Faculty and Staff

BA (Specialized Hons), York University
BEd, York University
MEd, York University
OCT

Rose has a long history of teaching in a variety of elementary school environments, and joined Hudson in 2011. She is dedicated to curriculum development and leadership in teaching practices. She is instrumental in developing Hudson’s Middle School Preparatory Program, implementing the Saxon Math program and creating teaching teams that focus on the academic and developmental phases of children.

Rose believes Hudson is a wonderful environment for children to grow and learn, and is committed to ensuring that students are supported in developing excellent academic skills; feel they belong to a supportive, caring community; and develop a strong, positive sense of self. In addition to her degrees, Rose has taken ECE courses specific to Inquiry through Play; is a member of NCTE and NCTM; is a Special Education Specialist; possesses a background in Guidance Level 2; and completed a Principal’s Course at York University. She is an Associate Member of the Ontario Principal’s Council.

More from Rose:

• Navigating school transitions – Toronto Life
• Putting tests to the test
• How do you teach critical thinking?
• Rediscovering math – Our Kids
• The benefits of a Reggio education

BBA (Hons), York University

Jeff is a Hudson co-founder and was the school’s first Lower School Principal. His two adult children are alumni of both the Lower and Upper Schools. As a Director, he now focuses his energy on the school’s business, facility operations, and future planning, which suits his business and marketing background.

Having grown up in a family of educators, Jeff shares the school philosophy of “Be Yourself, be anything” motto and genuinely believes in the power of each child’s untapped potential to become the best version of themselves. Given the right opportunities, guidance, mentorship, peers, and positive influences and experiences, every child can realize their personal happiness, passions, interests, strengths, and aspirations.

He is incredibly proud of the leadership team, faculty, and staff that work to inspire the current and future generations of Hudson Huskies! Hudson’s strengths are in its people – staff and students alike – and Jeff remains singularly committed to creating a Hudson community that is warm, welcoming, and a place that feels like a second home to each and every student.

In addition to his family, Jeff is passionate about the outdoors, good art and literature, and stirring movies. He’s also Leafs and Blue Jays diehard, though both franchises rarely reward his unending loyalty.

More from Jeff:

• Rediscovering math – Our Kids
• The benefits of a Reggio education

BA Political Science, History and Art History, University of Toronto
PGDE Primary/Junior, Edinburgh University
OCT & OISE Specialist, Special Education

Megan believes in inspiring students, and allowing them to demonstrate their own creativity within the parameters of lessons. She believes in creating rich learning experiences using hands on activities and student driven investigations. Megan works to create a kind, supportive classroom community that is a safe place to learn through trial and error, to express individuality, and to support one another while taking on new challenges. She works closely with each student to build fundamental learning skills and to nurture a desire to learn and grow. With her experience in special education, she recognizes the many different types of learners and incorporates different approaches in order to reach all the students in the class.

Megan’s love of travel and learning about other cultures and traditions helps to inspire her teaching of global connections and changing traditions in the Grade 2 curriculum. She enhances her teaching with her love of music, drama and art. She joined Hudson in 2021.

BA (Hons) Child Studies, Brock University
OCT

Though she has been a primary teacher for over 15 years, Jennifer continues to grow and develop as an educator with each new year and each new group of students. Every September, she looks forward to embarking on a journey of growth and discovery. Believing each learner to be unique, her goal as a teacher is to work closely with each student to nurture curiosity, encourage independence, and help students achieve success. In the words of Haim Ginott, “Treat a child as if he is already the person he is capable of becoming.”

In addition to her degree, Jennifer holds a post-graduate diploma in Primary Education from the University of Strathclyde and a certificate in Investigations and Explorations from a Bishop Strachan symposium. Jennifer joined Hudson in 2018.

More from Jennifer:

• 3 reasons why early education matters – Toronto Life
• Where learning takes root – Our Kids
• The benefits of Reggio education

BA (Hons) Communications, Psychology, Wilfrid Laurier University
BEd Ontario Tech University
OCT

Melissa joined Hudson in 2021, and believes that the key to unlocking students’ potential is to create an environment where they feel safe, supported and challenged. She seeks to create a fun, positive community where students are free to make mistakes and push themselves out of their comfort zone.

Melissa loves all things technology and am often called upon by friends and family to help them with computer problems. When she’s not doing tech support, you can find her in the kitchen baking a homemade apple pie, playing video games with her husband or spending time with her pet rabbit, Molly.

BA History, York University
BEd Trent University
OCT

Brendan joined Hudson in 2018 and enjoys being part of a caring and engaged community devoted to education. To him, “Be yourself, be anything” means pursuing the things that you enjoy and reaching for your goals: if you know who/where you are and where you want to end up, nothing can stop you. Brendan also holds an AQ in Special Education Part 1.

BA (Hons with High Distinction), French and German, University of Toronto
BEd OISE, University of Toronto
OCT

Isabella has served as the French Specialist for Hudson since 2011, and her work as a rotary teacher allows her to follow students throughout their elementary years. Her training as an AIM French instructor has reaffirmed her belief that a successful language learning classroom is rarely a quiet one!

Isabella leads many activities and events at Hudson, including the Cooking Club, Iron Chef Hudson, costume and set design for Senior Drama productions, and the annual Hudson Art Show. In addition to her degrees, Isabella holds an AQ Special Education, Part 1 and has AIM Foundations Teacher Training.

BA (Hons) Psychology, University of Mumbai
Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Youth Care, Humber College

Dolly views learning as a collaborative process and strongly believes in building a connection with the students first. She has experience working with students from different socioeconomic backgrounds and has supported students with different abilities and needs in a variety of settings. She believes in using a strength-based approach in her work, and that interventions must be tailored to the child's unique needs, recognizing that there is no one approach that fits everyone.

Dolly’s immigrant background allows her to understand the challenges one faces when coming from a diverse background as well as the need for inclusion. With these firsthand experiences, she has the empathetic edge needed to work with children. In addition, Dolly continues to work on her own self-awareness and conscious or unconscious biases. She believes in being a reflective leader, always contemplating whether there are better ways or how one might do things differently; this, in turn, helps her to act in the best interests of the children in her care. Dolly joined Hudson for her newly-created role in 2022.

BA, Deakin University, Australia

Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Natalie now calls Canada home. Her career working with children took her to the seas, working on cruise ships where she managed, directed, and created Youth Programs for 3-17 year olds. This offered her the opportunity to work with children and staff from myriad cultures. Prior to joining Hudson in 2019, Natalie served as Office Manager at an all-girls private school in downtown Toronto.

BA (Hons), Bath Spa University
BEd University of Toronto, Primary/Junior Division
OCT

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Lottie is originally from Stroud, England and joined Hudson in 2019. After pursuing English Literature and Developmental Psychology for her undergraduate studies, she completed an additional degree at OISE with a specialisation in anti-racist education and First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education. In addition to her degrees, she holds AQs including Part 1 & 2 of Kindergarten Specialist, Teaching Students with Communication Needs (ASD), and Supporting Children with ASD in Play-based Learning Environments.

Lottie loves the community-building events and family feeling at Hudson, and always encourages students to take pride in their own particular skills and strengths. She believes in developing your talents and becoming anything you want to be!

More from Lottie:

• The Benefits of Reggio Education

MA Applied Linguistics, York University
BA (Hons) Combined English and French, York University
BEd Primary/Junior, OISE, University of Toronto
OCT

Jennifer enjoys being a part of a community where everyone—from the administration to the teachers to the students—works toward a common goal of ensuring a quality education and helping others achieve their best. She believes that when a student embraces their strengths and applies themselves, they can achieve their goals, whatever they may be! In addition to her degrees, Jennifer has an ABQ in Intermediate English. She joined Hudson in 2018.

BA Acadia University
BEd University of British Columbia
OCT

Daniel hails from Nova Scotia. After graduating from Acadia University, he worked for 10 years within a variety of different instructional environments—from teaching English in Korea, educating children with exceptionalities, working with elite student-athletes—before joining Hudson in 2016 to teach Grade 7.

Daniel uses his past experience to create a positive learning environment for all types of learners, catering the curriculum to his student's strengths. As a lifelong learner himself, he knows the importance of instilling a positive work ethic in his students, while helping them build their time management skills as they approach high school.

Daniel coaches girls' basketball and assists with other sports and clubs. In addition to his degrees, Daniel has an AQ in Special Education Part 1 and an ABQ in Intermediate Business.

BA (Hons), Toronto Metropolitan University
MEd and BEd, University of Toronto
OCT, RECE

Faiza has Early Childhood and Early/Primary/Junior Education experience as well as teaching practice in a range of childhood settings in both public and private education systems. She has taught every grade level between Junior Kindergarten and Grade 4, including special education, and has a solid childcare background. She believes that every child is unique and deserves an individualized education.

Faiza has always embraced the Reggio-inspired curriculum model in her work, viewing children as competent learners who should be treated with dignity and compassion. She believes the learning process should be meaningful, relevant, and engaging to make Kindergarten a rewarding start to education. She believes that passion, persistence, and partnership with families is the key to successful learning.

Faiza is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and completed her M.Ed. at the University of Toronto with a research focus in phonics instruction and sight word acquisition. In addition to her degrees, she holds the following AQs: Reading Part 1, Reading Part 2, and Reading Specialist. She joined Hudson in 2016.

BA Psychology, BEd Niagara University
MSEd Niagara University
OCT

Coulter joined Hudson in January 2022 to lead the Lower School’s expanded coding and technology literacy program, which includes introducing different grades to Minecraft Education, Dash and Dot, Robotics, and coding languages such as Python. He also teaches sections of Grade 7 Math and Science.

Coulter’s thesis focused on motivation in the classroom, and he holds an ABQ for Intermediate Science from Trent University. He has taught at IB schools around the world with stops in Dubai, Australia and San Francisco. He worked with Microsoft on his return to Canada in a technology classroom integration role, and is also a Minecraft EE Master Trainer supporting game-based learning. Coulter loves to travel when he can and is a big soccer fan.

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BSc (Hons), University of Royal Holloway
PGCE Primary Education, University of Greenwich
OCT

Steve spent a decade teaching in London, UK before moving to Canada and joining the Hudson team. His experience spans a range of different grades across the primary/elementary programs. His practice is supported by an extensive and varied background in education and communications, supported by a lifelong love of learning and a commitment to fostering it in others. In his teaching, Steve aims to consistently provide accessible experiences that engage critical thinking, promote creativity, encourage curiosity and challenge all children to make links between their own understanding and the world around them. He develops a safe and nurturing classroom environment that fosters children’s self-confidence, values their individual contributions, and motivates them to take risks to deepen their learning and access their true potential.

Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies (Hons), Brock University
BEd, York University
OCT

Sarah has a teaching background in Primary, Junior, and Intermediate divisions. Prior to joining Hudson in 2016, she taught for three years at the Canadian International School in Vietnam and was the director of an Outdoor Education Centre in Huntsville. Sarah’s teaching philosophy is based on student-centred learning, with lessons and units focusing on students’ different learning styles. She engages students through various teaching strategies, critical thinking opportunities, and problem-solving as well as inquiry-based learning.

Sarah has helped organize the Junior Science Club, Origami Club, Cooking Club, and the Annual Terry Fox Run. In addition to her degrees, Sarah holds AQs in English as a Second Language (Specialist); Special Education, Part 1; Reading, Part 1; Writing, Part 1; and an ABQ in Intermediate Health and Physical Education.

BEd Primary/Junior Division, Queen’s University
BA (Hons) English Literature, Queen’s University
OCT

Joel believes that engaging students is the most critical element to being an inspirational teacher—and being an inspirational teacher is integral in expediting student achievement. Joel engages with students on their level during breaks and encourages them to engage with him on his level in the classroom. Both types of connections create bonds that foster a sense of unity in the classroom.

Joel brings a wide variety of creative skill sets to his teaching—from acting on stage, playing guitar, designing video games, and writing novels. He runs Hudson’s Spelling Bee, Public Speaking Showcase, Creative Writing Club and Chess Club, while also writing and directing the annual Junior Play.

In addition to his degrees, Joel has a diploma in Television Writing & Producing from Humber College, an AQ in Special Education, Part 1 and an ABQ in Intermediate Mathematics. Joel joined Hudson in 2016.

BEd Primary/Junior, University of Windsor
BA (Hons) Political Science, University of Windsor
BA English, University of Windsor
BSc Biology, University of Windsor
OCT

Shannon joined Hudson in 2011 with a wealth of teaching experience from private to public schools in Canada and Scotland. She has more than 20 years of experience working with Primary and Junior students, and her background includes facilitating learning in the Reggio Emilia system, instructing French with the AIM program, working with gifted students, and teaching English as a Second Language.

Shannon has a passion for teaching and believes that teachers must offer multiple ways to help facilitate critical thought. She believes this approach helps foster self-confidence and a spirit of independent learning. Her philosophy is that children have a lot to offer in the classroom and the relationship between child and teacher is collaborative. She also encourages parents to be a part of the learning process.

In addition to her degrees, Shannon has a Certificate of Registration & Qualification with the Ontario College of Teachers; a Certificate of Registration & Qualification with the General Teaching Council of Scotland; an AQ in Kindergarten, Part 1 and Senior English from University of Toronto (OISE); and an AQ in Creative Writing and Reading from University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

More from Shannon:

• The Benefits of Reggio Education

MFA Professional Media Composition, University of Chichester
MA Orchestration for Film/TV/Games, University of Chichester
BA (Hons) Performance/Composition, York University

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For nearly 40 years, Vincent has been helping young minds discover the powerful and positive influence of music in their lives. To students and parents, he has been an inspirational teacher—educating all about the known scientific effects of music on the brain, including studies confirming that music increases cerebral activity and enhances cognitive ability. He is a firm believer in studies that suggest that students who regularly play a musical instrument can change the brain’s shape and enhance the power of the brain.

Vincent’s goal at Hudson is to introduce each student to the wonderful experience of musical expression through performance. He joined Hudson in 2019.

BA Psychology and Early Childhood Education, York University
BEd University of Toronto
AQ Primary Education Specialist

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Sara began her career with the City of Toronto, working as a daycare teacher while she attended university at night. She earned her teacher’s degree and OCT in 1993 and went on to teach at the Toronto District School Board for 25 years in the Primary Division. Her passion has always been Kindergarten: she believes that young children are naturally curious about the world, and an educator’s job is to facilitate that curiosity through inquiry and project work. Sara joined Hudson in 2023.

BA Early Childhood Education, Toronto Metropolitan University
BEd Primary/Junior, University of Toronto
OCT

Catherine believes in taking an individualized approach to student learning, since all children learn at their own pace and in their own way. She strives to have a strong sense of community in her classroom, where students feel safe and welcome. Catherine believes that learning should be collaborative and ongoing. She enjoys working closely with students, parents, and other staff members in order to best serve her class.

Catherine recently completed the AQ course Reading Part One and is always interested in learning more about teaching language and literacy. Since joining Hudson in 2022, Catherine has worked to create meaningful connections with her class and everyone around the school.

BA Carleton University
BEd Concordia University
MEd University of Toronto (OISE)
OCT

French Immersion courses at Collège de Jonquière, Université de Trois-Rivières, and Alliance Française

Prior to joining Hudson in 2013, Farah lived and taught in Indonesia and an Inuit village in the Arctic, among other communities. She has made diversity a cornerstone of her teaching philosophy, employing a variety of educational methods that address the range of children’s intelligence and the different ways they learn.

Farah is passionate about creating a curriculum that reflects the unique perspectives of the many cultures that make up Canada, and she believes the integration of these perspectives enables youth to develop a stronger sense of identity, helping them to become more confident and active contributors to society. In addition to her degrees, Farah holds AQs in Special Education Part 1, Junior Basic and Anglais, and is a member of TESL Ontario.

MA English, York University
BA (Hons) English and Media, York University
BA Math, York University

Lui has more than 15 years of experience teaching at both elementary and high school levels, and joined Hudson in 2015. Through his various teaching positions, he has acquired a strong understanding of curriculum, learning styles, and various learning profiles and exceptionalities. At Hudson, he focuses on fostering a passion for learning – helping students see themselves as “perpetual learners.”

Lui believes it’s important to nurture an inquisitive mind and to engage and challenge students to excel in all areas of their academic and personal lives. In his view, students must be encouraged to become proactive and take ownership of their education so that it becomes both more personal and meaningful. Lui is committed to showing students that learning is a lifelong process – especially since the changing dynamic of the global community will require it.

BA English Literature/French Literature and Translation, McGill University

Michelle believes that nothing is more important than a good education. She has experience spanning five continents, from her own studies in Vancouver Island, France, Thailand and South Africa to different roles at international schools in Chile, Japan and South Korea.

Michelle joined Hudson in 2018. She enjoys AGO visits, searching for Toronto’s best donut, and backcountry canoe trips.

More from Michelle:

• Private school on a budget? It’s possible – Toronto Star
• ‍Should you send your child to a private school? – Toronto Life
• Admissions Q&A – Toronto Life

BA Psychology, Bates College

So studied psychology at a small liberal arts college in Maine, where she worked and volunteered with youth from different backgrounds throughout her college career, including as a program intern, camp counsellor, soccer coach and admissions fellow. These experiences have nurtured her passion for and advocacy of a holistic approach to children’s development.

So joined Hudson in 2021, and coaches the U14 girls soccer team. She enjoys supporting families throughout the admissions process and working in a community that cultivates a welcoming and warm environment for students to be themselves.

MA International Relations, University of Reading, UK

Sai believes that inspiring curiosity in students is essential, as authentic learning only happens with a hungry mind and life becomes an interesting journey if we nurture a desire to learn. Growing up in an education system that mainly valued academic achievement has informed her firm belief that a good education should be well-rounded and focused on learning both inside and outside the classroom.

One of Sai’s roles at Hudson is to build exchange programs and introduce the school to international families. She has seen that bringing the world to Hudson enriches our learning environment while helping students to expand their worldview and develop international-mindedness. As a director, she looks for ways to continue building the school and regularly asks herself, “How can I better add value today?”

BA Creative Industries, Toronto Metropolitan University

Emma is a graduate of the Creative Industries program at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), where she also earned a minor in sociology. During her time at TMU, Emma seized numerous opportunities to hone her skills in marketing and communications. She served as a student ambassador and took on the role of Marketing & Events lead on the residence executive board, deepening her expertise in community engagement.

Since graduating, Emma has pursued a career focused on cultivating vibrant and interactive communities, blending her digital marketing skills with a passion for meaningful connections. Her background includes a wealth of experience in dynamic, community-based environments, making her recent move to join the Hudson team in 2024 a natural fit.

Outside of work, Emma is an avid reader who loves exploring Toronto's Public Library branches, experimenting with new recipes, and directing short films. She's also your go-to person for movie or TV show recommendations!

BSocSc, National University of Singapore

Ha-My has taken on various roles throughout her career in education, including teaching and guidance, which gives her a multifaceted understanding of student and family needs in planning a child’s educational journey. Ha-My firmly believes that there is no perfect school for all students – but there can be a perfect fit between a school and its students, and she is committed to working with families to explore that fit at Hudson. Ha-My first worked at Hudson from 2019–21 and returned in 2024, bringing with her new experience and also a deeper appreciation for the welcoming and supportive community. Ha-My is mom to an adorable boy, a dog, and two cats, so she doesn’t have any spare time, but she loves thrifting and cooking for her family and friends.

In addition to her degree, Ha-My holds a postgraduate certificate in College Advising from Teachers College at Columbia University.

BA (Hons) Kinesiology, York University
BEd Physical Education and Biology, York University
OCT

Prior to joining Hudson in 2014, Marco played 12 years of professional soccer. He is a USSF “A” Licensed coach and the Boys' Technical Director at Woodbridge Soccer Club. Marco teaches Health and Physical Education for all Lower School grades and HPE and Science in the Upper School, in addition to serving as Athletic Director.

Marco’s teaching philosophy focuses on student success by creating an environment where they can explore, construct, solve and apply. He believes he has the necessary tools to reach the “21st Century Learner” and prepare students for our ever-changing and diverse world. Under his leadership, Hudson athletes compete in the Small Schools Athletic Federation. He also coaches several other sports beyond soccer, including volleyball and badminton.

BA Kinesiology, York University
National Coaching Certification Program Registered Coach
Canada Soccer National Coach C License Diploma

Michael has coached a variety of sports for over 20 years at different camps, clubs and schools, and joined Hudson’s PhysEd Department in 2023 in a newly-created role to support school athletics. His specialties are basketball and soccer, and he is an active member of Canada's National Coaching Certification Program, holds a National-C soccer license diploma, and is currently enrolled in the National-B soccer license diploma. Michael currently coaches in the high-performance program at the Woodbridge Soccer Club. He believes that physical activity and sports can help students gain confidence and improve their overall wellness and energy while creating relationships, bonds and friendships that can last a lifetime.

Outside of sports, Michael enjoys spending time with his daughters and expanding his repertoire as an amateur chef.