Our Dream Team

Mrs. Tanya Nicoloff - Founder | Principal

I founded Evergreen Academy in 2022 with a vision to create a nurturing, inspiring, and dynamic learning environment where children can grow with confidence, creativity, and purpose. As a mother of four, a certified Nutritional Practitioner, educator, and lifelong entrepreneur, my passion lies in helping children thrive academically, emotionally, and spiritually.

With over six years of experience as both a Montessori and POD teacher, I’ve seen the power of personalized, hands-on learning. I believe every child deserves a safe space to express themselves freely, think critically, and develop a strong sense of self.

As a Christian, I value the importance of sovereignty and see education as a sacred opportunity to honour the unique potential within each student. It’s an honour to lead this incredible community as we reimagine what education can be.

Mr. Simon Wolfson - Vice Principal | STEAM Educator | Co-Founder

With over 20 years of experience in the private school sector, I’ve dedicated my career to building meaningful, student-centered learning environments. I helped grow a private school from its early stages to nearly 300 students, serving as both an administrator and minority shareholder. Throughout that journey, I played a key role in cultivating community and reimagining how education could better serve children.

Over time, I came to realize that while traditional academic models may produce strong test scores, they often come at the cost of creativity, purpose, and joy. I felt called to pursue a more holistic, values-driven approach—one that truly honours the unique potential within every child.

In 2018, that vision began to take shape with the founding of Evergreen Leadership Academy. And in 2022, I proudly co-founded Evergreen Academy—a school committed to inspiring curiosity, fostering innovation, and empowering students to lead with purpose. Reimagining education has become my life’s work, and I’m grateful to be part of a community that shares that mission.

Mrs. Sacha Lalla - Board Member

I am a mother of two with over 15 years of being an entrepreneur in the realm of personal development and Gestalt Therapy. I hold an Honors degree in Abnormal and Developmental Psychology from the University of Toronto, with honesty, integrity, and authenticity being the core values that guide my work. My husband and I are big proponents of attachment style parenting and strongly believe that children are to be nurtured according to their individual needs thus enabling their optimal growth and development. I deeply believe in the team and values of Evergreen Academy and am excited to be part of the team.

Mrs. Ella Stefan - Early Kindergarten Educator

I’m an educator with over 25 years of experience working with young children. I began my teaching career in Romania as a primary school teacher before moving into early childhood education, where I’ve had the joy of guiding children ages 1 to 6 through play-based, interest-led learning.

Since joining Evergreen Academy in 2022, I’ve loved creating a nurturing and engaging environment where our youngest learners can thrive. As an art and nature enthusiast, I weave creativity and outdoor exploration into our daily routines—always following the children’s curiosity as our guide.

It’s a privilege to be part of the Evergreen community, and I’m so excited to welcome new families, build meaningful connections, and support each child’s growth with warmth, care, and joy.

Ms. Heather McNutt - Lower Elementary Educator

Hi, I’m Mrs. Heather McNutt, and I’m thrilled and grateful to be part of the Evergreen Academy community. I hold a Bachelor of Arts from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Bachelor of Education from Western University. My teaching experience has been entirely within the private school sector, where I’ve had the opportunity to support and guide elementary students through their academic and personal growth.

In addition to my classroom experience, I’ve also been actively involved in supporting the education of my own three children, which has deepened my appreciation for the important role that family plays in a child’s learning journey. I always strive to create a warm, welcoming, and positive classroom environment where every student feels supported and empowered to thrive.

I’m passionate about building strong relationships, fostering curiosity, and nurturing each child’s unique potential while inspiring a lifelong love of learning. I look forward to working in partnership with families and contributing to the vibrant, caring community at Evergreen Academy.

Mrs. Katie Rylance - Upper Elementary Educator

Hi, I’m Katie Rylance, and I’m so excited to be a part of Evergreen Academy. I hold a Bachelor’s degree from McMaster University and a Master of Science in Education from Niagara University. I’ve been teaching in independent and private schools for over 15 years. I began my journey in 2005 teaching Grade 1, and then spent more than a decade with Grades 4 and 5, where I truly found my rhythm as an educator and developed a deep love for supporting upper elementary learners.

After stepping away from the classroom to raise my four children, I had the unique opportunity to homeschool them during the pandemic. It was during this time that I also discovered my passion for running. What began as a dream of completing a 5K evolved into running marathons and eventually ultra-marathons. This journey taught me a great deal about perseverance, self-discovery, and the importance of pushing beyond my comfort zone - lessons I bring into the classroom every day.

Most recently, I returned to education through supply teaching and part-time instruction in Grade 2 and Grade 4 math. I’m thrilled to be stepping into a full-time teaching role and being a part of the vibrant Evergreen community.

Outside of school, I’m a nature enthusiast and long-distance runner. The forest is where I feel most at home, and I believe we can learn a lot about ourselves when we immerse ourselves in the natural world. I love weaving that energy, curiosity, and love for movement into my teaching, creating a dynamic, active, and connected learning environment for my students.

Ms. Jessica Carrasco - Visual Art Educator

Hi, I'm Jessica Carrasco, a writer and passionate art instructor with over 10 years of experience teaching students from grade 2 through adulthood. I believe every individual is born with the ability to create, express, and interpret the world in a way that’s uniquely theirs, so my mission is to nurture those gifts and guide them on their journey of self-expression and creative discovery.

My academic background includes studies in Marketing and Advertising, Educational Management, Art Fundamentals, and Visual and creative Arts. Yet beyond any degree or diploma, art is the very breath I live— second only to the love I have for my daughter.

I homeschooled her throughout elementary school, and our lives changed when we discovered Evergreen Academy which is where she started her high school journey. Evergreen wasn’t just a school, it became a second home. A place where learning went hand in hand with belonging. There, students aren’t just numbers; they’re seen, heard, and given space to grow into who they’re meant to be.

It’s because of this meaningful experience that I now proudly lead the art program at Evergreen Academy! My goal is to carry forward the heart, purpose, and creative spirit of this beautiful place.

Ms. Amanda Morelli - Physical & Health Educator

After coaching two sports from the recreational to international level for over 20 years, I discovered that my true passion lies in teaching children and helping them reach their full potential. I went on to create an elite training center where athletes could develop and thrive.

As a former high-level athlete myself, I chose my sport at 15 and moved away from home to train at an international training center. That journey shaped my career in athlete development, taking me across Canada and the U.S. to train others. After taking time to raise my two children, I returned to education as a Vice Principal, classroom teacher, supply teacher, and one-on-one support educator.

Now, I’m thrilled to combine my love for sport and teaching at Evergreen Academy. With its incredible facilities, Evergreen is the perfect place to create a fun, safe, and engaging environment where students can grow in their physical literacy—and I’m excited to help them achieve their best.

Ms. Becca Winship - Kitchen Manager & Culinary Instructor

I’ve always had a deep love for creativity in the kitchen. Over the years, I’ve worked in a variety of restaurants, gaining experience with different styles of cuisine and learning how to craft meals that are both nourishing and exciting. At home, I enjoy making fun and healthy meals for my kids, and I bring that same energy and creativity to the kitchen at Evergreen Academy.

Here, I have the opportunity to design menus that are nutritious, kid-friendly, and full of variety, fueling students’ bodies and minds.

What I love most about Evergreen is the rewarding environment and the chance to blend my passion for food with education. It’s a joy to be part of a community that values health, learning, and creativity all at once.

Mrs. Sze Chen Cheong - Music Teacher

For more than 30 years, I have had the joy of teaching music, developing voices, conducting choirs, and working with children, youth, and educators across schools and choirs in Singapore. I am also a trained piano teacher, with voice development and choral work becoming a particular focus throughout my career.

Much of my work in Singapore involved bringing specialized voice development programs into schools to complement their music curriculum. I have developed and conducted school choirs and helped build a strong culture of singing within school communities.

I have also had the privilege of mentoring music teachers through the Singapore Teachers’ Academy for the aRts (STAR), under Singapore’s Ministry of Education, supporting educators in developing their practice in singing and voice. In addition, I have taught at the School of the Arts Singapore (SOTA) and prepared students for school and choir auditions, with students successfully earning places in leading Singapore choirs and receiving choral scholarships in the UK.

My work with voice has also extended beyond the classroom, including using singing to support communication, confidence, and connection for adults with aphasia.

As a mother of six, I have experienced firsthand how differently each child learns, grows, and discovers their unique strengths. This has deeply influenced the way I approach teaching and the importance I place on encouraging each student as an individual.

At Evergreen Christian Academy, I am excited to build a joyful and engaging music culture where students can grow in musicianship, creativity, collaboration, and confidence while discovering the value and uniqueness of their own voice.

Ms. Robyn Covre – Homeschooling Connections Coordinator

I was only four years old when I decided I wanted to teach kindergarten, and that early passion has stayed with me ever since. Over the years, I’ve gained experience with children as a mother, teacher, nanny, and coach, and I truly believe the impact a teacher can have on a child’s future is immeasurable. It is my greatest joy to watch children learn and grow intellectually, socially, and personally.

After spending more than 20 years in sales, business management, and entrepreneurship, I returned to what I truly love - working with children. Since then, I’ve worked in early childhood education and homeschooled my own two children, experiences that have deepened my understanding of how children learn best and how they thrive.

I believe in conscious teaching that nurtures through nature. I live a natural and holistic lifestyle and am a true nature lover, because I believe we all thrive when we’re connected to the world around us.

I’m so excited to be part of the Evergreen Academy team and to share in the learning journeys of every student and family in our Homeschooling Connections program.

Ms. Linda Pellerin-Tomlinson – Early Years French Teacher

I’m Linda Pellerin-Tomlinson, a mother of two bilingual children (17 and 14) who attend an all-French Catholic school in Oakville, ON. My parents are from Quebec, where we still have a family cottage, and I grew up in a French-speaking home, attending all-French schools before graduating with a French Linguistics degree from the University of Ottawa.

From an early age, I loved working with children, first babysitting my many cousins, then teaching with Sportball for 12 years, where I worked with kids ages 16 months to 12 years. That passion led me to create Programme Bonjour in 2016. I’ve also worked at école Saint-Philippe in Burlington as a supply EA, teacher, and ECE, which keeps me current with the curriculum. With 21 years of experience, I find working with children life-giving, uplifting, and full of joy.

Beyond teaching, I enjoy time with family and friends, being active, and the outdoors—cycling, volleyball, tennis, golf, pickleball, cross-country skiing, hiking, working out, cooking, camping, and traveling.

I bring passion, energy, loyalty, honesty, and reliability to my work. My program uses themed lessons, props, and music to teach French in a natural, playful way. Children learn without even realizing it, and starting early gives them the best foundation to explore and enjoy language.

Ms. Supi – Literacy Support Teacher

Kids discover the keys to their one-of-a-kind talent treasure chest at their own pace. My role? To believe in their abilities, see their inner potential, surround them with love, and provide heartfelt opportunities for them to feel inspired, confident and successful throughout their learning adventures.

With more than 35 years of experience learning alongside children in elementary classrooms and through homeschooling my own kids (really, they homeschooled me!), my approach is grounded in compassion, respect, mindfulness and an understanding that growth flows differently for every child.

My academic background includes a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Early Childhood Education from Ryerson University, a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University and a Master of Arts in Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto.

Here at Evergreen Christian Academy, I provide literacy support to students while also supporting our classrooms as a supply teacher. I especially love working alongside children who benefit from additional time and encouragement, helping them unlock their treasure chest, feel proud of their efforts and see just how capable they are.

So grateful to be part of a school that nurtures children academically, emotionally, creatively and spiritually. Curiosity is celebrated, imagination is encouraged and connection to ourselves, one another and nature is at the heart of it all.

Outside of school, you’ll find me enjoying time with my family, playing in nature, practicing classical martial arts (karate and tai chi) and adding a little rhythm to life as the proud drummer of The Hey Mammas Band.

Ms. Susana Duft – Upper Elementary Teacher

I am an experienced Ontario Certified Teacher, lifelong child advocate, environmental steward, and children’s author. My career in education includes a decade of teaching with the Peel District School Board, along with more than 25 years of experience in private-sector education. Throughout my work, I have developed a deep passion for self-directed, nature-based learning that encourages children to become confident, curious, and independent learners.

I hold an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto. My academic background, combined with decades of experience working with children, has shaped my belief that every child learns differently and deserves to be understood and supported as an individual. I strive to create a welcoming and empowering environment where students can develop confidence, strengthen their sense of self, and discover their unique abilities and potential.

I love bringing cultural experiences, storytelling, and a global perspective into the classroom. My travels around the world, accomplishments in classical martial arts, taiko drumming apprenticeship and theatre performances in Japan, as well as my work in ocean and marine mammal advocacy, have given me many extraordinary experiences to share with students.

Nature is also an important part of who I am as both a person and an educator. As an avid forager, native plant advocate, and self-described barefoot tree nerd, I am passionate about helping children develop a meaningful relationship with the natural world. I want students to experience nature firsthand, develop respect for all living things, and grow into thoughtful stewards who genuinely love and care for the earth.

Above all, I am a lifelong learner myself. I continue to be inspired by the joy, curiosity, and excitement that come from seeing discovery through the eyes of a child. I am honoured to support and nurture that process at Evergreen Christian Academy and to be part of a school that values children as individuals and gives them the space, guidance, and encouragement to grow into who they are meant to become

Welcome to the Teams page of Evergreen Christian Academy, where we go beyond traditional education to cultivate a nurturing and positive emotional environment.

Our Dream Team

Evergreen Christian Academy