Deanna Minnema, DECE

With over 20 years of experience in Early Years education, I’m continually inspired by the curiosity and capability of young learners. I hold both a diploma and degree in Early Childhood Studies, and have worked in private nursery schools, as a supervisor, and most extensively in Full Day Kindergarten with the TCDSB. I’m a self-published children's author, exploring themes of social justice, with a second book in the works highlighting the value of play.

My teaching pedagogy is rooted in inquiry, creativity, and a strong image of the child as competent and full of potential.  As a co-learner, I value the shared journey of discovery—where questions matter more than answers, and learning unfolds through meaningful relationships with materials, space, and one another! 

Christine Oliveira, OCT, BA, BEd, Primary Specialist, 

My passion for Kindergarten began while working as an Early Childcare Educator in a daycare setting 16 years ago. I joined the Toronto Catholic District School Board as an ECE in 2012 where I learned the importance of educators working as a team to provide quality play-based learning environments where children are learning through meaningful day-to-day experiences. In 2013, I was hired as an Ontario Certified Teacher with TCDSB where I continued to grow my knowledge of the Early Years and became a Primary Specialist. At Bishop Macdonell, I look forward to building community with children and their families as a co-learner.

Tanya Pereira, DECE

My name is Tanya Pereira and I am a Designated Early Childhood Educator working at Bishop Macdonell in the Snail Shell studio. I graduated from Seneca College in 2003 with a diploma in early childhood education. After working in private and non-profit daycare settings for 7 years, I joined the Toronto Catholic District School Board in 2010. As one of the first DECES to implement the full day Ontario Kindergarten program I worked closely with educators, families, children and policy makers to make this beautiful program come alive for our students. Together with my teaching partner, Katie, I obtained my Kindergarten Specialist qualifications through York University. We have also presented at several gatherings of the Ontario Association of Mathematics Education about the importance of math and play in the early years. I am a proud founding member of the Bishop Macdonell community and I love working in the heart of the city. At home I enjoy spending time with my husband and 3 wonderful children.

Katie (Kathleen) McDonald, OCT, BA, BEd, Kindergarten Specialist

After studying Art History at university I spend several years working as a bookseller before returning to school to earn a Bachelor of Education with primary and junior qualifications. While I began my career working with children in the primary grades, I found my calling ten years ago when I became a Kindergarten educator. Helping to build the Bishop Macdonell community has been transformative and impacted me deeply on both a personal and professional level.  Exploring slow pedagogies and seeking inspiration from the children and educators of Reggio Emilio has allowed for the birth of something new and unique to our campus at Canoe Landing. It is so exciting to be able to share this with our students, families and the wider community. 

Alysha Martin, DECE

My name is Alysha Martin, and I am a Designated Early Childhood Educator with the Toronto Catholic District School Board. I began my journey in early learning as a teaching assistant in a Montessori school, which sparked a deep passion for working with young children. I went on to earn both a Diploma and a Degree in Early Childhood Studies, further strengthening my understanding of child development and education. Since joining the board, I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse families and school communities across the city. I’m excited to begin a new school year with the Bishop Macdonell Kindergarten Team and to contribute to the continued growth of this wonderful community. I look forward to supporting and connecting with our new families and children as we learn and grow together!

Lori De Angelis,  OCT, BA, BEd

Zenny Salinas, DECE

My name is Zenny Salinas. I graduated from George Brown College with a diploma in Early Childhood Education. I began my career in childcare centers and was promoted to be one of the on-site supervisors. I came to the TCDSB in 2010 where I also received kindergarten specialist qualifications through York University. My passion is working in early years in play based environments.

Rachel Lynch-Hasegawa, OCT, BA, BEd, MEd, Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education 

Teaching with TCDSB since 2006, I have experience in the primary grades, kindergarten and was a central literacy resource teacher. Being a part of the beginning staff at Bishop Macdonell has been an exciting opportunity to build a new school community. As a teacher-researcher, I am interested in how a collective life is co-composed as children come together in these beginning years of school, the role of the Arts and studio pedagogies, and the possibilities in these relations.