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Nadine Atwi Ammache, Master of Education 2020

Published writer, Poet, Adult educator, Instructor at the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies

As a teacher, Nathasha's experience studying at OISE allowed her to build a network of peers and learn from a world renowned faculty.

At an early age, and as a daughter of immigrant parents, Nathasha found it challenging to relate to teachers. Her drive to become a better teacher arose from this disconnection. She aspires to become a role model to her own students.

Nathasha’s interest focuses on inclusive education as an avenue to promote equity and inclusivity to all students. Through inclusive education, Nathasha feels that communities and cultures are valued which enhances learning experiences, increase confidence and overall well-being for a long-term growth. In the future, Nathasha hopes to become a high school principal and teach at a post-secondary institution.

For the past nine years, Nathasha has taught Business Studies at the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. In her current role, Nathasha has mentored new teachers and developed new teaching resources. She has also initiated and led student and community events that promote diversity within the school and at the school board level.

Recently, she worked at the Newcomer Assessment Centre at the Peel District School Board to help assess new immigrant students in Math and English before they could be placed in secondary schools.

Adam Benn, Master of Education 2019

Manager, Human Rights, Equity & Diversity Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Diversity, Humber College

In his current role, Adam manages education and training, Humber’s compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and supports initiatives to integrate equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the College.

He has more than ten years of experience working with diverse populations, including racialized people, persons who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, queer (LGBT2SQ), and persons with disabilities, in non-profit and community healthcare organizations. He has developed and delivered trainings and workshops on equity focused topics through an intersectional lens and his training approach is grounded in critical theory and anti-oppression practice.

Deirdre Gomes, Master of Education 2015

Development Officer, Stewardship & Donor Relations, University of Toronto

"I took to the Adult Education & Community Development program because it really prides itself on transformative learning. It’s a program where you can build in your own experiences in discussions and amongst your peers. It also offers a supportive environment where you can express your thoughts and opinions, and learn from your peers who come from varying backgrounds.Through the program, I was able to learn much more than I had ever before." . 

Judy Grant, Master of Education 2016

PhD Student, Department of Leadership, Higher & Adult Education, �鶹��ý����

One of best parts of Judy’s experience in the Department of Leadership Higher & Adult Education was the support she received from staff, faculty and classmates. During her Master's Judy connected with academics, practitioners and colleagues who helped challenge her perspectives and develop her academic acumen. These relationships have been instrumental in her academic and professional life. 

Judy is now a PhD student in the department. Her goal is to work with women at the grassroots level to promote consciousness and build capacity. She believes that being part of OISE's rich and supporting environment will enable her to succeed her academic and activist pursuits.

Lisa Gulesserian, Master of Education 2013

Consultant, Abu Dhabi University Knowledge Group

For the past 12 years, Lisa has been working in corporate learning and development for organizations such as KPMG, Ernst & Young, Rotman Executive Programs (U of T) and most recently at Abu Dhabi University Knowledge Group in the United Arab Emirates. She has also been a part-time faculty member at George Brown College.

In Lisa’s current role, she works with organizations to design and deliver leadership development programs. She’s also been researching the challenges that women in the GCC face with respect to entering and succeeding in leadership positions. 

Payal Khazanchi, Master of Education 2020

Director, Inclusion Initiatives, Community Living Ontario

Payal is currently serving as Director of Inclusion Initiatives at the Community Living Ontario. She was a family leader at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and has held key leadership roles on the Family Advisory Committee, including the pandemic recovery planning and the Health Equity Steering Committee. 

Through the hospital’s ‘Family as Faculty’ training program, Payal co-taught the ‘Social Work and Disability Practice’ Masters level course at the Factor Inwentash School of Social Work, University of Toronto. In year 2019, Payal was the recipient of Margaret I. Hambly Memorial scholarship at OISE and is also the recipient of the for the year 2020. 

Tracey King, Master of Education

Aboriginal Human Resources Consultant, Toronto Metropolitan University

"As a first-generation student, I learned that my Aboriginal perspective and worldview is very much needed in academia. My OISE MEd has enabled me to understand, navigate and apply my knowledge in the work I do as Canada's first Aboriginal human resources consultant in the higher education industry." 

Jason Merai, Master of Education 2014

Inspector, Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services, Government of Ontario

"I pursued my Masters in Adult Education & Community Development in order to develop pedagogical approaches to education as a vehicle for sustainable change. I had the opportunity to work with wonderful professors like Jack Quarter, Sherida Ryan, Sara Carpenter and David Levine. They were instrumental in determining the need to apply intersectional approaches to education, adapting to different learning styles, and constantly being aware of the need to be innovative in supporting marginalized and disempowered communities.

I firmly believe in community development as a measure for keeping institutional power accountable, as well as empowering individuals to accomplish transformative change. 

Since graduating, I have participated in giving platform to numerous social justice issues, including: serving a Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) internship in South Africa supporting the development of Rural Co-Operatives in Mthatha; hosting a television show on Rogers TV to address bullying and it’s intersections; leading Humber College’s first Gender-based Violence Prevention project; and serving as Executive Director of the Urban Alliance on Race Relations, a human rights organization addressing racism in Toronto."

Robert Roopa, Master of Education 2013

Lead Therapist, Counselling Services for York Region

Robert has a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and Adult Education, both attained at OISE. He was named Lead Therapist at  and holds registration titles as a Psychologist in Ontario and New Brunswick. Mr. Roopa has also been named Resident Supervisor at the , which is a practice dedicated to helping individuals who experience difficulties with obsessive compulsive disorder and related anxiety disorders. He is passionate about counselling, helping others, community development, and building relationships.

Nathasha Swaminathan, Master of Education 2007

Teacher, Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board

As a teacher, Nathasha's experience studying at OISE allowed her to build a network of peers and learn from a world renowned faculty.

At an early age, and as a daughter of immigrant parents, Nathasha found it challenging to relate to teachers. Her drive to become a better teacher arose from this disconnection. She aspires to become a role model to her own students.

Nathasha’s interest focuses on inclusive education as an avenue to promote equity and inclusivity to all students. Through inclusive education, Nathasha feels that communities and cultures are valued which enhances learning experiences, increase confidence and overall well-being for a long-term growth. In the future, Nathasha hopes to become a high school principal and teach at a post-secondary institution.

For the past nine years, Nathasha has taught Business Studies at the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. In her current role, Nathasha has mentored new teachers and developed new teaching resources. She has also initiated and led student and community events that promote diversity within the school and at the school board level.

Recently, she worked at the Newcomer Assessment Centre at the Peel District School Board to help assess new immigrant students in Math and English before they could be placed in secondary schools.

Kathleen Wynne, Master of Education 1995

Former Premier of Ontario

Kathleen Wynne was the 25th Premier of Ontario and is a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing the riding of Don Valley West for the Liberal Party. She was elected to the Ontario legislature in 2003 and re-elected in 2007. She served as Minister of Education for more than three years, leading the government’s efforts to bring smaller classes to the early grades, improve test scores and create more opportunities for high school students to reach their full potential. Prior to becoming an MPP, she served as a school trustee in Toronto.