Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto

Laura is a 2004 graduate of Ryerson University who went on to a successful career in the apparel industry as a buyer. Since shifting focus to raising her 3 boys, she has immersed herself in parenting and education theory. Committing to finding the best education possible, she began a lengthy search for a middle school that would be true to Montessori principles. After disappointment with various alternatives, both progressive and traditional, she found ATI. The key elements that sold her on ATI’s approach are in its very name — “Thought and Industry.” Thought, in the sense that ATI focuses on nurturing each student’s intellectual independence — and thereby build confidence in their ability to make sense of whatever they may encounter in life. And industry, in the sense of an education where students can “play the whole game at a junior level,” in other words, do meaningful, satisfying real-world work while still in school. Laura is now determined to help develop ATI Toronto into a thriving community. In her free time, Laura is obsessed with all things related to interior design, and is also learning to play the guitar, with the aim of becoming a cottage campfire virtuoso.

Hugh is a passionate and thoughtful educator with deep Montessori roots. He has taught for 14 years at levels ranging from the early years through to adulthood and believes that, at every age, education should be about discovery – that the meeting of effort and curiosity are what propel both academic understanding and personal growth. Hugh’s approach is bolstered by training in facilitation methods, process design and the neuroscience of stress and development. Hugh grew up in the East end of Toronto where he attended a Casa Montessori program from the age of three to six. He reconnected with the Montessori method in early adulthood and has been working as an educator and teacher trainer ever since. When not in the classroom, Hugh enjoys all things basketball, growing bonsai trees in his backyard and adventures - near, far, and imagined - with his wife and daughter.

Karen is a native New Yorker who earned her B.A. in Philosophy from Union College. Later she went on to get teaching degrees in Special Education and Mathematics Leadership from NYU and Bank Street College of Education. Karen worked teaching Math and Science in New York City and Toronto for 8 years and another 5 years in a part time capacity. Now that her three children are getting older, she is delighted to be back in the classroom. In her spare time Karen enjoys books, travel with her family and taking care of her dog, Sunny.

Alissa has been an Ontario Certified Teacher since 2004. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, a Master of Science in Education, as well as Guidance and Career Education qualifications. Alissa assisted with the development of the high school program at Country Garden Montessori Academy School in Newmarket, Ontario, where she worked for over ten years as a teacher and a Vice-Principal. She has spent the past few years helping foster the love of learning in her three young children.

Chris earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Mary Washington and an M.Ed. from George Mason University. She holds an NC "highly qualified" teaching certificate in English Language Arts, ELL, and K-12 Learning Disabilities. Chris has over 17 years of teaching experience in grades K-12, and she has worked as a freelance writer. She has worked in a variety of settings including middle and high school Language Arts, and remediation in special education and MTSS. Chris is excited to support students and staff across the Higher Ground Education network. She loves traveling with her family, writing, and being outdoors. Chris has traveled extensively, and she looks forward to sharing her experience with students!

Marcus facilitates ATI's physical education program, and is also the Program Director for Bob Acton Sports and BEAST Athletics. Marcus studied in the honours sports business program at the University of Waterloo. He is also a professional athlete, currently playing in the National Lacrosse League for the Buffalo Bandits. Marcus aims to create a space in which leadership and teamwork can be fostered during his sessions with ATI students. He believes that physical activity is vital for proper development – not just physical development, but emotional, cognitive, and social development as well. Most importantly, he make sure that sport is FUN!