Welcome to Autumn Hill Academy. My name is Katherine Pasternak. In 1996 I founded Autumn Hill Academy. My passion and interest in early childhood education began at the Faculty of Education at York University. Throughout the course of the year, while researching many different theories and teaching practices, I realized the importance of education for young children. My search led to two significant methods of education – the Montessori Method and the Reggio Emilia Project Approach. Both pedagogies are considered leaders in the field. My vision was to adopt successful, meaningful methods of early childhood education and surround myself with a team of educators and support staff who share my vision. And I am proud to say that twenty one years later, Autumn Hill continues to be a school that offers an advanced, enriched, well-balanced program for children ages 18 months to Grade 3. I invite you to visit Autumn Hill as we continue to “Promote Thinking and Excite the Imagination”.

My name is Jessica Pasternak and I have been working at Autumn Hill Academy since September 2006. I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator. Working at Autumn Hill has been both a rewarding and enlightening experience. Being the Assistant Director enables me to assist families as they make important decisions regarding their child’s future. At Autumn Hill Academy, we provide a unique, safe and intellectually stimulating environment for children to thrive. I strive to accommodate all families and children’s needs, please do not hesitate to communicate any questions or concerns you may have.

My name is Jillian Semczyszyn. I graduated from George Brown College where I obtained my Early Childhood Education Diploma. I joined the Autumn Hill Academy teaching team in September 2012. I have always had a passion for working with children. I believe that each child is unique in their different stages of development. I provide a loving and nurturing environment that allows for endless opportunities for fun, learning and growth. I strive for the success of each and every one of my students and look forward to working with your child and family. I am excited to be a part of your child’s early childhood experience.

Hello, my name is Lina Samanica. I graduated from Seneca College where I obtained my Early Childhood Education Diploma in 2000 and have been working in childcare for the past 14 years.  I have been a preschool teacher for Autumn Hill Academy since 2014. I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, physically, and socially. It is my desire as an educator to help the children meet their fullest potential in all these areas.

Hello, my name is Melanie Weber. I am currently completing the Early Childhood Education program at Seneca College and will graduate shortly. I have been working at Autumn Hill Academy since 2008. I have always enjoyed working with children and being able to provide a fun, nurturing environment that fosters each child’s cognitive, social and physical growth. I believe it is important to present children with enriching experiences based on their needs, behaviours and capabilities. I pride myself on being a positive role model and find it rewarding to promote learning. I enjoy seeing the children representing their learning through different modes of expression. I look forward to the opportunity of working with your child and family and watching them grow and learn in a safe, loving environment.

Hello, my name is AnnMarie Hickey. I have a diploma in Early Childhood Education and a Certificate in Montessori. In September 2000, I began my career at Autumn Hill Academy as a teaching assistant in a Senior Kindergarten class with Katherine Pasternak. I became a lead teacher in September 2001. I have taught Preschool to Senior Kindergarten. I believe that children thrive in a safe, loving and nurturing environment. As a teacher I find it very rewarding to watch a child learn and grow. I am a dedicated, approachable teacher and I look forward to working with you and your children. I feel very privileged to be a part of the wonderful team at Autumn Hill for the past 16 years.  

 

My name is Joceleen Jacome. I graduated from Seneca College in April 2013 where I received my Early Childhood Education Diploma. I began at Autumn Hill as a co-op student from Seneca College in September 2012. In 2013, after graduation, I was very happy to join the Autumn Hill teaching team. I have been the lead teacher in a Preschool class and this is my second year as the lead teacher in the Junior Kindergarten classroom. I have always loved working with children and I believe it is important to provide children with a loving and calming environment where they can develop cognitively, socially and emotionally. I also believe in providing an environment where they are encouraged to explore their interest through investigational play. I take pleasure in providing endless opportunities for my students to achieve success during their time with me. I look forward in assisting in your child’s growth and working collaboratively with you during these precious moments. 

Hello, my name is Peyka Kalacheva and I am the Grade 1/2 teacher at Autumn Hill Academy. I was highly influenced by many of my elementary teachers and I knew from a very young age that I too would teach. I have been working with children since 1998 when I received my Teaching Diploma at Plovdiv University. In 2011, I graduated from York University with a Masters of Arts for Teachers. I started working for Autumn Hill in 2012. My experience spans from Preschool to Grade 3. This has taught me, not only the importance of academics, but the importance of building relationships, teaching empathy, respect, self-reflection, and for nurturing the growth of the entire child. I strongly believe that all students have the ability to succeed in a safe, positive and structured environment, and I strive to engage my students through hands-on learning. It is my goal to encourage and facilitate each child to continue to view learning as enjoyable. I am thrilled to be a part of Autumn Hill Academy.

Hello, my name is Betty Aquino. I teach both Music and French classes. I have been proudly teaching at Autumn Hill Academy for over ten years. I received my educational Music and French degrees from the University of Western Ontario. I also own a successful music studio in Woodbridge, and I am the Centre Representative for the Royal Conservatory of Music’s Vaughan Examination Centre.
In the French program, I combine my love of Music with French-related concepts to make the classes fun and enjoyable for young children. Through songs and rhymes, there is no end to a child’s success in the French language!