that my passion for the STEM fields was teaching science, I started teaching in 2019 in Montreal while writing my thesis and obtained my Masters in Teaching and Applied Learning, with a focus in Science and Technology, from McGill University in 2021. I am now entering my sixth teaching year, and I am excited to share my passion for science and math with my students, and continue to create a vibrant and open space to learn. Outside of teaching, I enjoy teaching fitness classes to adults, travelling, spending time with my family and my cats, Merlin and Nala, and my dog, Nelly.

Ms. Windle’s (Grade 6-9 French Teacher)
Hello my name Sarah! I am looking forward to my second year of teaching French as a Second Language at Kanata Academy. I graduated from Bishop's University with a Bachelor of Education and a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language. I hope to inspire and create a learning environment in which my students can continue developing their French skills while speaking, listening, reading, and writing. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, knitting, cooking, and gardening.

Cassandra (Preschool Teacher)
My name is Cassandra and I am looking forward to another year of growth and discovery in the Preschool class! I graduated from the Algonquin Early Childhood Education program in 2018 after many years working at summer camps and volunteering as a leader in Girl Guides. After graduation I spent a summer working in the UK at a high ropes camp for ESL campers. On my return to Canada I wanted to build hands on experience in different curriculum models through supply work and even had the opportunity to homeschool for a family during the pandemic before finding a full time home here at KA. I am passionate about fostering curiosity and confidence while trying new things as these are the keys of life-long learning. I look forward to supporting this years students and their families as they navigate their very first year at school! In my personal life I remain active in my camp community, facilitating a leadership camp for teens each summer. I love to read, practice and teach yoga (200hr YTT + Calm Kids certifications) and try out new crafts in my spare time.

Alicia Willson
I've had the privilege to be working at Kanata Academy since 2017 and I am excited to be entering into a new role as the High School Achievement Centre teacher. I earned my Bachelor of Science, majoring in Biology from the University of Prince Edward Island. I then studied at the University of New Brunswick to get my Bachelor of Education. I have also earned Additional Qualifications for the Primary Division and Special Education. I traveled to England in 2014 to teach Math and Science. I enjoyed exploring London and searching for all things Harry Potter. I believe that all students should learn in an environment that is positive, engaging and challenging, and I strive to provide these qualities every day to my students. When I'm not at KA, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters. We love walking our dog Sally in the forest and making trips to the park.