everest academy
faculty & staff
administrative team
johnny winstanley
President
kim Summers
Vice President, finance
Jamie Stone
Principal
Jamie has been an Educator for 23 years and has served in the role as Principal for the past 16 years. Jamie believes student achievement measures how well educators are teaching and supporting students. If educators know their students and if students are engaged in learning and receive the necessary support, then they will achieve to the best of their ability. Jamie has served as a Principal Qualification Program Instructor, teaching and facilitating the learning of new and aspiring Vice Principals and Principals. He received the Excellence in Educational Leadership award in 2018 in recognition of his efforts in the role of Principal.
Jamie continues to be involved in sports at the community and provincial levels. He is the President of the Klevr Super League, which he co-founded with his partner, two-time Stanley Cup Champion, Kris Versteeg.
When not at the rink with one of his three children, Jamie can be found at the lake enjoying the outdoors with his family.
clem d'orazio
general manager
Clem is the General Manager at Everest Academy and is the Lacrosse Director of the Men’s Prep Lacrosse team. His educational and coaching philosophy is based on character programming that will give the student-athlete the best opportunity to learn the necessary skills to succeed in post-secondary schooling. Clem is also a highly respected Lacrosse Coach and Assistant General Manager in the NLL with the Albany FireWolves. Clem graduated from Brock University with a Bachelor in Physical Education and a Masters of Science in Education from Medaille College. He is a successful coach, winning national and international titles throughout his playing and coaching career. Clem is a registered member of the Ontario College of Teachers.
Blake Ricci
assistant general manager & Director of operations
trevor small
vice principal & director of academics
Trevor Small is the Vice Principal and Director of Academics at Everest Academy. He has over a decade of combined teaching, guidance, and administrative experience in private schools, including ten years at Everest Academy. Trevor graduated from Lakehead University with a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education. Pedagogically, his focus is to help provide a comfortable and enjoyable school environment that encourages risk-taking, all while maintaining a high academic standard. Alongside the teaching staff at Everest, Trevor strives to provide students with opportunities for personal growth, in areas such as responsibility, accountability, and self-advocacy. Trevor is a registered member of the Ontario College of Teachers.
Mathew sisca
ADMISSIONs Manager
Mathew has been working in private school education for 6+ years in many different roles. He is well known around the arenas after his lengthy playing career which included him getting drafted to the Niagara Ice Dogs and playing four season with three different teams in the Ontario Hockey League. After the OHL, Mathew proceeded to play seven years professionally in leagues such as the ECHL, EBEL Austria, and EIHL England. Once Mathew retired, he began coaching in the GTHL and has been a coach in the AAA level for the past five seasons.
Mathew brings the necessary on and off ice knowledge to Everest Academy that helps students and families take the next step in their academic and athletic journey.
Karen Cribari
admissions & transportation coordinator
ruth hernandez
finance
stephanie commisso
Digital Content and Social Media Coordinator
Stephanie brings a Communications background to her role at Everest Academy having obtained a BA in Communications and Media Studies, specializing in Journalism. Stephanie is also certified in Digital Marketing and has experience managing communications in a private school setting. Stephanie is excited to look after the marketing and social media aspects of Everest Academy.
Tanya divincentiis
Office Administrator
Tanya brings 15 years of Office Administrative experience to Everest. With expertise in administrative tasks, and organizational skills Tanya will be an important asset to the Everest Team. Tanya worked as a Team Manager for five years within the GTHL for the Toronto Jr Canadiens. Her passion and love for the game of Hockey makes her feel at home at Everest Academy. Tanya lives in Bolton with her husband and two teenagers; on her down time she is an avid cyclist who has participated in the “Ride to Conquer Cancer” for the past 15 years. Tanya is excited about the vision Everest Academy has for the students and staff.
academic team
Sam Layton
Director of guidance
Sam brings 8 years of teaching experience, in both private and public schools across Canada, South Korea, and New Zealand. She graduated from the University of Guelph, with a degree in Theatre Studies, and the University of Canterbury, with a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning. Sam’s guidance practice is influenced by various experiences, garnered across multiple countries, cultures, and her 20+ years working in the camp industry. Sam is passionate about the performing arts, fostering creative work with learners, the outdoors, and is always up for a challenge, such as WWF’s annual CN Tower stair climb. She is also an avid rugby and football fan (Go All Blacks and Steelers!) Sam is a registered member of the Ontario College of Teachers.
Michael Byrne
Guidance & Secondary TEacher
Michael graduated from Western University with a degree in Business Management and Organizational Studies (BMOS) and later completed his Bachelor of Education (BEd) at Nipissing University. As someone who has always been passionate about nurturing the potential in kids, Michael has enjoyed more than 10 years’ experience as a volunteer teacher, math tutor and sports coach. As a former varsity athlete at Western and current player for the Albany Firewolves of the National Lacrosse League (NLL), Michael understands the rewards of a well-rounded education that includes participation in sport. Michael believes the priority of a teacher is to focus on the well-being and growth of each and every child. Michael’s objective is to empower young students to be all they can be, and respect others’ aspirations to do the same. Michael is a registered member of the Ontario College of Teachers.
natassia kopanos
Secondary curricular chair &
french teacher
Natassia graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in French Studies at Glendon College, York University. She received her certification of Bilingualism. Natassia feels that being exposed to the French language and the Francophone culture enriches your learning experience. With more than ten years of experience teaching in the private sector and various classroom settings, she has had the pleasure of working with students from Preschool to Grade 12. When she was an Education Director, she worked on developing and evaluating the curricula, teaching procedures and educational resources. As an educator, she feels that it is important to connect and grow alongside the students, and by investing a constant interest in their personal growth and learning. Natassia is driven to help students overcome any barriers that impact their learning, and she firmly believes that student success in education is created through meaningful relationships.
tyler mcdermid
elementary curricular chair &
elementary teacher
Greg Beasley
secondary teacher
Greg graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton University before completing his Bachelor of Education at The University of Maine. He has spent the past fifteen years working in education both in Europe and Canada. Beyond the skills to become effective writers and analytical readers, Greg believes in the role literature plays in forming an understanding of both the world and one’s self and he strives to help his students to search for the connections between these things. Beyond the classroom, Greg spends as much time as he can in nature, with family, and playing hockey.
Nicole Mccauley
elementary teacher
blaze mccullough
elementary teacher
In addition to teaching, Blaze has coached for the Toronto Beaches organization at the U12 to U16 ages for both box and field lacrosse. “Adversity only makes us stronger” is something Blaze has lived by over the past several years, and this is a message he plans on bringing forward to all his future students.
William Morris
secondary teacher
Trevor petersen
secondary teacher &
Hockey instructor
lesley oliva
student support
Lesley grew up in Toronto in a family surrounded by competitive sports. She graduated from York University with an Hons.BA in Psychology, and a B.Ed. She has had the pleasure of gaining many years of experience in both the public and private teaching sectors, working within the school boards and running a private tutoring business. Her approach to teaching includes teaching to the whole person, where she aspires to bring out the best in each learner by focusing on individual needs, learning styles, and interests. Her goal is to nurture self efficacy and inspire passion for learning, sports, and life itself. Lesley is a life long learner who strives to continually grow as an individual. She lives in Vaughan with her husband, two teenagers, and dog. Lesley is a registered member of the Ontario College of Teachers.
cory pond
secondary teacher
Cory Ann Pond is a secondary teacher at Everest Academy. She grew up on a farm in Norfolk County and possesses over 10 years of coaching and teaching experience. Recently, she graduated from OISE with a Masters of Teaching degree. Her passion for golf is exemplified by her Class A PGA of Canada Golf Professional certification, and she competes internationally, having recently returned from the World Championships in Japan. Additionally, Cory’s background includes a competitive figure skating upbringing, and she continues to enjoy her time at the rink.
Karim premji
secondary teacher
Karim is an individual with a diverse range of experiences and a genuine passion for his pursuits. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree (B.A.Sc.) in Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering from the University of Toronto’s Engineering Science Program. Over a span of 15 years, he made significant contributions to the telecommunications industry, where he played a pivotal role in designing and developing software for two-way radio systems essential for the seamless operation of public safety services. In the realm of education, he has dedicated himself to his students for more than a decade, teaching subjects including Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, and Robotics at the college and high school levels. Beyond his professional commitments, Karim has nurtured his lifelong love for hockey, having guarded the net as a goaltender in house leagues in Toronto during his youth. His journey reflects his dedication to learning and his appreciation for a well-rounded life.
Bronwyn williams
elementary teacher
Bronwyn graduated from the University of Toronto OISE program with a Master of Teaching. Prior to obtaining her masters, she graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University, formerly Ryerson University, with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Studies. During her time at TMU, Bronwyn was also a member of the university’s Varsity Women’s Basketball team. As a former varsity athlete, she understands the positive influence sport has on children’s development both inside and outside of the classroom. Having worked with children aged 6-14, she has had experience teaching a wide range of students, in a variety of classroom environments. Her goal is to create strong relationships with students, where their strengths and areas of growth are celebrated and developed through relevant and engaging activities. Bronwyn hopes that by maintaining these relationships, this will foster a classroom community that builds students up, while challenging each one to be the best student, athlete, and person they can be. Bronwyn is a registered member of the Ontario College of Teachers.
Anastasia Yushkevich
secondary teacher
Anastasia graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Physics from the University of Toronto and later completed a Bachelor of Education at Queen’s University, specializing in assessment and evaluation. Her experience working at a private school with academically driven students has allowed her to develop a hands-on, inquiry-based teaching method that encourages deep understanding and critical thinking. Beyond the classroom, Anastasia enjoys sewing, cooking, and painting, and she often incorporates creativity into teaching to inspire students. Anastasia’s commitment to education is rooted in a desire to ignite lifelong love of learning and a sense of wonder, helping students become curious and analytical thinkers.
shannon yates-hawkey
secondary teacher
Shannon grew up in the Toronto area and comes from a family of teachers. She has more than 15 years of experience teaching Biology and Life Sciences both internationally and in Canada. She graduated from Vancouver Island University with Bachelor of Biology and Bachelor of Education degrees. She also completed a Masters of Education degree at the University of British Columbia. Shannon taught Biology, Science and Environmental Science internationally for 12 years in South Korea, China, Malaysia and Indonesia. Most recently she taught IB Biology at Mulgrave School in Vancouver for four years. In the classroom, Shannon strives to create a positive and engaging learning environment in which students can achieve their potential and share in the wonder of life’s complexities. Shannon is a registered member of the Ontario College of Teachers.
wellness team
james gardiner
strength & conditioning director
James is a Certified Athletic Therapist, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, holds a Masters Degree in Kinesiology and Health Science and is a Hatha Yoga practitioner. He has worked with top-level athletes in all major sports, blending therapeutics and performance training into a holistic approach to athlete wellness. He has held positions as the Head Athletic Therapist with Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS), Halifax Thunderbirds (NLL) as a Head Athletic Trainer in the Blue Jays system (MiLB), a Rehab Coordinator at York University and various therapy, conditioning and sports injury rehab roles, including working as a performance consultant with the University of the Bahamas. He is the creator of novel wellness/lifestyle programming for enhanced athletic performance, is the host of ‘Let’s chAT: the Official Podcast of WFATT, and has also held teaching and mentorship roles in two Athletic Therapy Certification programs within Ontario and presented at conferences across multiple disciplines.
Rob barbieri
strength & conditioning coach
Born and raised in Toronto where he was part of the York Yeomen Rugby club, Barbieri was spotted by Italian selectors while playing for Canada U-19. He made the move to Overmach Parma in 2003 along with older brother Mike. Robert opted for the Azzurri and was quickly called up to the national U-21 squad. His test debut came against Japan in June 2006, and in 2007 Barbieri made the move from Parma to Treviso, playing with Benetton for the rest of his career with the exception of a single season in the English Premiership with Leicester Tigers in 2014-15. He earned 43 caps for Italy, 14 in the Six Nations, and was part of the 2011 World Cup squad after missing the 2007 event with injury. Barbieri would play just one test against Canada, a 25-16 victory at BMO Field in his native Toronto in June 2012. His last test appearance came against Scotland in June 2017. After a 16-year professional career as a rugby player, Robert now looks to utilize the training and skills acquired to pass on to other athletes. Robert understands what it takes to perform at a high level, and his professional experience is a key fundamental tool in his training regiments. His programs are not theoretical. This is hands on training from a former professional that will help elevate your fitness to the next level.
Matthew arnone
strength & conditioning coach
Matthew is a former professional soccer athlete, who is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, with an Applied Specialization in Mindfulness Meditation. Matthew’s passion for optimal performance in his professional playing career drove him to explore performance in more than just a physical way. With a focus on growth and a healthier approach to sport and life, aims to maximize the potential of every human in body, mind, and heart.
julie macdonald
Registered Massage Therapist
Registered Kinesiologist
Certified Athletic Therapist
Julie is a graduate of the Athletic Therapy program at York University. She has a Masters in Kinesiology and is a Registered Kinesiologist and Registered Massage Therapist. Julie has worked with active individuals of all ages and abilities, and with numerous athletic programs including the Toronto Argonauts, Toronto Rock Lacrosse, Canadian National Women’s Lacrosse, and Canadian Accredited Independent Schools athletics. Julie is a strong proponent of a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation that treats the body as a whole rather than as independent conditions of pain, injury, or dysfunction. Integrating her love of anatomy and exercise science with a global approach to the joints, muscles, and connective tissues of the body, Julie enjoys helping each patient achieve their unique lifestyle, performance, and recovery goals. Julie also brings to the table significant experience in the rehabilitation and management of Sports and Exercise Related Concussion. She implements and advocates for inter-dispilinary concussion management practices that are comprehensive, evidence-based, and individualized to meet the unique needs of each patient. Julie is thrilled to join the team at Everest Academy.
athletic staff
lindsay hofford
director of hockey operations
Lindsay Hofford joins Everest Academy with more than 30 years of professional Hockey and business experience. He is the Founder & CEO of Pro Hockey Development Group, which was established in 1992. Pro Hockey Development specializes in hockey development for players of all ages. Hofford is also the founder of NASHA Sports Insurance Company, Highlight Sports Inc. and Bahama Ice. Hofford served as the Director of Amateur Scouting for the London Knights (OHL) from 2010 to 2015 the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL) from 2015 to 2019 and most recently as the Assistant GM of the Arizona Coyotes (NHL). Lindsay also coached for six years in the CHL with the London Knights (OHL) and Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL). He has worked with over 200 current or former NHL players, including Rick Nash, Brent Seabrook, Auston Matthews, Corey Perry and Mitch Marner. He has won at every level including Championships at the AHL, OHL, WHL, CJHL and Minor Hockey levels. He has an extensive history in coaching, scouting, management and player development. Hofford graduated with political science and sociology degrees from the University of Guelph.
Daniel Sisca
managing Hockey Director &
general manager of men's prep hockey
As a former player, Daniel Sisca brings a wealth of hockey knowledge, skill, and experience. Daniel spent his entire minor hockey career in the GTHL, followed by five years in the OHL, where he spent one year as the captain of the Mississauga Ice Dogs and one year as captain of the Sarnia Sting. His professional hockey career began in the ECHL and extended to the AHL and three years in Europe. During his time in the ECHL, Daniel was awarded to the ECHL All-Rookie Team. Daniel has worked with players of all age groups and various skill levels. He brings his firsthand hockey experience and genuine understanding of the game to help players improve their skills and perform at their highest level.
dave d'ammizio
hockey instructor
Dave has extensive experience executing skills training for players at the beginner level through to the NHL. Dave began his coaching with the Toronto Marlboros. He went on to coach the Vaughan Kings, the Stouffville Spirit, and the Junior Canadians. He has enjoyed great team and individual successes, winning GTHL championships and Provincial Championships, watching players move on to win scholarships and be drafted. Dave has also been actively involved in spring and summer Hockey coaching training some of the NHL’s elite players in the BioSteel Hockey Camp. Dave has also been the Toronto Bulldogs head coach for the prestigious Edmonton Brick tournament for the past 10 years, winning it 5 times. Dave continues to train players of all ages and levels with the mindset of helping each and every player reach their full potential. As a hands-on instructor with a big personality, he gets the most out of his players every time they are on the ice. With a focus on developing the players on and off the ice, he exposes them to the skills required for effective leadership, teamwork, nutrition and off ice strength training. He addresses the mental aspects of being involved in the sport in regards to try outs, wins and losses and overcoming adversity and challenges.
justin teakle
Hockey instructor
Justin Teakle brings 19 years of experience working in Hockey Development Programs to Everest Academy. After four seasons playing in the Ontario Provincial Junior League (OPJL), he transitioned into coaching and coached over 1000 games over a 14 season span. That run included one record setting season with the Cobourg Cougars in 2011, where the team finished with a 38-9-3 record. Since 2005 he has served as the Director and Head Instructor of PassHockey and has served as the Head Instructor and Coach for Pro Hockey since 2013. Most recently, he served as Head Coach and General Manager of the Brampton Admiral (2018 to 2020), as Co-Coach of the Markham Majors 06 AAA team (2019), and in 2020 was named Director of Operation for Can-Ice.
Anthony Nigro
Hockey Instructor
Anthony Nigro is a former first round draft pick of the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League. He went on to play four seasons split between Guelph and the Ottawa 67’s. Anthony was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He then played for their farm team in the AHL for three seasons before heading over to Europe playing a combined 6 seasons in Italy, Switzerland and Denmark. Anthony finished off his pro career in the ECHL playing for the Brampton Beast winning the ECHL Player Of The Week award in the final week of the 2019-2020 season. Anthony has gained valuable knowledge of the game over his 10 year professional playing career at different levels around the world and uses that to help the next generation with their skill development.
Samantha skene
skating coach
Samantha is a Skate Canada figuring skating coach as well as a skating coach for the OHL’s Sudbury Wolves. Samantha comes to Everest with expertise honed through training OHL/NHL players. Samantha is also a skating consultant at Quartexx Management. She was also a guest coach at the recent Pittsburgh Penguins development camp, contributing exceptional guidance to aspiring talents. Samantha is a driving force in enhancing skating techniques and performance, consistently leaving a mark on both professional and aspiring athletes.
matt chiarantano
Defensive specialist coach
Matt Chiarantano is currently an Assistant Coach with the Mississauga Steelheads in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Matt works primarily with the defense core of the Steelheads amongst other roles with the club. Prior to his role with the Steelheads, Matt served as an Associate Coach with the North York Rangers in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL). Matt played junior hockey in the OJHL for the Georgetown Raiders before moving on to the NCAA. Chiarantano is a graduate of Niagara University and was a member of the Purple Eagles from 2012-2016, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Education. Chiarantano had a brief stint in the ECHL as a member of the Brampton Beast before retiring due to injuries. As a member of Team Canada East, Chiarantano won a Silver Medal in the 2010 World Junior A Challenge. Along with coaching, Chiarantano works with many junior and professional players as a skills development instructor and is the owner of MAC Hockey Development.
dave franco
goaltending coach
Dave has coached some of the world’s most elite goalies in the world throughout the last 20 years. Jordan Binnington, Curtis Joseph, Jamie Storr, Steve Mason and Robb Zepp have all spoken about the difference Dave made in their career. Dave has spent his entire dedicated to excellence in goaltending from his humble beginnings as a young goalie in Toronto to playing pro in Europe through coaching goalies at the NHL, AHL, OHL and European Pro Levels. Dave’s unsurpassed knowledge of the position and proven track record of developing talent for the OHL, NCAA, NHL and European Professional leagues is unrivaled.
marco franco
goaltending coach
Marco’s clients have included numerous NHL stars, CHL stars and European Pros. He has traveled the world and his 20 plus years experience coaching elite level goalies gives FCGS the unique advantage of having two world-class leaders to build the development programs that produce results unlike any other goalie school in the world. Marco is also a fitness expert who understands the physical requirements to play at each level. He also possesses a pro level shooting ability that allows Marco to work with pro goalies on very specific deficiencies.
Vince bellissimo
hockey instructor
Vince is a former professional hockey player with over 350 games played pro. He played Division 1 NCAA hockey at Western Michigan University. Vince was selected in the 5th round by the Florida Panthers in the 2002 Entry Draft and eventually signed an NHL contract with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2005.
Following his playing career, Vince has been a head coach for 11 years, the last 5 of which spent in the OJHL where he carries a regular season coaching record of 160-39-12. In addition to that, he has guided his teams to multiple deep playoff runs. Vince is currently the Head Coach of the Toronto Patriots Jr. A Hockey Club. Over his 11 year coaching tenure in the GTHL and the OJHL Vince has a reputation for creating positive, high energy environments conducive to maximizing player development. He has developed numerous players who have achieved high success at higher levels of hockey including the NHL, AHL, ECHL, NCAA, CIS, OHL and European Pro.
Vince Tarantino
hockey instructor
With over 20 years of skill development experience in hockey, Vince Tarantino has left an indelible mark in the sport. His contributions include a five-year tenure as a skills coach for the Niagara IceDogs in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and four years as an area scout. In addition to his coaching role, Vince also held positions as the Director of Player Development and Player Development Coordinator for the Niagara IceDogs. His dedication to player development extends to the American Hockey League (AHL), where he spent two seasons working with both injured and healthy scratch players for the Belleville Senators. Presently, Vince continues to shape the future of hockey as the skills coach for the Trenton Golden Hawks in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL).
leo stouros
men's prep lacrosse coach
Leo Stouros attended the University of Colgate as a student-athlete where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History with honours and dean’s list. He was selected as a team captain in his final season. He currently competes for the Albany FireWolves (NLL) and played for the Chesapeake Bayhawks (MLL). Leo competed for Canada’s U19 national team that won silver at the 2012 Field World Championship where he received All-World honours. He won an NLL championship in 2017 with the Georgia Swarm as well as 2 Minto and 1 Mann Cup with Six Nations. Prior to joining Everest Academy, Leo works as the Head Coach for the Laurier University as well as the Founder of Spartan Lacrosse Academy in Kitchener, Ontario. Over the last ten years, Leo has been assisting in the development of High School, youth & University Lacrosse players who hope to reach the next level.
jason booth
baseball coach
Jason Booth owns The Dugout Baseball and Softball Academy in Vaughan, ON. He has coached and served as the Director of Baseball Operations with Team Ontario (18U) in the Canadian Premier Baseball League since 2012 and has helped place 150+ players in College Baseball. He attended Tiffin University, Ohio (NCAA) from 1999 to 2001 and Goshen College, Indiana (NAIA) from 2001 to 2004. He also served as the Pitching Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for the University of Saint Francis, Indiana (NAIA) for five years and as a Coach with the Oakville Royals in the Premier Baseball League of Ontario from 2009 to 2012.
KYLE McKay
baseball coach
Kyle McKay is a former professional Baseball player and current coach at The Dugout Baseball and Softball Academy in Vaughan, ON. He is also the Head Coach of Team Ontario 16U. Playing for teams in the Frontier, Pecos, and Mount Rainer Pro Baseball Leagues, Kyle also represented Canada at the World Baseball Challenge in 2013, earning a second best tournament ERA of 1.29 and posting strong outings against Team Cuba and Team Japan, two powerhouses in international Baseball. Kyle attended Kaskaskia College (NJCAA), the University of South Carolina Upstate (NCAA DI), and University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne (NAIA), earning multiple honours and becoming the all-time career ERA holder.
